In the first four verses of this chapter, the Apostle Paul transitions from describing the privileges that believers have in Christ, to urging them to live according to their new identity. While believers are free from demands and curse of the ceremonial law, this freedom does not imply that they can now live any way they want to, without regard for the Lord’s commands. Paul exhorts Christians to live with a focus on heavenly things, in alignment with their spiritual resurrection with Jesus. Having been justified and sanctified through Christ, believers are called to seek the things above – that is, those things which concern the Kingdom of God – rather than the fleeting concerns of this world. Christ, who is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven, has gone before believers, securing their future glory; and thus they must make their lives a reflection of His, walking closely with the Lord in obedience.
Paul continues by explaining that setting one’s affections on heavenly things involves loving and desiring them above all else. Earthly things should not captivate believers’ hearts; for the more they focus on this world, the weaker their spiritual affections become. Three reasons support this heavenly focus. The first is that believers are dead to the world through their union with Christ; the second is that their true life is hidden with Christ in God, ensuring security and eternal life; and the third is that when Christ returns, believers will appear with Him in glory. Since this world is not their home, and their life is wrapped up in Christ, their thoughts and desires should be directed toward eternity. Earthly things are temporary; but for the believer, his or her treasure, home, and future are secure in heaven, alongside Jesus.
In verses 8-11, Paul urges believers to put off sinful behaviors such as anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene language. These attitudes and actions are incompatible with the new life in Christ, as the Gospel transforms both the mind and the heart. Believers have put off the “old man” of sin, with its sinful ways; and they have put on the “new man,” which is renewed in knowledge after the image of God. This renewal breaks down barriers of ethnicity or background, uniting all true believers in Christ, Who is all and in all. Since believers are being made more like Christ, they must discard all behaviors that contradict their new nature, and they must strive for holiness in every area of life.
Paul then shifts, in verses 12-17, to positive virtues that believers must “put on.” As God’s chosen people, who are holy and beloved, they are called to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forbearance, and forgiveness. The foundation of these virtues is love, which binds everything together in perfect unity. The peace of Christ must rule in their hearts, guiding their interactions with one another; and they ought to be continually thankful. Furthermore, the word of Christ should dwell richly among them, leading them to teach and admonish one another through wisdom and singing with gratitude in their hearts. Whatever they do, it must be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
The Apostle concludes this chapter by addressing specific relationships. Wives are called to submit to their husbands, as is fitting in the Lord; while husbands must love their wives and not treat them harshly. Children are to obey their parents in everything, in order to please the Lord; while parents are warned not to provoke and discourage their children. Servants are instructed to obey their earthly masters sincerely and wholeheartedly, as if they were directly serving Christ Himself. Masters and employers, in turn, are reminded that they also have a Master in heaven; and they must treat their workers with fairness.
Hence we see that the Gospel transforms every area of life, from personal holiness to family relationships and societal roles. By living out our new identity in Christ, we as believers reflect the glory of the Lord and prepare for everlasting life to come in heaven. Our earthly relationships and responsibilities are shaped by our heavenly calling; and in all things, we are to act in love, humility, and service, following the example of Christ Jesus.
Lord, since we have been born again by the power of Your grace, we beseech You to give us grace and strength to live in such a way as is fitting for our new identity in Jesus. Amen.
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