Believers are called to set their hearts on heavenly things, put off sinful behaviors, and embrace virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, and forgiveness. Household and community relationships are addressed, showing how faith transforms daily living.
Since believers have been raised with Christ, our focus must shift from earthly pursuits to heavenly realities. We are called to seek the things above; where Christ is seated at the right hand of God; a position of authority and victory.
Our true life is now hidden with Christ in God, meaning our identity, purpose, and destiny are secure in Him. This hidden life is both a mystery and a promise unseen now, but one day to be revealed in glory.
When Christ, who is our life, appears, we too will appear with Him in glory; a reminder that the Christian’s hope is not in this world but in eternal union with Christ. Those who are partakers of Christ’s resurrection must have their hearts on heavenly things.
To be heavenly-minded is not to escape the world but to live with divine perspective; aligning our desires, priorities, and affections with our eternal home.
Paul exhorts believers to put to death whatever belongs to their earthly nature, desires and behaviors that are contrary to God’s will: sexual immorality, impurity, greed, anger, malice, and slander. These sins once characterized the old life, but those united with Christ are now called to live differently.
The old self, corrupted by sin, has been stripped off like worn garments, and the new self is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. This renewal is both a divine work and a daily discipline; becoming, by grace, what we already are in Christ.
In this new humanity, all distinctions that once divided, Greek or Jew, slave or free are abolished. Christ is all that matters, and He is in all who believe.
“Those who are risen with Christ must mortify their sins, for sin is a dead thing in a living soul.”
True spiritual life is marked by both death and renewal: the death of sin and the continual renewal of the soul by Christ. Zeal without mortification leads to hypocrisy, but mortification without Christ leads only to despair.
As God’s chosen, holy, and dearly loved people, believers are called to clothe themselves with the character of Christ. The imagery of clothing reminds us that these virtues are not optional adornments but essential garments for the new life in Him.
We are to be marked by compassion, showing tender concern for others; kindness, reflecting the gentleness of Christ; humility, recognising our dependence on God; meekness, yielding strength under control; and patience, enduring others with grace.
Paul urges believers to bear with one another and to forgive as the Lord has forgiven us; freely, fully, and without resentment. Forgiveness is the natural outflow of one who knows they have been forgiven much.
Above all, we are to put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Love holds together every other virtue, giving them life, warmth, and harmony. Love is not an accessory to the Christian life; it is the very thread that weaves every virtue into perfect harmony, forming the likeness of Christ in us.
Paul calls believers to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts; not as a fleeting emotion, but as the guiding authority that governs thoughts, relationships, and decisions. This peace is both a gift and a standard, acting as the divine umpire in moments of conflict or uncertainty, ensuring that unity and love prevail within the body of Christ.
We are also instructed to let the word of Christ dwell richly among us; not merely visiting our minds occasionally, but taking up permanent residence in our hearts. It should fill our conversations, our teaching, and our worship. Through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, believers are to instruct and encourage one another with gratitude, allowing worship to overflow from a thankful heart.
Finally, whatever we do, in word or deed, must be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as representatives of His grace and glory. Every task, whether sacred or ordinary, becomes an act of worship when done with thanksgiving to God the Father. Gratitude transforms duty into worship, and when Christ’s peace rules and His word dwells richly, the believer’s life becomes a living hymn of praise to God.
Paul brings the gospel into the heart of daily life, the home, showing that true faith must shape how we relate to one another. The Christian household becomes a reflection of Christ’s love and order when each member fulfills their role in the spirit of grace.
Wives are called to submit to their husbands, not as a mark of inferiority, but as an act of devotion to the Lord, fostering peace and respect within the home. Husbands, in turn, are commanded to love their wives deeply and tenderly, mirroring Christ’s sacrificial love for the church; a love that protects, cherishes, and builds up.
Children are urged to obey their parents, for such obedience pleases the Lord and cultivates discipline, respect, and wisdom. Fathers (and parents as a whole) are warned not to provoke their children, lest they become discouraged, teaching us that authority must be exercised with gentleness, understanding, and encouragement.
Love and obedience within the home are not mere moral duties, but expressions of divine order, a living testimony of Christ’s peace and beauty at work in everyday relationships.
Paul extends the lordship of Christ into the realm of work, reminding believers that faithfulness is not confined to the church or home but must also shape their labor. Servants, and by extension, employees are called to work with sincerity of heart, not merely when watched or to gain human approval, but as those serving the Lord Himself.
True Christian work is marked by integrity, diligence, and reverence for God. Every task, whether seen or unseen, becomes sacred when done in obedience to Christ. The believer’s workplace thus becomes an altar where ordinary duties are transformed into acts of worship.
Paul reminds them that whatever they do, they should work heartily, knowing that their true reward comes from the Lord, not from men. Earthly masters may fail to notice or reward, but God sees every faithful act and will repay in righteousness.
Even hidden labor, done in humility and faithfulness, carries eternal weight; for in serving others with integrity, we serve Christ Himself.
Live from Your New Identity in Christ
Your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Let this truth shape your thoughts, choices, and desires. You are no longer defined by your past or by earthly things, but by the risen Christ who lives in you.
Put Off the Old, Put On the New
The Christian life is not passive — it calls for daily action. Put to death sinful habits and attitudes, and clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, and love. Growth in Christ happens through continual renewal.
Let Peace and the Word Rule Your Heart
When confusion or conflict arises, let Christ’s peace be the deciding voice. Allow His Word to dwell richly in you, shaping your speech, guiding your worship, and filling your life with gratitude.
Reflect Christ in Your Relationships
The home and workplace are the testing grounds of real faith. Love, respect, forgiveness, and integrity should mark every interaction, showing that Christ truly reigns in your heart.
Do All in the Name of the Lord
Whether in worship, work, or daily routines, live with the awareness that all is done before God. Gratitude turns ordinary moments into holy offerings when Christ is the center of all you do.