Colossians 3:1 — New King James Version (NKJV) (2026-08-27)

Historical lead-up

In the book of Colossians, the Apostle Paul writes to a young church facing various challenges, including false teachings and a misunderstanding of their identity in Christ. Paul emphasizes the supremacy of Christ and the importance of living a life that reflects this truth. The believers in Colossae needed encouragement to focus on their new life in Christ rather than the distractions of the world around them.

Why this verse was written

This verse was written to remind the Colossian believers of their transformation through faith in Jesus. Paul aims to reinforce their understanding of what it means to be raised with Christ, encouraging them to live in a way that aligns with their new identity. His audience includes both new believers and those who may have been swayed by misleading teachings, emphasizing the need for spiritual focus and growth.

True meaning

In this verse, Paul speaks directly to the believers, urging them to set their minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. The key idea here is the call to prioritize spiritual matters over earthly concerns. By mentioning “things above,” Paul encourages a perspective that values eternal truths and the presence of Christ, rather than being consumed by temporary, worldly issues. This verse serves as a reminder of the believers’ new life and the importance of aligning their thoughts and actions with their faith.

Living it today

This verse can shape our daily lives by prompting us to evaluate where we place our focus. We can practice setting our minds on spiritual matters through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and engaging in community with other believers. In relationships, we can encourage one another to seek God’s perspective in our decisions and challenges. Obedience to this verse might look like prioritizing time for worship, serving others, and making choices that reflect our identity in Christ, rather than being swayed by societal pressures.

What follows

Following this verse, Paul continues to elaborate on what it means to live out this new identity, providing practical instructions on how to put away old behaviors and embrace a life that reflects Christ’s character. This sets the stage for deeper discussions on transformation and holiness in the life of a believer.