🌱 Living the New Life in Christ

Paul wrote his letter to the Colossians to help believers stay true to Christ amid cultural pressures and false teaching.

In this passage, he reminds them that because they have been raised with Christ, their whole way of life must change. The Christian life is not just about believing different truths but becoming a different person.

This matters for us daily because following Jesus means continually putting off the old ways of sin and putting on the new character that reflects Him.

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.

7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.

8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Paul begins by turning our attention upward: since we have been raised with Christ, we are to seek the things above. Our hearts and minds belong to a new kingdom now, not the passing desires of this world.

The more we fix our focus on the risen Lord, the less sin’s pull seems attractive. Sanctification begins not with greater effort but with deeper awareness of who we already are in Christ.

From that foundation, Paul calls us to “put to death” what belongs to the old life—sins like sexual immorality, greed, anger, and deceit. These are not minor issues but patterns that no longer fit the new self we have in Jesus.

Just as we change out of dirty clothes, believers must intentionally turn from sinful habits and attitudes that defile fellowship with God. This “putting off” is a daily act of repentance, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Yet the goal is not only removal but renewal. When we put off sin, we make room to put on righteousness—compassion, gentleness, purity, and gratitude that reflect our Savior’s heart. Sanctification is the Spirit’s ongoing work to make us more like Christ in ordinary choices and moments.

Every thought and action can become a step in either direction: either clinging to the old life or walking in the new one we’ve already been given.

Father, thank You that through Christ I have been raised to a new life.

You have set me free from the rule of sin and called me to live for You.

Forgive me for the ways I still hold on to old habits and attitudes that grieve Your Spirit.

Teach me to put off what belongs to the past and to put on what reflects Your righteousness.

Renew my mind so that I desire what pleases You most.

Let Your Spirit shape me more into the likeness of Jesus today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thanks for reading. We’re grateful to be on this journey of learning and growing in the Word together.

Grace and peace,

The Christian Newsletter