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Sunday 1009/05/25
Title: Jesus… Treasure of the Believer’s Heart!
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Jesus… Treasure of the Believer’s Heart!
Last week we read the first 4 verses of Colossians 3 which took us on a trek through Romans 8 to further clarify these words.
To refresh our memories I will read those first 4 verses again, quickly recap what we learned from Romans 8 and then pick back up here in Colossians 3:5.
Colossians 3:1-4,
“(1) If however you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, enthroned at God’s right hand. (2) Give your minds to the things that are above, not to the things that are on the earth. (3) For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (4) When Christ appears–He is our true Life–then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
And I am reminding you now that the word “in glory” should be translated as “in glorified form”.
In the letter of Paul to the believers in Rome, he laid before them a pretty thorough overview of the Christian life, beginning with our initial invitation into Christ.
By the time he arrived at chapter 8 where we read last week, Paul had covered the fact that once we are in Christ, the body which was literally under the dominion and control of sin, was rendered inoperative. Nevertheless, as Christians we still seem to have a problem with sin, only now we genuinely desire to live righteously. So Paul explained that while the nature of our true self has been changed from death to life by the regeneration of our spirits, our souls are suspended between the influence of God and the influence of our flesh.
While the flesh can no longer lord over us since its power and authority have been broken, it can and does exert a genuine influence upon our hearts. So we need the continual intervention of the Holy Spirit of God to lead and empower us to win that tug of war between the New Nature of our spirits and that of our flesh. (The fact that even in Christ, our flesh still has the principles of sin and death in it is made clear in Romans 7:16-25.)
Now more to the point, Romans 8 addresses the “seeking those things which are above, since you are now in Christ” by saying that if a believer sets their minds on the flesh they will run after their flesh. But if by the Spirit they set their minds on the things of the spirit (a.k.a. Where Christ is, seated at the right hand of the Father) they will live.
This process of denying our flesh Paul called “suffering” in Romans, and it is a direct prerequisite to our “glorification”. This is the “glorification” which Colossians 3:4 addresses.
So we are predestined to bear the image of Christ, our God, Creator, Savior, Lord of the Kingdom, our brother and our friend.
As you remember, these Colossian believers were being influenced away from Christ as their All-in-All, to seek special revelation from spirits in order to be enlightened and made more spiritual. So Paul reminds them of their status in Christ – having died and raised with Him, we are to look to Jesus above because He IS OUR LIFE!
So NOW, let’s pick back up in Colossians 3:5…
“(5) Therefore put to death your earthward inclinations–fornication, impurity, sensual passion, unholy desire, and all greed, for that is a form of idolatry.
(6) It is on account of these very sins that God’s anger is coming, (7) and you also were once addicted to them, while you were living under their power. (8) BUT NOW…”
“But now” underscores both a transposition and a transformation in the believer.
- First, it redirects our attention towards how we are to live NOW that we are no longer held captive under the power of sin.
This was accomplished by God on our behalf. We possessed no virtue or power to deliver ourselves. We were both dead and in death. It required a fresh infusion of the power of God as he came into our darkness to regenerate the eternal light of glory which sin had extinguished. He entered our darkness through physical birth. He partook of our death as one of us, so that in His conquering of death, all those who are taken into Christ by faith are once more made alive to God. Now, safely behind the walls of His kingdom, death has lost its power to hold and harm us.
- Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, this is a statement which clearly proves that we have begun a process of transformation. A work which began with our very being – that part of us which is WHO we are – our spirits.
We once were darkness, now we are light in the Lord. We once were dead in our sins, but now we are made alive in Christ having been forgiven ALL tresspasses. This work which began in our spirits, works its way through the rest of our being and nature from the inside out.
When we fell from God the work was from the outside in. The word of redemption works from the inside out.
We are being transformed from being fallen creatures, into creatures who bear His likeness once more!
THIS BEING TRUE…“…YOU MUST (now) RID YOURSELVES of every kind of sin–angry and passionate outbreaks, ill-will, evil speaking, foul-mouthed abuse–so that these may never soil your lips.
(9) Do not speak falsehoods to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with its doings, (10) and have clothed yourselves with the new self which is being remoulded into full knowledge so as to become like Him Who created it.
(11) In that new creation there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free man, but Christ is everything and is in all of us.
(12) Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s Own people holy and dearly loved, with tender-heartedness, kindness, lowliness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; (13) bearing with one another and readily forgiving each other, if any one has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, YOU ALSO MUST FORGIVE. (14) And over all these put on love, which is the perfect bond of union; (15) and let the peace which Christ gives settle all questionings in your hearts, to which peace indeed you were called as belonging to His one Body; and be thankful.
(16) Let the teaching concerning Christ remain as a RICH TREASURE IN YOUR HEARTS.”
Store up for yourselves treasure in heaven as our Lord directed and as Paul said earlier in this chapter.
This is again an underscoring of the instruction of the parable of parables – the one of the heart soils. It is that 4th and final heart which not only hears the word with joy, holds on to it through trials but which values it above other things – that produces the precious fruit of Christ’s image to His glory and our eventual glorification! It is also this that makes us lights and salt to the world – living witnesses to the reality of eternal life in Christ!
“In all wisdom teach and admonish one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and sing with grace in your hearts to God. (17) And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and let it be through Him that you give thanks to God the Father.”
Now this is another one of those verses which is often referenced by egalitarians as proof that women can teach men. Now I know that our church is more educated than that but it IS part of my job to train you for ministry work and part of that training requires you to better understand the meaning of passages.
One of the PRIMARY rules in interpreting scripture is that no correct interpretation of scripture, stands in disagreement or discord with anything else scripture says – with the exception of those clearly illustrated teachings of the New Covenant that differ from the Old Covenant such as circumcision or forgiveness by animal sacrifice.
It is an unreasonable anticipation of scripture to require it to reteach or reaffirm all related truths in every single passage. The early church knew the gender roles which were established by God from Creation and which were affirmed as still binding upon us under the New Covenant, some of which Paul immediately goes into and affirms, such as the submission of wives to their husbands.
As such, there was no need to explain what expressions and limitations were baked into this encouragement to “teach and admonish one another”. The word “teach” here is the exact same word used by Paul in 1 Timothy 2 regarding women not teaching men.
Here EVERYONE can teach, but not everyone can teach everyone else. Even men, should not take it upon themselves to specifically teach another man’s wife unless such guidance is sought and allowed. Neither should a man who is younger and less mature in the faith seek to teach a woman who is many times his senior both physically and spiritually. By the same token, women are to teach other women and children as well. This would even include young men until they reach the maturity of manhood (a subjective line in the sand I will admit, and so breeches of this kind can be treated with light hand). However, admonishing can be accomplished across gender lines if done appropriately.
The meaning of the word “admonish” here is more in step with warning or urge (someone) even earnestly. To warn someone of something to be avoided. But I think you can see how this could be done in either an appropriate or inappropriate way.
A simple rule to go by is to exercise common sense, be respectful of each other and stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit of God.
Now there is one more indicator of the tone of these teachings and admonitions that helps further define the intentions of Paul in these verses. Who can point that out?
It is that Paul offers an example of how such teaching and admonition should be communicated and that is “with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, and sing with grace in your hearts to God.” See the teaching and admonishing of one another is through things said in praise to God.
Now again, just to be thorough – this is NOT encouraging us to teach someone as we are praying to God.
I am reminded of a very poignant song from Steve Camp entitled, “Hell is burning while the church sleeps”. One stanza of that song addresses this unfortunate tendency of saints. It goes like this…
“We all heard about a brother
Who was slipping away
We passed around his problems
Like hor d’oeuvres on a tray
Some of them were rumor
Some of them were fact
As we went to lift him up
We just prayed him in the back”
Let me suggest this is NOT what Paul had in view, by this encouragement!
“(18) Married women, be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
(19) Married men, be affectionate to your wives, and do not treat them harshly.”
It is SO sad that in our current fleshly state, even in Christ we need to be told these things, but we do. I can honestly own the fact that there are times when it would be the easy thing to allow my words to Teri to be rougher than warranted. If I am irritated or frustrated and she doesn’t even have to be the source of my frustration or irritation. She’s just the closest target. I’m not sure why that is true but it is, even now I have to be mindful of this. Sometimes I say things, which I technically was not saying in an accusatory frame, but which my words conveyed at least a minor sense of blame. It is a childish and ungodly trait and one which I believe most men have to inwardly keep an eye on.
I will also say this, that up until the most recent generation, most women have found it natural to respect, admire and submit to their husbands IF they are NOT harsh, but lovingly affirming and affectionate towards them. While her obedience to this command is her own responsibility, it is a command which is made much easier if he isn’t a self focused, hard-headed jerk. We NEED not only to do our part, but also make the part of our mate easier by being the right kind of covenant life partner!
This same thing is true and is transferred upon our other relationships, especially within the same household – like the next one mentioned – children.
“(20) Children be obedient to your parents in everything; for that is right for Christians.
(21) Fathers, do not fret and harass your children, or you may make them sullen and morose.”
The obedience of children is NOT predicated upon the winsomeness of their parents nor even their godliness. They do this because parents are the representation of God in their lives – in particular the Father God and the Holy Spirit. How we view and treat our earthly fathers and mothers will largely foretell how we respond and react to our Heavenly ones.
Notice here that again, God has to warn the men to be kind. There is a power in men but of spirit, soul and body that is different from women. One well known influencer is testosterone which for all its benefits and necessities, can also influence aggressive behavior. THis is a great example of how we are to put to death the tendencies of the body by submission to the power and influence of the Holy Spirit of God.
“(22) Slaves, be obedient in everything to your earthly masters; not in acts of eye service, as aiming only to please men, but with simplicity of purpose, because you fear the Lord.
(23) Whatever you are doing, let your hearts be in your work, as a thing done for the Lord and not for men. (24) For you know that it is from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward.
Christ is the Master whose bondservants you are. (25) The man who perpetrates a wrong will find the wrong repaid to him; and with God there are no merely earthly distinctions.”
Wrap up by reading in the J.B. Phillips translation –
Colossians 3:1-22,
“(1) 1-4 If you are then “risen” with Christ, reach out for the highest gifts of Heaven, where your master reigns in power. Give your heart to the heavenly things, not to the passing things of earth. For, as far as this world is concerned, you are already dead, and your true life is a hidden one in Christ. One day, Christ, the secret centre of our lives, will show himself openly, and you will all share in that magnificent dénouement. (5) 5-7 In so far, then, as you have to live upon this earth, consider yourselves dead to worldly contacts: have nothing to do with sexual immorality, dirty-mindedness, uncontrolled passion, evil desire, and the lust for other people’s goods, which last, remember, is as serious a sin as idolatry. It is because of these very things that the holy anger of God falls upon those who refuse to obey him. And never forget that you had your part in those dreadful things when you lived that old life. (8) 8-11 But now, put all these things behind you. No more evil temper or furious rage: no more evil thoughts or words about others, no more evil thoughts or words about God, and no more filthy conversation. Don’t tell each other lies any more, for you have finished with the old man and all he did and have begun life as the new man, who is out to learn what he ought to be, according to the plan of God. In this new man of God’s design there is no distinction between Greek and Hebrew, Jew or Gentile, foreigner or savage, slave or free man. Christ is all that matters for Christ lives in them all. (11) 12-14 As, therefore, God’s picked representatives of the new humanity, purified and beloved of God himself, be merciful in action, kindly in heart, humble in mind. Accept life, and be most patient and tolerant with one another, always ready to forgive if you have a difference with anyone. Forgive as freely as the Lord has forgiven you. And, above everything else, be truly loving, for love is the golden chain of all the virtues. (15) 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, remembering that as members of the same body you are called to live in harmony, and never forget to be thankful for what God has done for you. (16) 16-17 Let Christ’s teaching live in your hearts, making you rich in the true wisdom. Teach and help one another along the right road with your psalms and hymns and Christian songs, singing God’s praises with joyful hearts. And whatever you may have to do, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, thanking God the Father through him. (18) 18 Wives, adapt yourselves to your husbands, that your marriage may be a Christian unity. (19) 19 Husbands, be sure you give your wives much love and sympathy; don’t let bitterness or resentment spoil your marriage. (20) 20 As for you children, your duty is to obey your parents, for at your age this is one of the best things you can do to show your love for God. (21) 21 Fathers, don’t over-correct your children, or they will grow up feeling inferior and frustrated. (22) 22-25 Slaves, your job is to obey your masters, not with the idea of currying favour, but as a sincere expression of your devotion to God. Whatever you do, put your whole heart and soul into it, as into work done for God, and not merely for men – knowing that your real reward, a heavenly one, will come from God, since you are actually employed by Christ, and not just by your earthly master. But the wicked man will be punished for his misdeeds, and naturally no distinction will be made between master and man.”
Blessings!
Tri
