the basic message #E17
Colossians 3:5-8
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
Some time back, I offered my opinion on the concept of disowning Christ. Some of you politely disagreed with my view, and I respect those who spoke up. In the above passage, Paul is writing to the church in Colosse. Recall that the Colossians had already heard the Gospel and had become Christians. Many folks like to read the first part of this passage and simply walk away with the comfort that they, like the Colossians “used to walk in these ways”. Read on, brother and sister. “But now you must rid yourselves….”. Paul is instructing the church on how they must live their lives from that day forward. Many people today have the belief that once they are saved, their lives go on cruise control. I’m sorry, but once we are saved, the work begins. Please notice that I very firmly believe in 1. We’re saved. 2. Our work begins. I’m not sure how folks read this simple procedure and assert, “You’re trying to save yourself”. If we aren’t saved by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for our sins, it doesn’t matter how hard we work, but once saved, we have an awesome responsibility as a Christian.
Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Here we go again. Paul is specifically calling the Colossians “God’s people”, which reinforces the belief that they’re Christians, but he’s still telling them how to live. Some folks will question why I’m hammering this point. Here’s why: Paul isn’t suggesting that the Colossians clean-up their act- he’s ordering it. Think about this for a moment. If, after being saved, we have the free-will choice to do good or do evil, which are we likely to do? My nature is to do evil. I must survey my own thoughts and actions daily to continue following Christ. Do you consider that “works”? Paul spoke to another church in this regard. Read on:
1 Thessalonians 4:1-2
Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
Gee, it appears that the folks in Thessalonica needed a little bit of direction in their lives as well. Paul even says they have been doing well, but he goes on to ask them to “do this more and more”. Was he urging them to “save themselves”? Not at all. I think it’s clear that Paul is reminding the church to act like the children of God they claim to be. Some folks believe that you can live a horrible, rotten life and still get to Heaven if you truly believe Jesus Christ died for your sins. I have a question: If that person who has truly accepted Christ lives a despicable life, what is his witness? Indulge me for a minute. Let’s assume that everyone in the early churches like Colosse and Thessolonica earnestly accepted Jesus as their savior, yet lived lives that bore no fruit of the spirit. Would anyone at that time want to join such a mean and rowdy bunch?