Colossians 3:1-17
Q.1. How can the triumph of Christ bring about change in the daily life of the believer? Are there steps we can follow? – (Col.3:1-11)
Paul had explained that our identification with Christ’s death on the cross includes the resurrection over the sinner’s final enemy. He urged the Colossians to – keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Col.3:1 c.f. Col.2:12-15; 3:1-3). He promised that – When Christ, who is our life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory (Col.3:4). There are several steps in applying this triumph of to our daily lives that Paul also addresses in Romans chapter 6: 1st We must KNOW the truth of the Atonement by faith (see Col.3:1-4); 2nd We must CONSIDER its truth and apply it to our lives (see Col.3:5-7). How? 3rd By YIELDING our bodies, by identifying which works of the flesh must be PUT ASIDE. We must then PUT ON the corresponding character quality (see Col.3:8-10). There is to be no looking back and excusing our cultural or family traits [such as excusing that I am Greek, Jew, Scythian, slave or free (see Col.3:11) We must look forward to – being renewed to a true knowledge according to the true image of the One who (re)created him (Col.3:10).
Q.2. What qualities are to characterize believers in their relationships with others? Is there a part for us to play? – (Col.3:12-15)
No one is an island. The transformation should affect all our relationships within the Body of Christ, of which we are now a part. Paul gave another list like the fruit of the Spirit (i.e. that the indwelling Holy Spirit produces), which he identified in Galatians 5:22-23 (see Col.3:12). Here he also revealed how this applies to inter-personal relationships – Bearing with one another and forgiving each other … just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you (Col.3:13). By putting on an attitude of love, we will achieve the perfect bond of unity … something impossible without the exercising of true love (see Col.3:14).
Q.3. How important is corporate worship in helping us to please God in word and deed? – (Col.3:16-17)
The transforming power of the indwelling Holy Spirit can also give us internal and private victory in the “battle of the mind” and destructive “self-talk”. This requires godly input from the Scriptures, through faithful Bible teaching and preaching and – letting the word of Christ richly dwell in you … (Col.3:16). Here Paul added the other provision that comes through our corporate worship – so that the Word of Christ might richly dwell within you … teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God (Col.3:16). As a result, we will grow, so that – whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father (Col.3:17).