Anchor My Faith

Do All in the Name of the Lord Jesus

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 ESV)

The context of our verse is about putting on the new self, which includes putting on “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (verse 12). We must bear with another and forgive each other (verse 13). “And above all these put-on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (verse 14). We are to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (verse 15) and let the word of Christ dwell in us richly (verse 16).

The last instruction of the section about putting on the new self begins in verse 17 with “And whatever you do.” “Whatever” includes everything we do. For example: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23 ESV); and “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV). All that we do is to be done with the Lord in focus and to the glory of God.

That which we do also includes what we say because the words which we speak or write are more than just sounds or groupings of letters, they are agents of impact. Words can and do change life as “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21 ESV) or in the written word. Stop and think how words have shaped your life.

We are to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus is to say and do what Jesus our Lord has instructed us to say and do, which implies that everything is to be done in the light of the revelation of our Lord and harmonized with that revelation. This conveys the importance of 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

Consider what your life would be like if everything you did fully expressed the fruit of the Spirit of Galatians 5:22 – 23 ESV: ²² “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Life in heaven will be a complete expression of God’s word lived out through our lives.

We are to give “thanks to God the Father through [Jesus Christ].” We are to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV). We are to give thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:12).

Verse 17 ends a very rich section on the characteristic of the new self. Those characteristics come to life in us as we live out Galatians 2:20 (ESV) through the process of sanctification: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Father how desperately we need to allow Christ to live in us and through us.  

The Following Addendum Is Provided by ChatGPT

Summary Theme

Living a Christ-centered life that glorifies God in every word and action through gratitude and submission to the authority of Jesus Christ.

Summary Paragraph

Colossians 3:17 serves as a comprehensive command that summarizes the believer’s entire way of life. Paul calls Christians to align every aspect of their conduct, both speech and actions, under the lordship of Jesus Christ. This verse emphasizes that nothing in the believer’s life is outside the scope of Christ’s authority. By doing everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” believers act as His representatives, reflecting His character and purposes. At the same time, gratitude is to permeate this lifestyle, as thanksgiving to God the Father flows through Christ, acknowledging Him as the source of all blessing and the mediator of all relationship with God.

Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:

1. What does it mean to do everything “in the name of the Lord Jesus”?
   Answer:
   To act “in the name of the Lord Jesus” means more than simply attaching His name to our actions; it means living under His authority, reflecting His character, and pursuing His will in all things. In biblical understanding, a “name” represents identity, authority, and reputation. Therefore, whatever a believer says or does should align with who Christ is, His holiness, love, truth, and righteousness. It implies that our decisions, attitudes, and behaviors are guided by Christ’s teachings and example. Practically, this means asking whether our words and actions honor Him and accurately represent Him to others.
2. How can believers apply this verse to everyday life?
   Answer:
   This verse applies to every area of life, work, relationships, speech, decisions, and even thoughts. In daily living, it means speaking words that reflect grace and truth, acting with integrity and compassion, and making decisions that align with biblical principles. For example, in the workplace, it means working diligently and honestly as if serving Christ. In relationships, it means showing patience, forgiveness, and love. Even routine or ordinary tasks take on spiritual significance when done for Christ’s glory. This transforms life from being divided into “sacred” and “secular” into a unified life of worship.
3. Why is thanksgiving emphasized in this verse, and how does it relate to obedience?
   Answer:
   Thanksgiving is emphasized because it reflects a heart that recognizes God’s grace and provision. Gratitude is not just an emotion but a spiritual posture that acknowledges dependence on God. When believers live with thanksgiving, obedience becomes a joyful response rather than a burdensome duty. Giving thanks “to God the Father through Him” highlights that all blessings come from God and are mediated through Christ. This perspective keeps believers humble, focused, and aligned with God’s purposes. A thankful heart also guards against pride, discontentment, and self-centeredness, fostering a deeper relationship with God and a more faithful walk with Christ.