Notice how many active words Paul uses in Colossians 3:1-17 to describe what a Christian must be doing:

• "Seek those things which are above" (verse 1).
• "Set your mind on things above" (verse 2).
• "Put to death your members" (verse 5).
• "Put off all these" (verse 8).
• "Do not lie to one another" (verse 9).
• "Put on tender mercies" (verse 12).
• "Bearing with one another, and forgiving" (verse 13).
• "Put on love" (verse 14).
• "Let the peace of God rule . . . and be thankful" (verse 15).
• "Let the word of Christ dwell in you" (verse 16).
• "Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (verse 17).

Paul makes sure we understand that we must actively participate in order to grow. When God talks about growth, He means increasing in His attributes, the qualities that will conform us to His image.

John W. Ritenbaugh
Five Teachings of Grace

Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Colossians 3:17:

Zephaniah 1:12-13
Colossians 3:1-17
1 Thessalonians 4:10-12
1 John 1:3

 

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