January 27, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Colossians Chapter 3
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.
21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;
23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.
25 But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
Colossians Chapter 3 is a call to believers to fully renew their lives in Christ. It centers on the contrast between the “old self,” characterized by sinful desires and worldly thinking, and the “new self,” fashioned in the image of Christ. Paul admonishes believers to turn away from earthly things and to strive for what is “above.” He provides practical instructions on living in love, forgiveness, and gratitude, and outlines a Christian household order based on mutual respect and reverence for God. This chapter invites an inner transformation made possible through Christ.
Commentary
In this chapter, Paul presents a clear challenge to the believers: they are to put off their “old self” and put on the “new self,” which is being renewed in Christ. The metaphorical language emphasizes that spiritual change is not merely superficial but involves a complete renewal of character and lifestyle. The exhortation to “seek what is above” directs focus toward eternal values and the glory of Christ, rather than being distracted by worldly desires and fleeting goals.
Particularly striking is the list of things believers are to put away: anger, malice, slander, and other sins that destroy interpersonal relationships. These negative traits are to be replaced with positive virtues such as mercy, kindness, humility, and patience. This highlights that the transformation into the “new self” is not passive but requires a conscious decision and active effort.
The central role of love is emphasized, as it is “the bond of perfection.” Love is the foundation for harmonious living, whether in the church, family, or society. Paul stresses that love is the key to peace and gratitude, which should govern the hearts of believers. The peace of God, which is mediated through Christ, is presented as the standard for decisions and the basis for relationships.
A notable part of the chapter is the Christian household code, where Paul provides specific instructions for spouses, children, fathers, and servants. These instructions are based on mutual responsibility and reverence for God, demonstrating that the Christian life affects not only personal faith but also social and familial relationships. The exhortation to “do everything wholeheartedly, as if working for the Lord and not for people” underscores the importance of inner attitude. It is a call to perform all activities—whether spiritual or everyday—with a heart of gratitude and service to God.
Overall, the chapter offers comprehensive guidance for a life oriented toward Christ. It combines theological principles with practical applications, illustrating how faith should shape personal life and community interactions.
Summary
Colossians Chapter 3 calls believers to renew their lives in Christ by putting off the “old self” with its sinful actions and putting on the “new self,” which is created in the image of Christ. Paul urges them to rid themselves of earthly desires and to seek the things that are “above,” where Christ reigns. He emphasizes the importance of love, forgiveness, and peace as the foundation of a Christian life. Additionally, he provides practical instructions for relationships within the family and social environment, focusing on mutual respect and reverence for God. The chapter concludes with an exhortation to do everything wholeheartedly for the Lord and to remain thankful. It serves as a powerful guide for living a life that glorifies Christ.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 2—The Sinner’s Need of Christ
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 2 vividly describes the state of humanity after the fall of man. It shows how humanity was separated from God and, in its weakness, incapable of freeing itself from the bondage of sin. Through disobedience, the originally noble capabilities of humans were corrupted, and selfishness replaced love. In this state, the dependence of humans on God’s grace and the necessity of redemption through Christ are emphasized. The chapter makes it clear that only through Christ is the restoration of the connection with God possible, as He is the sole mediator between heaven and earth.
Commentary
This chapter presents the profound truth that humanity is lost without divine intervention. The original state of man, characterized by holiness, love, and fellowship with God, was radically altered by the fall of man. Humanity lost its spiritual strength and became a prisoner of sin and Satan. This estrangement from God not only led to a lack of joy in holiness but also to a departure from fellowship with God. The idea that a sinner could not experience joy even in heaven, as their inclinations and motives are entirely opposed to heavenly ones, is particularly striking. This illustrates that redemption is not merely a legal act but an inner transformation of the heart.
A central element of the chapter is the recognition that humans, by their own power, are unable to escape sin. Education, moral efforts, or external rituals cannot change the heart. This highlights the absolute necessity of God’s intervention through Christ. The description of Christ serving as the mediator between heaven and earth, bridging the gap caused by sin, is a powerful metaphorical depiction of the work of redemption. This connection is restored through Christ, who links fallen humanity with the source of divine power.
Another significant point is the notion that all human efforts toward progress or moral refinement are futile without Christ. Humans can only achieve true holiness and fellowship with God through His grace. The section also demonstrates God’s love, manifested in the sacrifice of His Son. This love is stronger than death and reveals the highest price that God was willing to pay to redeem humanity.
Finally, the chapter earnestly appeals to the reader not to disregard God’s redemptive grace. It calls for the recognition of God’s patience and efforts to restore fallen humanity. The idea that stronger measures than the sacrifice of Jesus could not have been employed underscores the urgency and depth of divine love. The chapter urges believers to reciprocate this love, surrender their lives to Christ, and accept the offered fellowship with God.
Summary
Chapter 2 describes the lost state of humanity after the fall of man and its complete dependence on God’s grace for redemption. Humanity, which originally lived in holiness and fellowship with God, became estranged through sin and unable to free itself. The gap between God and man could only be bridged by Christ, the mediator, who restores the connection between heaven and earth and offers new life to humanity. The chapter emphasizes the necessity of an inner transformation through Christ’s grace and showcases the infinite love of God, revealed in the sacrifice of His Son. It calls the reader to accept this grace and fully surrender to God in order to receive the gift of redemption and return to fellowship with Him.
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