In Jesus' Name

Paul has spent a lot of time explaining to the Colossian believers what does not work. Just look at the pericopes of chapters 2 and 3:

Not philosophy but Christ

Not legalism but Christ

Not carnality but Christ

He turns his attention positive change.

Cause and Effect, 12a

Colossians 3:12 NKJV

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

“Therefore”

Since Paul is layering arguments, it reaches back to the substance after the last “therefore” but really, they all reach back to the “therefore” in 2:6.

Colossians 2:6 NKJV

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,

Election

Some view election as the cause. You are elect, therefore you received Christ. This position weakens our free will.

Some view election as the effect. You received Christ, therefore you are elect. This position weakens God’s sovereignty.

Some view this as both cause and effect. You are elect because God knew you would receive Christ, therefore you received Christ demonstrating your election. This position sounds wonky but preserves God’s sovereignty and foreknowledge as well as out free will.

When I asked Kate to marry me, I knew she would say yes, and that is why I asked her. She could not have said yes until I asked her. The fact that I knew she would say yes did not compromise her decision, she was free to respond however she chose. Asking her to marry me was both the cause of her choice and the effect of her choice. It is the same with God.

Essential Attitudes, 12b-13

Colossians 3:12–13 NKJV

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

“Put On” - Like a garment or like a blanket that you wrap yourself in when it is cold. Paul lists essential attitudes that we must work to adopt in our lives and for our lives together.

Tender Mercies - empathy & compassion

Kindness - be good to each other

Meekness - not weakness but strength under control

Longsuffering - endure without retaliation

Bearing with each other - carry each other’s shortcomings

Forgiving each other (complaint = just or legal charge)

love - agape (godly unconditional love) the glue that binds us all to gether

Essential Empowerment, 14-16

Colossians 3:14–16 NKJV

14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

“Let” These essential elements are stated as passive, indicating that their natural state requires less effort to get in in than we think and more effort to not squeeze out than we realize.

The peace of God rule in your hearts (literally act as an umpire)

you were called to this

it produces thankfulness

The Word of Christ dwell in you (the same idea as the Holy Spirit’s indwelling )

it enables teaching for your mind

it produces singing for your lips

it produces grace for your heart

One Rule, 17

Colossians 3:17 NKJV

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

Do everything in Jesus’ name and with Jesus’ heart.

Understand that “in Jesus’ Name” means to act on His behalf the way He would act if he were present. Think power of attorney.