Bible Commentaries

You have been raised to life with Christ. The result of a definite act (Colossians 2:12). In their baptism they were "buried with Christ," and "raised with Christ." Set your hearts. The Christian is a citizen of the heavenly world. See Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 4:8.

Keep your minds fixed on things there. To keep your values and motives correct, and to keep from losing sight of your goal - which is union with God in Eternity.

Your life is hidden. People hide money and jewels to keep them safe. The Christian's life is safe with God, and will be given to them in the Resurrection.

When he appears. A tree in winter is not dead even though the life is hidden. In the Second Coming of Christ, the Christian's real life will show itself. Compare 1 John 3:2; Romans 8:19.

You must put to death. Those vicious appetites and passions that are common to humanity. Immorality. Any sex act with another person - other than between husband and wife. See Romans 1:26-27. Indecency. Antisocial behavior. [Peeping-Tom; indecent exposure; etc.] Lust. Here it means homosexuality [both male and female versions]. Evil passions. Dirty talk, drunkenness, and in general those things which are contrary to Christian motives. Greed. This speaks of one who thinks only of his money and power, making these things his "god." It is the love of money which is wrong (1 Timothy 6:10).

Because of such things. In the past, God destroyed nations and cities for such sins. In the Judgment, God's wrath will come on those who do such things (Romans 1:18).

And you yourselves at one time. This was the way they used to live before they knew Christ. See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. The whole Gentile world was living this way (see 1 Peter 4:3-5).

But now. Get rid of all the sins mentioned, and the ones which follow. In their baptism they got rid of the "old 2 Corinthians 5:17).

Do not lie. Lying would be proof that they had not rid themselves of the "old man." See Romans 6:6 [Holy living is a battle (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).]

This is the new man. Those born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5) become new in Christ and "march to a different drummer" (Ephesians 4:24). Constantly renewing. Growing, maturing (see Hebrews 6:1-3; Ephesians 4:12-16).

As a result. Differences of race, national origin, social status, etc, loose their meaning in the one who dies to the world and becomes united with Christ. No one is excluded from the blessings that come by being a "new man" in Christ.

You are the people of God. It is a paradox that the Christian is the one who chooses God, only to find that God has chosen him. Everyone without exception has the option to choose God (John 6:45). So then. One who chooses God must be holy in his life and actions.

Be helpful . . . forgive. Whether rich or poor, every Christian can follow the example of Christ. When we are helpful and forgiving, we bless ourselves. God will forgive us in the same way we forgive others (Matthew 6:12).

And to all these add. As you would put on a coat to keep out the cold wind. Love. AGAPE. This kind of love is not an emotion, but a deliberate act of decision. Love makes it easy to be helpful and to forgive.

The peace that Christ gives. This is not "freedom from problems," but the "hope of happiness." God calls both Jew and Gentile into one body - the church of Christ [the messianic community] and gives them hope. Compare Galatians 5:22-26.

Christ's message. The gospel which Paul had preached to them. Teach and instruct. Those who immerse themselves in God's word to learn his message, will be able to teach others this Truth. Sing. Christianity is uniquely a singing religion. Songs are used to praise God, to teach and to instruct. Psalm - such as the Psalm of David. Hymns - songs of praise. Sacred songs - which have a spiritual theme. Sing to God. Our first purpose is to worship and honor God our Father and Jesus Christ. Our second purpose is to teach and instruct. Compare Ephesians 5:19-20.

Everything you do or say. Honor God with your whole life! See Romans 12:1-2. "In the name of Jesus" mean to use his principles to guide your life.

Wives. Wives are to cooperate with their own husbands, whether Christian or not. [See 1 Corinthians 7:12-16. ] The apostle commands wives to obey their [own] husbands, and husbands to love their [own] wives. It seems these are the greatest areas of need, due to the differing psychology between men and women.

Husbands. Love your wives as Christ loves his church (Ephesians 5:25).

Children. It is normal for children to rebel against their parents, yet they must obey them, since they need to be guided and helped to take their place in life. Tests have shown that even very poor training is much better than none at all. [This does not mean to sin when asked.]

Parents. It is easy to be harsh and punish children more severely than ought to be done. This may make them bitter and cause them to hate.

Slaves. Half the world were slaves in the first century. Christianity took the sting out of slavery, and finally brought an end to it. Both the slave and the servant had the same duties. It was their Christian obligation to do their work well, since this would honor their high calling in Christ.

Whatever you do. Christ gives dignity to human work and toil. We should fulfill our obligations to honor God.

For Christ is the real Master you serve. Every man is to us "Christ by proxy." See Matthew 25:31-46. [Note that these have done either good or bad to Christ by proxy.]

And the wrongdoer. There is no excuse for failing to do your part. [But God expects love to be your motive (1 John 4:18).]