Whooops. I was so sick this week, this thing slipped right past me. I’m feeling better now…so let’s think about our text for this Sunday…shall we?
This week we’ll be starting chapter 3 of Colossians, and reading the first 11 verses. (Message version)
In the last chapter, Paul talked about taking care not to let other people become religious judges of our spirituality based on religious codes and rules. But that’s not to say that no changes will be evident in our journey with God. In fact, as we look at how Paul begins this segment in ch 3, we notice that he’s adamantly challenging us to gain a different perspective on who we are. Who are we, according to verses 1-4?
Once we remember who we are…Paul then encourages us to specific action. He wants to challenge us about the way we live…the choices we make, the way we think, the things we do.
If it’s not a code of conduct or a set of rules that he’s setting forth in v5-9…then what is it? What is Paul saying about the way we used to live, and the way we should live now, because of Christ? Why does it matter how we live, if all has been forgiven by Christ’s sacrifice?
We seem to like dividing ourselves into camps…insiders and outsiders. Paul even addresses that concept in v 10-11. All the ways in which we try to define ourselves fall short of God’s original inentions…what is the one definition Paul puts on life in v11?
Putting it all together, our hearts are changed by Christ…which challenges us to accommodate that change of heart by the way we live…yet even the way we live isn’t the means of giving us our identity, it’s just the “way we dress” the real us inside.
What are your thoughts on these verses?
WONDERWHAT 
One of my favorite verses of scripture is found among these passages. It is one of the essential truths of our faith, this truth separates our message from the 100’s of others than pretend to “know the way”. That truth is simple: in Jesus we are all the same. Our distinction from others is not found in outward things — who our parents were, how much we make, whether we live near the tracks or the bad side of town or even if our name now begins with Pastor, Brother, or Bishop–none of that matters. What defines us now is Jesus.
I guess it’s true what they say, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.”
I love The Message version: 3-4Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you’ll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.
I needed to be reminded that my old life is dead and He is my life now. With Jesus as my example, and Him living in me, I will try to be content until His return. When He returns, He will make everything the way it was intended, including me and you. Won’t that be amazing!!!