This is a list of all the imperatives (commands) in the book of Colossians, since many will get lost in the details, I’m providing a summary first.
A summary of the imperatives in Colossians 3 and 4
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Be far sighted |
Be other centered |
Imperatives
Walk in Him (2:6)
See to it that no one takes you captive by empty deceitful philosophy (2:8)
Let no one pass judgment on you (related to religiosity–Ritual) (2:16)
Let no one disqualify you (by false humility of manmade religion–mysticism) (2:18)
Regulations don’t work–therefore don’t be forced into submitting to them
Keep seeking the things above (3:1)
Set your mind on things above (3:2)
Consider the members of your body as dead–to sin (3:3)
Put to death (3:5) (immorality and other self-autonomous sins)
Put aside (put off) anger (other venting sins- towards others) (3:8)
Do not lie (3:9)
Put on the new self (3:10)
Put on a heart of compassion (and basically the fruit of the Spirit) (3:12)
Put on love (3:14)
Let the peace of Christ rule your life (3:15)
Be thankful (3:15)
Let the word of Christ richly dwell in you (i.e. how one is filled by the Spirit) (3:16)
Teaching and admonishing one another (3:16)
Do all to the glory of God through Christ (3:17)
Wives be subject, as is fitting in the Lord (3:18)
Husbands love, do not be harsh (3:19)
Children obey, in everything (3:20)
Fathers do not provoke (embitter) (3:21)
Slaves obey with sincerity (3:22)
Whatever you do–work hard (3:23)
Masters be just and fair (4:1)
Continue steadfast in prayer (watchful with thanksgiving) (4:2)
Pray for open doors for the word (4:3)
Pray for clarity in speaking (4:4)
Be wise in your conduct toward outsiders (use time well) (4:5)
Speak graciously and appropriately (4:6)
