In the previous chapter Paul exposed the wrong reasons for self-denial and living like our old selves. In Chapter 3 he shows us how to live in our new lives with Christ.
The Pharisees were big believers in the law and kept creating new ones for every situation they came across. Jesus was also a big believer in the laws, for He said in Matthew 23 v 1`-3... "1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach." I believe Jesus wants us to understand the rules/way to live because when we understand them, that is when we understand the heart of God. The bible is not just an instruction manual for life but it is the heart of God, "16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3 v 16-1.
Colossians 3 v 1-25
"We change our moral and ethical behaviour when we allow Christ to live in us."
The church in Colosse are struggling with the foundational issue of Christs identity, so Paul is setting down some principles to live by. These principles originate from the principles Jesus gave us to live by.
When Paul is writing these principles he is not just creating fresh ones because the letters to the: Ephesians, Philippians and Galations are covered in the same principles.
Paul was teaching Jesus principles and applying them to the Colossians situation. He could use the same principles in each of the letters because Jesus' principles don't teach us what to think but how to think. Therefore they can be applied to anybodies situation.
It isn't about creating a whole new sets of rules but applying the the principles God has given us.
Paul emphasises at the beginning of the passage about the Kingdom of heaven and that our salvation is hidden in Christ. I interpreted Paul as eluding to our salvation being safe with Christ, so stop worrying or getting confused about it but live out the Kingdom on Earth. But don't just do it out of deed but let our faith in Christ be the centre of it.
When I was running a youth event one Friday, no matter how much prep I had put in things still went wrong more than ever, but I didn't lose my faith for what God was going to do that night. Young people were filled with Holy Spirit and one was healed. Sometimes we over emphasise the deeds, jobs and program and forget to have an expectant faith of what God will do that night or day (James 2 v 14).
Deeds should be an overflow of our faith!
How is my faith being shown in all of my deeds?
Am I fully living out Jesus principles? Thus enabling me to live life to the full.
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