Verse by Verse Commentary on Colossians 3:12-17

A Sermon by Dr. Neil Chadwick


Verse 12 - Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

    Remember who you are: God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved. According to the Apostle, "election" is no longer just for the Jews, but in inclusive of all who trust in Jesus Christ.

    To clothe yourself means to take responsibility for how you present yourself.

    The way we do this is to be so full of these inner qualities that they can be seen on the outside, like well-fitting and attractive clothing:

      Towards the needy, we show compassion, (splagchnon - feeling and responding to the misery of others. this is in opposition to the normal inclination to identify upward socially);

      Towards our brothers and sisters, we show kindness;

      Towards leaders, we show humility (modesty, lack of arrogance, having an honest assessment of ourselves, and being willing to submit);

      Towards those who have injured us, we show gentleness (meekness, or refusal to get back at); and

      Towards those who disappoint us, we show patience (refusal to give up on).

Verse 13 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances (quarrel or complaint) you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

    As if to give special emphasis, Paul adds a word about forbearance (tolerating the shortcomings of others), and forgiveness (remembering that the forgiveness we give to others is the forgiveness we have received from Christ).

    This must include forgiveness for those who did something we may have disagreed with, or who were unfaithful to the church.

    May I say, forbearance often is in short supply - the organist complains against the music director, the music director complains against the deacon, members take sides and complain against each other and against the Pastor who doesn't solve the problem - forgetting to put on the clothes He has provided, we go around in rags.

Verse 14 - And over all these virtues (like an overcoat) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

    Paul also gave us this saying, "the greatest of these is love", and

    Jesus taught us that the two greatest commandments are to love God and love one another.

Verse 15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

    Submit to the "rule" of peace. Whether it be in marriage, within the family, or in the church, stop the bickering, and ask the question, "Is this worth losing peace over?"

    The road to unity in the church must include the acceptance of the leader the Lord provides.

Verse 16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

    Here are mentioned the two most important ingredients of the Christian gathering we call "church service" - listening to God's Word, and singing songs with thanksgiving.

    There is a balance between instruction and admonition.

    The "word of Christ" can refer to the words about Christ, or the words spoken by Christ. We must never stop learning about Christ, and never stop listening to Christ. The word "richly" means "abundantly."

    That this word is to "dwell in" us means that it should take up residence, be at home in, be welcome in, be comfortable in, and allow His Word to become our primary influence for good. In other words, we must live with the Word every day.

    Notice this is what we do for one another - we speak the work of Christ with each other, and we sing songs for the benefit of one another. Church is not just about getting it from the "front". Each of us has a well, and each of us has a bucket with which to draw out water for others to drink.

    Also notice the variety of musical types suggested by "psalms, hymns and spiritual songs."

Verse 17 - And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

    Everything should be done with the awareness of His oversight, and to bring credit to His name.

    "In the Name of Jesus" is a set of words often invoked to bring His power to bear on a situation, in some cases, almost used as a magical formula. But there's more than that. It is to suggest that we do everything to give honor to His Name.

    "Everything" includes what we say ("in word"). Do you remember the 10 commandments of the tongue from James?

      Don't blame God, be slow to speak, don't use your tongue for venting anger, making empty pronouncements, criticizing others, or lying to cover up your faults. Don't speak evil of one another, boast about personal plans, complain, or swear.

    Rather, use your tongue to bless, edify, encourage, praise, and affirm.

    And the "everything" also includes what we do "in deed." As it applies to the church, this means that we should be faithful, persevere, and do everything with the highest level of excellence.

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