Bobservations' Column
Pastor Bob Lawrenz
As is typical, this last section of Colossians 3 continues to build on the first half of the chapter. It is about our commitment to Christ. Nothing less than a full commitment will do, nothing less than a full commitment will bring us the result we seek, eternal life with Christ. I say that in full awareness that Jesus is continually loving, forgiving, and gracious, and His mercies are new every morning. Today’s reading performs as a segue in the midst of the chapter to drive home the point of our vulnerability.
Even the successful purging of just one sin in our lives leaves a void in our habits and routines. Putting off the old man leaves a void. Putting on the new man fills the old man’s void. It behooves us to fill the void as it is created. Christ Jesus is the only one that can fill us in mind, body, and spirit. It is His total commitment to us that should elicit our full commitment to Him.
“We love Him because He first love us.” 1 John 4:19
“While we were yet sinners, He died for us.” Romans 5:8
The plan of salvation is God’s perfect plan, even to the death of His only begotten Son for our sakes. Abrahams near sacrifice of his son, Isaac exemplifies in "typology" what God has done for us. The hardships of Joseph, son of Jacob, presents Joseph’s life as a type of Christ’s life. Samson, and many other characters of the Old Testament give us more and more of the history of what Jesus experienced for us during His short time on Earth.
He asks us to die to self, and to follow Him; His life then becomes a type of what ours can be if we do indeed follow Him: a new life, eternal life, with Him in heaven, with the Father and the Holy Spirit and all the rest that are His. It will be heavenly!
2 Timothy 3:16 -
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and instruction in righteousness.”This week is part 3 for the church at Colossae: “Correction”
Sunday Morning Message:
Colossians 3:17-25 - "Do It Heartily"
This week as we finish up the third chapter of Colossians, Paul gets very specific on what Christian conduct looks like. In verse 17, he says, "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus! All things really mean all things!
In Colossians 3, Paul started out his teaching by listing several sinful traits a Christian should avoid. He then followed this with a list of Godly characteristics believers should be displaying in their lives.So, in verse 17, Paul summarizes all of this with the following phrase: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Colossians 3:17). You don’t do Christ-centered things at church and then worldly centered things at work or home. The command is all-encompassing and covers all of life. It covers all things because Jesus is Lord of all things. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him" (Colossians 2:6). Our relationship with Jesus is not about a set of rules, it is about our hearts. Hearts that have been renewed, captivated by His love and filled with His Spirit. We obey Him because we love Him.
It is a great privilege and a wonderful responsibility to bear Christ’s name. So, if you call yourself a Christian, remember that it is Him that you represent.
Verses 18-25 - In all our relationships we should look at Christ for our example. Husbands and wives, look at Christ and his relationship with the church as the example for your relationship with each other. Children, look at Jesus who obeyed his parents as the example for your relationship with your parents. Parents, look at Christ and his compassion as the example for your relationship with your children. Bosses and workers, look at the Lord as the ultimate reward-giver and judge as the motivation for your relationship with each other.
The false teachers at Colosse taught that spirituality consisted of higher knowledge and mystical experiences. But Paul says true spirituality is demonstrated in the practical day-to-day, down-to-earth relationships in your home and workplace.
Christ is central! He is central to the universe, he is central to the church, he is central to everything. And part of living the Christ-centered life is putting Christ at the center of your relationships as well.
