12/4/2022 - Lord of Us

(Opening Prayer)

Heavenly Father, be glorified this morning as we open your Word.

Open our ears to hear it. Open our minds to understand it. Open our hearts to believe it. Open our mouths to confess it.

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You today.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.

(Welcome)

Welcome to Central. If this is your first time, I want to say, “Welcome Home!”

As an expository church, we prioritize preaching and teaching that focuses on a Christ-centered, holistic, and sequential approach to Scripture.

We enjoy preaching through books of the Bible and tackling each passage with a high view of Jesus Christ and an intent to be led into worship and transformation by what we find therein.

(Series Introduction)

Today as we continue our Colossians series. We come to Colossians 3:12-17 and a sermon I have entitled, “Lord of Us”

(Opening Context)

Paul is writing to a church he has never visited. He doesn’t know these people.

Paul wrote Colossians between 60-62 AD during his first imprisonment in Rome (Acts 28).

Paul also wrote Ephesians, Philippians, and Philemon during this time.

Pastor Epaphras planted the Colossian church and came to Paul because they had problems that needed to be addressed.

Paul writes this letter in the midst of their many heresies with one solution in mind - Correct Christology.

A low view of Christ was the problem, Paul gave us a high view of Christ.

We have learned that the root of the dysfunction in Colossae, Hieropolis, and Laodicea was because of an incorrect view of Jesus Christ.

Paul reminds the people that Jesus is everything and understanding Who He is, is vital to living the Christian life in the way that He intends us to live.

Listen to what Paul says to the Colossian church.

Colossians 3:12–17 (ESV)

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1. If Christ Is Lord of Us, Then We Must Reflect Him

Colossians 3:12–14 (ESV)

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

With the imperative "Put on then” (v. 12) the positive appeal begins.

This section, which stands in contrast to verses 5–11, also follows on from 3:1–4.

A fivefold list of virtues (v. 12) contrasts with the two fivefold lists of vices (vs. 5, 8) of the preceding paragraph.

Having spoken of the new nature in verse 10, Paul indicates what he means by this.

As “God’s chosen people” who have already put on the ‘new person’, the Colossians must clothe themselves with the graces which show them to be different.

God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved are special titles which were used of Israel as God’s own possession in the OT (Is. 43:20; 65:9) and of Christ in the NT (Lk. 23:35; Mk. 1:24; Lk. 4:34; Mt. 3:17).

Their use here underlines the point of the Christian’s similarity to Christ.

It is Jesus who is the chosen one.

What a remarkable privilege it is, then, that we are addressed in the same way as Christ!

This is a powerful motive to behave in a Christlike way.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary (3:12)

Again Paul called on believers to take a decisive action: Clothe yourselves (endysasthe).

Because they have “put on (endysamenoi) the new self” (v. 10), they should live accordingly, with appropriate attributes and attitudes.

In verses 8–9 Paul listed six vices (anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, and lying).

Now in contrast to them, Christians—as God’s chosen people (cf. Rom. 8:33; Titus 1:1), holy (“separated to God”; cf. Col. 1:2) and dearly loved (cf. Rom. 5:8; 1 John 4:9–11, 19)—are to have several virtues.

These include compassion (splanchna oiktirmou, lit., “tender sympathy of heartfelt compassion”—an unusually touching expression; in Phil. 2:1 Paul joined these two nouns with “and”), kindness (benevolence in action; cf. 2 Cor. 6:6), humility (a lowly attitude toward God; cf. Phil. 2:3; 1 Peter 5:5), gentleness (prautēta), meekness, a lowly attitude toward others, and patience (makrothymian, self-restraint, a steady response in the face of provocation; cf. Col. 1:11).

The last three of these are mentioned in the Greek in the same order in Ephesians 4:2; and Galatians 5:22–23 in the Greek includes three of them: patience and gentleness, as well as kindness.)

Paul returns to the clothing metaphor and commands the Colossians to “put on” various character traits.

Interestingly, Paul says they have put on the new self (v. 10) but also must put on these qualities (v. 12).

This list of qualities reflects closely the character of Christ himself, in a way similar to 1 Corinthians 13.

Paul’s command is qualified by descriptions of what the Colossians are in Christ.

He focuses on the status of believers as united to Christ (“God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved”).

Paul is not calling for a moral “self-help” drive.

Rather he wants the life of Christ to be seen more distinctly in the Colossians’ lives.

He desires them to live consistently with the spiritual realities that are already true.

Christ is Lord of All and Must Be Lord of Us

Paul emphasizes the attitudes that will foster true community among believers.

In particular, he calls Christians to demonstrate grace toward each other, as the Lord has shown grace to them.

This recalls the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 6:14–15.

Matthew 6:14–15 (ESV)

14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,

15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Furthermore, believers are to bear with each other with the attitudes just mentioned in Colossians 3:12.

Also they are to forgive whatever grievances (complaints) they may have against others.

How? By forgiving as the Lord forgave them, graciously and freely (Eph. 4:32).

Grudges have no place in a Christian’s life for they may lead to the sins mentioned in Colossians 3:8–9.

The New Bible Commentary (3:12–17 Put on the Graces of Christ)

As a result of their being clothed with patience they are to show continual forbearance toward each other.

When legitimate complaints within the community arise, the readers are urged to forgive … one another.

Paul employs a special verb for forgive (‘cancelled the debts’ in the parable of the two debtors, Lk. 7:42) which is used elsewhere of God’s gracious giving or forgiving (Rom. 8:32; 1 Cor. 2:12; Eph. 4:32).

The present tense makes it clear that this forgiveness is to be unceasing, even unwearying (note Jesus’ teaching, Mt. 18:22).

The ground and motive for this response are of the highest order: as the Lord forgave you.

Christ’s mighty work of reconciliation (Col. 1:22) is the basis on which that forgiveness of sins is provided, while the full impact of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is set forth as a pattern of the lifestyle to which the believer ‘conforms’.

The metaphor of putting on clothes continues with the call to put on love like a cloak that covers everything else.

While Paul has listed many virtues, love appears to have a status above the others that allows it to bind them all together.

If each of the graces previously mentioned is seen to be characteristic of God or Christ, then this is especially so of love (1 Cor. 13:4) for the notion that love clearly reflects the character of Christ.

In Galatians 5:6 ‘love’ is the motive power of faith and in 1 Cor. 13:13 it is the supreme Christian grace.

Which binds them all together in perfect unity (lit. ‘Which is the bond of perfection’) may suggest that love is the link which unites and binds together all the previously mentioned graces of verse 12.

The words ‘of perfection’ probably, however, denote purpose: love is the bond that leads to perfection.

It binds together the members of the congregation (rather than the graces of verse 12) into unity in the body of Christ so producing perfection.

This interpretation accords well with Paul’s concerns for the readers’ corporate life.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary (3:14)

But over all these virtues Christians are to put on love. As Paul wrote elsewhere, “The greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13).

In one’s catalog of virtues love should be the cover, because it is of supreme importance and is the perfect bond, holding them all together in perfect unity.

Christ is Lord of All and Must Be Lord of Us

2. If Christ Is Lord of Us, Then Christ Must Rule

Colossians 3:15–17 (ESV)

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Paul now gathers together a number of instructions intended to build up the community of believers.

A. The Peace of Christ

The phrase “the peace of Christ” is similar to “the peace of God” (Phil. 4:7).

That phrase brings to mind Isaiah 9:6 (“Prince of Peace”).

The expression is another way of saying, “Let Christ, who brings peace, rule.”

Paul picks up the significant image of the body mentioned earlier (Col. 1:18; 2:19).

The final call to thankfulness almost seems an afterthought but in fact regularly punctuates the entire letter.

The Bible Knowledge Commentary (3:15)

Believers are also to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts because they are called to peace as members of one body.

The closer believers are to Christ (and His likeness), the closer they are to each other.

In interpersonal relationships “peace” (transcendent, God-given tranquility) should rule (brabeuetō, “arbitrate, decide every debate”; a word used only here in the NT; cf. katabrabeuetō, “decide against,” 2:18).

Christ’s followers who have put on the virtues Paul listed (3:12–14), are concerned about being arbitrated in every trying circumstance by His peace, not by their wrangling.

Also Christians are to be thankful (cf. Phil. 4:6; Col. 1:12; 3:16–17; 4:2; 1 Thes. 5:18).

An attitude of gratitude contributes to an enjoyment of spiritual tranquility, whereas grumbling makes for inner agitation.

This verse has been a favorite with Christians for it is claimed that Christ’s peace will act as a kind of umpire within our hearts, giving us some private and inward peace of the soul when we need guidance or help in making a decision.

But the peace of Christ does not refer to a private and inward peace of the soul.

Instead, it is the peace He embodies and brings (Jn. 14:27) and is equivalent to salvation.

Further, it is not a question of Christ’s peace ‘acting as an umpire’.

Rather the verb means to rule; Christ himself, who is the Lord of peace (Eph. 2:14; 2 Thes. 3:16), is to be present and ruling in our midst.

He is to control every area of our lives as we relate to one another.

Since the Colossians are said to have been called into this peace (through the gospel), then it must also describe the realm or sphere in which they, as members of Christ’s body, now live.

B. The Word of Christ

Having urged believers to let the peace of Christ rule, Paul now similarly urges them to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (v. 16).

The Bible Knowledge Commentary (3:16)

The new life Christians must “put on” is one in which the Word of Christ dwells richly.

Christ’s words were recorded by Spirit-guided apostles (cf. John 14:26; 16:13; 20:31).

The words of the Bible, God’s written Word, are to dwell in believers.

That is, by study, meditation, and application of the Word, it becomes a permanent abiding part of one’s life.

When the words of Christ become part of a believer’s nature, they spring forth naturally and daily in psalms (songs from the Book of Psalms), hymns (other songs of praise), and spiritual songs (as opposed to secular odes) with gratitude (en tē chariti; lit., “in grace”).

This can mean either (a) God’s grace, (b) graciousness in Christian singing, or (c) Christian thanks.

As suggested by the majority of scholars it is probably the third meaning.

Such joyful singing is not only to please oneself or others but is to be praise to God.

Through this Spirit-filled kind of life (cf. Eph. 5:18–19), Christians can teach (instruct) and admonish (“counsel”) one another (Col. 3:16; cf. “admonishing and teaching” in 1:28) if it is done with all wisdom (sophia; cf. 1:9; 2:3; 4:5) and not tactlessly (cf. Gal. 6:1).

In a letter which emphasizes the person and work of Christ, Paul refers to the word of Christ, rather than ‘the word of God’ (1:25) or ‘the Lord’s own word’ (1 Thes. 4:15).

“Of Christ” refers to the message that centers on Christ, the word of truth, i.e. the gospel (1:5).

That word is to have its gracious and glorious way in their lives, individually and as a community.

The rich indwelling of Christ’s word (Rom. 8:11; 2 Cor. 6:16; 2 Tim. 1:5) would occur when they came together, listened to this word as it was expounded to them and submitted to its authority.

They are to teach and warn one another in a thoughtful and tactful way, activities that would take place in Spirit-inspired psalms, hymns and songs as the Colossians praised God with their whole being.

Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs is a broad expression and includes OT psalms, liturgical hymns as well as spontaneous Christian songs.

One of the ways this can happen is through mutual instruction and encouragement. Paul urges singing (probably a mixture of the canonical psalms and Christian compositions), not only as praise to God but also as a means of instructing one another. Once again, a brief note of thankfulness is sounded.

(Response)

(Invite Worship Team)

Colossians 3:17 gathers everything in the chapter together.

The various phrases used here are highly inclusive, encompassing every conceivable activity.

Thankfulness is the view of the Apostle Paul throughout this letter and especially here in chapter 3.

He is shedding light on what we would consider a thesis statement.

Paul makes his case simply in one sentence in verse 17.

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Whatever one does—for there is no sacred-secular split in God’s eyes; He is Sovereign over all—whether in word or deed, by lip or life, everything should all be done in the name of the Lord Jesus i.e., for His glory; (1 Cor. 10:31) and with a thankful spirit (Phil. 4:6; 1 Thes. 5:18).

Three times in three verses Paul mentioned thankfulness: “be thankful” (Col. 3:15) “sing … with gratitude” (v. 16), and “give thanks to God the Father” (v. 17)

Every activity is to be done in obedience to the Lord Jesus and is to be accompanied by the giving of thanks to God the Father through him.

“In word or deed” does not refer only to the practices of ‘preaching’ and ‘the Lord’s Supper’ in a context of worship, but explains the comprehensive whatever.

If the rich indwelling of the word of Christ in the readers’ lives is to be shown in mutual teaching and warning, as the Colossians thankfully sing to God, then it should also show its powerful presence overall.

If Christ is preeminent in our lives, then we will be able to get along with others for His glory.

If there are differences, the peace of God will be “rule” in our hearts as we feed on the Word and worship Christ.

Christian fellowship in the local church cannot be legislated by a constitution, although constitutions are useful; true fellowship must come from within, from the hearts of the believers.

If a believer is out of fellowship with another believer, it is because one or both of them have gotten out of fellowship with God.

“Do all in the name of Christ!” Paul admonishes (v. 17).

Read James 4 and you will see that wars and fightings come when Christians do things for selfish reasons and not for God’s glory.

Compare Colossians 3:15-18 with Eph. 5:18–22, and you will see that being filled with the Word produces the same blessings as being filled with the Spirit.

To be filled with the Spirit means to be controlled by the Word.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible (Chapter 3)

We must not only do no harm to any, but do what good we can to all.

Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all.

While in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, quarrels will sometimes arise.

But it is our duty to forgive one another, imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved.

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts; it is of his working in all who are his.

Thanksgiving to God, helps to make us agreeable to all men.

The gospel is the word of Christ.

Many have the word, but it dwells in them poorly; it has no power over them.

The soul prospers, when we are full of the Scriptures and of the grace of Christ.

But when we sing psalms, we must be affected with what we sing.

Whatever we are employed about, let us do every thing in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in believing dependence on him.

Charles Spurgeon “Christ in Us Is like Heated Iron” (Exodus 3:1–6; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 2:4–6; Colossians 1:27)

You thrust a bar of cold, black iron into the fire, and keep it there till the fire enters into it.

See, the iron is like fire itself—he who feels it will know no difference.

The fire has permeated the iron, and made it a fiery mass.

I would like to have seen that bush in Horeb before which Moses took off his shoes.

When it was all ablaze it seemed no longer a bush but a mass of fire, a furnace of pure flame.

The fire had transfigured the bush.

So it is with us when Christ enters into us.

He elevates us to a nobler state; even as Paul says, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20).

Jesus sanctifies us wholly—spirit, soul, and body—and takes us to dwell with him in the perfect state above.

(Closing Tension)

If Christ Is Lord of Us, Then We Must Reflect Him

If Christ Is Lord of Us, Then Christ Must Rule Us

(Response Card)

1. Is Jesus Christ Lord of your life? (Yes/No/Already Am)

2. How are you reflecting Christ? (Blank Lines)

3. How is Christ ruling in your life? (Blank Lines)

6. How do you need to respond to the preached Word today? (Blank Lines)

7. Do you have any prayer needs today? (Blank Lines)

(Closing)

(Give Response Card instructions, etc.)