Colossians 3 is a significant chapter that addresses the matter of sanctification, which is God’s will for every believer. As 1 Thessalonians says, God’s will is that we be sanctified. This sanctification process happens between our justification (when we are saved) and our glorification (when we enter heaven). From the moment of salvation to our entrance into eternity, God’s desire for us is to be sanctified. Unfortunately, this essential doctrine has often been overlooked by many Christians and preachers today, but it remains a matter of deep concern to the Lord.

Sanctification means being separated from sin and set apart for God, transforming us into a life that reflects holiness. We are to increasingly become more like Christ. As discussed previously, we are called to live heavenly lives that reflect the virtues of the Lord and His saints. Let’s explore the first nine verses of Colossians 3 to set the context for what we are about to learn:

“Therefore, if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore, consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. It is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience. And in them, you also once walked when you were living in them. But now, you also put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices and have put on the new self, who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.”

Last time, we learned that we are called to live a risen life. We should reach the world by leaving worldly things behind, living lives that seek the things above, and setting our minds on heavenly things rather than earthly distractions.

In the first two chapters of Colossians, Paul powerfully demonstrated the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. He emphasized Christ’s divine nature, His atoning work, and how believers are complete in Him. We do not need human philosophy, religious rituals, legalism, or any self-denial practices. In Christ, we are new creations, alive from the dead.

As we move into the third chapter, Paul uses the word “therefore,” signaling the shift from theology to practical application. The foundational truths of who we are in Christ lead us to live accordingly. Paul transitions from doctrine to conduct, showing that because of who Christ is and what He has done, we are to live in a way that reflects our identity in Him.

No matter how profound Paul’s theological teachings are, he always brings us back to how we should live in light of these glorious truths. In essence, everything we do should be consistent with our identity in Christ. As Paul states in verse 17, “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” This is the standard by which we are to live our lives.