Colossians 3
-Paul goes from the corporate in chapters 1 & 2 to the
individual Christian life in the last two chapters 3 & 4. He begins with
our resurrected life IN Christ, which allows us to focus on the things above in
glory rather than be consumed with the trials, tribulations, and temptations of
this natural world. His implication is that we are raised with Christ because
we have died to the old man and now our new creation by the Holy Spirit is
hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-4). Paul lists things in our mortal
beings that need to be “put off (Colossians 3:9),” “put away (Colossians 3:7),”
or “put to death (Colossians 3:5).” These things include sexual immorality,
impurity, passion (from pathos, which
denotes extreme desires, usually associated with sexuality), evil desire, and
covetousness, which is all idolatry (Colossians 3:5). Also mentioned are the
corruptions of anger, wrath, malice (evil intent), slander, obscene talk, and lying
(Colossians 3:8-9). Paul through the Holy Spirit says it is on account of these
things that the wrath of God is coming and that everyone walked in this
darkness of life before Christ came and saved (Colossians 3:6-7).
-That was the bad news, but the good (no make that great!)
news is that Christ has come and we can “put on (Colossians 3:10, 12, 14)” His
righteousness in His image. In this new life there is equality as Christ is all
and in all (Colossians 3:11). The list of things to “put on” include compassionate
hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another,
forgiveness, thanksgiving (Colossians 3:12-13). Above all of these virtues, or
fruits of the Holy Spirit, is the perfect bond of unity, LOVE (1 Corinthians
13, Colossians 3:14). Peace is also included, which is to rule in our hearts
along with the Word of Christ, which can dwell in us richly through teaching
and admonishing one another in all wisdom (Colossians 3:15-16). The base
analysis is that we can be thankful in all forms of praise as we do everything
in word or deed in the Name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:16-17). *Application*
This is personal and very introspective when we consider how thus we should
live as new creations in Christ. If these characteristics are present and
growing, we are in good shape (2 Peter 1:2-8; 3:18). If not, we had better
examine ourselves to see if we are in the actual faith (2 Corinthians 13:5).
-Some individual exhortations in regards to family matters
and working relationships characterize Colossians 3:18-25. Submission and
obedience are big components in this section all in the fear of the Lord
(Colossians 3:22). The key verse here is “whatever you do, work heartily, as
for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23).” It is the Lord that gives our
inheritance as a reward as new creations and make sure that the wrongdoer who
is apart from God will be paid back for what they have done since there is no
partiality with God (Colossians 3:24-25). *Application* There is no doubt
individual responsibility and accountability with regards to our relationship
with the Lord is a critical application to us here. No one can make you right
with God other than you. It is your own personal faith that will make the
difference in where you spend eternity. Personally accept Christ as your Savior
and become a new creation through His Holy Spirit if you never have before. You
will benefit from this decision in more ways than you can ever imagine (Ephesians
3:20-21). We are blessed in Christ!
Verses to Memorize-
Colossians 3:3-4, 23
No comments:
Post a Comment