Living the Christ-filled Life - Part 3

  

 

The Preeminent Christ -10

 

TITLE: Living the Christ-filled Life

TEXT: Colossians 3:12-17

THESIS: Understanding our identity as "Chosen, Holy, and Beloved" in Christ empowers believers to live purposefully and authentically, integrating their faith into every aspect of life through adoration, contemplation, and imitation, ultimately bringing glory to God.

 

During my high school baseball days, we adhered to strict guidelines that emphasized professionalism and team identity. We were required to be clean-shaven and fully dressed in our uniforms, ensuring that everything was neatly squared away before stepping off the bus. We understood that we were not just representing a team, but also our school and the entire town. This commitment to our appearance and conduct fostered a sense of pride and responsibility, reinforcing the idea that we were ambassadors of our community, both on and off the field.

 

Even more so, as believers, we represent Christ and His Kingdom, and we too are called to be squared away in our conduct and appearance. Just as we take pride in our uniforms and team identity, we should carry ourselves with the same dignity and purpose in our daily lives. Colossians 3:12-17 emphasizes the importance of embodying characteristics that reflect our faith—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

 

To live this Christ-filled life, several important truths must be kept in mind.

 

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I.                             Understanding of Our Identity in Christ

 

Explanation: Paul beautifully describes believers as “chosen, holy, and beloved,” capturing the essence of our divine identity as a gift rather than an achievement. Just as a treasured heirloom carries intrinsic value, understanding our worth in God's eyes compels us to live in a manner that honors this identity.

 

Chosen (ἐκλεκτός - eklektos): The term "chosen" denotes divine selection, highlighting God's grace in choosing individuals for His purposes. This profound truth reminds us that no one arrives at salvation through their own choice. In theological discourse, it closely relates to the concept of election, especially as seen in Ephesians 1:4, which states that believers are chosen "in Him before the foundation of the world."

 

Charles Spurgeon once said, "I am sure that of all the elect, I am one; I hear it with joy, and I give thanks unto God for it." He encapsulates the confidence believers should have in God’s sovereign choice, just as Paul expressed when he affirmed the Thessalonians: “We should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through the sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:13). This call is not due to our good works. Still, it is "according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity" (2 Timothy 1:9).

 

Holy (ἅγιος - hagios): The word "holy" signifies being set apart or consecrated for a divine purpose. In the Biblical context, holiness is not only an intrinsic attribute of God but also a calling for His people. A.W. Tozer beautifully articulated this, stating, “Holiness is the most beautiful thing that can be experienced on this earth.” As believers, we are called to exemplify this holiness, distinguishing ourselves not just for divine purposes but also for the betterment of society. We have been sanctified. We are being sanctified, and we are to live the sanctified life. All are true. David Peterson notes, “Sanctification is commonly regarded as a process of moral and spiritual transformation following conversion. In the NT, however, it primarily refers to God’s way of taking possession of us in Christ, setting us apart to belong to him and to fulfill his purpose for us….believers are definitively consecrated to God in order to live dedicated and holy lives, to his glory.”

 

Beloved (ἀγαπητός - agapetos): The term "beloved" conveys profound affection and intimacy in our relationship with God. In Christian theology, this emphasizes God’s relentless love for His elect, freshly illustrated in Romans 5:8, which declares that God demonstrates His love for us while we were still sinners. Recognizing oneself as ‘beloved’ can significantly impact self-worth and interpersonal relationships. As Andrew Murray stated, "The believer is a beloved child of God, a reality of which we must constantly be aware and which influences how we live." This understanding invites us to experience and extend love, underlining the importance of community and connection in the Christian experience.

 

The combined understanding of being "Chosen, Holy, and Beloved" frames a believer's profound identity in Christ. This identity not only assures us of our value but also catalyzes a life lived in gratitude and service. As we internalize these truths, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and each other, shaping a community that reflects His love and holiness to the world.  

 

To live this Christ-filled life, several important truths must be kept in mind.

 

Like…

 

 

II.                         Embracing Our Purpose in Christ (Colossians 3:17)

 

Explanation: In Colossians 3:17, Paul instructs believers to live out their faith by stating, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." This verse emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the believer's actions, highlighting that every part of life—whether through speech or action—should reflect the character of Christ. Paul’s use of "whatever you do" signifies that no action is insignificant; faith should permeate all areas of life, integrating spiritual beliefs with daily activities.

 

When he mentions acting "in word or deed," Paul underscores the importance of both verbal expressions and practical applications in our faith journey. A believer’s actions must align with their spoken faith, reinforcing the biblical principle in James 1:22 that encourages being "doers of the word." Acting "in the name of the Lord Jesus" conveys authority and reflects the believer's responsibility to represent Christ's character in every situation, making His teachings known through their conduct. It reminds me of Paul’s command to the Corinthians, wherein he wrote, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God…. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Cor. 10:31, 11:1).

 

Here are some explanations of how adoration, contemplation, and imitation bring glory to God, supported by Scripture and quotes from Puritan writers and other theologians:

 

Adoration:  Adoration is a powerful expression of worship that acknowledges God's greatness and majesty. "Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth" (Psalm 96:9). Jonathan Edwards wrote, "True religion, in great part, consists in holy affections." Our adoration is rooted in heartfelt emotions that honor God’s holiness.

 

Contemplation/Meditation: Contemplation and meditation involve reflecting on God’s attributes, His Word, and His creation, thereby deepening our understanding and relationship with Him. "Let my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord" (Psalm 104:34). This verse emphasizes the importance of meditation in fostering joy and connection with God. Thomas Watson said, "The greatest sight a man can see is the face of God." Contemplation leads us to behold His glory and perfection, bringing us closer to Him.

 

Imitation:  Imitating Christ means living out His teachings and embodying His love and righteousness, which reflects His character to the world. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children" (Ephesians 5:1). Richard Baxter noted, "We are like children that must follow our father’s steps." By imitating Christ, we honor God and demonstrate our commitment to living in accordance with His purposes.

 

Together, these three practices—adoration, contemplation, and imitation—glorify God by engaging our hearts and minds in ways that reflect His nature and desires. As we prioritize these spiritual disciplines, we not only draw closer to God but also fulfill our purpose in glorifying Him through our lives.

 

When we understand that our purpose is glorifying God, we are motivated to pursue a life of purity. Just as an artist creates to honor their craft, we strive for righteousness to bring glory to our Creator.

 

 

III.                      Modeling the Character of Christ  

 

Explanation: Here’s a list of the virtues discussed by Paul in Colossians 3:12-16, categorized along with the Greek translations and brief descriptions, supplemented with insights from key Christian figures:

 

Compassion, σπλάγχνα (splagchna). This virtue encapsulates profound feelings of sympathy and empathy. As St. John Chrysostom noted, "If you cannot find in yourself the compassion of the Savior, you will be unable to help others." This highlights a heartfelt concern for others that drives actions towards kindness and consideration.

 

Kindness, χρηστότης (chrēstotēs). Reflecting goodness and benevolence, kindness embodies friendliness, generosity, and consideration. Martin Luther emphasized this, stating, "Nothing can be more affectionate than to love the Lord, and nothing can be more virtuous than to love our neighbor." Acts of service manifest this virtue in practical ways.

 

Humility, ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosynē). Humility involves a modest view of one’s importance, promoting a servant-hearted approach. In the words of St. Augustine, "The higher a man is in grace, the lower he should be in his own eyes." This quality encourages the willingness to put others first.

 

Meekness, πραΰτης (prautetēs). Often interpreted as gentleness, meekness reflects strength under control, patience, and non-combative behavior, especially in the face of provocation. As Calvin remarked, "The meek are those who can bear wrongs without seeking revenge."

 

Patience, μακροθυμία (makrothymia). This virtue encompasses tolerance and endurance in difficult circumstances. It is the ability to bear provocation and delay responses. Luther once observed, "Patience is a bitter plant, but its fruit is sweet.”

 

Forgiveness, ἄφεσις (aphesis). The act of releasing someone from their obligation, wrongdoing, or hurt reflects God's grace towards us. As C.S. Lewis poignantly stated, "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."

 

Love, ἀγάπη (agapē). The highest form of love, characterized by selflessness and a commitment to seek the well-being of others, binds all virtues together in unity. Tertullian remarked, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church," emphasizing how love manifests even through sacrifice.

 

Peace, εἰρήνη (eirēnē). Representing harmony and the absence of conflict, peace fosters a state of tranquility both internally and in relations with others. As St. Francis of Assisi said, "Where there is peace, there is God."

 

Thankfulness, εὐχαριστία (eucharistia). This attitude of gratitude should permeate a believer's life, recognizing God’s blessings and grace. Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich."

 

Paul further emphasizes, “Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you…” highlighting the unique benefits to the church and society as a whole: harmonious unity. As we allow the Word to dwell in us, it produces both information and emotion, resulting in a heart that overflows in worship toward God and in fellowship with others.

 

 

TAKE AWAY: Our identity in Christ nurtures our purpose, and together they create a powerful drive for purity. When we are grounded in who we are and why we exist, we are better equipped to make choices that align with our faith, like a lamp that shines brightly when filled with the correct fuel. Our identity fuels our purpose, and this combined truth empowers our purity.

 

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