Out with the Old, In with the New – Living for Christ (Colossians 3:1–17)
Have you ever cleaned out your closet and replaced old clothes with new ones? In Colossians 3:1–17, the Apostle Paul uses that same kind of idea—but he’s not talking about clothes. He’s talking about how we live. When we follow Jesus, we’re called to take off the “old self” and put on the “new self.”
Let’s break this down in simple terms.
Focus on What’s Above
Paul begins by reminding us:
“Since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above.” (Colossians 3:1)
In other words, if you belong to Jesus, your life is no longer just about things here on earth. Your focus should be on God’s values, not just success, money, or popularity. You’re now part of something bigger—God’s kingdom.
He goes on to say that your real life is hidden with Christ. That means your identity, your purpose, and your future are all secure in Him.
Time to Take Off the Old Way of Living
Paul then says it’s time to get rid of the behaviors that don’t belong in your life anymore—things like:
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Sexual sin
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Impurity
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Greed
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Anger
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Lying
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Gossip
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Hate
These are the “old clothes” from your old life. Paul is saying, “That’s not who you are anymore.” When we keep doing these things, it’s like wearing dirty, torn clothes even though we’ve been given something brand new.
Put On the New Self
Now comes the fun part: putting on the new self—a life that reflects Jesus. Here’s what that looks like:
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Compassion
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Kindness
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Humility
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Gentleness
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Patience
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Forgiveness
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And above all, love
Paul says love is what ties everything together. It’s like the final piece of clothing that completes the outfit.
He also says,
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
And, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly.”
That means we should live with peace, keep God’s Word close, and let it guide our decisions. We should also encourage each other with songs, wisdom, and thankfulness.
Do It All for Jesus
Paul finishes with this powerful reminder:
“Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17)
Whether you’re working, parenting, studying, or even just spending time with others—do it as a representative of Jesus. Let your life show people what He’s like.
Final Thoughts
Colossians 3:1–17 reminds us that following Jesus means a real change in how we live. We don’t just add a little religion to our lives—we let God transform us from the inside out.
So today, ask yourself:
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What do I need to “take off”?
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What does God want me to “put on”?
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Am I living like someone who belongs to Jesus?
You are made new. Live like it. Love like it. And let Jesus shine through everything you do.
Colossians 3:1-17 (WEB)
3:1 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.5 Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 For these things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 7 You also once walked in those, when you lived in them, 8 but now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. 9 Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, 10 and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator, 11 where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, or free person; but Christ is all, and in all.12 Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.14 Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful. 16 Let 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.17 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.