Bible Study: Who Are You? (Session 3)
SESSION 3: HOW TO KNOW
Colossians 3:12–17
Read the Text
Colossians 3:12–17 (ESV)
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Setting the Context
In verses 1–4 Paul reminds believers who they are in Christ. In verses 5–11 he reminds them who they are not, and he calls them to put away the practices of the old life. Now in verses 12–17 Paul shows what a life aligned with Christ actually looks like.
In other words, Paul gives us a way to evaluate ourselves. He gives marks of the new life. He does not call us to pretend we are mature. He calls us to live in a way that reflects the truth that we have been raised with Christ.
This section also reminds us that spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we claim to know, but by how well the life of Christ is taking shape in us through our attitudes, relationships, and daily conduct.
Put On the New Self (v.12)
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved…”
Paul begins this section by returning once again to identity. Before listing Christlike qualities, he reminds the believer of who they are. We put on these traits because we belong to God; through Christ we are chosen, holy, and beloved.
One of the enemy’s strategies is to cause believers to forget they are loved. When a believer forgets they are loved by God, they become discouraged, distracted, and vulnerable. But when we remember that we are loved by the Father, we are strengthened to pursue the things of God. Remember that even during Jesus’ trial in the wilderness Satan’s first line of attack was not by tempting Jesus to sin, but in trying to cast doubt “If you are the Son of God…” (Matt. 4:3).
Paul moves forward by listing traits that reflect the character of Christ: compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These virtues are not merely personality traits. They are evidence of spiritual growth and of the new life taking root in the believer.
Imitate Christ in Relationships (v.13)
“Bearing with one another… forgiving each other…”
Here Paul is moving from internal character to the traits that are tested through relational expression. It is one thing to talk about kindness and patience. It is another thing to display them when people disappoint us, irritate us, or wound us. These virtues are tested most clearly in relationships with others.
Paul does not pretend that complaints and conflicts will never arise among believers. Instead, he shows us how to respond when they do. The standard is not our feelings or emotions. The standard is the grace we have received because conflict, offense, and disagreement are realities within the body of Christ. And Paul does not deny this reality; instead, he instructs believers on how to respond when such moments arise.
“As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Forgiveness is not an option for the Christian. It is a command grounded in the gospel. We forgive each other because we have been forgiven. We extend grace because grace has been extended to us.
Above All Put on Love (v.14)
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Love is the binding agent for Christians and Paul places love at the top because love is what holds everything together. Other virtues may be present in a person’s life, but without love, the qualities listed in verse 12 cannot remain unified or effective. Love is the binder. Love is the strength, and love is the proof that Christ is at work in us (2 Cor. 13).
This also protects us from performing Christianity. Love is not an optional addition to Christian character. It is the defining mark of Christ’s life being formed in the believer and the essential bond that maintains unity within the body. Love is the heart posture that reflects the nature of Christ (John 13:34-35).
Let the Peace of Christ Rule (v.15)
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”
Paul now addresses the governing influence within the believer’s heart. The peace of Christ is not meant to be passive, but authoritative.
The word “rule” carries the idea of governing or deciding. Peace is not meant to be a visitor in the believer’s heart. Peace is meant to be the authority that influences our responses and relationships.
This peace shapes how believers respond to one another and how unity is preserved within the body. Paul says we were called to peace “in one body.” That means a believer should not be comfortable living in constant conflict with other believers. Peace should be pursued, protected, and practiced (Matthew 5:9).
Paul adds a simple command that has deep power “…be thankful.” Gratitude keeps the heart soft, and it keeps our focus on what God has done rather than what others have failed to do. Through Christ we find peace with God (Romans 5:1), and how we can have peace with others.
Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly (v.16)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”
This returns us to a vital theme of the central role of God’s Word in the believer’s life. The Christian cannot grow without the Word of God because spiritual growth, wisdom, and worship flow from a life saturated in the Word of Christ. This indwelling Word equips believers to teach, encourage, and admonish one another, while also shaping worship that is rooted in gratitude and truth.
Paul does not describe the Word as something we visit occasionally. He describes it as something that dwells in us richly; that implies depth, consistency, and priority.
From that Word-centered life flows worship and mutual encouragement. Paul speaks of teaching and admonishing one another, and he speaks of singing hymns with thankfulness.
A church that is saturated in the Word will be a church that is rich in worship, gratitude, and spiritual stability.
Do Everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus (v.17)
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus…”
Paul closes this section with totality by removing any division between sacred and secular. There is no part of life that is outside the lordship of Christ; every word and every deed falls under His lordship.
Our words and deeds both matter, since what we say and what we do should reflect the name we claim, the Savior we follow, and the life we have been given.
Paul closes again with gratitude. “Giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Gratitude is a repeated theme because thanksgiving realigns the heart with God’s grace and keeps us rooted in the gospel.
This final statement gathers everything together. Identity, behavior, relationships, worship, and gratitude are all brought under the name of the Lord Jesus, with thanksgiving offered to God the Father through Him.
Reflection & Application
Take time to reflect honestly.
Prayer
Lord, thank You that You have made me Your own through Christ. Teach me to put on the character of Jesus, to forgive as I have been forgiven, and to love in a way that reflects Your heart. Let Your peace rule in me. Let Your Word dwell in me richly. Help me to live all of life in the name of the Lord Jesus, with gratitude to You in all things.
Notes/ Reflections:
Colossians 3:12–17
Read the Text
Colossians 3:12–17 (ESV)
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Setting the Context
In verses 1–4 Paul reminds believers who they are in Christ. In verses 5–11 he reminds them who they are not, and he calls them to put away the practices of the old life. Now in verses 12–17 Paul shows what a life aligned with Christ actually looks like.
In other words, Paul gives us a way to evaluate ourselves. He gives marks of the new life. He does not call us to pretend we are mature. He calls us to live in a way that reflects the truth that we have been raised with Christ.
This section also reminds us that spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we claim to know, but by how well the life of Christ is taking shape in us through our attitudes, relationships, and daily conduct.
Put On the New Self (v.12)
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved…”
Paul begins this section by returning once again to identity. Before listing Christlike qualities, he reminds the believer of who they are. We put on these traits because we belong to God; through Christ we are chosen, holy, and beloved.
One of the enemy’s strategies is to cause believers to forget they are loved. When a believer forgets they are loved by God, they become discouraged, distracted, and vulnerable. But when we remember that we are loved by the Father, we are strengthened to pursue the things of God. Remember that even during Jesus’ trial in the wilderness Satan’s first line of attack was not by tempting Jesus to sin, but in trying to cast doubt “If you are the Son of God…” (Matt. 4:3).
Paul moves forward by listing traits that reflect the character of Christ: compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These virtues are not merely personality traits. They are evidence of spiritual growth and of the new life taking root in the believer.
Imitate Christ in Relationships (v.13)
“Bearing with one another… forgiving each other…”
Here Paul is moving from internal character to the traits that are tested through relational expression. It is one thing to talk about kindness and patience. It is another thing to display them when people disappoint us, irritate us, or wound us. These virtues are tested most clearly in relationships with others.
Paul does not pretend that complaints and conflicts will never arise among believers. Instead, he shows us how to respond when they do. The standard is not our feelings or emotions. The standard is the grace we have received because conflict, offense, and disagreement are realities within the body of Christ. And Paul does not deny this reality; instead, he instructs believers on how to respond when such moments arise.
“As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Forgiveness is not an option for the Christian. It is a command grounded in the gospel. We forgive each other because we have been forgiven. We extend grace because grace has been extended to us.
Above All Put on Love (v.14)
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Love is the binding agent for Christians and Paul places love at the top because love is what holds everything together. Other virtues may be present in a person’s life, but without love, the qualities listed in verse 12 cannot remain unified or effective. Love is the binder. Love is the strength, and love is the proof that Christ is at work in us (2 Cor. 13).
This also protects us from performing Christianity. Love is not an optional addition to Christian character. It is the defining mark of Christ’s life being formed in the believer and the essential bond that maintains unity within the body. Love is the heart posture that reflects the nature of Christ (John 13:34-35).
Let the Peace of Christ Rule (v.15)
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…”
Paul now addresses the governing influence within the believer’s heart. The peace of Christ is not meant to be passive, but authoritative.
The word “rule” carries the idea of governing or deciding. Peace is not meant to be a visitor in the believer’s heart. Peace is meant to be the authority that influences our responses and relationships.
This peace shapes how believers respond to one another and how unity is preserved within the body. Paul says we were called to peace “in one body.” That means a believer should not be comfortable living in constant conflict with other believers. Peace should be pursued, protected, and practiced (Matthew 5:9).
Paul adds a simple command that has deep power “…be thankful.” Gratitude keeps the heart soft, and it keeps our focus on what God has done rather than what others have failed to do. Through Christ we find peace with God (Romans 5:1), and how we can have peace with others.
Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly (v.16)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”
This returns us to a vital theme of the central role of God’s Word in the believer’s life. The Christian cannot grow without the Word of God because spiritual growth, wisdom, and worship flow from a life saturated in the Word of Christ. This indwelling Word equips believers to teach, encourage, and admonish one another, while also shaping worship that is rooted in gratitude and truth.
Paul does not describe the Word as something we visit occasionally. He describes it as something that dwells in us richly; that implies depth, consistency, and priority.
From that Word-centered life flows worship and mutual encouragement. Paul speaks of teaching and admonishing one another, and he speaks of singing hymns with thankfulness.
A church that is saturated in the Word will be a church that is rich in worship, gratitude, and spiritual stability.
Do Everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus (v.17)
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus…”
Paul closes this section with totality by removing any division between sacred and secular. There is no part of life that is outside the lordship of Christ; every word and every deed falls under His lordship.
Our words and deeds both matter, since what we say and what we do should reflect the name we claim, the Savior we follow, and the life we have been given.
Paul closes again with gratitude. “Giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Gratitude is a repeated theme because thanksgiving realigns the heart with God’s grace and keeps us rooted in the gospel.
This final statement gathers everything together. Identity, behavior, relationships, worship, and gratitude are all brought under the name of the Lord Jesus, with thanksgiving offered to God the Father through Him.
Reflection & Application
Take time to reflect honestly.
- Which of the traits in verse 12 do you most need to grow in right now?
- Is there anyone you need to forgive, or anyone you need to seek peace with?
- Is love functioning as the binder in your life, or are you trying to live out Christian virtues without it?
- Does the Word of Christ dwell in you richly, or is it something you only visit occasionally?
- What would it look like today to do everything, in word and deed, in the name of the Lord Jesus?
Prayer
Lord, thank You that You have made me Your own through Christ. Teach me to put on the character of Jesus, to forgive as I have been forgiven, and to love in a way that reflects Your heart. Let Your peace rule in me. Let Your Word dwell in me richly. Help me to live all of life in the name of the Lord Jesus, with gratitude to You in all things.
Notes/ Reflections:
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