Abiding in Christ

Abiding in Christ: Fruitfulness for the Glory of God

John 15:1-8

The upper room meeting is now behind the disciples.  The Lord has taught them a great lesson in humility in washing the feet of His disciples.  The Lord’s Supper is instituted and Judas has been revealed as a traitor.  Now the Lord takes the remaining 11 on a walk toward the cross – Jerusalem.  In just a few hours they will all abandon Him; they would have never thought it.  So He gives them (and all of us) a terrific lesson in the necessity and the promises of abiding in Him.  Our union with Christ is essential.  He initiated the union and we should respond in obedience.

1. Pruning – vv. 1-3

Christ is the “true vine” indicating that He is fulfilling what God originally intended for Israel.  Isaiah 5 God says that He expected obedience from Israel but they gave only “wild grapes”.  God wanted Israel to be fruitful and to be a light to the nations.  He has put Israel’s program on hold and has chose to vehicle His message through the church.  Oh how the church lets the Lord down – may God revive His church!

From time to time “branches” are removed.  But in (v. 2) Jesus keys in on the importance of God pruning the believer in order to produce “more” and “much” fruit.  The method of this pruning (v. 3) is through the Word of God.  The Word of God exposes sin; inspires holiness; promotes growth.  As Jesus applied the Word to the disciples they underwent a constant pruning process.  We must, as Christians, stay in God’s Word.

1. Production – vv. 4-6

The Lord calls for a mutual abiding.  The branch does not produce fruit.  The vine produces the fruit in the branch.  However the branch must abide in the vine – and when it does fruit is certain.  There is no guarantee for quantity or quality – just fruit (v. 5).

The penalty the Lord speaks of (v. 6) is somewhat solemn.  He does not seem to be thinking along salvific lines.  It seems that the greatest judgment of God for the believer would be to let him alone.  Just let him have his own way.  It would be just like (figuratively) throwing us in the fire.  I couldn’t imagine facing my Jesus with a destroyed, burned up, testimony.  Unfruitfulness however, is a good indicator (most of the time) that one has not been genuinely born again.  Oh the carnality in the church today.

1. Proof – vv. 7-8

How is the connection maintained?  Isaiah 5 we are giving a clue – it is obedience – that would seem to be the main ingredient although it surely doesn’t exhaust the list.  I will give two proofs that one is abiding in Christ.

1. The believer desires the will of God (v. 7).  An orange isn’t going to bear apples.  The genuine believer in Christ will bear godly fruit – according to the will of God.
2. God is glorified in our fruitfulness – (v. 8).  It is God generating the fruit after all.  Jesus said “by their fruit you will know them.  At this point in the text – in just a few hours – the disciples will be asleep in the garden; Peter will go slashing with a sword and cursing and denying Christ; the rest tuck tail and run away.  Why did they do this?  The Word of God wasn’t abiding in them.  Why do we do the same stuff?  The Word is not abiding in us. 

Abiding = Abounding!

Blind Guide

I see more than I care to, of far too many who claim the name of my sweet wonderful Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, who are led about by a blind guide.  These say that they are saved by grace through faith – and that is all good and well.  After all that is what the Bible clearly teaches.  But that takes care of the most important issue of life – eternity.  Once a person has been born again by the amazing grace of God nothing can ever take them back to a lost condition.  Now that said, what about our walk after we are saved.  This is where the problem lies.  Christianity and our churches are full of people who are being led about a blind guide.  That blind guide is the flesh.  Psalm 37 says “the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.”  Proverbs 3:5-6 says “trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding and in all our ways acknowledge him and he will direct our paths.”  That is simple enough.

It breaks my heart to see people “grace” the church with their presence on Sunday morning, but they aren’t heard from or seen (hopefully) until the next Sunday.  What is happening in the mean time?  Jesus pointedly said “blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.”  We need to be taught the Bible (once a week won’t get it).  We need to have the fellowship that church meetings provide.  Just a few thoughts to ponder today…

“Ye therefore brethren, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness.  But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be glory now and forever. Amen.” 

Reaching Toward the Goal (5 of 5)

THE PASSION IN THE EXPECTATIONS

Look @ (v. 13-14) – the “brethren” is right on time – it draws attention to Paul’s conclusion – the false teachers did not have the joy that Paul had – He had the joy of justification – and although he was in the process of sanctification – he had joy in that as well.

You see – let us take this out of here today – the joy of sanctification – is based on daily AMIBITION and achievement.  We could say it describes at least four concepts….  FIRST – to be honest with yourself – Paul knew that he had not yet achieved the totality of the divine purpose for his life.  “I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it YET.”  He is not going  off the opinions of others – he evaluated himself – he evaluated his own spiritual condition.

SECOND – forget the past – Paul was daily – “forgetting what is behind” – no one can erase the memory of the past – BUT we can keep the past from controlling us.  Don’t allow the past to control the present of your future – yes our decisions have consequences – but don’t dwell on your failures – learn from them and move on.  God forgives – and he surely doesn’t keep bringing them up – therefore the believer must NOT permit the past to cause them depression – or over confidence in the present.  Paul could have said – you know I have suffered enough – I have established enough churches – it is time to let someone else run the ball.

Even in our own lives – the blessings of God – can make us complacent at times – we are NOT there yet – keeping on running.  This Christian journey – is a distance run – it is not a relay where you hand the baton off – you pace yourself – and run the WHOLE race that is set before you.  You run until Jesus takes you home to be with him – forget those failures – because one thing is for certain – we all have failed a time or two – and don’t allow the successes get you lifted up.

Paul says – “I forget those things behind.”  “What lies behind” – personally for Paul that was his life as a Pharisee – something he had just recounted – and he says it was DUNG.  You see – as believers – you and I must not allow our unsaved past – to bring shame – or for that matter pride – where we fail to see Christ.

THIRD – to reach for the future – someone has well said – “today is the first day of the rest of your life.”  The truth is – for believers the BEST is yet to come! –  let us face the future with anticipation and joy.

What was it that Paul was reaching toward – FORWARD to what lies ahead.  The verb reaching – denotes an athlete running his race without getting off course – and once to the finish line – strain his entire body to cross it – (Acts 20:20; 1 Cor 9:26).  Understand that this isn’t something we just do at the end – it is a DAILY discipline – that is exercised each and every day.  “The things that lie ahead” – that included for Paul a personal knowledge of Christ – as well as victory over sin and self.  This also included personal achievement – at this point – after 30 years – Paul still had at least three more epistles to write – a work to establish on Crete – and a martyrs death.

FOURTH – to press toward the goal – with all his ambition – he wanted to do ONE THING (v. 13).  What was that? – “press toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  This word “press” – indicates a vigorous concentrated pursuit – Paul was a man with a goal.  Friends – you and I need to be people with a goal – what is our goal – what is your goal.  That is a question we should ask of ourselves individually – as well as corporately (local church) – what is the goal as a local church.  Unless the Philippians share a common goal – there will be no victory in the race.  If some (in the local church) are content by living to the standard of the world – and others with God’s standard – they will not reach the goal.

Look ahead some – (v. 15) – as long as they are divided in their goals – there is no attainment of the goals that Christ has for them.  Paul knew who he was and where he was going – he knew God and others were watching.  BUT the beauty is that is fixed his eyes on Christ – (Heb 12:1-2) – what was that goal – Christ’s righteousness – to be like Jesus.  Salvation is not the end – it is the beginning – the goal is Jesus Christ – and conformity to a life to Jesus Christ.  In order to conform to Christ – we must run the race set before us with patience.

How about this PRIZE? – they are given for success – you see in the Greek games – the winner of the race – was summons from the floor of the stadium – UP to  the judge’s seat.  They were also given many prizes – all of which were temporary – but in Christ – our prize is eternal and incorruptible.  (1 Cor 9:26) “I therefore run, not as uncertainly – so I fight – not as one that beateth the air.”

The human endeavor has been made possible – by the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” – God has chosen him a people in Christ – to be saved and sanctified.  The prize itself is a gracious gift – BUT attained of goal requires human effort.  Paul knew Jesus – he heard about him many times during His earthly ministry – maybe come across Him a time or two.  He heard about Him being buried – but then “mysteriously” He wasn’t in that grave any longer.  He heard about the many witnesses – that gave testimony to seeing Christ physically raised from the dead.  He heard about Jesus from the Bible toting preaching deacon Stephen.  Paul had a personal one on one encounter – with the resurrected glorified Lord Jesus Christ – on the road to Damascus.  “Who art thou Lord” – “What will you have me to do?”

Saul of Tarsus gave his heart and life to Jesus – fully surrendered – however Paul – the great apostle to the gentiles – writer of much of the NT – after serving faithfully for over 30 years – desires to know Christ.  He says – “That I may know Him – in the POWER of his resurrection – and the fellowship of his sufferings.”

Paul didn’t give up – he reached toward the goal – continually reaching and stretching himself – exhaustively toward the goal.  You and I need to pursue sanctification – know what the expectations in the pursuits are – have the proper perspective in the expectation – and be passionate in the expectations.

Although you may feel like a failure – refuse the desire to give up!  Rely on the power of Christ – to strengthen and help you.  Jesus knows at just the right time – what to play – and how he’ll add his masterful touch.  I like to think of the Christian life as – at best it isn’t a solo – but rather a duet – our job is to keep playing – with all our might – whatever simple song we know.  God’s part is to add whatever notes are necessary – to turn our little effort – in a masterpiece of His grace.

Reaching Toward the Goal (4 of 5)

THE PERSPECTIVE BEHIND THE EXPECTATION

Look @ (v. 12) – Paul was neither complacent nor apathetic.  Think with me about someone in a race – if you can see them up close – the facial expressions – the body tensed up – all of their energies focused on the goal – they are reaching for the goal.  I really think Paul has this kind of thought in mind as he is writing this epistle. False doctrine ALWAYS begets false practice – if you espouse false doctrine – you cannot be conformed to the standards of God’s holiness.  In this epistle Paul is dealing with WHAT? – false doctrine – there were those that were saying faith and grace is good – but it must be mingled with works.  Same thing is taught today in many churches – the problem with that is this is reliance on the flesh – which will always fail you.

It is inevitable that when a man sets up external standards for his conduct – he measures himself NOT by the holiness of the Word of God – but by those he associates with.  You see – we all know people like this – they are satisfied when they attain the standards of society – and they associate this with attaining the standards of God.  That is what the Philppians thought – they were all going to the same places – doing the same things – conducting themselves by the same standards.  And they were perfectly satisfied – they were complacent – and indifferent to the standards of God’s Word.  We can’t live by the motto – “When in Rome do as the Romans” – you don’t conform to the standards set forth by society – you conform to the standards of the Bible!  An honest look at what he says in this verse – reveals three basic attributes that controlled his holy perspective.

FIRST – Paul had not received everything – he admitted that he had not yet obtained – God’s completed work in his life.  Literally he is saying – he had not yet received everything God had in store for him.  Now think about that – the apostle Paul – served God faithfully at this point 30 years – enjoyed many blessings – yet he says more lays ahead.  I think if we continue to want more of God and from God – He will give it to us – I think we all have as much of God as we want.  What a lesson to us – that if Paul hadn’t arrived – we most certainly haven’t.

SECOND – Paul had not become everything!  That’s right – even Paul – was not yet perfect – literally the wording is – have not “been perfected”.  It is an interesting Greek word – teteleiomai – it conveys the idea – of a decisive past event – with the results of that experience continuing into the present.  Paul knew – and you and I need to be aware of this – that he was not in a perfected state – with no room for personal or spiritual development.  You see if Paul the greatest of Apostles – had not yet achieved perfection after 30 years of serving Jesus – and Christian experience – then we can say assuredly – no believer can ever reach that plateau – in this life.  This verse surely repudiates the concept of sinless perfection.

THIRDLY – Paul had not done everything – he had ambition to improve – he says “I press on” – this is a hard pursuit – like a hunter following his prey.  Paul wanted to lay hold of – and pull down that purpose for which he had been saved.  He wanted to do everything God had saved him to accomplish.  Look @ (v. 12) again – in spite of all Paul learned and had done and experienced – he had not reached the goal.  In other words – it wasn’t time to kick back and take it easy – “follow after” is interesting.  You see – our example that is given us here – is that we are to overextend ourselves – in this race toward the goal – Christ Jesus.  In (v. 12) – Paul is going back to Damascus road – “Lord what will you have me to do?” – from that moment Paul’s goal was to evangelize the world.  (Gal 1:15-16) – Paul says it is God who called him before he was born – called him to do what – “preach the gospel.”

Paul was the channel that God used to reveal Himself to the multitudes – he pursued that which God had put before him.  Let me ask you this – Are you pursuing what God has set before you?  Paul says – I haven’t arrived yet – I am not done – my purpose is to do what God would have me to do.
So where have we been? – (1) the pursuits of sanctification – (2) the expectations in the pursuits – (3) the perspective behind the expectation –

Reaching Toward the Goal (3 of 5)

THE EXPECTATION IN THE PURSUITS

Look @ (v. 11) – it seems there are two possible interpretations – that would be consistent within the context of the teaching of this letter.  Either the emphasis is on the physical or the spiritual resurrection.  The emphasis being on the spiritual (Rom 6:7-10; Eph 5:14) – you see Paul knew he was going to have to keep fighting against his sin nature.  (1 Cor 9:27) – “But I keep under my body and bring it into subjection – lest that by any means when I have preached to others – I myself should be a castaway (disapproved).”

He wanted to be spiritually alert – and you and I should take heed to this as well.  The other emphasis may be on a physical resurrection (1 Cor 15:50-58; 1 Thess 4:13-18).  You see when Jesus comes back – living believers will be translated – and dead Christians will be raised – and then the unsaved will be resurrected later.  Paul certainly did not doubt the reality of Christ’s return – also the translation of the living saints – nor the resurrection of the dead.  Notice the conditional character of this verse – “if by any means I might attain.”  What is Paul saying here? – is he somehow doubting – now way!  I think he is uncertain whether or not he will be alive in that day – Paul believed in the imminent return of Christ – that he could come at any minute.  He wanted to be spiritually ready – he wanted to be praised before the Savior – Not like John says (1 John 2:28) “not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”  Both John and Paul lived with such an attitude that Jesus could come at any moment – it is that perspective that helps our moral compass to stay right. Understand that the resurrection of the body – does not depend on one’s service here – or one’s sanctification while in the body.  The resurrection is the final victory and triumph over Satan – because of what Jesus did on that cross.  But you see Paul has quite a different view here – “I want to attain to the resurrection.”

I think this is best put – “I want to realize in my daily walk – what it is to have been resurrected with Christ” – this is what he taught (Rom 6:4-5).  When we are born again – we are to walk in newness of life – well if we are dead before we are saved – as a believer we must be walking as one who has been resurrected – ALREADY!  As we move on in our text – before we do so – I am reminded of Mary and Martha – look at (Luke 10:41-42).  Mary and Martha both knew Jesus – yet Mary desired to know him better – that was her hunger – that was her appetite.  You see it is possible to know Christ and not know Him.

Reaching Toward the Goal (2 of 5)

Continuing from yesterday….Philippians 3:10-14

I. THE PURSUITS OF SANCTIFICATION

Look @ (v. 10) – “that I may know him” – what words of purpose – that I may know my Savior – that I may know Jesus.  There is no way possible for those words to be fulfilled – without (vv. 7-9) being a living reality.  A person must be in Christ – in order to know Him – Justification must precede sanctification.  Now we all know that Paul knew Jesus – he was saved on Damascus road – maybe 30 years prior – he had faithfully served Jesus for all those years – so He knew Jesus.  The verb that Paul uses here – indicates a personal experiential knowledge.

In this life – serving Jesus – we never arrive – it is a constant pursuit of being made more like Jesus – and getting to know Him better.  It has a lot to do with our appetites – Jesus said one time – “Blessed is the man who hungers and thirst after righteousness.”

It is something you have to stay at – you can’t lay off the gas – it is an uphill climb – putting off the old man – and allowing Jesus to help us take off the old man.  God gives us grace – on top of grace – as we journey through this life – amazing abundant grace.  You see a man who has found great treasure doesn’t just abandon that treasure – unless he finds one of superior worth.  Paul found great wealth in the OT – he profited from the Law given by God to Moses – for the people on top Mount Sinai.  Paul rose above his peers – to a position of prominence in Israel – because of his knowledge of the Scriptures – as well as his zeal for God.

But look @ (vv. 7-8) again – what he found in knowing Christ – was far superior to anything he found in Moses.  What he does in (vv. 10-11) – is tells of his burning passion – that has become the desire of his heart – he had an appetite for Jesus.  Paul gives us three objects of this knowledge – this appetite – he says (1) – “to know Christ.”

There is a difference between objective and personal knowledge of someone.  You see most of us know who the president of the US is – but very few know him personally.  Paul knew he had his salvation – now he wanted to know the Savior – this goal is a lifelong pursuit.  You see Jesus Christ – is inexhaustible – look @ (John 14:21) – Jesus is known as he reveals himself to you.  Jesus says – “Search the Scriptures they are they which testify of me” – you want to grow in your faith – and know Jesus – you must diligently study your Bible.  As you see Him through His word – you begin to know him – and the truth will transform your life – into conformity with Christ.  (Rom 12:2) – “be not conformed to this world – but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” – (2 Cor 3:18) “but we all with open face beholding as in a glass – the glory of the Lord – are changed into the same image from glory to glory.”

Another object Paul gives us – (2) – “to know the power of his resurrection” – the same power that raised Jesus from the dead – raises believers out of spiritual death.  The same power – that now works in the believer – to give them daily victory over sin (Eph1:18-2:7).  Just prior to that passage in Ephesians – Paul prayed that believers might perceive this truth. It is by spiritual identification with Christ – through baptism of the Holy Spirit – all believing sinners – are crucified – buried and raised together with Christ (Rom 6:3-10).  Just as death no longer has dominion over Christ – the resurrected Savior – believers claim by faith – that same victory for themselves (Rom 6:11).

The third object of the knowledge Paul talks about (3) – “to know the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings.”  You may recall – but Jesus predicted that the apostles would suffer and die – in the will of God – guess what – they did.  Do you catch what Paul is saying here? – he wanted to experience this fellowship of suffering.  You can as a believer – suffer for the sake of righteousness – but this happens only when you permit Christ – to live out His life through you.

That is what is meant by taking up your cross daily – we are to daily die to self – as we follow Christ – as he comes along side us – in his wonderful grace.  There is nothing greater in our lives – after we are saved – to resign our wills – to the divine perfect will of God.  If you and I manifest resurrected power in our daily lives – suffering and persecution will certainly come.  Think with me for a moment – what is it that makes a man a spiritual giant? – we read of several in history books – and on the pages of Scripture – but we are also told that in our nature – there is nothing that gives this spiritual maturity.

It is NOT a sensational salvation experience that thrusts a man toward spiritual maturity – NOR is a certain personality type.  You see there is no difference in sinners – God says outside of Christ – God puts us all in the same category – UNCLEAN.

Dwight Pentecost says it all can be reduced to one word – APPETITE!  That is what makes the difference between a baby Christian and a mature Christian.

Think of Moses – he communed face to face with God (Exo 33:11) – Moses entered into a personal intimate fellowship with God – no one had it like him since Adam!!  Then in (Exo 33:13) – Moses says – “that I may know thee”.  David had this same appetite – (Ps 42:1-2) – same idea (Ps 63:1-2) – David attainted the heights of maturity that he did – because of his appetite for God.

Again – (Matt 5:6) – “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.”  Paul had this same appetite we see Moses and David had – the principle here is the same as a baby chick in the nest – sitting there with its mouth wide open.  Or our children – they cry – when they are hungry – God feeds his children – in response to an appetite and a desire – apart from that desire there will be no feeding.

Reaching Toward The Goal (1 of 5)

Reaching Toward the Goal – Phi 3:10-14

At the New Year many may think of a resolution.  I guess they are good but for the most part we don’t stick with them.  I was thinking about this for myself as well what would be one thing I would want to accomplish this year?  I want to know Christ better – I want to come closer to God through Jesus.  I have been teaching on the doctrine of justification by faith alone – for the past few months.  Mainly on Sunday and Wednesday nights – justification is God declaring the sinner righteous by grace through faith.  It is the imputed righteousness of God by faith in Jesus Christ – it’s ESSENCE is grace – SOURCE is God – MEANS is faith – FOUNDATION is the blood of Jesus Christ – SPHERE is Jesus Christ – AGENT is the Holy Spirit – EVIDENCE is works.  Paul says in (vv. 7-9) that his old life was discarded as useless garbage – after He met Jesus.

He rejected any righteousness of his own achievements – Paul now knew Christ.  In Christ he possessed the righteousness of God.  You see justification is a free act of God’s grace – and in NO WAY dependent on human actions of works – “not of works.”  The Bible says – “God is the justifier.”  There are three aspects to salvation – first is what I have just described – justification.  There is also “glorification” – that is the final aspect – that when the believer leaves this old world behind – puts off this earthly tabernacle – and goes to be with Jesus – he will be glorified.  You see none of us arrive here in this world – there are no PhD’s in Christianity or life – or what I want to talk to you about in this post.  That is the middle aspect of salvation – sanctification – it is this aspect that you and I are given the power by the indwelling Spirit of God to accomplish – but we must cooperate in it.

Paderewski was a concert pianist – at one time he was also the prime minister of Poland – and he talks about an unforgettable concert. The concert hall was packed to capacity – and the audience waited in anticipation for this master musician to appear. While he was back stage a mother with her young son came in – she brought him to encourage him – and he was all eyes.  Staring at everything – especially the majestic grand piano on center stage.  His mother began talking to one of her friends – and while she was talking – the boy slipped out of his seat. The sound of the piano was suddenly heard by the audience – this caused the room to grow quiet – to their surprise – the figure at the piano that was banging away at the keys was not Paderewski – it was this woman’s son. He was innocently playing twinkle twinkle little star – when his mother saw him – of course she gasped. The crowd thought it was funny at first – but after a while they grew impatient – and began to shout – get him off the stage.  But before his mother could retrieve him – Paderewski was backstage – and summarized the scene.  He slipped through the curtain – and moved toward the piano – as he got closer – he began to whisper to the boy – don’t quit – keep playing. And then leaning over the boys shoulder – Paderewski with his left hand = began to play – and then his right hand began to play.  He did this just above the little boys fingers – and then TOGETHER they began to play this magnificent piece – all the while Paderewski is whispering – don’t stop – keep playing.

Do you ever feel like giving up? – I guess we all have or at least do from time to time. In our own lives, unpolished though we may be, it is Christ who comes along side us and surrounds us  and time and time again whispers in our ear – “don’t quit – keep playing.”  None of us are accomplished none of us master life.  Instead we play wrong notes at the wrong time, we get distracted and our hearts become discouraged by a very impatient world.  But in all our experience and all our attempts and in spite of our ignorance and weakness, Jesus Christ has a way of placing His sovereign hands beside ours adding to the music – whispering – “don’t quit – don’t give up – keep playing.”

I want to talk on the subject of reaching toward the goal.  Well in order to reach the GOAL – we must first know the goal.  Think of a race – in particular a running race. You have a starting line,  then there is the race.  It may have obstacles in it and it will be exhausting at times.  You may feel like throwing in the towel – and then there is the finish line.  If you do well in the race – you will receive a reward.

The goal is our sanctification – the starting point is our initial salvation experience – when we are declared righteous by God.  Think of a marriage – there is the wedding ceremony – but that is just the beginning of a growing and knowing and sharing relationship.  So how does all this work? – first  we give our feeble little effort – while Jesus is right there by our side – encouraging us – and adding his majesty to it all.

Getting Dressed Up – LOVE (part 3)

I began this study last week and want to continue along the same vein.  The study is from Colossians 3:12-17.

The Connection here isn’t real clear – the language is literally translated – “and upon all these, love.”

I think that the verb supplied for this verse is (v. 12) – “put on” – or better yet – “clothe yourselves.”

This is not simply an addition to these other virtues – it is to “be on top of them” – using the clothing illustration – it is the top garment – it is the SUPREME  virtue.

Do we agree that it fits w/the clothing image? – we are told to “put on love” – so what does it do here?

It sets the stage for (v. 14b). – the unifying effect of love – it is LOVE that binds us together  – in unity.

Two words there are somewhat ambiguous – “bond” & “perfectness.”

The word is used (2:19) – connects all the parts of the body – so in essence – it is love which holds the church body together.

Love is the unifying force in the fellowship – same concept in (Eph 4:3) – it is the Spirit and love which binds Christians together.

How about the word “perfectness” – as best I can tell – it is harmony – love is the cohesiveness – look @ (1 Cor 13:1-3).

Look back @ the virtues (v. 12) – they all attain their full power – ONLY when they are unified by LOVE.

Perfection was Paul’s goal (1:28) – he also wants to bring all believers to perfection – however as we “put on” the new life in Christ” – we are to “put on love.”

The believer is brought to perfection – when love binds the virtues together.

Getting Dressed Up (part 2)

Paul in Colossians 3: 12-17 gives us commands in living the Christian life.  That’s right – commands – not suggestions.  If we are going to be effective for Christ we must put off the old man – the old grave clothes of sin.  But not only the negative – put off – but replace it with godly virtues.  In verse 12 we see that he is addressing believers.  He says he is writing to (1) elect; chosen of God.  It is always wonderful to think about how God chose me – “in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.”  He also says (2) holy – set apart by God.  When God saves us He sets us apart from the world to be different; to live holy lives.  And also (3) beloved – loved of God.  That is truly refreshing to think that GOD loves me – and you!  So it is clear he is writing to believers – born again Christians.

The believer is to “put on” or “clothe himself” in bowels of mercies – compassion for others.  Also, kindness – that term is most often used to speak of God.  “After that the kindness and love of God appeared toward man, not by our works of righteousness but according to His mercy hath He saved us.”  However, as a child of God we are to put on kindness.  We are also to put on humility – the New Testament call to humility is based on the incarnation of Christ.  Paul writes in Philippians 2, exhorting the church to be humble toward one another uses the example of Christ leaving the glories of heaven and coming to this sin cursed world and dying on the cross – NOT for anything He had done – but for us because He loves us.  Then, meekness, which is the quality of not being overly impressed with ones self.  That example of meekness, again, is Christ.  Then he says to put on lonsuffering – in other words patience and self restraint.  When someone says something or does something – be patient with them.  Do it for the Bride of Christ!!  “Payback” is not a Christian response. 

Tomorrow I will look at verse 13 – forbearing and forgiveness….

Getting Dressed Up

Paul writes to the church at Colossae and Ephesus about what drives unity and cohesion within the local body of believers.  He uses the clothing illustration in Colossians chapter 3.  He begins by stating some things we are to “put off” – ungodly things like (verse 5) fornication, impurity, lusts, evil desires, and greed – verse 8 –  the sins of evil communication – anger, malice, blasphemy, and filthy rotten ugly communciation.  Then he gives us the commands us to “put on” or “clothe ourselve” with bowles of mercies (plural compassions), kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering.  I’m tired already!

First we must understand that he is addressing believers – (v. 12) “the elect, holy and beloved.”  The chosen of God who have been set apart and loved of God.  When we pick up on the negative end of this thing – verses 5 and 8 – he seems to indicate that this is something we do with God’s help.  God didn’t save us and then – “alright boys go on out there and figure it out.”  No way!!  However He has given us some commands to put off the old evil deeds and grave clothes of sin and to put on the new grace clothes in the Lord Jesus Christ.

We think of ole Lazarus – the friend of Jesus.  Word got to the Lord that back in Bethany Lazarus had gotten sick – even unto death.  The Lord had some unfinished business that wasn’t in Bethany that He tended too.  However after a few days He made His way back to Bethany.  When He arrived Lazarus had already been dead for 4 days – to the point where his body had begun to de-compose.  Almighty Creator God stood before that tomb that day clothed in flesh – and the very words “Lazarus come forth!” flowed from the sweet lips of our Savior – they began the journey down to Paradise where they landed on the very ears of Lazarus.  Then out Lazarus came from that tomb.  Jesus said to those standing there – ‘loose him and set him free.’

Take a journey back to around 30 AD with me for a moment.  We show up there at Bethany looking for Lazarus because we had heard the story of the miracle Jesus performed.  They tell us he can be found down at the grave yard.  So we go down there – and there he is – sitting in that tomb still wrapped in those grave clothes.

Can you imagine!!   We know that is not how the story goes.  Nor is that the way God intends for you and I to live after He has gloriously saved us – made us alive in Christ!  We must begin to take off those evil deeds of the flesh – Col 3:5 and 8 - and begin to replace those things with the sweet holy charcteristics that identify us with Christ.

I will post more along this vein tomorrow….