Colossians 3

Chapter three is full of practical insights for the life of a Christian. I see these insights connecting to Paul’s conclusion in chapter two that my sinful nature cannot be brought under control by discipline, rules and regulations. Paul is saying I can’t domesticate my flesh; legalism provides no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. In the first four verses of chapter three Paul shows me an alternative to a legalistic way of life; the life in Christ. Using baptism as a metaphor Paul teaches that through faith in Jesus I have been raised up to a new life; the life in Christ. The idea of ‘being in’ Christ reminds me that Jesus spoke about how he was ‘in God the Father.’ Here Paul teaches that I am in Christ, who is in the Father.

This is not highfalutin religious gobbledygook. This is life. Paul is teaching us that when we put on our new nature, when we choose to live out of the reality of our new identity, our new life in Christ, when we learn about Jesus who gave his life for us, we become like Jesus. As when we become more like Jesus our sinful nature decreases and our Godly nature increases.

I will never win the battle against my sinful nature by submitting to laws, rules, and regulations. Jesus won the victory over my sinful nature. When I choose to live my life in Christ my old sinful nature loses its grip on me. It is for freedom that Christ has set me free from the power of sin therefore I choose to live my life in Christ.

But wait, some might say. Chapter three is chock full of things Paul says Not to do, and things Paul says I must do. Aren’t those rules and regulations? If you try to obey these dos and don’ts in order to be a good person, in order to have a right relationship with God, then yes Paul’s lists are rules and regulations. But, Paul isn’t saying you Have To do these things. He is saying this is what you Get To do when you are alive in Christ. That’s the difference between grace and law.

Law emphasizes what man does. Grace emphasizes what God does. Law's primary focus is: Ought to; should've; have to; must. Grace's primary focus is on ‘want to’. Law creates bondage, duty, and obligation. Grace creates freedom. Law declares do in order to be. Grace declares you are, therefore do. Law leads to defeat. Grace leads to Victory!

What word or phrase in these verses

attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

29-Nov-11     Col. 4