Three Minute Bible

February 27, 2025February 27, 2025

Colossians 3:12e – Something to Remember

AI Picture of Moses in four stages of life - as a baby in a basket, as a young man, as a shepherd, and with the burning bush.

…[clothe yourselves with] … humility …

Summary: In the grand scheme of things, understanding a word like “humility” requires us to have an understanding of how we measure our own self-importance.

When I think of humility, I always think of Moses. The Bible says that Moses was “a very humble man.” It goes on to say that he was “more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth” (Number 12:3).

At first glance, that statement sounds oxymoronic.

We assume the first five books of the Bible are written by Moses, so how could he claim to be “more humble than anyone else” and still be humble?

February 26, 2025February 26, 2025

Colossians 3:12d – God’s Compass

Picture of a direction marker against a background of stars.

…[clothe yourselves with] … kindness …

Summary: The word “kindness” can mean different things depending on who is being kind to whom. However, when it comes to godly kindness there is only one standard, and God wrote the book on it.

When you think about the word “kindness,” what examples come to mind? Do you think of something someone has done for you, or does your mind go to things you have done for others?

What kind of thing comes to mind these days? If I pay for your coffee, is that a kindness? What if I make you smile with a kind word or hold the door for you?

“Kindness” is one of those words that sounds simple and obvious, but in practice, it can be hard to pin down.

February 25, 2025February 25, 2025

Colossians 3:12c – Doing Compassion

…[clothe yourselves with] …compassion …

Picture of people serving food to an elderly woman.

Summary: God’s Word is amazingly consistent in every way. Compassion has something very much in common with faith; both require deeds to become real.

The first piece of spiritual “clothing” that Paul wants us to put on is compassion.

“Compassion” is a word that describes the feelings of pity and sympathy we have for people who are suffering. The Greek word Paul used takes this concept even further.

February 24, 2025February 25, 2025

Colossians 3:12b – God’s Closet

Picture: A clothes rack full of brightly colored sweatshirts.

…clothe yourselves with …

Summary: Paul provides us with an interesting metaphor for Christian living — putting on clothes. It is something we all do every day, and it is an easy way to visualize the change God wants to see in our lives.

Yikes! This is where Christianity gets real.

Looking back at verses nine and ten, Paul talks about taking off the “old self” and putting on the “new self.” Now he is telling us exactly how to do it. In the transition from nonbeliever to believer, this difference between “old self” and “new” is where the rubber hits the road.

And what, exactly, is the difference?

February 22, 2025February 23, 2025

Colossians 3:12a – The Rub

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, …

Picture of a cat rubbing up against the corner of a fence.

Summary: This passage is a refreshing change of pace in Paul’s letter. He reminds us that our faith is not based on fear, but rather is couched in love.

As we turn to look at this verse, the first five words are a show-stopper. Paul says we are “God’s chosen people!” Reading this gives us a reason to smile!

So much of Paul’s letter to the Colossians sounds almost critical. It feels a bit like a stern lecture from a grandparent. Yet, even after admonitions of putting our “earthly nature” to death, Paul suddenly turns and says something nice!

February 21, 2025February 21, 2025

Colossians 3:11 – A Place Called “Here”

Picture of a mirror , two butterflies, and a caterpillar.

Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Summary: There is a place that is not a place where God wants us to be. When we get there, we discover that our differences are not what we thought they were.

There is a place where hate and division do not exist. It is not a physical place, although you might say the place Paul is talking about is in the physical place we live.

Where is this place within a place?

February 20, 2025February 20, 2025

Colossians 3:10b – Strange Words

A picture of the words "renewed, knowledge, image, and Creator" floating against a background of space.

… which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Summary: Paul’s words in this passage offer a tantalizing glimpse into the revelation he received about Jesus Christ and his Gospel.

This passage is one of the “Top Ten” most interesting passages in Colossians. The phrase “renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” suggests various meanings that stir the imagination.

What does Paul mean?

February 19, 2025February 19, 2025

Colossians 3:10a – A Wedding Story

Image shows a banquet table for a wedding reception.

… and have put on the new self …

Summary: Putting on a “new self” is a bit vague until we remember why it is important and what God has provided for us to put on.

Having taken off the old self, we need something else to put on, but what?

Have you ever stood in front of your closet wondering what to put on? Maybe you are getting ready for a special event like a wedding or a party. Perhaps you have been invited to be at a formal dinner and meet heads of state. Each of these situations requires a different type of attire. But what do you wear for an afternoon with God?

February 18, 2025February 18, 2025

Colossians 3:9b – Choosing Jesus

Picture of a man in bed thinking about the cross...

… since you have taken off your old self with its practices …

Summary: Understanding Paul’s words sometimes forces us to try and see things from God’s perspective.

Being the person I am, the brain God gave me tends to dwell on the details. Maybe “obsess” would be a better word. In this passage, Paul writes that we have “taken off [our] old self.” This isn’t the first time he has referred to this.

Just a few verses ago, he wrote, “Since you died with Christ …” (Col 2:20), which he followed up with “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ …” (Col 3:1).

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025

Colossians 3:9b – White Lies

Do not lie to each other …

Summary: Wondering about white lies leads us to wonder about the nature of truth as well.

The “Food for Thought” question at the end of the last meditation was, “Are ‘white lies’ okay in church?” This sparked comments that raised more questions.

The consensus in the comments was that we shouldn’t tell “white lies.” Lies are the province of the devil, the “father of lies” (John 8:44). Ergo, Christians should avoid lies of any kind. I agree, but what does that mean?