Paul's instruction to set minds on things above rather than earthly things flows from believers' death to sin and hidden life with Christ that will be revealed when He appears. The contrast between the old self's vices and the new self's virtues demonstrates how gospel transformation affects practical behavior rather than remaining merely theoretical or positional. The household code for wives, husbands, children, fathers, slaves, and masters shows how Christian relationships should reflect mutual submission and service "as to the Lord" rather than merely human authority.