Sunday, January 26, 2020 -
I’ve spoken much in this journal about how the Christian life is a life of transformation. Our transformation into the image of Christ will never be reached until we are with Christ. But until then, He never stops changing us, molding us, teaching us, and refining us. This happens when we set our minds on Christ. Colossians 3:1-2 says, “If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” This, in fact, is a key to being transformed into Christ-likeness. Jesus also told us, “If you abide in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32) God’s Word will transform us, teach us and help us to know the truth that only Christ brings, and it will set us free from the burden and power of sin in our lives and also from the cares of this world.
My own title for Colossians chapter 3, however, is the “Transformation Chapter,” or at least as a close second to Romans 12. Paul goes on to explain. For when we are set free from our sin, our old nature dies off (v.3), and the members of our earthly body become dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry (v.5). And so we put aside the anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from our mouths (v.8). And we no longer lie to one another. Our life no longer needs to be a lie (v.9)!
Indeed, we become a new creation, renewed into the image of Christ (v.10). In this renewal, there are no differences between races, classes, or occupations for those who are in Christ (v.11). We become holy and beloved, with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another (v.12-13). But the most important thing is that we love one another, which holds us together in a perfect bond of unity (v.14).
And we are to live in peace with one another as one body and be thankful (v.15), letting the Word of the Lord dwell within us (v.16), doing all we do in the name of Christ (v.17).
Paul then closes the chapter with practical advice for husbands, wives, children, and parents, as well as slaves and other workers.
What magnificent chapter each one of us should take to heart and pray over often!