| Our verse to DATE the Word on March 17 (3/17) is Colossians 3:17 |
|---|
| Colossians 3:17 says, “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.” |
| The Golden Rule for the Believer Colossians 3 may very well be the most informative and instructional chapter for the believer on how to live the transformed Christian life. Starting with Colossian 3:1 we find an appeal to live differently since we are now believers. It says, “Therefore, since you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” As the chapter continues one will see the word “therefore” two more times as it lays out instructions on what the transformed Christian life looks like. Since we have been raised up with Christ, we are told to PUT TO DEATH certain behaviors as they are not to be a part of the new life. It then tells us to PUT OFF actions that are not to be a part of the new life and then it tells us to PUT ON the actions of the new life. Notice from Colossians 3:5-13: Colossians 3:5 “Therefore PUT TO DEATH your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. 8 But now you yourselves are to PUT OFF all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. 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. Do you see the PROGRESSION for transformation? For the Christian to live the transformed life, the new life we have in CHRIST, we PUT TO DEATH, we PUT OFF and we PUT ON. NOW, just as you think the Apostle Paul has concluded he writes another verse. 14 But above all these things PUT ON LOVE, which is the bond of perfection. Then, just as you think the Apostle Paul has concluded he writes another verse. 15 And let the PEACE OF GOD rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Then, just as you think the Apostle Paul has concluded he writes another verse. 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. Then, just as you think the Apostle Paul has concluded he writes another verse. 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. With Colossians 3:17 we not only get one more INSTRUCTION we get a summation of all the previous actions. Our verse to DATE has been described as the GOLDEN RULE for the believer. After laying out all the actions to take from putting to death, to put off, to putting on and then PUTTING ON LOVE and letting the PEACE OF GOD rule your heart and letting the Word of God DWELL in you Paul SUMS UP the transformed life with WHATEVER YOU DO in WORD or DEED do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. In this one verse, we are instructed to do everything we do by doing what is CONSISTENT with who CHRIST IS. “In the name of the Lord Jesus” means to do what He would do. Whatever we do is to be consistent with the character of Christ! As Paul said in Romans 14:13 we “PUT ON the Lord Jesus Christ,” Along with 1 Corinthians 10:31, which says, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, (we are to) do all to the glory of God” we have a second guiding verse for all of our behavior. Everything we do is to be consistent with who Christ is. And without question, we offer thanks to God for this changed life! Verse to DATE the Word on March 17 (3/17) is Colossians 3:17. It says, “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.” Continue Strong living out the new life you have in Christ, And remember to DATE THE WORD |