Lesson 11 March 7-13
Living With Christ
Sabbath Afternoon
Read for This Week's Study: Col. 3:1-17, Rom. 1:18, Rom. 6:1-7, Eph. 4:22-24, Deut. 7:6-8, 1 Sam. 16:23
Memory Text: "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection" (Colossians 3:14, NKJV).
It's commonly urged not to be so heavenly-minded; otherwise, we'll be of no earthly good. While true in some sense, there's an equally important concept that Paul highlights in Colossians 3: if we are too earthly-minded, we will be of no heavenly use to the Lord.
Paul draws our attention to many practical, real-life principles that are born of heaven and can be understood only by those who are "risen with Christ" (Col. 3:1).
Paul's counsels are very down-to-earth principles that will enhance all our relationships, and not just within the church.
Jesus said, " 'Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you . . . that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust' " (Matt. 5:44-45, NKJV).
Sound impossible? It is, humanly speaking. We need to die before we can really live for God. It's why we must be heavenly-minded if we hope to be of any earthly use to our heavenly Father.
This week we'll see ways in which living with Christ can make a difference, now and eternally.
* Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, March 14.
Heavenly-Mindedness
Read Colossians 3:1-4. What condition does Paul indicate is necessary for us to be heavenly-minded? What do you think that means?
From a mountaintop, it is possible to survey a vast landscape that is all around you. From time immemorial, mountains have been frequented by those seeking a closer experience with God (see Ps. 121:1-2). Even human-made mountains, called ziggurats, have been constructed by pagans for a similar purpose--to meet with the gods. Interestingly, the city of Ur, which Abram was called to leave, had a very large ziggurat visible from miles around. But changing one's elevation will never by itself draw anyone closer to heaven in a spiritual sense. Human effort never could.
Instead, only through a miracle of grace, whereby we died with Christ and were raised with Him (figuratively pictured by baptism [Col. 2:12-13]), is it possible to draw nearer to heaven.
Notice that from the beginning of Colossians 3 the repeated emphasis on what is above, that is, what there is in heaven: "those things which are above," "where Christ is," "things above," "with Christ in God," "with Him in glory" (Col. 3:1-4, NKJV).
Admittedly, there is much in the Christian life that defies explanation. How can a person really "die" and "be raised" when, to all appearances, he or she is the same person and has had no such life-and-death experience? There is much that does not make sense to the natural mind, uninfluenced by the Holy Spirit. But to those who are spiritually-minded, because they have received the new heart promised by God, death to sin and being raised with Christ are genuine realities. As the hymn affirms: "You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart."
Nevertheless, Paul gives these commands because there is a constant need for this spiritual life to be renewed (see 2 Cor. 4:16). We can, indeed, fall away and be lost! And we are never safe from temptation in this life.
We must, therefore, choose daily to "seek those things which are above" (Col. 3:1). Our eternal life is safely "hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3, NKJV), but the outward expression of that life will be anything but hidden.
Where are your thoughts: usually above or usually below? If the latter, how do you change their direction?
End Earthliness
We hear many slogans today: "End war!" "End deforestation!" "End nuclear weapons!" But one we have probably never heard is "End earthliness!" That just doesn't fit with the sensibilities of our world. Not that any of the other slogans are wrong or what they advocate is wrong. They're just very shortsighted, considering the nearness of eternity. Our focus needs to be higher, eternally higher.
Read Colossians 3:5-6 (see also Rom. 6:1-7). How do we experience what it means to be dead to self and to earthliness and alive to "those things which are above" (Col. 3:1)?
Even though spiritually we have died with Christ, our "members"--that is, the temptations that our body and mind present us--need to be put to death.
But we should realize two things in connection with this command.
First, in Colossians 3:1, the Greek form that Paul uses assumes that we have, in fact, been raised with Christ. Second, the command in Colossians 3:5 is a consequence of that fact ("Therefore"). We can put to death earthly things (fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, covetousness, etc.) only because we have been raised with Christ and have His spiritual life and power to put these things out of our minds and lives.
Interestingly, the only other occurrence in Greek of the exact phrase that appears in Colossians 3:6, "the wrath of God," is in Romans 1:18. God "gives" people up to their own wicked ways, and so His wrath is also "coming" (see Rev. 6:16-17) "on those who are disobedient" (Col. 3:6, NRSV). In Romans 1:18, Paul refers to "ungodliness and unrighteousness," equating "uncleanness" (using the same Greek word found in Colossians 3:5) very specifically with people who indulge "the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies" (Rom. 1:24, NKJV).
How do they dishonor their bodies? First, because they refuse to recognize the Creator but also by "vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful" (Rom. 1:26-27, NKJV).
How do we follow the words "mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth" (Col. 3:5)?
Renewed in Knowledge
Read Colossians 3:6-11. How does Paul continue with this train of thought?
The initial words of Colossians 3:8 signal the dramatic and decisive change from death to life: "But now." The word "now" in Greek is emphatic. Now, that is, because you are risen with Christ and seek those things that are above, your present life is to show a marked contrast with your former life. Having put to death "what is earthly in you" (Col. 3:5, ESV), "now you must get rid of all such things--anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth" (Col. 3:8, NRSV).
Both anger and wrath can describe God's righteous response to sin (touched on yesterday) as it can for Jesus (Mark 3:5, Rev. 6:16). By contrast, we are urged to "be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:19-20, NKJV). Malice wishes misfortune on another. Slander is designed to defame. Paul also condemns language that is abusive and obscene. Finally, lying to one another is forbidden (compare Lev. 19:11, 18), "since you have put off the old man with his deeds" (Col. 3:9, NKJV).
What does Paul mean by the "old man" in contrast with the "new man"? See Romans 6:6 and Ephesians 4:22-24.
The verbs Paul employs for this transformation from the old to the new allude to clothing, as if one took off old filthy garments and was clothed with new white garments (compare Zech. 3:4). A similar old/new distinction is made in regard to the old and new covenants, which are characterized respectively by the external letter of the law and by the law inscribed by the Spirit in the heart (2 Cor. 3:4-18).
These metaphors describe conversion and its effects, which Paul calls a "new creation" (2 Cor. 5:17, NKJV). We are "renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him [Christ]" (Col. 3:10, NKJV), who is the image of the invisible God (Col. 1:15). Gaining a knowledge of Christ through His Word transforms us "into the same image from glory to glory" (2 Cor. 3:18). This places us above all ethnic, geographical, and social boundaries (Col. 3:11), because we are citizens of a higher kingdom.
Character of the New Life
Having described the bad habits and negative qualities that are removed and put away when we come to Christ, Paul proceeds to the positive--like moving from darkness to light.
Read Colossians 3:12-14. How are believers described, and how do you think it relates to the qualities they are to "put on"?
Like Israel, called by God to be His special people and reflect His character, believers in Jesus are "the elect of God" (Col. 3:12, NKJV), His "chosen ones" (ESV). Not all, though, live up to this calling. As Jesus said, " 'Many are called, but few are chosen' " (Matt. 22:14; compare Matt. 24:22, 24, 31). Paul's references to the elect have a similar meaning (Rom. 8:33, 2 Tim. 2:10). Also, like Israel, believers are "loved" by God and "holy" (Deut. 7:6-8). This privilege carries with it an important responsibility: to "proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Pet. 2:9, NKJV). And we do that by how we live now.
The eight qualities mentioned by Paul are quite a list! "Tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another," and "above all . . . love" (Col. 3:12-14, NKJV). These can spring only from a heart united with Christ, because they describe His character and how He has dealt with us. We are to forgive others "even as Christ forgave you" (Col. 3:13). Love is "the bond of perfection" (Col. 3:14, NKJV), because it is His love toward us that binds us to Him and enables us to truly love others (1 John 4:11-12).
These qualities impact our relationships in two ways. First, showing love, mercy, kindness, and forgiveness toward others blesses us and others. It is fulfilling to love and bless others. People will normally respond to us in kind, and we continue to receive God's mercy and forgiveness (Matt. 5:7, Matt. 6:14). Second, and more important, it glorifies God and may encourage others to believe and follow Jesus, because it shows the power of divine grace. "No other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the influence of an unselfish life. The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian."--Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 470.
How well are you representing Jesus in the way you treat others, especially those who may be unkind to you?
Living the New Life
Paul's concern for peace and harmony in the church appears clearly in the last verses of Colossians 3. We've already looked at God's peace in some detail (see Lesson 7). Unlike the pax Romana, the pax Christi is not a peace imposed from the outside but is to "rule" us from within. That can happen only if Christ is in control.
Read Colossians 3:16-17. What specifically enables Christ to be in control, and what role does music play in all this?
The language is very descriptive. It pictures the word of Christ making its home in us. That happens when we read the Bible attentively in order to listen and learn from God's wisdom. Apparently, though the Greek text is somewhat ambiguous, music plays an important role in "teaching and admonishing one another" (Col. 3:16).
But not just any music. Paul uses very specific terminology both here and in Ephesians 5:19: "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs."
Though we can't be certain, it seems a distinction is made here between the existing Old Testament collection of psalms and a growing New Testament collection of hymns. "Spiritual songs" may be a more general term for any song of praise related to the spiritual life or the life of the church. The words of the songs are the means of teaching the truth and giving instruction on living the new life of a Christian. Many great hymns of the past few centuries have powerfully uplifting messages of hope and assurance, so needed in a world that so easily drags us all down.
Music's influence is powerful. David's playing of the harp had a soothing effect on King Saul (1 Sam. 16:23). But when David became his rival, Saul's anger and resentment rose (1 Sam. 18:10-11). Calm classical music has been clinically shown to reduce anxiety, optimize brain function, increase relaxation, help with pain, and increase socialization.
Who among us has not seen for themselves the powerful influence music, for good or bad, can have on our emotions and thoughts? Music--the right music--can be spiritually uplifting.
We are told that whatever we do, "do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col. 3:17). Can you truly say that you do that? If not, how can you change; that is, what must you stop doing if you cannot do it in the name of the Lord?
Further Thought: "When the Spirit of God controls mind and heart, the converted soul breaks forth into a new song; for he realizes that in his experience the promise of God has been fulfilled, that his transgression has been forgiven, his sin covered. He has exercised repentance toward God for the violation of the divine law, and faith toward Christ, who died for man's justification. 'Being justified by faith,' he has 'peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.' Romans 5:1.
"But because this experience is his, the Christian is not therefore to fold his hands, content with that which has been accomplished for him. He who has determined to enter the spiritual kingdom will find that all the powers and passions of unregenerate nature, backed by the forces of the kingdom of darkness, are arrayed against him. Each day he must renew his consecration, each day do battle with evil. Old habits, hereditary tendencies to wrong, will strive for the mastery, and against these he is to be ever on guard, striving in Christ's strength for victory ...
"The power of a higher, purer, nobler life is our great need. The world has too much of our thought, and the kingdom of heaven too little.
"In his efforts to reach God's ideal for him, the Christian is to despair of nothing. Moral and spiritual perfection, through the grace and power of Christ, is promised to all. Jesus is the source of power, the fountain of life ... In our behalf He sets in operation the all-powerful agencies of heaven. At every step we touch His living power."--Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pp. 476-478.
Discussion Questions:
- What has been your own experience with the promise that you have been "justified by faith"? How has this wonderful promise changed your life? How is that promise linked to the idea that you also "have been raised with Christ"?
- What does it mean to you to be heavenly-minded? Is it more important than doing earthly good? Where is the balance?
- Think about the kind of influence your life has on others. And though we tend to think of this in the context of our individual influence, what about our influence as a church? How does your local church impact your local community?
- Read Colossians 3:11. What should this tell us about the unity we should have in Christ?
Rene Tucaldo
Rene Tucaldo
Facing an Ultimatum
On the Sabbath that Rene chose to go to church rather than to the office, he returned to the building where he lived and worked after sundown. A coworker handed him a letter from the boss. He had been fired.
Rene was shocked. He didn't know what would happen next. As a foreigner working in a country hostile to Christianity, he wondered if he could stand firm for God if he were sent to prison or faced death. He prayed, "Lord, is this the time for me to go home to the Philippines? If you want me to die here, it's fine with me. Many people know I'm fighting for my faith."
Early the next morning, he went to the office and emailed his boss. "I respect you," he wrote. "You are my friend and big brother. I know we need to discuss the problems that I have caused when you come to the office."
That night, his boss came to work. He seemed upset. Rene prayed, "Please help. Let my boss calm down. But if it's Your will that I die, I accept it."
Then the boss summoned Rene. Rene tried to stand up but couldn't. His knees wouldn't support him. He felt like he was dying. With all his strength, he lifted himself out of his chair and walked awkwardly, hunched over, to his boss' office. As he raised his hand to knock on the door, he heard a voice whisper, "Don't be afraid. I am the true God. I am faithful to My promises."
A moment later, he opened the door and saw his boss' stern face. As he walked in, the voice whispered twice, "I am the true God. I am faithful to My promises." With each repetition, the voice grew louder.
The boss handed two pieces of paper to Rene and said, "Choose one." When Rene expressed bewilderment, the boss said, "One is a work contract. The other is a plane ticket." Relieved, Rene prayed silently, "Thank You, Lord, it isn't prison." He chose the plane ticket.
But the boss said, "Read the contract first."
Rene saw his pay would be doubled if he worked one hour on Saturdays. He chose the ticket again. As he wondered how he would pay for it, he heard the voice again, saying, "I am the true God. I am faithful to my promises."
Rene returned home to the Philippines. On the plane, he prayed, "You say, 'I am the true God. I am faithful to My promises.' What is Your promise to me?" The voice whispered, "You won't be able to use up all your money before you find a new job."
Rene Tucaldo is chief financial officer of the 1000 Missionary Movement, whose headquarters in Silang, Philippines, were constructed with the help of a 1996 Thirteenth Sabbath Offering. Read the rest of the story next week.
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