BT7: A Christian author was discussing the way to discover God's will for one's life and made the point that inner peace was an important indicator. The sole verse he used to anchor his argument was Colossians 3:15 ("Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts"). Would you agree with his use of this verse to make this point? Why or why not?

The Apostle Paul wrote this epistle to deal with false teachers that had crept into the church at Colosse. Colossians 1:22-23 says, "But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation -- if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul have become a servant." Paul was concerned that the people at this church might be swayed from the faith and hope that they had once had in the gospel. Colossians 2:4-5 says, "I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is." Paul was also concerned that the people would be drawn away by fine-sounding arguments.

In Colossians 3:1-14, the Apostle Paul instructed the people concerning their lifestyle. Colossians 3:1-2 says, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." In the remaining verses up to Verse Fifteen, he wrote about specific things that they should do to clean up their lives. In Verse Twelve, he motivated the believers at Colosse to be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. In Verse Fourteen, he told them to put on love and to let all these virtues co-exist within them in perfect unity. Then, in Verse Fifteen, he encouraged them to let the peace of Christ dwell in their hearts because they were called to be peaceful and thankful. This verse does not pertain to peace and God's Will. Christians can have peace when they are fulfilling God's Will in their life, but this verse does not teach that truth.

Tom of Bethany

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