Put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 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 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. 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.–Col. 3:10-17.
The apostle is giving to every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ needed instruction, to put off the old man and his deeds and put on the new man which is renewed in knowledge (Phil. 3:8). That is to walk worthy of God Who called us out of darkness into His glorious kingdom (1Thes. 2:12; Col 2:6). While seeking to walking worthy of that high calling makes up no part of our justifying righteousness before God (1Cor. 1:30). Nevertheless, it is the heart desire of all who know the Lord Jesus Christ as The Lord our Righteousness to glorify Him in all that we say and do; "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1Cor. 10:31; Gal. 6:14). This new man (new creation) in Christ has a new set of operating principles implanted within him (2Cor.5:17). Notice thesse four things reveal in the text.
1). The uniting principle among believers is love, "above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." (Col. 3:14) Love for the gospel of God's sovereign free grace (Rom. 9:16). Love for the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (1John 4:10). Love for one another (John 13:35; 1Cor.13:1-5).
2). The ruling principle among believers is the sovereign government of our Lord, "let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body" (Col. 3:15). It is every believer's delight to eagerly and willingly submit to the gracious and supreme rule of our Lord (Psa.135:5-6; Psa. 110:3).
3). The instructing principle is the inspired word of the Lord, "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. (Col. 3:16). What greater and better instruction could we possibly ask for than for God's own testimony given to us? All that we need to know about God's salvation (Rom. 3:24-26) and all spiritual blessings revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3) are found in His holy word (2Tim. 3:15-16). May God give us grace to make much of His word (Psa. 119:103-105; 1Thes. 2:13)!!!
4). The motivating principle is the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ and the furtherance of the gospel, "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" (Col. 3:17). This includes every aspect of our life, in public and in private. Not to be seen of men, but to honor the Lord as His willing servant (Psa 110:3; Acts 9:6). These principles are not the conditions or ground of salvation, that is Christ alone (Acts 4:12), but is the evidence of His grace in us (Col. 1:27; Gal. 5:22-26)