Changing Your Clothes
How do we actually change the deep-seated, toxic habits of our inner lives?
Colossians 3:1-17
Read the whole passage before anything else. Everything below exists to help you understand what you just read.
1If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
2Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.
3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.
5Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6For these things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.
7You also once walked in those, when you lived in them,
8but now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
9Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings,
10and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator,
11where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, or free person; but Christ is all, and in all.
12Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;
13bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.
14Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.
15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.
16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
17Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
What just happened?
Imagine arriving in Colossae, a medium-sized city in what's now southwestern Turkey, around 60 AD. It sits in a valley, not far from the bustling trade routes, but it's not a major power center. The church here is relatively young, probably planted by one of Paul's associates, Epaphras. These early Christians are trying to figure out what it means to follow Jesus in a world full of competing ideas. They’re surrounded by ancient Greek philosophical traditions, local pagan religions with their elaborate rituals, and Jewish communities with their own long-established practices. It’s a bit of a melting pot of spiritual options, and many of them offer a path to 'true knowledge' or 'spiritual enlightenment.'
Paul, who is likely under house arrest in Rome, hears about these Colossian believers and the challenges they face. Specifically, he's concerned about certain teachers who are mixing Christian beliefs with other practices – things like strict dietary laws, special festivals, asceticism (severe self-discipline), and even worshipping angels. These teachers are essentially saying, 'Jesus is good, but you need *this plus* Jesus to really get the full spiritual package.' They suggest that true maturity comes through these extra steps, implying that what the Colossians already have in Christ isn't quite enough.
Paul’s letter is a direct counter to this. He's not physically present, but his words are meant to ground them. He spent the first two chapters building a massive argument for the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. He established that Jesus is the visible image of an invisible God, the creator of everything, and the one who holds everything together. He explained that through Christ’s death, they’ve been rescued and reconciled to God. Now, in chapter three, he pivots from theological heavy lifting to practical, everyday living. He's saying, 'Okay, if all that is true about Jesus, what does that mean for how you wake up, go to work, and interact with your family and neighbors?'
An Elevated Perspective
Paul opens this section with a direct consequence: "If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God." The 'if' here isn't a doubt; it's a logical connector, like saying 'since this is true.' Paul isn’t asking them to *try* to be raised with Christ; he’s stating it as an accomplished fact. He spent chapters 1 and 2 explaining that through Christ’s death and resurrection, they have fundamentally changed. Their life is no longer just tied to earthly things that decay or disappoint. They’ve been given a new, higher status, a new spiritual address, you could say.
So, what does it mean to 'seek the things that are above' and 'set your mind on the things that are above'? It’s not about ignoring reality or becoming so heavenly-minded that you’re no earthly good. Instead, it’s about perspective. Imagine you're trying to navigate a complex city. If you're down in the street, all you see are immediate obstacles, small details, and crowded paths. But if you could rise above in a helicopter, you'd see the whole layout, the major arteries, the direction of traffic, and the ultimate destination. This 'above' perspective allows them to see life through Christ’s eyes, understanding that their true identity and ultimate future are tied to him, not to temporary earthly trends or spiritual fads. Their very 'life is hidden with Christ in God,' meaning it’s secure, protected, and ultimately revealed when Christ himself is revealed.
Taking Off the Dirty Laundry
Given this elevated perspective, Paul moves to the practical application: "Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth." This isn't a suggestion; it's a command. The Greek phrase 'nekrosate oun' means to 'make dead' or 'mortify' – to treat these behaviors as if they no longer live within you. He then lists a stark inventory of 'earthly members': sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness. He calls covetousness 'idolatry,' equating the insatiable desire for more stuff or status with worshipping a false god. These aren't just minor missteps; they’re foundational attitudes that define a way of life, a life that Paul says they 'once walked in.'
He adds more to the list of things to "put away": anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking, followed by the command, "Don't lie to one another." He uses a vivid clothing metaphor here: you have "put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man." The 'old man' (or 'old self') represents their entire former way of life, defined by sin and separation from God. The 'new man' is the person they are becoming in Christ, who is continually "being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator." This renewal isn't just about gaining information; it’s about a fundamental reshaping of character. This new identity breaks down every human barrier: "where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, or free person; but Christ is all, and in all." In Christ, these social, ethnic, and economic distinctions lose their power to divide or define a person’s worth.
Dressing for the New Life
If they’ve taken off the old, dirty clothes, what should they put on? Paul continues the metaphor: "Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance." Notice he doesn't just say 'be compassionate'; he says 'put on a *heart* of compassion.' It’s an internal transformation that produces external actions. These aren't just good suggestions for behavior; they are the uniform for God's "chosen ones, holy and beloved." This is a powerful reminder of their identity, given to them by God, which then empowers and directs their actions. It reminds them they are deeply loved, and that love should overflow into how they treat others.
This new 'wardrobe' includes practical actions like "bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any." The standard for this forgiveness is high: "even as Christ forgave you, so you also do." It's not about deserved forgiveness, but grace-based forgiveness. And above all these specific virtues, the overarching garment is "love, which is the bond of perfection." Love isn't just one virtue among many; it’s the thing that ties all the others together, making them complete and fully expressed. This love, combined with "the peace of God" ruling their hearts, gratitude, and the rich "word of Christ" dwelling within them through teaching and worship, should define their entire existence, so that "whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Every action, big or small, becomes an act of worship.
What are we supposed to see?
This passage shows a God who is intensely practical and deeply concerned with the daily realities of human life. He isn't just interested in abstract theology or spiritual feelings; he wants to see the truth of who Jesus is reflected in how people treat their spouses, their neighbors, and themselves. The lists of virtues and vices aren't random; they represent the core struggles of humanity, and God provides a clear path for transformation from destructive patterns to life-giving ones. This demonstrates that God isn't distant or detached; he actively calls his followers into a new way of living that impacts every single action and attitude.
The passage also shows Jesus as the ultimate model and power for human transformation. He’s not just an inspiring figure; he’s the very source of the 'new self.' The command to "put on" qualities like compassion and forgiveness is rooted in the reality that Christ himself first displayed these in his actions, especially his forgiveness of humanity. Furthermore, the ability to change, to shed old habits and adopt new ones, comes directly from being "raised together with Christ" and having one's life "hidden with Christ in God." Jesus doesn’t just show us *what* to do; he provides the *means* to do it by radically redefining our identity and enabling a continuous renewal in his image.
- 1IDENTITY
We are God’s "chosen ones, holy and beloved," our true life hidden with Christ, not defined by earthly status or past mistakes.
- 2WHAT HE VALUES
God values genuine internal transformation that expresses itself in active compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and an all-encompassing love among his people.
- 3WHAT HE CONFRONTS
God confronts all forms of self-centeredness and destructiveness, from sexual immorality and greed to anger, malice, slander, and deceit, calling them antithetical to the new life in Christ.
Where this sits in the whole Bible
Colossians 3:1-2 → Philippians 4:8
Both passages emphasize the importance of our thought life. Colossians calls us to "set our minds on things above," while Philippians urges us to think about "whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy." They both point to a disciplined, intentional focus on positive, God-honoring thoughts as a foundation for living.
Colossians 3:9-10 → Ephesians 4:22-24
These passages use the exact same 'putting off the old, putting on the new' clothing metaphor. Ephesians expands on the idea that the 'new self' is created in the likeness of God "in true righteousness and holiness," reinforcing that this transformation is profound and spiritual, not just a surface-level behavioral change.
Colossians 3:14 → 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Colossians calls love the "bond of perfection" that holds everything together. 1 Corinthians 13 provides a detailed description of what that love looks like in action, defining its patience, kindness, lack of envy or pride, and its enduring nature, showing how it perfectly undergirds all other virtues.
The 'putting off' and 'putting on' are not just abstract spiritual exercises; they are concrete, daily choices rooted in a foundational shift of identity that has already taken place in Christ. You are choosing to live out who you already are.
Don't rush past this
The most uncomfortable part of this passage is the raw honesty about the toxic habits Paul lists in verses 5 and 8. He doesn't sugarcoat the "members which are on the earth" or the "anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking." For many, these aren't just ancient vices; they are active struggles, often deeply ingrained. To be told to "put to death" these parts of ourselves is a direct, jarring challenge to our comfort zones, our self-justifications, and even our most private, unexamined thoughts. It feels like an exposure, a demand to confront the ugliest parts of our inner lives that we’d rather keep hidden.
Further, the standard for forgiveness in verse 13 – "even as Christ forgave you, so you also do" – is incredibly high and profoundly uncomfortable. We might intellectually agree that Christ forgave us, but to extend that same boundless, undeserved forgiveness to someone who has genuinely wronged us, especially if the offense is deep or repeated, is a monumental ask. It strips away our right to hold grudges, to nurse resentments, or to demand an 'eye for an eye.' It forces us to lean into a costly, grace-filled response that often feels unnatural and personally disadvantageous in the moment.
Turn it inward
Three questions from this passage. Answer them or just sit with them — nothing here is required to finish the lesson.
God, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget that you've given us a new life. Help us to really see what it means to be raised with Christ. Show us the old habits we still cling to, and give us the strength to shed them. Clothe us in compassion, kindness, and your peace, so that everything we do reflects your love. Amen.
This week, identify one 'old garment' from Paul's list (like anger or slander) that you still tend to wear. When you feel yourself reaching for it, consciously pause, acknowledge your new identity in Christ, and actively choose to 'put on' one of the new garments instead (e.g., patience, kindness).
History, language, objections and sources. None of it is needed to understand the passage.
Paul lists 'covetousness, which is idolatry.' Isn't this an overstatement? Wanting nice things isn't the same as worshipping a statue, is it?
Paul isn't talking about merely appreciating beauty or desiring comfort. The Greek word here, 'pleonexia,' signifies an insatiable, grasping desire for more – more possessions, more power, more status – often at the expense of others. When this desire consumes your focus and directs your actions, it effectively replaces God as the ultimate source of satisfaction and security. While it's not bowing down to a physical idol, it is placing something created in the position of the Creator in your heart and life. This is the essence of idolatry, whether it's money, power, or even self. Some scholars like F.F. Bruce highlight that anything that takes the place of God as the ultimate object of human devotion or trust is, by biblical definition, an idol.
The connection might seem extreme, but it reveals the depth of what idolatry truly is: not just a ritual, but a misdirection of ultimate devotion. If your ultimate hope and satisfaction are found in what you can acquire, rather than in God, then those acquisitions function as your god.
This passage tells me to 'put on' virtues like kindness and humility. Does this mean I just have to fake it until I make it, or pretend to be good when I don't feel it?
Paul isn't advocating for mere outward pretense or a 'fake it 'til you make it' approach that ignores inner turmoil. The command to 'put on' these virtues comes *after* the declaration that they have 'put off the old man' and 'put on the new man' (Colossians 3:9-10). The call to 'put on' compassion and kindness is rooted in a fundamental, spiritual change that has already happened inside them. It’s about aligning their outward actions with their new inner reality, not creating a facade. The Greek word for 'put on' (enduo) implies dressing oneself, consciously choosing to clothe your new identity in specific behaviors.
It’s an active choice, but it’s empowered by the Holy Spirit and flows from a new nature. Think of it like someone who has recovered from a severe illness; they still have to make daily choices to eat healthy and exercise, but they are doing so from a place of renewed health, not from a place of sickness pretending to be well. The instruction is to allow the inward transformation to manifest outwardly, to let their renewed identity shape their conduct rather than their old habits.
Paul says 'Christ is all, and in all.' Does this mean that everyone, regardless of their beliefs, is already 'in Christ,' or that all religions lead to the same place?
This phrase, "Christ is all, and in all," is often misunderstood. In its context within Colossians, Paul is not making a universal statement about all humanity or all religions. Instead, he is specifically addressing the Christian community in Colossae, highlighting the radical inclusivity and sufficiency of Christ *within the church*. He just listed how in Christ, there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, slave or free, barbarian or Scythian. This means that for those who are in Christ, these old human divisions no longer matter for their identity or standing before God.
The statement emphasizes that Christ is comprehensively sufficient for believers and that he is present and unifying among all who follow him. It's an affirmation of Christ's supremacy and his unifying power among his followers, not an assertion that all people are automatically part of this 'all' regardless of their relationship with him. The preceding verses emphasize a conscious 'putting off' of the old self and a 'putting on' of the new, which indicates a transformative and intentional relationship with Christ, not an automatic one.
The 'Already-Not Yet' Tension
Colossians 3:1-4 and 3:5-17 perfectly illustrate a key theological concept known as the 'already-not yet.' Verse 1 states, "If then you were raised together with Christ," indicating that this is an accomplished fact, a past event. Likewise, verse 3 declares, "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." This 'already' aspect signifies a radical, completed transformation of identity that happened at conversion. You are, fundamentally, a new creation. However, the subsequent commands to "put to death" and "put off" and "put on" are present tense imperatives, ongoing commands that highlight the 'not yet' aspect of our sanctification. While our identity is secured, our behavior and character are still in the process of being conformed to Christ's image.
This isn't a contradiction but a dynamic tension. It means that the spiritual battle against sin and the cultivation of virtue are not attempts to *earn* a new identity, but rather the process of *living out* the new identity that has already been given. It’s not about striving to become who you aren't, but striving to embody who you truly are in Christ. This understanding provides both security (your identity is fixed) and motivation (your life should reflect that identity).