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Continue thinking about things above,1 and do not keep thinking about earthly things.2
| 1 | Continue thinking about things above: That is, “let your thinking be absorbed with higher spiritual things.” Or, KJV: set your affections on things above; WMS: practice occupying your minds with; KNX: you must be heavenly-minded; PME: give your heart to the heavenly things; NEB: let your thoughts dwell on that higher realm. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Romans 8:5-8 and Galatians 6:8. [Philippians 3:20; 4:8; 1 Peter 1:13] |
| 2 | Earthly things: Or, KNX: earthly-minded. [John 3:31; 1 John 2:15] These would include that list Paul gives in Romans 1:18-32 and the works of the flesh at Galatians 5:19-21. It is a sad fact that the fast majority of modern Christians concentrate more on “earthly things” than the spiritual. This is demonstrated in conversation and lifestyle. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Colossians 3:2 as the theme verse of chapter three – Exalted Thinking. Paul urges that Christians fix their minds on heavenly thoughts. [1-4] Since Christians have really died and risen in Christ they ought not keep thinking about earthly things. When Christ becomes visible once again the Saints will also be revealed in glory.
In order to think heavenly thoughts the Christian needs to “deaden your earthly body.” [5-11] Paul lists several important areas: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and hurtful greed. A “genuine disciple” will not be characterized by “wrath, anger, harmfulness, abusive speech, or foul talk. The Old Person should be stripped away and the New Person put on like new clothes. This renewal requires “complete knowledge.” This New Person in Christ will be characterized by empathy, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, tolerance and forgiveness. [12-14] Perfect unity results when the Nazarene fellowship abounds in compassionate affection.
To think godly and heavenly thoughts the heart must allow itself to be controlled by its Umpire --Christ. [15-17] If Christ’s word or teachings have taken up residence in the disciple’s heart then it will be manifest by wisdom. A certain internal spiritual music in psalms and hymns will continue to teach and admonish. Everything we do, whether in deed or speech, should be done in the name of the Master Jesus.
As he did in his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul now gets specific on the matter of subjection. [18-25] All Christian wives should continue being submissive to their husbands. Husband should continue to show compassionate affection to their wives and not live in bitterness. Fathers should avoid irritating their children, and slaves should remain obedient to their human masters.
Abba our Father bless those whose thoughts dwell on “things above.”
[13 July 2002]
