Put Off the Old, Put On the New

3 Therefore, if you have been raised up with Messiah, keep seeking the things above—where Messiah is, sitting at the right hand of God. ^{[a] 2} Focus your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ^{[b] 3} For you have died, and your life is hidden with Messiah in God. ⁴ When Messiah, who is your^[c] life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him, in glory!

⁵ Therefore, put to death what is earthly in you—sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed—for that is idolatry. ⁶ Because of such things God’s wrath is coming upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷ At one time you also walked in these ways, when you used to live in these ways. ⁸ But now, set them all aside—anger, rage, malice, slander, and foul language out of your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another.^[d] After all, you have taken off the old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self that is being renewed in knowledge, according to the image of the One who created him. ^{[e] 11} Here there is no longer Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, savage,^[f] slave and free; but Messiah is all, and in all.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves in tender compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience— ¹³ bearing with one another and forgiving each other, if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord pardoned you, so also you must pardon others. ¹⁴ But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfect harmony. ¹⁵ Let the shalom of Messiah rule in your hearts—to this shalom you were surely called in one body. Also be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gratitude in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Yeshua, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Orderly, Mutual Relationships

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not become harsh toward them.

²⁰ Children, obey your parents in every respect, for this is pleasing to the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they will not become discouraged.

²² Slaves, obey your human masters in every respect—not just within your master’s sight as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work at it from the soul, as for the Lord and not for people. ²⁴ For you know that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as a reward. It is to the Lord Messiah you are giving service. ²⁵ For the one doing wrong will be paid back for what he did wrong, and there is no favoritism.^[g]