Meaning of Colossians 3:9

Colossians 3:9 is a direct ethical imperative rooted in the theological transformation experienced by believers in Christ, commanding them to abandon falsehood and embrace truthfulness as a fundamental aspect of their new identity. The apostle Paul contrasts the "old self" with its deceitful practices with the "new self" that has been "renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." This verse, therefore, is not merely a rule against lying but a call to live consistently with the profound spiritual reality of having been reborn and clothed in Christ, whose very nature is truth.

Context and Background

This verse is found within the "household codes" or ethical exhortations of Colossians 3, which follows Paul's deep theological exposition on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ in the preceding chapters. Having established that believers are united with Christ in his death and resurrection, and thus have a new spiritual identity, Paul now details the practical outworking of this new life. The instruction to "not lie to each other" is part of a series of commands that address interpersonal conduct within the Christian community and in broader society, including putting away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech (Colossians 3:8), and instead putting on virtues like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). The reference to "taking off your old self with its practices" directly links this ethical instruction to the process of spiritual renewal and sanctification.

Key Themes and Messages

• Authenticity and Truthfulness: The core message is the absolute necessity of honesty and integrity in all interactions. Lying is presented as a characteristic of the old, unredeemed self.
• Transformation and New Identity: The verse hinges on the concept of a radical spiritual metamorphosis. Believers are not merely to modify their behavior but to shed their former selves entirely, adopting the attributes of their new life in Christ.
• Community and Interpersonal Relationships: The command is directed towards "each other," emphasizing the importance of truthfulness within the fellowship of believers. Deceit erodes trust and damages the body of Christ.
• The Nature of the "Old Self": The "old self" is depicted as inherently flawed, characterized by deceitful practices and a departure from God's design.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance of Colossians 3:9 lies in its call to live out our new identity in Christ. When we accept Christ, we are declared righteous and given a new nature. This new nature is inherently truthful, reflecting the character of God, who is truth. Therefore, lying is a direct contradiction of our redeemed identity. Application involves actively choosing honesty in speech, thought, and action, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. It requires a conscious effort to "put off" the old patterns of deceit and "put on" the new self by cultivating virtues that align with God's character. This applies to personal relationships, professional life, and our witness to the world.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is consistent with the overarching biblical narrative of redemption and transformation. From the Old Testament's emphasis on justice and truth to Jesus' teachings on sincerity and the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers to live righteously, the theme of truthfulness is paramount. The Fall introduced deception into the world (Genesis 3), and redemption through Christ undoes this corruption, restoring humanity to a likeness of God's truthfulness. The New Testament consistently calls believers to live as children of light, who are characterized by truth and purity, in contrast to the darkness and deceit of the world.

Analogies

• Shedding Old Clothes: The imagery of "taking off your old self" is akin to shedding dirty, worn-out garments that are no longer suitable or representative of one's current state. Similarly, lying is a practice that belongs to the former life and should be discarded.
• A New Coat of Paint: Just as a house is repainted to reflect a new owner or a new style, believers are "repainted" by God's Spirit, and their outward actions should reflect this inner renewal, with truthfulness being a vibrant color.
• A Reflected Image: The "new self" is being "renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." Lying distorts this reflection, while truthfulness allows the image of God to shine through more clearly.

Relation to Other Verses

• Ephesians 4:25: "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." This verse shares the same sentiment and connects truthfulness to the unity of the body of Christ.
• Proverbs 12:22: "Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight." This Old Testament proverb highlights God's disapproval of deceit.
• John 8:44: Jesus describes the devil as "a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies." This verse starkly contrasts the character of God and believers with the deceptive nature of the enemy.
• 1 Peter 2:1: "So put away all kinds of evil and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander." This passage also calls for the renunciation of deceptive practices as part of a believer's new life.