By Khen Lim
Image Source: justinleetalbert.wordpress.com
Paul’s impressive contribution to the Bible is probably second
to the Gospels that richly fill out the New Testament. In depth and breadth,
Paul has written widely, concisely but also in specific terms that help to
address the various issues that plague the newborn churches in the
post-Resurrection period. And even as he set down many rules to churches, it
was his guidelines to the new Christian that brings into sharp focus how we,
too, can look at our individual lives before God.
In Colossians 3:1-17 are seventeen verses that outline how we
can live righteously. Given the space constraints, we’ll take an overview of what
they are and the manner in which we should apply them.
1. Set your mind to look up
3:1-2 (NASB) says, “Therefore
if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where
Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above,
not on the things that are on earth.” We have a choice here – we can look
to the world to tell us what good means or we can count on Christ for His
values.
To seek the things above means to set our sights on Christ for
His invaluable guidance and perfect inspiration. This is advice that is
grounded on the pretext that you are revived through the work of God’s Spirit
that is in us. When Paul says, “Set your
mind,” he doesn’t mince words; he asks that we make a specific decision to
focus on God for His unerring standards are lofts higher than anything the
world has to offer.
2. Died to the old, raised with the new
Paul says in 3:3-4 (NASB), “For
you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is
our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” As
we are born again, we are now imbued with new priorities and an exciting
revelation. We die with Christ and we are reborn in Christ and as our focus
changes, we now look for directions in God and not the world and while we do
so, we are to understand that much of our changed nature is not known to the
world (1 Jn 3:2) but “hidden with Christ
in God.”
They will not appreciate who you are, now that your values and
aspirations are transformed in a new citizenship (Php 3:20). In you now, is a
raised new you. You have become different to the world but the world does not
understand this spiritual newness that “will
be revealed with Him in glory” when Christ returns.
3. Put to death our old practices
The six verses in 3:5-10 focus on how we are to ditch our old
practices but Paul is very specific here as he outlines what they are and because
the original texts were in Greek, it would pay to understand what he truly
means. Paul emphasises that as we are born again in Christ, our earthly body must
now be rid of these old practices that he defines as immorality, impurity,
passion, evil desire and greed, all amounting to idolatrous behaviour.
He reminds new Christians that where we once walked in the
flesh, these will be what God will judge against the “sons of disobedience” (v.7). We are, as he puts it, “dead to” these old practices, meaning
that we have left behind the very things that brings death to us but instead
walk in the ways of truth and claim our new identity in Christ to live out our
lives renewed, redeemed and empowered.
Paul’s definitions in verse 5 are many because the church in
Colossae are Gentiles who are new to Christ. The concept of sin is therefore
alien to them. Immorality or fornication (KJV) is porneia in Greek, which defines sexual conduct that is unlawful,
outside of wedlock, adulterous or perverted. Because we are sanctified before
God, we are expected to be morally upright in all matters to do with sex. We
are to refrain and restrain ourselves, to avoid dishonouring Him and to remind
ourselves that He has called on us to be holy (1 Thes 4:3-8).
Impurity or uncleanliness (KJV) is moral filth or vileness,
again, pointing to sexual sins just as passion (or lust), evil desire
(forbidden cravings) and also greed (or covetousness). All of these allude to
sexual misadventures that deviate from God’s expectations. While the focus is
sexual by nature, the meaning of these words in their original Greek can also
suggest that we enlarge them to consider non-sexual conduct that is equally as
unacceptable.
For example, impurity can also mean, moral corruption. Lust is
inordinate affection (KJV) that can refer to other things that removes us from
God (Rom 1:26, 1 Thes 4:5). Greed can be an evil craving for material matters
including money.
In verse 8, Paul talks about keeping a lid on anger and
controlling our vicious tongue and here, he also spells out wrath, malice, slander
and abusive speech. His choice of words ‘put
them aside,’ has the original meaning of ‘laying aside’ like ‘taking off
one’s clothes.’ Anger, being a generally negative emotional response must be
defined.
As Jesus demonstrated at the temple, there is such a thing as ‘righteous
anger.’ In this context, Paul is pointing to the ‘selfish reaction’ type that
is not only conceited and self-serving but also makes us vulnerable to the
workings of the devil (Eph 4:26-27).
He also talks about wrath (or rage in NIV). Wrath is a step up
from anger. This is when one flares up, risking a loss of control in an intense
state of displeasure. If we do not humbly submit to the Holy Spirit, anger will
spiral out of control becoming wrath. Malice in its original Greek form (kakia) points to mean-spirited or a
vicious attitude. Paul speaks of a brutal deliberation to harm others.
Slander (blasphemy in KJV) is when we use God’s or Jesus’ Name
in vain to curse others. Once we lose our cool, we utter things that denigrate
others. In short, we hurl insults and when we do so, we can also partake in, as
Paul says, abusive speech (filthy language in KJV). Our choice of words become
gutter quality. Poor taste, obscene, dirty, scurrilous and shameful to God.
In verse 9, Paul says, “Do
not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil
practices.” The reminder that we are not of the old anymore resonates as clearly
here as we take note of how Satan is infamous known as the ‘father of lies’ (Jn
8:44) while God is the God of Truth. Renewed in God’s image, we also inherit
His integrity, truthfulness and faith. When we are born again, we are expected
to be like Him.
In the new self, Paul says we are to be renewed (vv9-10) in
accordance to “the image of the One who
created” us. In these two verses, the use of the terms ‘laid aside’ and ‘put on the
new self’ are opposites of one another. Both are akin to removing the old
shirt to put on the new shirt and as one does this, a new image is wrought as
the old is discarded but even so, Paul’s intention is not about outward but
internal or inward change. He alludes more to the renewal of a new spirit, a
character change from the inside out.
Take care of how he uses the word “being” – the idea is that the process of renewal – sanctification,
in other words – is not an overnight job but a continuous process of moulding
(2 Cor 4:16b, Tit 3:5b, Rom 12:2b). The very interesting aspect of this
sanctification is how we use the word ‘renewal’
as in, ‘to make new again’ as in ‘to render us as new as we were created from
the very beginning’ (Lk 23:43, 2 Cor 12:4, Rev 2:7, 22:2, 14:19) We are to
reclaim that perfect balance (Gen 1:27) through God’s very own hands that work
in us. We cannot possibly achieve any of this on our own – only our desire and
willingness to overcome our obstinance that God can work to sanctify us.
4. Be at one in Christ
In 3:11, Paul talks of our renewal in Christ to the extent
that there will be no difference between all of us. He quotes “no distinction between Greek and Jew,
circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman”
because Christ is in all of us.
There will be no separations and we are not to deceive one
another or be an affront because in all that is said, we are now the one and
the same in Him. Paul’s use of different nationals in the verse is to point to
the variations in being foreign, unrefined, unbelief and social status. The mix
is broad-based enough to cover all of us regardless of where we are in the
world.
5.
Clothe
yourself in virtue
Colossians 3:12 (NASB) says, “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a
heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” In other
words, in God, we become His chosen ones, regarded as precious and well-loved
in His eyes.
The three key words in the first half of this verse are
notable – ‘chosen’ as in we are the ‘elect
of God’ (KJV) in that we are the uniquely selected (Gk. Eklektos), ‘holy’ which
the Greek word ‘hagios’ defines
sacred, dedicated to and reserved for God and God’s service and ‘beloved’ (Gk. Agapaō), which suggests that we are cherished by God who created
the universe and who saves mankind from destruction.
In the latter half of the verse are five elements of what God
experts of us from deep inside our hearts. Our conduct is one of a new person rebirthed
in Christ and imbued in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience. KJV calls compassion ‘bowels of mercies,’ in which the combined use
of the two Greek words (splanchnon
and oiktirmos) gives us the meaning
of ‘heartfelt benevolence’ to describe a people punctuated by a readiness to be
sincere and empathetic.
In the four other elements of the heart, we are called to bear
fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23), which when spelt out would be helpful,
generous, meek, considerate, humble, persevering and patient. We are also to have
a deep sense of moral littleness (lowliness of mind) and feel the gratefulness
of God’s joy in us but not to deign any self-importance. We don’t have to go
out impressing others or force our impressions on others. We are to be holy
does not mean we have to project an outward image of holiness to others.
6. Practise forbearance and forgiveness
The two important qualities Paul brings forth in 3:13 are
forbearance and forgiveness. To bear with one another is to tolerate or to put
up with. You may find yourself in situations where the other party might be stretching
you to the fullest but in forbearance, God says to endure with love and
patience, to learn to relate and be willing to accept differences (Eph 4:2).
And even if someone were to cross your path and angered you,
be quick to pardon not just for the awkwardness but for the sins that were
pinned against you. To forgive is to willingly refuse to hold grudges against
others. God has often made it clear that forgiveness is our job and obligation (Mt
6:15) while justice is purely God’s to serve.
7. Let love unite perfectly
Colossians 3:14 (NASB) exhorts us to let love do its thing: “Beyond all these things put on love, which is
the perfect bond of unity.” In other words, above all else, there is but
love. Everything pales into insignificance (relatively speaking) because in
love, there is the “perfect bond of
unity.”
Love unifies us. KJV puts it as the ‘bond of perfectness’
while NIV refers to it as that which ‘binds together in perfect unity’ or as
NRSV puts it, ‘in perfect harmony.’ The words ‘bond’ (Gk. Syndesmos) and ‘perfection’ (Gk. Teleiotēs) are important in the original meaning.
8.
Find peace
and give thanks
Paul writes in 3:15 (NASB), “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were
called in One Body; and be thankful.” In the One Body of Christ, we may be
different members but we belong in unity to One. We work together in sympathy
for the glory of that One Body. Despite the word ‘rule,’ the original
translation in Greek is ‘brabeuō,’ which
is ‘to be in control of someone’s activity through a decision made.’ That being
the case, we are to cede control of our hearts to the peace of Christ.
This is a commandment to be at peace within the same body of
Christ; to not be warring but to be in harmony and to work together in the ‘bond
of peace’ reminiscent of Ephesians 4:3. And in all that we do and in all that
the peace of Christ is joyously residing within us, let us all be thankful (Gk.
Eucharistos).
9. Teaching, exhorting, worshipping in song
From this and the previous verse, Paul commands the church in
two ways. In 3:15, we are to “let the
peace of Christ rule in our hearts” and in the following, “let the word of Christ richly dwell within
us” (v.16). If we put the two together, it is clear that Christ must live
in us for us to be Christ-like.
Take note of the phrase, “richly
dwell” for in Greek, the two words (Gk. Enoikeō,
to live, dwell in and Plousiōs,
richly, abundantly) combine to say that Christ’s words are to live in us, to
fill our lips to the brim and to draw people to Him, using all wisdom to teach
and admonish one another, worshipping in song (v.16).
While teaching is a positive expression, admonish would appear
to be a slightly harsh opposite. The Greek word Noutheteō means to advise someone against improper conduct. We
should consider that Paul uses the word ‘admonishing’ in a different manner as
he instructs the church to counsel with songs of praise and worship to God.
10.
Do all in
the goodness of His Name
In capping off his blueprint for exemplary Christian living,
Paul tells us to do all that is good in the goodness of His Name (3:17). The
key to this is to speak and act in the full consciousness of Christ with the
view that we stand the test of God’s Name. At all times our conduct must be an
exemplification of our holiness so that we reflect our thankfulness to God.
Summary
As we go through these eighteen verses, it is important not
only to understand but to earnestly apply them in our lives as Christians.
These are virtues that are central to be in Christ and as Paul has outlined
them in such great detail in his letter to the church in Colossae, they have to
be important not just to our conduct in public but also in our own homes.
In reviewing them, the gist of Paul’s inspired blueprint can
be summed up as such:
- Set our minds to look up and above (vv1-2)
- To die to the old and arise with the new (vv3-4)
- To put to death sexual sins and old practices (vv5-10)
- To be at one in Christ no matter the outward differences (v11)
- To clothe ourselves with virtue for we are chosen to be holy and loved (v12)
- To practise forbearance and forgiveness and leave the rest to God (v13)
- To let love unite us in perfect harmony (v14)
- To be thankful that we can find peace of Christ in our hearts (v15)
- To teach and guide with prayerful thanksgiving and worship to God (v16) and,
- To let our words and deeds be well tested for the good of the Name of Christ (v17).
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