Putting on the Image of Christ

When a company is purchased and comes under new ownership, it changes over into its new image, taking on the signage, policies and culture to that of the new corporation. Because our true image is now in Christ and not in our old life, we begin to apply this same principle into our whole lives. Step by step we put on the new nature found in Christ while putting to death the old sinful nature:

“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.” Colossians 3:5-7.

Sexual sins, both of the body (outwardly) and of the mind (inwardly), can become compulsive and dangerous.  Some listed here are unlawful such as prostitution, adultery, incest, and others. Paul includes impurity or uncleanliness, referring a state of moral corruption. Lust and evil desires never satisfy the void. Greed is the sin of covetousness, the inappropriate desire for more. Whatever we put a higher priority on before God, including sex, wealth, power and control or anything else, it becomes a false god to us. These sins belong to our former image not our new image found in Christ.

Paul’s instructions here are basic and straight forward. He is setting the standard for churches to hold for its members. His message was primarily directed to a culture in a Gentile church that didn't have much concept of sin at all. Paul’s message runs directly against today’s culture, which says that sex between consenting adults outside of marriage is okay. God commanded us, "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28), given in an arena in which we can exercise our sexuality freely in the bonds of marriage. We are to put to death in us, the permission to exercise our sexuality outside God’s design for physical intimacy. Ultimately, everything belongs to God. When a person becomes a follower of Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to occupy their entire being:

“Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” 1 Corinthians 6:18-20.

Paul then moves to another self-control issue as it relates to anger and the resulting damage it causes through one’s speech and attitudes. Theses destructive patterns and behaviors are relationship killers: "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips" Colossians 3:8.

Anger is a God-given emotion that responds to either a real or perceived injustice.  Anger, in and of itself, is not sin. However, when we refuse to let go of it, anger sours and turns into bitterness. Anger, when aggression is openly expressed, reacts, flares up, slips out of control, becomes loud, and perhaps even violent. Passive aggressive anger is a hidden or indirect type of anger like gossip. It undermines others secretly in a sneaky way, as it hides its aggression while planning to harm the other person. Aggression involves trying to control what is not yours to control, which leads to losing control. Regardless of the style, if not handled with care, anger has consequences: “He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool” Proverbs 10:18.

There is a healthy manner in which to effectively manage anger. The Bible commands “love thy neighbor” and “pray for your enemy”. “Assertiveness” is responsive rather than practicing aggression. Assertiveness is “other-focused” rather than “self-focused”. Assertiveness has the “best interest” of the other person. Aggression involves usurping territory by violating boundaries. Assertiveness involves sharing territory by drawing clear and fair boundaries. Aggression seeks to take rights away. Assertiveness seeks equal rights.

The overall health of all involved thrives, when we practice self-care and the care of others. We need the transforming power of the Holy Spirit that produces self-control and gentleness in us: “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” Proverbs 29:11. We need help to let go of our anger so it doesn't poison our relationships and ruin our lives. While pride destroys self and others, humility serves and builds: “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel” Proverbs 15:18.

Anger and speech are closely connected. Slander is speech that disrespects. Slander and gossip when not dealt with, results in the destruction of relationships: “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin” Proverbs 13:3. Slander is speaking false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage another's reputation. Libel is similar to slander in that it conveys an unfavorable impression but in written form. Gossip is a rumor or report of an intimate nature that his harmful to all: “A false witness will not go unpunished and he who pours out lies will not go free” Proverbs 19:5.

Filthy language is shameful and abusive speech of a kind that is generally considered in poor taste and obscene. It’s not always the actual words itself; it’s also how it is said. When we allow our speech to get away from us, we should stop and ask God for His forgiveness and for His help. We may slip occasionally, but it should not be our normal manner of expression. Our vocabulary and tone needs to be cleansed so that it reflects well on our Lord: “The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment” Proverbs 10:21.

Next, Paul touches a problem that afflicts us Christians far too often: Lying. It’s common for people to only say the parts of the truth that they feel are acceptable or that they think people want to hear, leaving the full truth hidden away or distorted. They may lie by omission or tell “little white lies” that paint a very different picture of reality. It’s no surprise that these lies don’t just hurt relationships, they can outright destroy them. Even lies told in the name of protecting others can leave you feeling guilty or shameful, because you don’t feel like an authentic, strong individual when you aren’t being completely honest.

“Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Colossians 3:9-10.

Lying is to tell a falsehood. What makes lying wrong? Satan is known as "the father of lies" (John 8:44). Our God, on the other hand, is a God of truth. Our faith in God is based on us trusting him completely. Lying is utterly contrary to God's nature. And we have "taken off" our old self with its evil practices and are being renewed in God's image.

Trust builds community, marriages and relationships. Lying, by its very nature, undermines and destroys marriages, relationships and the greater community. At times there may be special circumstances like not telling your wife or girlfriend that she needs to lose weight. But Paul is not speaking of the exceptions, but of the practice of truthful speech in contrast to angry, slanderous, abusive speech.

We are to put on the new self, being renewed. We find other places in the bible following this same principle. Paul's analogy is taking off and putting on clothing. In Christ we have changed garments: “Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Romans 13:14.  But the change is not just external, but internal, in our spirit and in our character. No, it is not instantaneous. We are "being renewed," that is, literally, "made new again." Praise God He is so patient with us. This is the process of sanctification. We see several other uses of the word in Paul's letters: "Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:16b. "He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." Titus 3:5b. "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind" Romans 12:2b.

We are to obviously cooperate in the process of renewal, and not be rebellious. But ultimately it is God's work in us, the fruit of the Holy Spirit of God. The renewal involves our mind, as we take hold of and internalize God's truths. We have to get into God’s Word, learn what it says and then daily, live it out.

“Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is, and is in all” Colossians 3:11:

The goal is far beyond ourselves; it is to restore God's image in us that has been damaged and fallen through sin. God wants to renew us all the way back to his original creation: "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1:27. In a number of passages in the Bible, we see our final destiny to be found as restored to our original perfect state in the Garden of God: Luke 23:43 and 2 Corinthians 12:4, where "Paradise" means "garden". What are you doing that furthers the process of renewal in your heart? What are you doing that hinders that process of renewal?

Cultivating your Heart for God

“I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.” Ezekiel 36:25-28

The Lord wants each of His followers to have a "heart of flesh" so that we will be teachable and willing to obey the Word. Often God allows circumstances to take place in our lives to mold and shape us to be more like Him. A true follower of Christ submits to the pressure and assumes the form God desires. God cultivates your heart like the potter shapes the clay.

To further the process, God has sent the Holy Spirit to actively assist each follower. By listening and following the Spirit's promptings, our hearts become even more sensitive to His leading. The Lord is able to impart greater understanding of His Word to a willing and teachable heart because it has faithfully accepted and obeyed previous promptings.

Resisting God results in a hardening of the heart. A hard heart is like a heart of stone. A heart of stone is not open or available to the things of God. The heart of stone stops growing, withers and dies. But those who are accustomed to intimacy with Christ will be quick to deal with sin and return to the place of obedience that produces a full life, made of joy, peace, and other spiritual blessings.

People with a heart for God stay closely connected to other followers of Christ. They are eager to encourage and build up others in their walk of faith. Followers of Christ are receptive to what God wants to tell them. They are willing to listen. They are open and teachable to the guidance and correction of other believers.

This week when you study the Word and pray, continue to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Partner with Him in the transformation of your heart. As God speaks to you, take your time, slow-down and listen. Trust in the Spirit's ability and power to help you follow and obey His leading. Let your heart be molded, shaped and transformed into a beautiful and useful heart for God. What is preventing you from growing more fully in Christ? 

Grounded in the Word

“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love, for they are from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you, Lord, are good. Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.” Psalms 25:4-10

When we allow the Word to renew our minds, guard our hearts, and change our behaviors, God will richly bestow spiritually blessings. By reading and meditating on the Word, we begin to understand His ways. This isn't always something we can figure out on our own. His ways are unlike our ways. God’s ways are bigger, higher, and eternal.

Relationship with the Lord will grow more and more intimately because He chooses to reveal Himself to those who seek Him and follow His direction. As we learn God is a faithful God, our confidence in His faithfulness will grow because He keeps His promises. No matter what the situation, we can know that we can trust Him. He transforms stress into peace. Anticipation about what He's going to do next in our lives is joyful living. Even when difficulties come, we can rest in His peace, knowing that the Lord will work out each situation for the good.

A life grounded in the Word is significant. When we live according to what the Bible teaches, we develop spiritual discernment and we can begin to make wiser and better choices to help guard against the deception and lies of the enemy. 

Because true followers of Christ demonstrate wisdom and righteousness, the Lord enables them to affect others powerfully. Since God knows His followers can be trusted, He also gives them greater and greater opportunities and responsibilities for service in His kingdom.

Other activities fight for our attention, but none of them can offer us the spiritual riches of a life grounded in the Word. With all these spiritual blessings available to you, wouldn't it be wise to invest your time and energy in building the truth and strength of God's Word into your life?

Hidden with Christ in God

Colossians Chapter 3 is separated into four sections: 1-4 teaches we are hidden in Christ, taught and encouraged to be heavenly-minded.  5-11 teaches we are to put on the new self in the image of Jesus Christ. 12-17 teaches we are to live in love and unity. 18-25 we are to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to the Lord. Paul moves on from the controversy discussed in the previous chapter. We hear no more about false teaching. The Apostle has cut his way through the principles of falsity and has had his say in regards to the positive truths which disputes any such error. 

Paul shows that Jesus is the Lord of our way of life. He is the ruler over every thought, word and deed. Because we belong to Him, we should walk in a way that brings glory and honor to Him. Every aspect of our lives, from the things seen in public view, to the hidden secret thoughts of our minds, should be under direction and control from Him. We should walk more in obedience to what the Word teaches. Heaven and earth are contrary one to the other. We cannot follow both together. When we show affection to one, the other will weaken and diminish.

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2:

When a person becomes a follower of Christ, he or she is re-born in spirit and truth, crucified and dead to sin. The bondage of sin has been broken and we are free and alive in Christ (read Romans 6). The Spirit of God comes to live inside the Christian believer. The body becomes the home, the temple of the Spirit of God. Because God is holy, we should be holy. Where the Lord makes His home is place of purity and without sin. The Apostle Peter explains it like this:

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.  As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.  But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”  1 Peter 1:13-16.

“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Colossians 3:3-4:

Much of our esteem arises from various aspects of our lives including heritage, gender, possessions, accomplishments and how others perceive us. Yet, when we entered into a relationship with Christ, we “died to this life” and our “real life” began “hidden with Christ in God.” As a follower of Christ, life now rests safely locked away in Christ. He is our life now. This new life in Christ opens up a treasure that changes our soul and our outlook in life. It reiterates the most important truth of our lives; we are bound to Christ forevermore. Just look at what this means for us who now live hidden with Christ in God:

We experience unconditional love. Nothing can separate us from God’s love. (Romans 8:38–39). God chose us and calls us friend (Ephesians 1:4; John 15:15). We have forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 1:7). We have an eternal future. We will live forever (Romans 6:23). All the promises of God have a stamped “yes” on them (2 Corinthians 1:20). In Christ, our old disappeared. Newness describes God’s children (2 Corinthians 5:17). God provides for all of our needs (Philippians 4:19). God’s children are sanctified in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). We have the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Before God, we have no flaws, no mistakes, no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). We are justified before Him and His righteousness in Christ is imputed to us (Philippians 3:9; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 1:17). Grace covers us completely (John 1:14; Ephesians 2:8–9; 2 Timothy 1:9).

We made the decision to have Christ “dwell in our hearts through faith” (Ephesians 3:16–19). God’s sovereign work made it possible for us to be united with Christ forever. We are in Christ, our identity is found in Christ, and we are hidden in Christ.

Do you embrace the wonderful truth of knowing how God sees you through the lenses of grace? Are you getting rid of any image of yourselves that does not come from God? Do you reject the feelings, the opinions of others, the labels and even your circumstances, the successes or failures, imposed on you?  Will you start to see how God sees you and accept what God says you?