The focus of Colossians chapter 3 is on the importance of living out the new life we have been given. Verse 1 says, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.” To set means to seek or strive intently. Since we have this new life in Jesus our focus should be on heaven where our Redeemer seats in authority.
“New Self New Life New Position” stresses the importance of who and what we should be concentrating on. Verse 2 says, “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” Paul is encouraging us to focus on kingdom priorities over earthly concerns. You and I cannot become distracted by worldly pursuits. In order to live out verse 2 our thoughts and actions must align with the truth of the Gospel. We can achieve this by sacrificing our own desires so that God’s plan, His purpose can be fulfilled.
“New Self New Life New Position” is not a cliché. Paul was adamant about grabbing a hold to this concept. Speaking to the Christians at Colossae, he continues in Verse 3 by saying, “For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.” What is Paul saying here? When Paul mentions, “For you have died to this life,” he is alluding to the previous version of yourself, our former sinful nature, and how we once prioritized worldly matters. Then when Paul is talking about something that is hidden, he means that it is sealed and safe. I want us to be encouraged and rejoice in the fact that as believers in Jesus we are secure and safe in Him: this is “New Self New Life New Position”.
To fully accept the newfound freedom we possess in Jesus, Paul cautions us in Colossians 3 verses 7 to 9. If I can sum them up like this, Paul reminds the Colossian Christians of their past sinful behaviors, which they participated in before they came to faith in Christ. He urges them as well as us, to leave behind our old ways, specifically mentioning anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. He also emphasizes the importance of honesty, encouraging them to stop lying to one another because they have shed their old sinful nature and its deeds. I want to stress this point to us that removing something, as mentioned in verse 8, entails putting off, denying ourselves, or removing the old self and worldly behaviors, just like that of taking off a suit, dress, pants, or shirt. “New Self New Life New Position” is a transformation that signifies a fresh start in Christ.
It is important to remember that the journey of sanctification will continue until we reach our ultimate destination, which is heaven. I love how verse 10 reminds us of this when it says, “Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.”
So, we cannot have spiritual amnesia and forget that we have been purchased from our old position of death, an eternal damnation to our “New Self New Life New Position” of life and peace.