If We have been Raised with Christ – Let’s Live Like it! – Colossians 3:1-17
Paul has just cautioned us not to live under the law or man-made laws, “…although these have a reputation of wisdom by promoting ascetic practices, humility, and severe treatment of the body, they are not of any value in curbing self-indulgence.”
How then, Paul? How do we live for Christ?
Colossians 3:1-3 (CSB)
“So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above, where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on what is above, not on what is on the earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God.”
Seek what is above. Set our minds on what is above. We need to die to ourselves, and once we have surrendered our lives, our wills to Christ, we are now hidden with Christ in God. Our lives are not ours, but His.
Paul goes on to say we must put away the things that are below, the sins from our flesh:
Colossians 3:5-9 (CSB)
“…sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry… anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another…”
All these things come from below, from our sin nature, our flesh. These are the very reason God’s wrath has come.
Instead, Paul calls us to a new life:
Colossians 3:12-17 (CSB)
“…put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, accepting one another and forgiving one another… Above all, put on love—the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of the Messiah… control your hearts. Be thankful. Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God.”
If you have died with Him, then you must now live for Him. If you have died to what is below, we are to live like one from above, taking on God’s nature, not our sinful one. It looks like compassion and kindness, it is forgiveness, and love. It allows Christ’s peace to control our hearts, and we are thankful. We dwell on His words, share them, and encourage each other with songs and gratitude.
What an incredible way to live. Do we, though? Do we have compassion and kindness? Are we accepting each other? Have we forgiven one another? Have we put on love? Paul declares ‘above all’ put on love. This is paramount, central to all we do as forgiven ones who have died with Christ, now living for and with Him. Live like one from above.
Love is the perfect bond of unity, so if there is disunity, there is a lack of love. Are you united to your fellow believers? If not, why not? Have you died to yourself? Have you forgiven? Are you making love above all?
Are we submitted to the peace of Christ in our hearts? This is a command. We must submit to His peace. Are we caught up in life’s uncertainties or holding onto grudges from unforgiveness or envy? Yes, living as if dead to ourselves means we are thankful.
We keep in mind the words of Christ, share them, and encourage each other with His truths and songs.
Colossians 3:17 (CSB)
“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
If we have died to ourselves, if we have been raised with Him, let us then do everything in His name and give thanks for this incredible gift of salvation, this citizenship in heaven, and the undeserved favor of being a child of God.
