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Colossians

Affirms Christ's supremacy and encourages living a life worthy of the Lord.

Chapter 3

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1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

*If you have been raised with Christ, look for things above where Christ is seated next to God on His right side.

2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

*Focus on heavenly things, not earthly ones.

3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

*You are no longer alive in your old self, and your new life is hidden with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

*When Jesus, our source of life, returns, you will shine brightly with him too.

5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

*So, control your earthly desires. Avoid sexual sins, impurity, excessive love, unhealthy cravings, and greed, which is like worshiping idols.

6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

*For which reasons, God's anger comes upon those who disobey Him.

7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

*In which you used to walk at one point, when you lived in them.

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

*But now, get rid of all these things: anger, rage, bad intentions, insulting God, and dirty talk from your mouth.

9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

*Don't lie to each other, because you've gotten rid of the old way of thinking and doing things.

10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

*Put on the new self, which is changed to understand things like the one who made you.

11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

*In places where there are no differences between Greeks and Jews, or circumcised and uncircumcised people, or Barbarians, Scythians, slaves, or free people: Christ is everything, and present in everything.

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

*So, act like God's chosen people, showing mercy, kindness, and being humble and patient.

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

*Be patient with each other and forgive one another if anyone has a problem with anyone else. Just like how Christ forgave you, you should do the same to others.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

*Above everything else, show kindness, because it holds everything together perfectly.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

*Let God's peace guide your heart, as you are part of one group, and be grateful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

*Let Jesus' message live within you fully, showing wisdom; teach and encourage each other through songs and spiritual music, singing from the heart to God.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

*Do everything you say or do in Jesus' name, thanking God and the Father through him.

18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

*Wives, obey your husbands willingly, as it pleases God.

19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

*Husbands, love your wives and don't be angry with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

*"Kids, listen to your mom and dad in everything; this makes God happy."

21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

*Fathers, don't make your kids angry, or they might lose hope.

22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God:

*Servants, follow your fleshly masters in everything; not just for show, like people-pleasers; but genuinely, while fearing God.

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

*Do everything with all your heart, as if you're doing it for the Lord, not just for people.

24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.

*Understand that you will get a reward from God for being an inheritor, because you serve Jesus.

25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

*But those who do wrong will get punishment for their actions; everyone is treated equally, no matter who they are.

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