In With the New
(Colossians
We’re in the practical section of Paul’s letter to the
Colossians. In the theological portion,
Paul laid down the doctrinal foundation of the supremacy and sufficiency of
Jesus Christ the Lord. Starting with
chapter 3, Paul now gives us the practical exhortations that logically flow out
of his theological treatment in the first two chapters. In vv. 1-4 of chapter 3, we learned that we
are to have a heavenward focus. In vv.
5-11, we learned that we are to put off (put to death) our old self with its
sinful behaviors. In vv. 12-17 (our
study before us), we will learn what to put in the place of the sinful patterns
of behavior we put off in our last study.
The passage before us is like an ascending list of positive characteristics
that gradually build up in quality. But
to begin our study, Paul talks about our identity.
1. Our Identity:
Chosen, Holy and Beloved (v. 12).
One of the biggest problems facing our affluent
society is on of identity. Much of this
is self-inflicted. But many of us battle
with issues of low self-esteem. Many of
us search for purpose and meaning in our jobs, our families, or our hobbies, or
even in our ministries. The point of all
this is to say we’re not identified by any of those things. If you’re a follower of Christ, you’re a son
or daughter of God; adopted into his family paid for by the precious blood of
Christ. God defines our identity, and in
this passage God says we’re chosen, holy and blessed.
Chosen speaks to the fact that God deliberately
singled you out to be a part of his family.
You weren’t an accident, or an afterthought. God deliberately chose to set his love
on you and call you out of the world and into his kingdom. Secondly, we’re not only chosen, but also
holy. We are sacred and set apart for
the purposes of God. We’re not holy
because of anything we’ve done, but because God set us apart and sanctified
us. Thirdly, we’re beloved. Let that thought wash over you for a
moment—we are the beloved of God. This
is the very same God who called the very universe into existence by the word of
his mouth! The Apostle John said it
well, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us that we should be
called children of God.” So despite what
you think, despite how you feel, despite what others say about you, you’re a
child of God—chosen, holy and beloved.
2. Put on then…Compassion, Kindness, Humility,
Meekness and Patience (v. 12).
As a child of God, holy, chosen and beloved, how
are we to act? Well, in v. 12, Paul gives
us five rapid-fire characteristics as a start.
First is compassion. Compassion
is the ability to feel the pain and suffering of another. Kindness is next. Kindness is the disposition of a person who
is generally good toward others. Third
is humility. Humility is the ability to
esteem others as more important than you.
The fourth is meekness, and that is the characteristic of keeping your
power and strength under control.
Finally, there is patience, and that is the ability to deal with
difficult people with compassion, kindness, humility and meekness.
Now maybe you’re thinking, “That’s quite a list,
how can I do all these things?” Well,
you can’t, and neither can I. These are
all fruits of the Holy Spirit (cf. Galatians
3. Put on then…Forgiveness (v. 13).
After the five qualities listed in v. 12, Paul
builds on that in v. 13. If you see
compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience growing in your life,
then you’re ready for forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a hallmark of Christian character. It is the basis for our current standing with
God. It is the key to enduring
relationships. It is impossible to have
enduring, intimate relationships without forgiveness. Forgiveness is the voluntary setting aside of
a debt owed. If someone wrongs you or
cheats you, forgiveness is the act on your part to not seek retribution,
and to no longer hold that against the one that wronged you.
Now maybe this is true of you, but when I came to
Christ, I knew I had to seek forgiveness from others I have wronged. But much more difficult is forgiving those
who have wronged us. There is a part of
us that wants to exact that pound of flesh.
However, that is not how a child of God ought to act. Paul says in v. 13 we ought to bear with one
another and forgive one another.
Why? Because God forgave us! We are to mirror our heavenly Father when it
comes to forgiveness. As he forgave us,
we are to forgive others. How did God
forgive us? Completely! There is no sin that anyone can commit
against us that comes close to any sin committed against God’s perfect
holiness. The smallest sin is an act of
cosmic treason against a perfectly holy God.
Yet through Jesus Christ, God chose to forgive us. How can we not forgive others?
4. Put on then…Love (v. 14).
Paul raises the stakes yet again in v. 14. He says, “above all these put on love.” Why does he say, “above all these?” Because without love, all of these other
character traits are useless. Read 1
Corinthians 13:1-3, it is there that Paul lists a bunch of wonderful abilities
and traits (speaking with the tongues of angels, faith that can move a
mountain, etc.). But in the end, if love
is absent, they’re all meaningless.
Likewise, you can’t be compassionate, kind, humble, meek, patient, and
forgiving without love. Paul further
says love “binds everything together in perfect harmony.” What he means by that is a true love for
other people is what motivates these other traits.
Now I’ve said all this without defining love. Love is a fruit of the Spirit; it is the
ability to put the needs and concerns of others before yours to the point of
self-sacrifice. The Biblical definition
can be found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
God is love personified (cf. 1 John 4:8). Jesus Christ is love on display. If you read through 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, you
can’t help but see these traits on perfect display in the gospels. This very same love of God is poured out in
our hearts (Romans 5:5). We don’t need
to pray to be more loving. All we need
to do is pray for God’s love to work itself out in our lives.
5. Put on then…Peace (v. 15).
The next thing Paul brings up is peace: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your
hearts.” We need to identify this
peace. The Bible generally speaks about
two types of peace. The first kind of
peace is that objective idea of having peace with God. When we come to Christ in faith, we have
peace with God—we are no longer enemies (cf. Romans 5). It doesn’t matter how we feel, that peace is
an objective reality. The second kind of
peace is a subjective peace, and that is a calm assurance that God is in
control and has your best intentions at heart.
I believe Paul is referring to the latter kind of peace. Part of the Christian walk is experiencing
the peace of Christ in our lives. God
doesn’t want his children living with inner turmoil in their lives. That’s what Paul means when he says “to which
indeed you were called in one body.” The
peace of Christ reigning in our lives is our calling.
6. Put on then…The Word (v. 16).
After all the previous traits and attitudes that
Paul exhorts us to “put on,” he now exhorts us to Bible study. The child of God should be on fire for the
word. The word is our spiritual
food. Sadly, there are Christians who
are spiritually starving! The only time
their souls are fed is on Sunday mornings.
This ought not to be! When we
read the Bible, God is speaking to us.
Paul says we are to let the word “dwell within us.” That doesn’t just mean to read the Bible, but
also to study it, meditate upon it, pray it, and memorize it.
When the word dwells within us, what happens? We will be able to teach and admonish one
another. This is the dream of every
Bible teacher—people fired up about the word that they would be able to teach
others. Not only will we be able to
teach, but also we will be able to do so with all wisdom. Finally, when the word dwells within us, we
will bring forth praise and thankfulness.
Why? Because God’s word is the
truth that sets us free (John
7. Put on then…Godliness (v. 17).
Paul concludes his list righteous character traits
in v. 17. I think a good summary term
for what is stated in v. 17 is godliness.
“Whatever we do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord
Jesus.” After putting on compassion,
kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love and peace, after
letting God’s word dwell within you richly, Paul gives the exhortation that in
whatever else we do (or say), let it be done in the name of the Lord
Jesus. What does it mean to do something
in the name of the Lord Jesus? It means
to do it consistent with his character or nature. It’s sort of like WWJD (What Would Jesus Do)
without the corny bracelets. This begs
the question: “What would Jesus
do?” For starters, read the four
gospels. Secondly, read the rest of the
New Testament. Finally, read the entire
Bible. If you read it with an open mind,
you’ll know what God’s character is like, and how he would like you to act in
any given situation. Finally, we are to
do everything with an attitude of genuine thankfulness (v. 17b). This is so often overlooked, but so
fundamental to a Christian lifestyle.
Anybody can grit their teeth and live the “Christian life,” but to do so
with genuine gratitude can only be done in the power of the Holy Spirit.
8. Application Time.
This is quite a list of things to “put on.” It’s easy to be overwhelmed by it. I think the trick to it is in three
things: 1) Understand your identity as
outlined in v. 12a; 2) Immerse yourself in God’s word (v. 16); and 3) Step out
in faith that God has given you the Holy Spirit to empower your Christian
life. This doesn’t happen overnight, but
understand that God is loves you and will forgive you. When you stumble, get up and continue walking
by faith.
9. Bottom Line.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and
admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual
songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).
Have
a blessed day!