Colossians 3:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

NIV: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

NASB: Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.

CSB: Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

NLT: Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

KJV: Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

NKJV: Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Repeating the theme of verse 1, Paul reminds the believers at Colossae to keep their minds on godly, spiritual things. This is meant for those who have accepted Christ, and received Him as their Savior. Rather than looking to the earth around them, the minds of Christians should be focused "above." The things "above" are the things of God. God is often noted as being "above" in the New Testament (John 3:31; 8:23; Ephesians 4:10) and heaven is described as "above" (James 1:17).

In this context, the "things of the earth" are associated with ungodly activities. For example, James 3:15 notes a false approach which "is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic." In contrast, the "wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17). This does not mean that believers should ignore all earthly concerns. It does, however, mean that believers ought to give their time and attention to things pleasing to God, rather than things pleasing to men.

Colossians 3:1–11 encourages Christian believers to focus their attention on godly, spiritual things. Those who are spiritually free, thanks to their faith in Christ, should not live in the sins which used to be their habit. Paul specifically refers to certain sins such as sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, lying, and revenge. These are not simply to be avoided: Paul tells believers to ''put to death'' such behaviors in their own lives. All believers are united in Christ, so all believers should act as people committed to their Savior. The next passage will contrast these sins with the positive behaviors Christians are meant to undertake.

In this chapter, Paul gives clear instructions to Christians about living out faith in Christ. Since believers have been saved by Christ, they should not participate in the sins which trap unbelievers. Sexual immorality, jealousy, slander, and revenge are not to be part of the Christian's life. Instead, believers ought to demonstrate compassion, humility, patience, and forgiveness. Above all, followers of Christ should show love. Paul also gives specific instructions for those living in Christian homes, including husbands, wives, children, and servants.

Prior chapters in Colossians emphasized the supremacy of Jesus, and the inferiority of worldly teachings. Paul's explanation of Christ as the ultimate authority, and the only source of truth, is key to understanding the difference between godly wisdom and worldly deceptions. In this chapter, Paul will apply those earlier ideas using practical instructions. This application runs through the beginning of chapter 4, which will end with various news about fellow Christian ministers.

The book of Colossians describes Christ as superior to all other teachers, faiths, and philosophies. In this letter, written from prison, Paul once again tackles false teachings. Among these errors are claims that Christians need to give up all physical enjoyments, that they should worship angels, and that they need to rely on the wisdom of an elite few. These problems are consistent with an ancient heresy known as Gnosticism. In response, Paul explains that Christ is supreme, and sufficient for our salvation.

Accessed 5/6/2024 7:29:51 AM