Colossians 2:20—3:4

Introduction

Colossians 2:20—3:4: In today’s reading, the apostle Paul reminds the Colossians that they have been “set free from the ruling spirits of the universe” because they have “died with Christ” (2:20) and have been “raised to life with Christ” (3:1). What he says about obeying certain rules builds on his argument in 2:16–19 from yesterday’s reading and may refer to false or misguided religious practices or to Jewish Christians who were trying to convince the Colossians to follow the Jewish laws pertaining to food and drink.

Today’s Key Verse: Colossians 3:4

Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory!

Reading

²⁰ You have died with Christ and are set free from the ruling spirits of the universe. Why, then, do you live as though you belonged to this world? Why do you obey such rules as ²¹ “Don’t handle this,” “Don’t taste that,” “Don’t touch the other”? ²² All these refer to things which become useless once they are used; they are only human rules and teachings. ²³ Of course such rules appear to be based on wisdom in their forced worship of angels, and false humility, and severe treatment of the body; but they have no real value in controlling physical passions.

3 You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. ² Keep your minds fixed on things there, not on things here on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory!

Reflect

What is your understanding of Paul’s statement to the Colossians that they have “died with Christ” (2:20) and have been “raised to life with Christ” (3:1)? How do you respond to what Paul says about not living as though you belong to this world (2:20) but instead setting your heart on “the things that are in heaven” (3:1)? Paul often writes in his letters about the day when Jesus will return, and verses 2:20 and 3:1 reflect this belief (see 1 Corinthians 1:8; 15:20–28; Philippians 1:6, 3:20–21; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). Reread 3:3. What does it mean to you to have your life “hidden with Christ in God”?

Pray

Dear Jesus, I thank you that I have been raised to life with you and that, when you appear, I will share your glory. Keep me steadfast in faith and help me to follow you and do what is pleasing in your sight. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Colossians 3:5–17: Paul describes the old life and the new.