Scripture:
Colossians 3:1-17 NKJV
[1] If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. [5] Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. [6] Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, [7] in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. [8] But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. [9] Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, [10] and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, [11] where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. [12] Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. [14] But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [17] And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Observation:
This morning was one of those mornings where as I was reading, it was hard to find a stopping point. I’m so grateful that GOD has made HIS word so available. What a blessing it is to be able to get up every morning and spend time with HIM. Allowing HIM to speak to me. As I was praying about what to write this morning. A thought sat in my spirit, “This World is not my home. We are just passing through.” But what does that mean and how do we act when we truly realize that fact. Reading in Colossians chapter 3 is a great place to start looking. Knowing that this letter was written from a prison cell brings the perspective to the forefront of our minds, of course that wasn’t Paul’s desired place to reside, but that’s where he was at the moment. His goal in the letter was to present the sufficiency of Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation and spiritual growth. It seemed that some men had crept in and begun to teach about Jewish traditions and brought the church to a place of confusion. This letter not only puts Christ back on the throne by countering false teachers, but promoting Christ centered living as well as encouraging Christian’s to grow in their walk with HIM. He starts what we call chapter 3 letter off by reminding the church to seek heavenly things, not being carnal minded, or considering the things of this world. This in itself is contrary to what we hear about lot of pastors teaching today. That should tell you where we are in the prophetic clock. Paul’s plea doesn’t stop in the first few verses. As he encourages the church to set their minds on the things from above, he gives us an idea of what it looks like to live for this world. Talking about fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, listing it as idolatry. What Paul is doing is shaping the mind of the church, and explaining the true purpose of grace. Telling them to put off such things, as he continues his list of what it looks like to live for the flesh and this world. Verses 8 through 11 being one of his core teachings throughout a large portion of his writings. Putting the flesh to death, and living for Christ to the very best of their ability. One of the things I love about Paul’s writing is that he doesn’t just give us a list of what not to do. He also tells us what it looks like to live for Christ. He talks about taking off the old man as though it were like taking off a dirty shirt and putting on the new man as though it were like putting on a clean shirt. As he explains what the new character looks like. Speaking life into what has been done through Christ Jesus. Encouraging the church to live as though heaven is their permanent HOME. Calling them the elect and speaking about what the character and nature of Christ looked like and honestly what we should be striving for, he transitions from what not to do to what it looks like to live for Christ. Having a meek, humble, spirit that continues to walk with others through their flaws, being patient, forgiving, and kind no matter what, loving the unlovable, being peaceful, and allowing the word of GOD to dwell in you richly. I wanted to know what the word admonish meant so I looked it up. What I found is that it means, to warn or reprimand firmly. It’s a warning of what can happen. I love the way Paul puts it here because it makes it sound like a nice thing to do, and I believe his reasoning is the bound of LOVE. When admonishing someone it should not be done out of anything other than that. He confirmed my thoughts as he continued to write by saying, “What ever you in word or deed, do all in the name of the LORD Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through HIM.
Application:
I have heard it said, “That guy is so heavenly minded, that he is no earthly good. But I’m not sure that us possible. I want my mind fixed on the things above. It’s where my home is. Everything here is going to burn up or be destroyed some how, and it honestly just doesn’t matter. That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t take care of it but it should not be our center of focus. I want to be so tucked up under HIS wing knowing the HE is my refuge and strength. The things that happen here on earth its all temporary. The only thing that will last through GOD’S judgment and wrath is what has been done for the kingdom. Every project I finish as a carpenter makes me think about the kingdom. When you know where your going and you keep your focus on that. The things that happen here have a lot less effect on you. I don’t ever want to be so earthly minded that I am no heavenly good. I want my focus to be HIM. HE is seated right next to the Father. Right were I am going to be some day. Everything here is temporary. We are just passing through. The return of Christ is getting closer and closer. The house you live in, the car you drive, the clothes you wear, all of it isn’t going to matter. It’s all going to burn up. Your comfort here is not the important part of this life. Are you loving others or building your own kingdom here. I long for the day when it’s all over and we are in heaven. When i first got saved there was a couple in the church that hosted a church gathering at their home. It was a modest home and well taken care of. The thing i remember about it the most was not the furniture. It was some hand painted lettering on the wall over the door. It said, “Perhaps today.” It’s reference was to the rapture. They were wonderful people, who had some nice things. But it was not their focus. In fact I’m sure they could care less about their things. When it came to the return of Christ. My point to all this is that, if we are living for this life and its comfort. We are never going to be satisfied. We will always want more, and will never have enough. Paul tells us the he has learned the secret to life, is to be content in all our circumstances. Whether we have a little or a lot doesn’t matter. What matters is Christ who is seated at the right hand of the Father giving us all the strength we need to endure any circumstance we face. For me absolutely nothing else matters. I want my mind fixed on Jesus Christ. I want to take off who I used to be and put on the character and likeness of my LORD and SAVIOR. This life is all but over and we are waiting HIS glorious return. Stay Christ centered. It’s the only answer.
Prayer:
Father, we just want to thank you. Not only have you made a way but you have given us everything we need as well. You are so amazing. Your plan has left nothing out. As we continue to grow deeper in our relationship with you, all we can ask is that our mind and thoughts stay focused on the things above. The only thing that matters about this life is that you have given us a new opportunity. An opportunity to sit right next to your. Help us to put on the new man. Leaving this world in the rear view. We know that you will be returning soon and we want our lives to reflect the fact the you are the LORD of them. That you are the one who calls the shots. As you place others in front of us we want to love without question. Allowing the character of your son to shine through every piece of who you have made us to be. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus we pray amen.