Preaching Outline for Colossians Chapter Three

Crafting a preaching outline for Colossians Chapter Three involves delving into the apostle Paul’s deep theological insights and practical advice to the early Christian community in Colosses.

This chapter serves as both a centerpiece of Paul’s theological teachings and as a manual for Christian living. It begins with a focus on the Christians’ union with Christ, particularly through the concepts of death to the old self and resurrection to the new life in Christ.

The chapter then progresses into the practical implications of this spiritual transformation, guiding believers on how to embody their renewed identity through their attitudes, behaviors, and relationships within the community and household.

Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Colossians Chapter Two here.

Theologically rich and ethically challenging, Colossians Chapter Three offers an exploration of what it means to live out one’s faith in a tangible and communal context. Paul juxtaposes the vices that Christians are to cast off with the virtues they are to put on, using the analogy of clothing to illustrate spiritual renewal.

This passage not only dictates the moral imperatives for the individual but also extends to the social structures of the time, advising on conduct within the Christian household. The overall message is clear: believers are to reflect the image of Christ in all facets of life, a transformation made possible through understanding and embodying the profound union with Christ.

Key Takeaways

• Colossians Chapter Three underscores the importance of spiritual transformation through union with Christ.
• The chapter provides detailed guidance on virtues to cultivate and vices to reject for a life that reflects one’s new identity in Christ.
• Paul’s teachings extend to social relationships and community living, emphasizing conduct that mirrors the values and character of Christ.

Related: For more, check out our Preaching Outline On Colossians Chapter One here.

Union with Christ

In Colossians Chapter 3, the apostle Paul focuses on the profound reality that believers are intimately linked with Christ. This union is multifaceted and encompasses several key concepts that are pivotal for Christian living.

Section	Theme	Key Verses	Talking Points	Application
New Life	Seek Things Above	Col 3:1-4	Setting hearts and minds on heavenly realities, not earthly.	Encourage a heavenly perspective that guides daily living.
Mortification	Put to Death Earthly Nature	Col 3:5-11	The call to put to death sinful behaviors and put on the new self.	Urge practical steps in personal holiness and transformation.
Virtues	Christian Virtues	Col 3:12-14	Embracing compassion, kindness, humility, patience, and love.	Inspire the cultivation of Christ-like character in relationships.
Peace and Word	Let Peace Rule	Col 3:15-17	The peace of Christ ruling in hearts and the richness of His word dwelling within.	Advocate for peace as the arbiter in decisions and the Word’s centrality.
Household Relations	Christian Households	Col 3:18-21	Instructions for wives, husbands, children, and fathers.	Discuss the application of Christian principles in family dynamics.
Work Ethic	Work as for the Lord	Col 3:22-25	Working diligently and with integrity as serving the Lord, not just human masters.	Encourage excellence and sincerity in all forms of work.

Raised with Christ: Believers have been spiritually resurrected with Jesus, signifying a newness of life and a departure from their former selves. This resurrection with Christ is not just symbolic; it’s transformative and shapes the way they conduct their lives.

Hidden with Christ in God: The life of a Christian is now intertwined with the life of Christ, securely safeguarded by God’s omnipotent presence. This hidden aspect implies a certain mystery and security, assuring them of their salvation and eternal life.

Set Your Mind on Things Above: Instructing believers to focus their thoughts on divine realities rather than earthly concerns, Paul emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual over temporal matters. It is a directive for the priorities and aspirations that should dominate a Christian’s mindset.

• Seek Those Things Which Are Above: This charge is an active pursuit, urging Christians to continually reach for the holy and heavenly values that align with their identity in Christ.

Word of Christ: The teachings and message of Jesus Christ should dwell richly in believers, guiding their actions and decisions. This indwelling word is both the content and the power for their spiritual growth and expression of faith.

Things Above: Overall, ‘things above’ is a recurring theme that directs focus to the eternal and the divine. It serves as a reminder to live in a way that reflects heavenly citizenship, even while residing on earth.

Believers are called to embody their unity with Christ in everyday conduct, reflecting a transformation that touches every aspect of their being. This profound connection with Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian identity and practice, influencing their values, thoughts, and behaviors.

Moral Imperatives and Vices to Reject

In Colossians chapter three, the apostle Paul presents a set of moral imperatives for believers, identifying behaviors to embrace and vices to reject. This juxtaposition reflects a transition from an old self to a new self, emphasizing spiritual renewal and ethical living.

Vices to Reject: Paul instructs believers to put to death their earthly nature, listing several vices:

• Sexual immorality: Engaging in sexual acts outside the bond of marriage.
• Evil desire: Uncontrolled longing that goes against God’s will.
• Covetousness: An insatiable desire for material possessions or other’s properties, equated with idolatry.

These actions incur the wrath of God and are characteristic of the sons of disobedience, a term depicting those who reject divine guidance.

Moral Imperatives: Conversely, there are virtuous actions that embody the new life in Christ:

Virtue	Description
Compassion	Showing kindness and empathy to others.
Kindness	Demonstrating a generous and considerate nature.
Humility	Maintaining a modest view of one’s importance.
Meekness	Exhibiting gentleness, not being overly assertive.
Patience	Exercising restraint and tolerance under provocation.

They are called to put off behaviors reminiscent of their old self, and through this transformation, they can exhibit Christ-like qualities and live in a way that reflects their new identity.

Virtues to Embrace

In Colossians chapter three, Paul highlights essential virtues that are the bedrock of a Christian’s new identity in Christ. These virtues are not merely ideals but practical attributes that followers of Christ should actively cultivate in their lives.

Characteristics of the New Self

Compassion: This virtue embodies a sense of empathy and deep caring for others. In the context of Colossians 3, believers are called to be tenderhearted, mirroring the compassion that Christ showed.

• Kindness: It goes hand-in-hand with compassion, pushing individuals to be generous and friendly in their interactions.
• Humility: To possess humility is to have a modest view of one’s own importance. It is counter-cultural in a world that often celebrates self-promotion.
• Meekness: Often misunderstood as weakness, meekness is about exercising God’s strength under control.
• Longsuffering: This speaks to patience and the ability to endure hardships and tolerate the imperfections of others without losing temper.
• Forgiving: Forgiveness is pivotal, imitating the forgiveness granted by Christ, thus releasing resentment and offering grace.

Personal Relationships

Love: Beyond any other virtue, love is elevated as the most significant, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. It’s the glue that holds all virtues together, reflecting the love is an important subject to the Christian.

Peace of Christ: This peace should rule in the believer’s heart, guiding relationships, decision-making, and becoming a source of unity within the body of Christ.

• Gratitude: An attitude of thankfulness ought to permeate all aspects of a Christian’s life. It forms the foundation upon which the peace of Christ and other virtues rest, influencing how one interacts with God and others.

Christian Household Codes

In Colossians chapter three, the Apostle Paul presents instructions for Christian households, addressing relationships between wives, husbands, children, fathers, servants, and masters. These directives are framed within the context of Christian virtues like love, humility, and the fear of the Lord.

Wives are counseled to submit to their husbands, as it aligns with Christian principles, wherein submission is understood as part of a mutual respect within the marital relationship (Christian Households in Colossians 3:18-4:1).

Husbands, in turn, are instructed to love their wives and refrain from bitterness. This love is characterized by gentleness and consideration, reflecting Jesus Christ’s love for the church.

The dynamic between children and parents is also expounded upon. Children should obey their parents, this being “pleasing in the Lord.” Fathers, specifically, are admonished not to provoke their children, but rather to encourage and build them up.

For servants (employees) and masters (employers), Paul’s teaching extends to the workplace. Servants are instructed to obey their earthly masters, serving wholeheartedly, as serving the Lord (The Christian Household). Masters are similarly directed to treat their servants justly and fairly, mindful that they too have a Master in heaven.

These household codes emphasize a balance of responsibility and respect within all relationships. They are meant not as a rigid hierarchy, but as a reflection of one’s relationship with Christ, characterized by mutual submission and obedience to God.

Living the New Life in Community

Teaching and admonishing one another in wisdom forms a crucial part of living the new life in Christ within a community. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of this interaction in Colossians 3. Believers are encouraged to engage in sharing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, enriching each other’s lives and fostering a spirit of unity and peace.

In verse 16 of Colossians 3, the Word of Christ is highlighted as the instrument through which believers should educate and encourage each other: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs…”

This communal exercise of teaching is not simply an academic endeavor but is imbued with the grace and peace that are trademark attributes of the new man.

The transformation into this new man is a group experience as much as it is individual. The process encompasses:

• Practicing forgiveness and compassion towards one another,
• Striving for harmony in beliefs and actions,
• Letting the peace of Christ arbitrate in disputes, and
• Showing gratitude in all circumstances.

In essence, the community of believers mirrors the unity of the body of Christ, upheld by the unifying force of love. The mutual teaching with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs serves multiple purposes:

1. Creates an atmosphere where the Word of Christ resides abundantly,
2. Strengthens the bonds between individuals as they undergo spiritual maturation,
3. Ensures that wisdom and grace are mainstays in the collective Christian experience.

These practices are indispensable for living out the transformed life that reflects the image of the Creator among the community of believers.

Spiritual Clothing and Renewal

In Colossians chapter three, the apostle Paul provides a metaphorical framework for the Christian life by introducing the concept of “spiritual clothing.” He encourages believers, whom he refers to as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, to put on a new self. This new self is characterized by virtues that reflect the image of their Creator.

Believers are to adorn themselves with:

• Compassion
• Kindness
• Humility
• Gentleness
• Patience

Paul continues to detail how these virtues play out in interactions among believers. They are to bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven them, so they must also forgive.

Virtue	Action
Compassion	Bear with one another
Kindness	Forgive grievances
Humility	Serve in unity
Gentleness	Speak with grace
Patience	Endure trials

The climax of this spiritual wardrobe is love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

The chapter further delves into the Christian’s transformation through their association with Christ’s resurrection. They are called to put to death what belongs to the earthly nature and embrace their new identity in Christ. This process of renewal is continuous, reaffirming their commitment to holiness and the pursuit of the qualities of the elect of God.

Paul’s outline in Colossians suggests a perpetual renewal, like putting on new spiritual garments daily, emphasizing the ongoing process of sanctification for those who are in Christ.

Conduct that Reflects Christ

The third chapter of Colossians provides direct instruction on how believers are to embody the virtues that reflect their identity in the Name of the Lord Jesus. The transition to new life found in Him calls for a comprehensive transformation in behavior and habits.

• Seek the Heavenly: Behavior reflective of Christ begins with setting minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-2), signifying a focus on spiritual values over worldly ones.
• Put off the Old Self: The passage clearly instructs believers to shed their old selves and the practices associated with that former life (Colossians 3:5-9). This includes various forms of immorality and malice which are no longer fitting for a life hidden in Christ.
• Put on the New Self: Colossians 3:10-14 describes the transformative grace available to believers. The ‘new self’, symbolizing rebirth, is characterized by virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love.
• Let Peace Reign: The peace of Christ is to govern their hearts, bringing unity to the body and encouraging gratitude towards God (Colossians 3:15).
• Word and Deed Alignment: Whatever is done, whether in word or deed, is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17). This speaks to the importance of consistency in communication and actions.

Through this practical sermon series outlined in Colossians 3, believers are guided toward a lifestyle that does not just reflect Christian doctrine, but actively models Christ through every interaction and choice. The chapter is an eloquent call to live a life worthy of the calling, engaging in conduct that mirrors the transformative power of the gospel.

Final Exhortations and Benedictions

In Colossians chapter three, the Apostle Paul focuses on the transformation and conduct of believers, culminating in final exhortations and benedictions that encapsulate the essence of Christian living. He stresses the importance of characteristics essential for the believers’ communal and individual lives.

Practices such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience are the tangible behaviors Paul emphasizes for maintaining harmony within the Christian community. He encourages the Colossians to bear with each other and forgive grievances. As it is written, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13 NIV).

Worship, a central aspect of the Christian life, is not relegated to song or liturgy alone. Paul articulates worship as an outpouring of gratitude, a heart posture that permeates every action. This is beautifully summarized as, “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” (Colossians 3:17 NIV).

The benediction signifies a hopeful departure, as believers are reminded of the peace of Christ ruling in their hearts. Paul calls the community to teach and admonish one another with wisdom through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.

• Teaching: Provide moral and spiritual guidance.
• Admonishing: Correct with gentle reprimand.
• Wisdom: Apply spiritual insight in relationships.

Paul’s final exhortations point to an integrated life where faith and action conjoin, producing a rhythm of worship that resonates within and emanates from the community of believers.

Conclusion and Application

The third chapter of Colossians serves as a practical guide, instructing Christians on how to live out the teachings of the Gospel in their everyday lives. Apostle Paul, with clarity and authority, stresses that one’s life following baptism and faith in Christ should manifest the newness of Christian identity.

Core Applications:

• Set your heart and mind on things above: Christians are urged to focus on spiritual, eternal values rather than earthly concerns.
• Eliminate old vices: As believers who have died to sin, they are to rid themselves of immoral behaviors, anger, and slander.
• Cultivate Christian virtues: The call to embrace compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience outlines the moral fiber of a new life in Christ.

Preaching Outline:

• Living as Resurrected Believers: Encouraging the church to base their actions and thoughts on their risen life with Christ.
• Moral Reformation: Teaching that the old self with its practices is to be abandoned, making way for the new self, which is being renewed in the image of its Creator.

Key Takeaways:

• The impeccable character of a Christian should serve as a testament to the transformative power of the gospel.
• The epistle to the Colossians emphasizes not just theoretical knowledge, but also the application of faith in tangible ways.
• The preaching of these truths must inherently include a call to practical action, showing the unmistakable link between belief and behavior.

In conclusion, Colossians 3 is a chapter that bridges the gap between belief and behavior, offering clear instruction on how to apply one’s faith in Jesus to everyday life.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions address common inquiries related to crafting a preaching outline for Colossians Chapter Three, providing clarity on biblical application, structuring sermon points, and understanding the core messages of the text within contemporary preaching.