Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Colossians 3  A person who has been "raised up with Christ" is one who has "died" first.  That person will be made new.  Paul gives us a glimpse os what new life in Christ looks like;

First, that person will keep his eyes on Christ, seeking  Him continually.
He will set his mind on "things above" instead of the "things that are on the earth".
He will "consider the members of" his earthly body dead to: "immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed."
He will put aside his "anger, wrath, malice, slander and abusive speech".
He won't lie.
He will lay aside any evil practice.   There must be a complete separation, a casting off of sinful behavior, divesting oneself of this kind of living, purposely laying it aside forever.

The believer will "put on the new self"; the renovated self. The "true knowledge" that we have gained - Christ Himself - is our model, the One each of us desire to attain to, for "Christ is all and in all".
We, who are chosen, holy, and beloved by God, will put on:
a heart of compassion
kindness
humility
gentleness
patience.
We will bear with one another.
We will forgive one another.
We will love one another "which is the perfect bond of unity".

And as we take off the old and put on the new, our lives will be conformed into the image of Christ.

Paul gives us some directions as we go:
"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts"
".. be thankful"
" Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

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