2021-3-18

Colossians 3:1-25

　　After telling the Colossians that they have been set free from men-made rigid rules by their death with Christ, they are now to set their hearts (minds) on things above for they have been raised with Christ. Although a new believer in Christ may not completely overcome his old sinful ways immediately, his bondage to sin has been broken by Christ’s death. Sin is no longer as attractive as it used to be. Being a new person in Christ, the believer must now choose to:

1. Set his minds on spiritual matters so that he can live a victorious Christ pleasing life (v. 2-4). Because the mind is the controlling tower of one’s action, it is crucial that believers meditate on the teachings of Christ so that he can be transformed into the new person that reflects Christ in him.
2. Put to death earthy sinful nature: sex related – immorality, lust, and impurity; idolatry related-evil desires and greed (v. 5). Today, such issues are still rampant in our culture, so how do believers put to death such nature? It requires a resolute mind to snuff out (put to death) the triggering culprit. It is just like taking out oxygen by covering your hand over a candle. The lack of oxygen stops the flame from burning. “If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.”- Matt 5:30
3. Get rid of practices that lead to abusive and obnoxious behavior: anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language. Such behaviors started probably as isolated incidents and gradually it became a habit and before long it became one’s character. Paul said to renounce such a way of living and to live according to the teaching that reflects Christ in them for they have taken off their old self and are now clothed in Christ (v. 8-10).

　　Regardless of one’s race, culture or background, Christ is able to help us overcome all our shortcomings. If God is for us who can be against us? – Rom 8:31

　　Paul prescribed virtues Christians should adopt. These are virtues that we saw in Christ and as believers we should clothe ourselves with these:

1. Compassion: Jesus was moved and wept with Mary whose brother Lazarus had died-John 11:33-35
2. Kindness: Jesus spared an adulterous woman from being stoned to death and told her to go and sin no more- John 8:1-11
3. Humility: Jesus washed the feet of His disciples-John 13:1-17
4. Gentleness: Jesus placed His hands on the little children and warned His disciples not to hinder the children from coming to Him- Matt 19.14
5. Patience: Jesus was patient with His disciples even though they failed 3 times in staying alert and praying prior to His arrest at Gethsemane-Matt 26:40-46
6. Forgiving: Jesus hanging on the cross interceded for the people, “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.”-Luke 23:34
7. Love: Jesus commanded his disciples, “Love one another as I have loved you..”-John 15:12. To some, love is like the icing on a cake- it covers and binds all the goodness one loves in a cake. Love can also cover over a multitude of sins -1 Pet 4:8

　　Paul called upon believers to have the peace of Christ rule in their heart, and to be thankful. It is a good reminder to me not to be easily bogged down with worldly worries, but to remember to count my blessings even as things do not turn out as I would like. Paul also reminded me of the importance of dwelling in the Word of God, for it is filled with wisdom, suitable for teaching and admonishing one another especially my children. Paul made an important point about singing hymns and spiritual songs. I am reminded to sing to the meaning of my gratitude and love to God from the bottom of my heart (v.16). Paul once again brings my attention to the true meaning of my living is for God’s glory -“…whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”(v.17), so help me God, so that I can do my best in everything for you!

　　Today, there are many dysfunctional families and Christians’ families are no exception. Paul, an unmarried man by the authority of the Holy Spirit, addressed the role of each family member in a Chrisitan household (v.18-21). Wives submission to their husband may be considered an archaic practice in today’s culture, but this is God’s idea and is seen as right in the Lord (v.16). As a result, wives should obey the Lord and submit to her husband. The saying “ too many cooks spoils the broth” is true even in a family. God’s idea for wives to be the helper and not the leader in the house, so that with one leader who is the husband, there will be peace and order in the household. The submission of a wife does not mean that she has no opinions or say in matters of the household. It is rather the ultimate decision making is deferred to her husband. Paul called on the husbands to love their wives and not to be harsh to them (v. 19). It would be easier for the wife to submit to her husband when she is loved and treated right by her husband. Likewise, it would be easier for the husband to love when his wife submits to him. The problem arises when the husband abuses his wife and she is still expected to submit even to the point of being abused mentally, emotionally and physically. This is a complex issue that requires counseling for both husband and wife so that they can each fulfill their god-given role within a family for God’s glory. Children are to obey their parents in everything for this pleases the Lord (v. 20). Sometimes I find myself bringing this verse up with my sons when I am met with resistance. Being a parent, I can now relate to why God places high priority on obedience- To obey is better than sacrifice and to heed is better than the fat of rams- 1 Sam 15:22. Likewise, being an employee who obeys the rules of his workplace will make his employer’s life much easier. Paul addressed the importance of working as if working for our heavenly master, the Lord Jesus (v. 22). It is Him whom we serve, He is our unseen master who loves us and died for us. Let us serve Him with all our being so that He may be glorified in us! — Lai Yee Leong