Colossians 3:7 – “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul reminds the Colossian believers about their past. He just finished warning them in verse 6 that God’s wrath is coming because of sin, and now he turns their attention to the change that has taken place in their lives.

“You used to walk in these ways” – This means that before they knew Christ, they lived in sin. Their lifestyle was shaped by sinful desires, and they followed the ways of the world without thinking twice about it.

“In the life you once lived” – Paul makes it clear that this was their past, not their present. Now that they belong to Christ, their life should look different.

This verse serves two purposes:

1. It reminds them of where they came from – Before knowing Christ, they were trapped in sin just like everyone else.
2. It calls them to leave the past behind – They are no longer the same people, so they should not continue in their old sinful ways.

Historical Context

The Colossians were living in a city heavily influenced by Roman and Greek culture. Many people in that society worshiped false gods and lived in ways that were completely opposed to God’s standards. Sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, and selfish living were normal.

Paul was writing to people who had been saved out of that culture. Some of them had lived deeply sinful lives before coming to faith in Christ. Now, as followers of Jesus, they needed to understand that their new life required a new way of living.

This was important because there was always a temptation to go back to their old habits. Paul wanted them to see that those ways belonged to their old life, not their new one in Christ.

Theological Implications

This verse reinforces some key truths about salvation and transformation:

1. Salvation changes a person’s life – True faith in Christ always leads to a change in how someone lives (2 Corinthians 5:17).
2. Christians are no longer defined by their past – The sins of a believer’s past do not define them anymore (Romans 6:6).
3. Living in sin is the mark of an unbeliever – Before Christ, people live in sin without concern, but after salvation, they are called to walk in righteousness (Ephesians 2:1-3).
4. Following Christ requires leaving sin behind – Paul is calling for a clear break from the past, just as Jesus called people to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11).

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording is important. He uses past tense language: “You used to walk” and “the life you once lived.” This highlights that their old way of life is completely behind them.

The word “walk” is often used in the Bible to describe a person’s way of life. Before knowing Christ, people “walk” in sin, meaning they live in a way that is shaped by their sinful desires. But now, as believers, they are called to walk in righteousness.

This verse is part of a bigger contrast in Colossians 3:

• Verses 5-7 describe the old life – full of sin and leading to God’s wrath.
• Verses 8-10 describe the new life – where believers put off sin and put on godliness.

Paul’s goal is to help them see that since they have been raised with Christ (Colossians 3:1), they should live in a way that reflects that new reality.

Biblical Cross-References

• Ephesians 2:1-3 – Paul describes how believers were once dead in their sins, following the ways of the world.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
• Romans 6:6 – “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.”
• Galatians 5:16 – “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a strong reminder that following Jesus means leaving the past behind. Many Christians struggle with going back to old habits or feeling ashamed of their past sins. Paul makes it clear that the past is just that-the past.

If you are in Christ:

• You are not the same person you used to be.
• Your past does not define you.
• Sin is no longer your master.
• You are called to live in a way that reflects Christ.

This doesn’t mean believers won’t struggle with temptation, but it does mean they should no longer live in sin as they once did. Instead, they should strive daily to grow in holiness.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows God’s love and grace in a powerful way. Instead of leaving people in their sin, God rescues and transforms them.

• God does not define people by their past.
• He forgives completely through Christ.
• He gives new life and calls believers to something better.

A loving God doesn’t just say, “Try to be better.” He changes hearts, empowers people through the Holy Spirit, and leads them into a new way of life.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the heart of this verse because He is the reason believers can leave their old life behind.

1. Jesus’ death breaks the power of sin – Romans 6:6 says that because of Christ, believers are no longer slaves to sin.
2. Jesus gives new life – Colossians 3:1-3 says that believers have been “raised with Christ,” meaning they now live for Him.
3. Jesus calls us to follow Him – In Luke 9:23, Jesus says that anyone who wants to follow Him must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him daily.

Through Christ, believers don’t just get a fresh start-they become completely new people.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. In what ways has your life changed since coming to Christ?
2. Are there any areas of your old life that you are still holding onto?
3. How does knowing you are no longer defined by your past help you live in freedom?
4. What practical steps can you take to continue walking in your new life rather than falling back into old habits?
5. How can you encourage others who may feel stuck in their past sins?

This verse is a powerful reminder that salvation is not just about forgiveness-it is about transformation. Through Jesus, believers are given a new life, and the old ways are left behind. Instead of being stuck in sin, they are called to walk in righteousness, reflecting the One who saved them.