“In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”– Colossians 3:7 (KJV)
“You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.”– Colossians 3:7 (NLT)
“You didn’t know any better then. But you do now. So make sure it’s all gone for good.”– Colossians 3:7 (MSG)
What Does Colossians 3:7 Mean?
This verse from Colossians 3:7 speaks to us about our past lives and how we used to live before knowing Christ. It’s important for us to look back at how we walked in sin when we were part of this world and recognize that those habits and lifestyles are in the past. Paul, the author of Colossians, is reminding the believers in Colossae that they used to be defined by sinful behavior, but now that they are in Christ, those patterns should no longer be part of their identity. It’s a call for a fresh start, a reminder that embracing our new life in Christ means letting go of the old ways.
In our journey of faith, acknowledging our old sins puts into perspective how Christ has transformed us. We are reminded that our past does not define who we are today. That is deeply comforting! Realizing that those old ways belong to a version of ourselves that is gone forever can encourage us as we continue to grow in our relationship with God. Enumeration of our past transgressions would only serve to hold us back, but the biblical truth is that through the grace of God, we are new creations. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, it states, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This transformation is not merely about improving our behavior but experiencing a whole rebirth in our heart and spirit.
Colossians 3:7 Explanation and Commentary
As we explore Colossians 3:7 more deeply, it becomes clear that Paul is encouraging us to live with a sense of awareness regarding our ongoing spiritual journey. The transformation into our new life in Christ should alter our attitudes, actions, and desires. We are constantly reminded to align our practices with our faith. We used to walk in ways that displeased God, partaking in immoral actions like anger, lust, and bitterness, which can often take root in our hearts. Paul is candidly addressing this past behavior and urging us to recognize it for what it truly is: a departure from the divine life that awaits us in Christ.
It is essential for us to grasp the significance of this text. Not only does it reveal our past mistakes, but it also shows how we can choose to leave them behind. It reminds us that the power of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross grants us the ability to move forward, making us more like Him every day. It is an opportunity for reflection and self-evaluation. As we ponder what it means to live a life that pleases God, we are prompted to consider how we can grow closer to Him by abstaining from the things that held us back before.
Furthermore, this text teaches us the importance of accountability among believers. We’re not meant to do this alone; as the body of Christ, we support and encourage each other to leave behind our sinful pasts and walk faithfully in the newness of life. Engaging in fellowship can help us remain focused and united in our purpose. It can encourage us to repent, reflect and rejoice in our shared identity as children of God.
The understanding of this verse can also extend beyond individual transformation. It can influence how we interact with others around us. When we recognize the grace we’ve received, we can extend that same grace towards those who are struggling with their pasts. Instead of casting judgment, we can become sources of hope. Encouraging others in their walk with Christ can strengthen our own journeys, and the stories of transformation can serve to glorify God in powerful ways.
Context of Colossians 3:7
To understand Colossians 3:7 fully, we must consider its context within the book of Colossians. In this letter, Paul is addressing the church in an effort to combat false teachings that were threatening their spiritual growth. He emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and urges believers to focus on their identity in Him. Colossians 3 urges us to set our minds on things above and not on earthly things. Paul wants us to realize that as believers, our real life is hidden with Christ in God. This perspective should reshape our priorities and behavior.
In the three chapters preceding verse 7, Paul reminds us of the grace of God and challenges us to live accordingly. He provides practical instructions for living out this new identity. He encourages us to put to death earthly desires, including anger, malice, and slander. As we read these chapters, it becomes clear that the encouragement to leave behind our old ways directly correlates to our new existence in Christ. Knowing our identity shapes our actions, and when we lose sight of that identity, we can become vulnerable to compromise.
The importance of context cannot be overstated. The cultural backdrop of Colossae was filled with various philosophies and teachings that contradicted the gospel. Paul’s letter strategically counters these influences by reiterating the core message that everything we need is found in Christ alone. Recognizing this helps us to appreciate why Paul speaks so boldly about turning away from our old lives. He emphasizes what it truly means to be a follower of Christ, helping us prioritize our spiritual growth amidst external distractions.
This background informs our understanding of how we should actively live out our faith. As we step away from our old identity, we can move towards righteousness, which Paul encourages. As we are intentional about living a life reflecting our faith, we create space for God to work within us. By living in accordance with who we are in Christ, we can be a beacon of light, drawing others towards Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Colossians 3:7
To make the wisdom of Colossians 3:7 practical, we can break down its key parts. The verse begins with the acknowledgment, “In the which ye also walked.” This phrase invites us to reflect on our previous lifestyles, requiring honest self-examination. Is there a part of our old selves that we inadvertently hold onto? This examination is not meant to condemn us, but to empower us to identify what we can surrender to Christ.
Following this, Paul says, “when ye lived in them.” This highlights the completeness of our old way of life—it was a period of existence characterized by sin. Remembering this can bolster our resolve as we pursue holiness. By understanding that we are no longer slaves to sin, we open ourselves to the opportunity for change and spiritual growth.
Breaking free from past patterns involves establishing new habits centered on our faith. We should seek not just to avoid old ways but to replace them with righteousness, kindness, and love. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul describes the fruit of the Spirit, which should be evident in our lives. If we endeavor to exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, we will naturally distance ourselves from the sinful practices that occupied our former selves.
As we strive to live out this new identity, we can look to Jesus as our perfect example. The way He interacted with others, showed love, compassion, and modeled a life fully devoted to God is the standard we should aim for. Our new life should reflect His teachings and character. Every moment provides a choice between the old and the new. We must regularly ask ourselves which identity we are choosing to walk in.
Lessons to Learn From Colossians 3:7
This verse offers us various lessons that we can apply to our daily lives. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of self-awareness. Recognizing our past choices allows us to identify patterns we may still be holding onto. Understanding this encourages us not to shy away from introspection as it can help guide us towards making positive changes in our lives.
Secondly, it highlights the power of transformation. God’s grace enables us to leave behind our old ways, but it’s also a journey requiring effort and commitment. We can’t just forget who we used to be; we should actively choose who we want to become. Each day is an opportunity for renewal, and we can take confidence in God’s promise to transform us from the inside out.
Furthermore, the verse leads us to realize the need for community in our spiritual journey. We were not meant to walk this path alone. Having friends or mentors to encourage and challenge us can be invaluable. Sharing our struggles and successes fosters growth and accountability and allows us to support one another in our walk of faith.
Lastly, this verse reminds us to embrace our new identity boldly. We are children of God, called to live in a way that reflects Him. This means living out our faith in everyday actions, demonstrating love wherever we go. This can be as simple as a smile, a kind word, or even forgiveness. Our choices will echo beyond our immediate circles and reveal the character of Christ to others.
Final Thoughts
The wisdom of Colossians 3:7 is rich and transformative. As we take the time to reflect on our past and acknowledge our previous ways, we also need to focus on our journey ahead. Paul encourages us to embrace our new identity in Christ while learning to love and support one another as we walk this path together. No matter what we faced before, we have a new purpose and a new way of living to look forward to.
As we lean into this understanding, let us remember the profound grace that extends to us. We are given the chance to turn away from sin and live fully in the light of God’s love. If we become diligent in pursuing righteousness, we can uplift others through our actions and shine brightly for our Savior.
If you are excited about exploring more passages and finding encouragement, consider reading 1 Samuel 20 or 1 Corinthians 13. Each verse holds wisdom to guide us as we pursue our walk of faith. Remember that everyone is on their own unique path, and we can honor each other as we journey together.