The Peace of Christ - Colossians 3:15
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Good afternoon! Today we are going to learn about the peace of Christ spoken of by Paul in Colossians 3:15.
Reading
Reading
Colossians 3:1–11 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1–11 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Colossians 3:12–17 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 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. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Colossians 3:12–17 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 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. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.
And be thankful. 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. 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.
And be thankful. 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. 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.
The Peace Of Christ
The Peace Of Christ
Peace With God and Salvation From His Wrath
Peace With God and Salvation From His Wrath
What is the peace of Christ? There are two main categories that the scripture. The first is what can be called the objective peace of Christ. This is the same peace we have with God when we trust in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. It is when we become believers in Him. We no longer will face the wrath of God.
Peace In Unity with One Another and Peace In Our Community
Peace In Unity with One Another and Peace In Our Community
But in this passage, Paul is talking about another “peace of Christ” we are to strive for once we become believers. It is here where Paul talks about putting to death our old selves and putting on the new self. This peace is the peace that will be between believers in unity and fellowship. It is also, as much as is dependent upon us, the peace between us and the broader community of the world.
Putting to Death the Old Self
Putting to Death the Old Self
In verses 5 through 9, Paul describes what some of what we are to put to death: sexual immorality, impurity, passion/lust, evil desire, covetousness / idolatry, anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk. This is not a complete list and it is not meant to be. In other words, we cannot just check off a list and say: “Well, I am not doing any of these, so I am now perfect!”. The idea is that
Whatever sin and thing that is against God that is in our lives, we are to put to death.
Whatever sin and thing that is against God that is in our lives, we are to put to death.
Paul talks about this in various letters. Through Christ, we have already put to death worldly things but we are also to be putting to death the sinful nature, that is, the flesh.
Romans 8:12–14 “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
Romans 8:12–14 “So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”
We Have the Help of the Holy Spirit
We Have the Help of the Holy Spirit
We have the Holy Spirit living in us. He helps us to recognize the sin in our lives and gives the strength and encouragement to put to death that sin! And we know that the Spirit even intercedes for us!
Galatians 5:23–25 “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5:23–25 “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Romans 6:6–8 “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”
Romans 6:6–8 “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”
Paul links Christ’s crucifixion to what we have done in our own flesh or sinful nature: just as crucifixion is putting one to death, so also it is the same with our flesh.
Putting on the New Self
Putting on the New Self
So now, having putting off our old self and putting to death the sinful nature and desires of the flesh, we are not left empty or naked. Instead, we put on the new self. This starts to happen immediately after we become Christians.
Paul then gives us examples of the attributes and character of the one who is new in Christ: compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, bearing with one another, forgiving each other, and above all: love.
Ephesians 4:23–24 “and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
Ephesians 4:23–24 “and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
We are being renewed and transformed in Christ Jesus!
We are being renewed and transformed in Christ Jesus!
Romans 12:1–2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
Romans 12:1–2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
This is a process. We continue to be transformed daily. But there is hope! Because God chose us! And if He chose us, He will accomplish the work in us!
Romans 8:28–30 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
Romans 8:28–30 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”
Jesus has called us to, above everything we can put on in our new self, to put on love. Love encompasses all the other good things we are to put on.
Ephesians 5:1–2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1–2 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Unity in Love
Unity in Love
When it comes to being one in Christ as the body of the Church, love is the key attribute. From it flows other character qualities so that as a body, we remain united and have the peace of Christ that we are encouraged to have.
Ephesians 4:1–6 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1–6 “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
This oneness was part of one of the most powerful prayers of our Lord Jesus before he went to the cross: part of His High Priestly Prayer.
John 17:20–23 ““I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
John 17:20–23 ““I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
So, it is this attitude of peace we always have to keep in mind in our relationship with one another.
As one commentator says:
“Paul is saying that the peace that characterizes the “new self” should be a ruling principle or virtue in our innermost being and that it should affect all our relationships—and, in this context, our relationships with one another. ‘The peace of Christ,’ then, is ‘the peace that he both embodies and brings.’”
“Paul is saying that the peace that characterizes the “new self” should be a ruling principle or virtue in our innermost being and that it should affect all our relationships—and, in this context, our relationships with one another. ‘The peace of Christ,’ then, is ‘the peace that he both embodies and brings.’”
“The gospel is inescapably individual in its focus: each of us, on our own, is ‘called’ by God and responds in faith on our own. Yet, at the same time, the gospel is inescapably corporate: we are called along with other people, with whom we make up ‘one body.’”
“The gospel is inescapably individual in its focus: each of us, on our own, is ‘called’ by God and responds in faith on our own. Yet, at the same time, the gospel is inescapably corporate: we are called along with other people, with whom we make up ‘one body.’”
Peace With Our Neighbors
Peace With Our Neighbors
This peace of Christ extends to our neighbors (those who do not believe in Jesus) as well.
Romans 12:17–18 “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Romans 12:17–18 “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
Both with each other and especially with the unbeliever, this is not peace at all costs. Notice that Paul says, “so far as it depends upon you.” We strive for peace, but sometimes it is not possible.
This becomes more evident when it comes to truths of God’s Word and Gospel.
Ephesians 4:15 “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,”
Ephesians 4:15 “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,”
Romans 9:33 “as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.””
Romans 9:33 “as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.””
We know that the true message of the Gospel and the true Jesus is offensive to many. We cannot change the message to the gospel to make it easier to handle. We cannot change who Jesus is. That is a false gospel and a false Jesus!
Conclusion
Conclusion
In conclusion, we obtain the peace of Christ as we walk and work out our salvation. We have put to death our old selves. In fact we carry our cross daily! But, we are also putting on the new self which is ultimately in and through love. This peace is to be maintained both with one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, but it is also to be maintained, as much as it possible to do so, with unbelievers. I will end with this quote from Charles Simeon, a preacher from almost 200 years ago. Notice that nothing is new under the sun!
Here is man’s great defect. By nature we are altogether wrapt up in self. Self is the principle that actuates us in every thing, and the end for which alone we live. Self-seeking, self-pleasing, self-interest, occupy, for the most part, our every thought, and regulate our every motion. But there is a new principle that is imparted to the Christian, and under its influence his whole life must be directed: and this is, the principle of love or charity.
Here is man’s great defect. By nature we are altogether wrapt up in self. Self is the principle that actuates us in every thing, and the end for which alone we live. Self-seeking, self-pleasing, self-interest, occupy, for the most part, our every thought, and regulate our every motion. But there is a new principle that is imparted to the Christian, and under its influence his whole life must be directed: and this is, the principle of love or charity.
This is the root and essence of every other grace: it comprehends all, combines all, consolidates all. Whatever there be that enters into the composition of Christian “perfection, this is the bond” which unites it altogether, and forms it into one harmonious mass. It is the spirit which pervades and actuates every faculty of the soul, even as the soul directs and regulates every member of the body. The soul, in operation, causes every member to perform its proper office; and love, presiding, will keep every Christian grace in full activity. This, therefore, we must “put on, over all, and above all” the other graces that have been mentioned; that so nothing may be wanting to the proper discharge of all our duties.
This is the root and essence of every other grace: it comprehends all, combines all, consolidates all. Whatever there be that enters into the composition of Christian “perfection, this is the bond” which unites it altogether, and forms it into one harmonious mass. It is the spirit which pervades and actuates every faculty of the soul, even as the soul directs and regulates every member of the body. The soul, in operation, causes every member to perform its proper office; and love, presiding, will keep every Christian grace in full activity. This, therefore, we must “put on, over all, and above all” the other graces that have been mentioned; that so nothing may be wanting to the proper discharge of all our duties.
