By Prophet John Tunke Bisina
TEXT: Colossians 3:1–17
CHRISTIANITY is not merely a creed to be confessed; it is a life to be continually expressed. In Colossians chapter 3, the Apostle Paul makes a decisive transition–from doctrine to duty, from position to practice, and from identity to integrity. Having established the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection, Paul now presses the inevitable implication: those who share Christ’s life must reflect Christ’s likeness.
At the heart of this passage lies a simple yet weighty truth–if Christ is truly our life, then Christ must be evident in our living. As Scripture declares, “Christ is all and in all” (Colossians 3:11). Christlike living, therefore, is neither legalistic striving nor self-generated morality; it is the visible outworking of the indwelling Christ.
Paul begins by anchoring conduct in spiritual position. The believer is not merely improved; he is raised with Christ. Once spiritually dead, we now partake of resurrection life, walking in the newness described in Romans 6:4 and sharing in the exalted position outlined in Ephesians 2:5–6. This elevated identity demands a corresponding orientation. Hence, Paul exhorts believers to seek those things which are above and to set their minds on things above. The language is deliberate–“seek” implies intentional pursuit, while “set your mind” conveys disciplined focus. A mind preoccupied with earthly concerns will inevitably produce an inconsistent life. As Matthew 6:21 reminds us, the heart follows the treasure, and Philippians 3:20 affirms that our true citizenship is in heaven. One cannot think like the world and live like Christ.
Yet, this upward orientation is sustained by a forward-looking hope. Our present life, though real, is hidden with Christ in God. But a day is coming when Christ, who is our life, will appear–and we shall appear with Him in glory. This certainty, as 1 John 3:2–3 teaches, fuels present purity. The anticipation of future glory becomes the motivation for present holiness.
Having established the believer’s position, Paul turns to a necessary renunciation. Christlike living requires a decisive break with the old life. He employs strong language: “put to death” the sinful practices that once defined us. These include sins of immorality and covetousness–the latter being exposed as idolatry. Scripture is consistent on this point: sin must not be managed; it must be mortified (Romans 8:13). What is tolerated will eventually dominate.
But Paul goes deeper, addressing not only outward actions but inward dispositions. Anger, wrath, malice, slander, and corrupt speech must all be put off. These are not harmless traits; they are corrosive forces that undermine godliness. As James 1:20 makes clear, human anger does not produce the righteousness of God. The transformation Christ brings extends to both heart and tongue.
He also confronts the issue of deception: “Do not lie to one another.” Falsehood is fundamentally incompatible with the new nature. It fractures fellowship and contradicts the truth-centered life to which believers are called (Ephesians 4:25). The new man is marked by integrity.
Yet, the Christian life is not defined merely by what is removed, but by what is revealed. Paul now shifts to the positive dimension–putting on the new man. This new life is continually renewed in knowledge according to the image of Christ. Transformation is not instantaneous perfection but progressive renewal. As Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18 affirm, it is through ongoing exposure to truth that the believer is changed from glory to glory.
This renewal also reshapes relationships. In Christ, the dividing lines of ethnicity, culture, and social status lose their power. “Christ is all and in all.” The unity described in Galatians 3:28 becomes the lived reality of the believer. Christlike living dismantles barriers rather than reinforcing them.
Paul then presents the virtues that must characterize this new life–what may be called the garments of grace. Believers are to clothe themselves with tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering. These are not abstract ideals; they are the very qualities embodied by Christ Himself. Tender mercies express compassion, kindness demonstrates practical goodness, humility reflects a lowly mindset, meekness reveals strength under control, and longsuffering exhibits patient endurance. These virtues must be intentionally embraced; they do not develop by accident.
Above all, love must take preeminence. It is the binding force that holds all other virtues together in perfect harmony. Without love, even the most admirable qualities remain incomplete. As 1 Corinthians 13 makes clear, love is indispensable, and according to John 13:34–35, it is the defining mark of true discipleship. Love is not optional–it is central.
Finally, Paul addresses the sustaining dynamics of Christlike living. This life is governed by Christ’s peace, enriched by Christ’s Word, and directed by Christ’s authority. The peace of God is to “rule” in the heart–a term that suggests the function of an umpire, guiding decisions and resolving inner conflicts. When the mind is stayed on God, as Isaiah 26:3 promises, peace prevails.
The Word of Christ must not merely visit occasionally but dwell richly within. A Word-filled life produces a worship-filled life–expressed in teaching, admonishing, and singing with grace. The Scriptures do not simply inform; they transform and guard the heart (Psalm 119:11).
All of this culminates in a comprehensive principle: “Whatever you do… do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Whether in speech or in action, every aspect of life is to fall under Christ’s authority. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 declares, all must be done for the glory of God. Christlike living, in essence, is Christ-centered living in every detail.
Paul’s message is unmistakably clear: those who are alive in Christ must live like Christ. Such a life is marked by a heavenly mindset, a holy separation from sin, a renewed and Christ-reflecting character, and a lifestyle governed entirely by Christ.The standard is not vague. Scripture states it plainly: “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6, NKJV).
…Delivered during the Tuesday Scripture Exposition Service at the OLD TIME POWER CHURCH on April 28, 2026. Subscribe to our Youtube channel@Oldtimepowerchurch, follow us on Facebook.com/Old Time Power Church, and visit our website:oldtimepowerchurch.org.
