Paul’s letter to the Colossians was an attempt to counter various false teachings that had crept into the church. Some were teaching salvation was achieved through Christ and also by following certain prescribed rituals or behaviors. Others taught that the spirit was entirely good while the physical was entirely evil. This heresy was known as Gnosticism. Gnostics believed only a select group could attain a deeper and higher understanding of God leading them to salvation. They espoused a belief that Jesus did not inhabit a physical body but only seemed to be real. Their distinction between physical and spiritual led to the idea that whatever was done in the body had no connection to an individual’s spiritual life. This resulted in polar extremes of behavior from denial and abuse of the body to total free license. The truth of the lesson reflects Paul’s purpose that our actions do matter in how others receive our message.
Paul states the case in the first two chapters of Colossians that Christ is divine as the fulness of God in the flesh. (See Col. 1:15-19, 2:9, 13-14) Paul concludes chapter two warning against following worldly codes and regulations that give a false sense of superiority or righteousness. We who believe no longer belong to the world but have been brought into the kingdom of the Son (1:13). We are then called to live to a holy standard established by Christ. Verses 1-3 remind us to keep our focus on Christ, more than anything else. This world is not our home, we are only passing through. He writes we have been “raised with Christ” which leads to the truth that we have died to our former sinful lifestyles. If we have been raised to new life, then we have been transformed. We are to “seek what is above” which means our heart’s desire is for the things of heaven. Verse 2 reinforces the ideal by setting our minds on the things of God and not on the things of earth. When we set our minds on something we keep a keen focus on that object and no temptation can distract us. This goes even further in verse 3 stating that we have died to our old way of life. Galatians 2:20 reminds us that we “are crucified with Christ” and we no longer live but Christ lives within us. Our new lives are “hidden with Christ in God.” When we are hidden, we are covered or protected from an adversary. A soul can find rest when they are hidden under the watchful and protective eye of the Father.
Verse 13 is connected to the previous thought by the term “therefore.” Since we are chosen and don’t belong to this world any longer the qualities of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience should be the hallmarks of our behavior. These qualities are a great contrast to the attitudes mentioned in verses 8-9 that we are to put away. Verse 13 gives great emphasis to forgiveness. We are to bear with each another and forgive one another quickly. How difficult this is but as James said we are to be quick to listen and slow to anger (James 1:19). How are we to forgive? We are to forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. We are to forgive because we have been forgiven much. God offers forgiveness freely and abundantly. May we also seek to forgive as a first option rather than giving ill will a time to fester. Verse 14 tells us that this is all possible within the unifying bond of love. Love is the “perfect bond” that holds the body together and moves it toward spiritual maturity. When we operate from a foundation of love and unity we can move beyond disagreements and conflicts. This spirit of love is a testimony to a watching world. Many use dysfunction within the body of Christ as an excuse for their lack of faith. When we are one in spirit and working within this bond of unity the peace of Christ will be evident to all. Paul’s final instruction in verse 15 is to be thankful. Living with a thankful heart turns our attention to God and His provision rather than where we might be needy. The hymn writer, Johnson Oatman, Jr. had some good in advice that we should count our blessings, naming them one by one.
Verses 16-17 The readers are then encouraged to allow the Word of Christ to take up residence among them. He intends for the reader to spend time with and meditate over the principles of scripture. The Word is living and has the power to transform the heart. I think of the importance of God’s Word to Jesus. When He was hungry and tempted by the devil to eat, Jesus responded that man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4, Deut. 8:3). When we are tired and tried hopefully God’s Word is what comes to our mind first, flowing from the stores of our heart. Paul moves on with a twofold function of God’s Word – teaching and admonishing. These instructions and corrections were found in the psalms, hymns, spiritual songs that were taught to them.
Verse 17 reminds us that whatever we do, in word or deed, is to be done in the name of Jesus. We may simply ask ourselves if I do or say this will it bring honor to God’s name? If the answer is “no” then don’t proceed. I notice here at the close of verse 17 Paul writes we do all things while giving thanks to God the Father. This is after he had already in verse 15 told the reader to be thankful and in verse 16 to have gratitude in their hearts. It seems that living thankfully is a very important concept for us to grasp. I know at times I tend to dwell on all the things that could be better in my life rather than being thankful for what I do have. When we allow God to transform us and renew our minds as Romans 12:2 instructs us to do our entire outlook will change.
I’ll get back to the lesson truth that our writers began with: “How we live reflects the message we share.” The words of Paul to the Colossian church in today’s lesson show me five main ideas:
1. Set our minds on Christ and do not allow worldly concerns to distract us.
2. Practice patience and kindness with others and always be ready to extend forgiveness.
3. Love binds us together and allows peace to reign in our hearts.
4. Ground our hearts and minds in the truth of God’s Word. The truth is our anchor.
5. Live with an attitude of gratitude recognizing that all good gifts come from the Father above.
