In Colossians 3:3, Paul writes, “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” That’s not a command. It’s a fact. If you are in Christ, you died. This is the turning point of the passage. Everything else flows from here. You can’t live for the Kingdom until you’ve died to yourself.
The Old You Is Over
When Paul says, “you died,” he’s not talking about behavior management or self-improvement. He’s talking about spiritual crucifixion.
Romans 6:4–6 (CSB)
“We were buried with him by baptism into death... so that we may walk in newness of life... our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless.”
To die to self means this:
The you who lived for comfort: dead.
The you who had to be in control: dead.
The you who chased approval: dead.
The you who made everything about you: dead.
When you surrendered to Christ, that person was buried. You were raised new. So, stop trying to resurrect what’s already been crucified.
Hidden with Christ
In Colossians 3:3b, Paul continues: “Your life is hidden with Christ in God.” This involves both security and surrender.
Security: Your identity isn’t tied to your job, your past, your reputation, or your performance. You are covered in Christ, secure in His grace, wrapped in His righteousness.
Surrender: Your life isn’t your own anymore. You’ve handed over the pen.
Jesus is the author now. Your plans, your comfort, your preferences — all belong to Him. And that’s where freedom begins.
Half-Dead Christianity
Many Christians are miserable because they’re trying to live half-dead.
They want the Kingdom, but not the cross.
They want new life, but without surrender.
They want growth, but without sacrifice.
And what happens?
They grow restless, critical, and spiritually tired because they’re trying to keep one foot in the grave and one in the Kingdom. You can’t do both. Jesus said:
“If anyone wants to follow after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
Following Christ always involves dying to self. There’s no shortcut to resurrection.
Stop Waiting for Life to Settle
Some of us are stuck because we keep waiting for the “right time” to fully obey.
“I’ll serve when I’m less busy.”
“I’ll lead when my kids are older.”
“I’ll give when I feel more secure.”
But Paul doesn’t say, You’re dying. He says, You died. That means the decision’s already made. If you’ve been raised with Christ, your life isn’t about you anymore.
It’s about Him. His mission. His people. His Kingdom.
The Path to Renewal
Churches stall, families grow cold, and believers lose passion when too many people are still clutching their own will. We don’t need more programs.
We need more surrender. More disciples who have truly died to self. That’s how revival starts.
So today, stop waiting for life to slow down. Stop waiting for perfect conditions.
Stop trying to fit Jesus into your schedule. Let go. Lay it down. Die to self — and live free in Christ.
What a powerful and convicting message Brother Matthew. Your teaching on dying to self speaks straight to the heart of true discipleship. It reminds me of Galatians 2:20 where Paul says, I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. You have beautifully captured the truth that surrender is not a loss, but the beginning of real freedom in Christ. When we let go of our will, our plans, and our comfort, we find the peace that passes all understanding Philippians 4:7. This message calls believers to stop living half-dead and to walk boldly in resurrection life. Thank you for reminding us that revival begins in the heart that has fully surrendered to Jesus. May the Lord continue to bless you with wisdom, strength, and grace as you lead many to embrace the fullness of life hidden with Christ in God Colossians 3:3.