12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

3:12-13: Christ-followers are His “chosen ones” (used of God’s choice of the nation of Israel in the Old Testament; cf. Psalm 105:6; Isaiah 43:20). We are also called “holy” (set apart by God for His glory and purpose; cf. Deuteronomy 7:6; 14:2; 1 Peter 1:13-21; “saints” in Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Corinthians 1:1; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2) and “beloved” (loved by God; cf. Psalm 108:6; Romans 9:25). 

Wright also notes that Jesus “is the chosen one (1 Peter 2:4, 6), the holy one (John 6:69; Acts 4:27), the one supremely loved by the Father (Matthew 3:17; Ephesians 1:6). It is in him that Christians find their identity as God’s people.” (141). 

In addition to deepening our knowledge of God revealed in Jesus (3:10), Paul exhorts us to “put on” on several traits. The problem that we encounter is that we try to put on and wear our brand-new clothes to cover our old and dirty ones. It’s important to put to death these vices (Colossians 3:5-9). 

Returning to 3:12-13, because Christ-followers have been spiritually raised with Christ, it’s imperative that we practice the habits of Jesus and develop the character of Christ himself. So, what are these traits?

We are to put on compassion (Jesus feeding the 5,000: Matthew 15:32-39), kindness (Jesus calling children to himself: Matthew 19:13-15), humility (The Word becoming flesh: Philippians 2:5-11), meekness (Jesus washing the disciples’ feet: John 13:1-20), patience (Jesus talking with Philip after he revealed to him and the disciples about the Father for over three years: John 14:8-11), and forgiveness (Jesus while on the cross: Luke 23:34). 

The Spirit produces additional Christ-like traits including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Paul also encourages us to pursue those things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellence, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8)

Because we have been raised with Christ, Jesus reigns in us. Our former life has been buried with Christ. We have a new self that is becoming more Christ-like. Jesus reigns when we “put to death” our sinful ways (3:5; cf. Romans 8:13 “put on” habits of holiness).  

3:14: Love is signaled out (“above all these”) among these traits because it “binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (3:14) Drawing from the clothing metaphor, love may be seen as the outer garment that keeps everything together. Wiersbe writes that love “acts like a ‘girdle’ that ties all other virtues together.” (139) 

Hughes observes the importance of love: “It is possible to have some of the five recommended garments [compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience] and not have love, but it is impossible to have love and not have all the five garments.” (314) Likewise, Moo claims that these other traits “attain their full power only when they are unified by and empowered by love.” (282) 

The call to love one another is one of the most important themes in Scripture. The New Testament highlights this trait because loving others is the most natural response to God’s love for us (cf. Leviticus 19:18; John 13:34-35; 15:9-12; Romans 12:10; 13:8; 1 Corinthians 13:4-13; 16:14; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 3:12; 4:19; 2 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Timothy 1:5; Hebrews 10:24; 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 2:17; 4:8; 1 John 3:11-18; 4:7-12; 4:19-21; 5:1; 2 John 1:5). 

In summary, we become more compassionate, kind, humble, meek, patient, and loving when Jesus reigns in us.

3:15: The word “rule” “refers to the activity of the ‘umpire,’ who renders verdicts in contested situations….Paul wants the Colossians to make ‘peace’ the arbiter, the factor that should be given preference over competing concerns and interests.” (Moo, 283)    

This idea of the “peace of Christ” in 3:15 is different than Philippians 4:6-7 (peace in the midst of chaos), Romans 5:1 and 8:1 (peace from God’s judgment), and Colossians 1:2 (wholeness, completeness from the gospel). It’s different because the focus is our Christian community. When we have disagreements and disputes, we must allow peace to be the deciding factor.   

Diversity in the body of Christ creates differences. Peace is a true measure of Jesus reigning in our churches. Instead of fighting for our ideas and preferences, peace brings unity and overcomes pride, self-interest, and personal agendas. 

3:16: Concerning the six characteristics of a disciple (PLATES), the “T” refers to the teaching ministry of the Word. Colossians 3:16 highlights the importance of the Word. According to Wiersbe, “The word dwell means “to feel at home.” (1309) Paul also uses the word “richly.” This word speaks to the quality of God’s Word in relation to our lives. 

Rather than prioritizing God’s Word, we have allowed the things of the world to dwell and “make their homes” in our souls. We may encounter God in a more intimate and dynamic manner when the Word richly dwells within us. Jesus reigns in Scripture because it testifies about him (John 5:37-39; Acts 10:43). In addition, Jesus reigns in our Word experience when we read it Christ/gospel-centric. 

Paul identifies two things that accompany the practice of God’s Word richly dwelling within us. First, we will teach and admonish (warn, reprimand) one another with wisdom. (One of the best contexts for teaching and admonishing one another is in our small group communities.) 

Second, our desire for praising God is elevated when God’s Word richly dwells within us. A passion for praise and worship is a good way to measure how Scripture is impacting our lives. Does our time in the Word encourage and lead us to praise and worship? 

In a parallel passage (Ephesians 5:18-21), Paul highlights the Spirit’s role in “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.” The combination of God’s Word richly dwelling within us and the Spirit’s movement in our souls should result in more praise of God. 

Jesus reigns in our praise when our songs are gospel-centric. Jesus reigns when we sing about God’s holiness because Jesus is the holy one (Acts 2:27/13:35; 1 John 2:20; Revelation 16:5). He reigns when we sing about our sin/brokenness and our forgiveness/wholeness. Jesus reigns when we praise God for His grace. He reigns when we sing about Jesus being the Lord, our Savior, the King, and much more.  

Regarding the six traits of discipleship (PLATES), the “E” represents exalt. Colossians 3:16 calls us to exalt God and glorify Him in our lives. One of the greatest joys for Christ-followers is to exalt and praise God for His greatness, grace, and gospel.

3:17: This passage (3:12-17) concludes with a call to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Similar to 1 Corinthians 10:31 (“whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”), Paul’s challenge is a natural consequence for Jesus reigning in our lives. 

1. Paul exhorts us to “put on” several characteristics (vs. 12-13). What makes them so important in the body of Christ? Discuss the idea that “love” is the key trait that “binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (v. 14)

2. “The peace of Christ [should] rule our hearts.” (v. 15) To what extent do you need to pursue peace with another (perhaps there’s conflict, bitterness, envy). Share practical ways for letting Christ’s peace rule our hearts.    

3. How do we make our souls a dwelling place for Scripture? (v. 16) Paul also encourages us to use God’s Word for our spiritual communities. What’s the benefit for “teaching and admonishing (strong warning, reprimand) one another” with Scripture?

4. What kind of role does “singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” (v. 16) play (rate 1 to 5; 5 being high) in your small group community? Do you need to change anything? How will you change? Why is the spiritual discipline of praise significant for Christian community? 

5. Everything we say or do should be done “in the name of Jesus.” (v. 17; cf. 1 Corinthians 10:31) How can we move toward this goal? (see Philippians 4:8 for one suggestion).    

6. How does the gospel relate to key truths such as love, peace, Scripture, praise, and thanksgiving?

7. How does Jesus reign in 3:12-17? How can these truths make a difference in our lives?