Peace of Christ

 “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3:15–17).

What should be our priorities as citizens of heaven? When we were raised with Christ (cf. Col. 3:1; Eph. 2:6), we became citizens of heaven. Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” As citizens of heaven living on earth, what should be our priorities?

The priorities of an earthly citizen are earthly, concerned with only the temporary things of this world, but the priorities of a heavenly citizen should be heavenly, concerned primarily with things of eternal value. In Colossians 3:1, Paul says to the Colossian believers, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.” In the first verse, he gives the foundation for the rest of his teachings in the chapter. The believer’s new heavenly position in Christ should have radical effects.

When we accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, we were unified with him in such a way that everything that happened to Christ, happened to us. We died with him on the cross, removing the penalty of sin and breaking the power of sin (v. 3). When Christ returns we will come with him in glorified bodies (v. 4). As believers, we were raised with Christ and seated in the heavenly realms (cf. Col. 3:1; Eph. 1:3). We are now heavenly citizens.

This new heavenly position in Christ should affect how we live. We should think on heavenly things instead of earthly things (v. 1). We should take off the clothes of sin and put on the clothes of righteousness such as patience, forgiveness, compassion, humility, and love (cf. Col. 3:4–14). People should be able to identify us as citizens of heaven because of the clothes we wear, the attitudes we display. Our position in Christ should affect everything.

In Colossians 3:15–17, Paul concludes his discussion about the clothes of a heavenly citizen by looking at the priorities of the heavenly citizen. A priority is one’s focus, what we give a great deal of our time and attention to. We can tell these are priorities of the heavenly citizen because he spends more time on these clothes than the previous ones. They are the outermost garments of the heavenly man, those that cover all the others.1 What should be our priorities as citizens of heaven living on the earth? In this lesson, we will look at one of the three priorities. We will study the priority of letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (3:15).

Big Question: What is the peace of Christ and how is it maintained in the believer’s life?

The Heavenly Citizen Must Let The Peace Of Christ Rule In His Heart

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful” (Col. 3:15).

Interpretation Question: What does it mean to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts?

Paul says one of the priorities of a heavenly citizen is allowing the peace of Christ to rule in his heart. In Scripture, the believer receives two types of peace from God. One is objective. Listen to what Romans 5:1 says: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Because of Christ’s death we have been reconciled to God by faith in his Son. We were once enemies of God because of our sin (Rom, 5:10); we were under his wrath. But now we are at peace with him because of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. The first peace is “peace with God.”

But the second type of peace is a more subjective experience called the peace of God, or the peace of Christ as Paul refers to in this text. Christ promised to give his disciples his peace. Listen to what he said: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

Shortly before Christ died on the cross, he assured his disciples that he would send them his peace, a peace very different from the world’s peace. The peace of the world is based on circumstances. If a person has a nice job and no difficulties at work or home, he has peace. But Christ was poor, about to die on the cross, and be rejected by not only the nation of Israel and the Romans but his close friends. Yet, he still could have peace. This is the type of peace that God desires to give the believer. Listen to how Philippians 4:7 describes it: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Paul describes this peace as a peace that transcends all understanding. This means a person can have peace even when it doesn’t make sense. This peace will guard the believer’s heart and mind.

The peace of God is synonymous with the peace of Christ. This means that Christ’s peace guards the believer’s emotions and thoughts. The word “guard” is a military word which pictures a centurion protecting something very important. People’s minds and emotions are constantly under attack because of hard circumstances, the world, and even Satan. People are constantly fraught with fear, anxiety, anger, and every other kind of negative emotion.

One of the new words and emotions that entered into the world after Adam sinned was “fear.” He was “afraid” (Gen. 3:10). Since then, we are constantly afraid. We’re afraid of our mistakes in the past; we’re afraid of what the future holds. We are afraid of failure and afraid of success. Though this may be the lot of the world, it is not God’s plan for believers to live in a state of fear and distress. The world has many solutions to remedy fear, but none of them work. Christ said, “My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give you” (John 14:27 ESV).

Christ’s peace was the kind of peace that could sleep in the midst of a storm that threatened to destroy the boat that he and the disciples were in (Mark 4:35–40). The disciples were so frightened that they ran downstairs and said, “Don’t you care if we drown?” Christ rebuked the wind and the storm and said, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” That is the kind of peace Christ wants to give—the kind of peace that can rest in the storms of life.

Christ wants to give the type of peace that allows someone to eat his food in the very presence of his enemies and be at peace. That is the type of peace that David at times had. He said of his Shepherd, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” He said he walked through the valley of the shadow of death and yet feared no evil (Ps. 23). Yes, this is the type of peace God wants to give believers.

Paul says the citizens of heaven must let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts. The word “rule” is an athletic word. “It was used to describe the activity of an umpire in deciding the outcome of an athletic contest.”2 The umpire would decide if a person had won the race or broke the rules. Kent Hughes said the sense of the word is, “Let the peace of Christ be umpire in your heart amidst the conflicts of life. Let it decide what is right. Let it be your counselor.”3 We should let the peace of God decide in our lives and not our emotions or our circumstances.

Fear Tries To Rule

When we have fears, worries, or thoughts that come into our minds and try to rule our life, we should choose to let the peace of Christ rule instead. Many believers are ruled by worries and fears. Worries and fears direct their lives: fear of the economy, fear of failure, fear of success, fear of what others think, etc.

Fear of family, friends, or society many times guides decisions in marriage, career, etc. However, it is the peace of Christ that should govern and rule in the believer’s life, not what family, friends, or society says. Proverbs says, “The fear of man brings a snare” (Prov. 29:25 NASB). It traps people and keeps them from walking in God’s best. It is the peace of Christ that should rule and decide in our lives.

Guidance In Decision-Making

The peace of Christ has a special role in decision-making, or determining the will of God. Many times God speaks through giving peace to our hearts or removing peace so we can discern his will. We see this many times in Scripture. When Saul was in sin against God, the Lord removed his peace and sent a tormenting spirit (1 Sam. 16). When Pilate was trying to discern what he should do with Christ, God took away peace from his wife. She was tormented at night through a dream, and the next day said, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man” (Matt. 27:19).

In addition, we see Paul making a decision based on this principle in Scripture. Consider 2 Corinthians 2:12–13:

Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said good–by to them and went on to Macedonia.

Paul as an apostle lived for open doors. There was an open door for the gospel in Troas, and no doubt many people were getting saved. However, he had no peace of mind because he could not find his brother Titus there. Therefore, he left Troas and went to Macedonia to find him. Paul, the writer of Colossians, allowed the peace of Christ to rule in his life, and it should be this way for every heavenly citizen. It will be one of the determining factors as we are seeking to discern God’s will.

With that said, the peace of Christ is not the final factor or the only factor. It is possible to have a “false peace.” We must test our peace against the Word of God. Would this decision conflict with anything the Scripture says? Would it bring dishonor to God? We also should test things through the counsel of godly saints. Proverbs 11:14 says, “In the multitude of counselors there is safety” (KJV).

The believer should discern the peace of God as he seeks God’s will. We will talk more about this later in this lesson. Let us first ask ourselves generally, “How can we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts? How can we make this a daily discipline?”

How To Let The Peace Of Christ Rule

Application Question: How do we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts (cf. Phil. 4:6–9; Col. 3:15)?

The word “let” means that we have an active part in allowing the peace of God to rule in our hearts. What must we do? We must practice many disciplines to maintain the peace Christ has given us.

We learn a lot about letting the peace of God rule in our hearts by not only studying Colossians 3:15, but Philippians 4:6–9 as well. Listen to the Philippians text:

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (Phil. 4:6–9).

1. The Peace Of God Will Rule In Our Hearts When We Reject Anxieties And Ungodly Fears.

Paul says in order for the peace of God to guard our hearts and minds, we must begin to reject fears and anxieties that steal our peace. Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in the heart of man brings depression” (NKJV). Many of us harbor fear of the past, the present and the future, and therefore miss the peace of God.

Paul told this congregation that was both being persecuted for the faith (Phil. 1:29) and struggling with division in the church (Phil. 4:2–3) to “be anxious for nothing.” This is the problem with many Christians: they accept fear as normal and rational instead of rejecting it as Scripture says.

Listen, it is not rational to live a life of fear when the God who created heaven and earth and runs everything according to the counsel of his will is your Father (Eph. 1:11). Would it be rational for the daughter of a billionaire to run around afraid of not having enough food to eat? How much more ridiculous is it for a child of God to live in anxiety or fear? Listen to what Paul said about the graciousness of the Father:

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:31–32).

Paul makes an argument from the greater to the lesser. If God sent his only Son to die on the cross for your sins, if God gave his best for you in his Son, how much more will he not ‘graciously’ give you all things? He already gave you his best. Won’t he make sure you have food to eat, clothes on your back, a job for the future? Won’t he make everything work for your good even in horrible situations?

It is not irrational to reject fear. It is irrational to live in fear when God is your Father. First John 4:18 says, “Perfect love casteth out fear” (KJV). When you know the Father’s love, you won’t be running around worrying about this or that because you know God is in control.

Application Question: What types of fear commonly rob the believer of peace? What types of fear rob you?

• Fear of failure

Many believers are robbed of God’s peace because they are afraid to fail. Their fear of failure rules in their hearts instead of God. The Israelites went into the Promised Land and chose to not take it because the fear of failure was ruling them. They said the giants were too big. They chose to not let the “peace of Christ” rule.

• Fear of people

Many believers are robbed of God’s peace because of fear of what others think, say, or do. They are constantly worried about how others feel about them. Therefore, they can never enjoy the peace of the God who is satisfied with them. When people are big and God is small, we are ruled by the former.

• Fear of the future

Many believers are robbed of God’s peace because of fear of the future. Again, Proverbs says anxiety in the heart of man brings depression. Many Christians worry about what’s next. They worry about tomorrow, and it robs them of peace.

How else do we let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts?

2. The Peace Of Christ Will Rule In Our Hearts When We Live In An Atmosphere Of Prayer.

After telling us to “be anxious for nothing,” Paul says, “But in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests unto God” (Phil. 4:6). One of the reasons the peace of Christ doesn’t rule in our hearts is because we don’t pray about “everything.” We don’t live in an atmosphere of prayer. Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray “without ceasing.” Christians need to learn how to bring prayers before God throughout the entire day, and this practice will result in having a supernatural peace guarding their hearts.

Paul names three types of prayer in this passage we must practice: prayer, petition, and thanksgiving. When he says “prayer,” even though it is a general word for all prayer, he seems to be referring to a type of prayer since he adds the conjunction “and” after it and adds two other types of prayer: “by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving.” “Prayer” seems to refer to “special times of prayer that we share in periods of devotion and worship.”4 If the peace of Christ is going to rule in our hearts we must constantly worship God throughout the day.

The second type of prayer is “thanksgiving.” The very reason many of us cannot have peace is because we are constantly complaining and arguing whenever something bad happens (cf. Phil. 2:14). Sometimes we don’t even give God thanks when good things happen. Thanksgiving in everything is a discipline we must practice to have Christ’s peace. First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Finally, he says we must give “petitions,” which means bringing our requests before God. Peter said, “Cast your cares before the Lord for he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). The very reason we don’t constantly cast our cares—our petitions—before God throughout the day is because we are too independent and too prideful. Pride will keep us from recognizing our need for God in everything and coming to him in humility with our requests. The humble person who knows his weakness, and therefore constantly brings his requests before God, will receive grace. Scripture says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6 ESV). One of the aspects of grace that God gives the humble person who constantly brings petitions before him is peace.

Are you practicing living in an atmosphere of prayer?

I think sometimes the discipline of having a prayer and devotional time once a day can distract us from living in an atmosphere of prayer. What do I mean by that? I don’t mean to say that having set times each day to pray and read the Bible is bad. I’m not saying that at all. Those are necessary disciplines in the Christian life. However, many Christians have their time of prayer in the morning and then check off the box. To them, they have done their duty and there is no need to pray more. It’s like completing an assignment and then not thinking about it till the next day. No, Scripture never commands us to have one time a day to pray or read our Bible. The standard is much higher than that. Scripture commands us to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17). It commands us to meditate on the Word of God day and night (Ps. 1:2). The reason we set one or two times a day aside for devotion is to help us to do it all day.

The one who learns to pray in all things, bringing every thought and concern before the throne room of God, is the person who the peace of Christ will rule in. For many Christians, fear, doubt, and anger are ruling instead of the peace of Christ. The priority of a citizen of heaven must be the rule of Christ’s peace in his heart, and one of the ways that happens is by living in prayer—bringing constant worship, thanksgiving, and petitions before the Father.

Application Question: What is your prayer life like? What are some disciplines that will help us live in an atmosphere of prayer in order to have peace?

• Having a prayer list
• Having a prayer place
• Having a prayer partner or routinely participating in corporate prayer
• Having a prayer routine: daily, set times of prayer; monks would commonly pray at the chime of the clock.
• Having times of prayer; the more a person prays, the more he will reap the benefits of prayer and therefore desire to pray.

3. The Peace Of Christ Will Rule In Our Hearts When We Practice Thinking On Righteous Things.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you (Phil. 4:8–9).

Paul gives two requirements needed to experience the God of peace: righteous thinking and righteous practice. We can be sure that where the God of peace is, there his peace is as well. We will consider the need for righteous thinking first.

Again, Paul says that when a believer thinks on godly things, it will result in the God of peace being with them (v. 9). It brings the presence of the giver of this peace into our lives. Listen to what Isaiah 26:3 says: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (KJV).

God keeps at perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on him. When our minds are consumed with God and his will, this brings a spirit of peace in our lives. For many Christians, God and his will are not the major concern on their minds every day. Their work, trials, or entertainment is the chief endeavor of their thoughts, and this keeps them from having peace. It is not that we stop thinking about other things; it’s that we learn, as an act of discipline, to make everything an avenue that leads us to meditation on God and his will.

If a person who loves you gives you an expensive piece of jewelry, is it given just for your pleasure? No. The purpose of giving you the jewelry is to help you think about the intimate relationship you share together. To enjoy the jewelry without thinking of the giver is to misuse the gift. The gift is meant to point to the giver and not obscure the giver.

I did not give my wife a wedding ring so she could have an addition to her wardrobe. The ring is a reminder to her, and everybody else, that she is in a covenant relationship with me.

Scripture says that “every good and perfect gift cometh from God above” (James 1:17). He gives “life and breath and everything we need” (Acts 17:25). Each breath is a reminder of our dependence on God. Our food, our job, and our relationships are reminders of the Giver. These gifts were never meant to be enjoyed apart from our relationship with God, and to enjoy them apart from him is to misuse his gifts.

That is how the world lives their lives and that is how many Christians live their lives. They take the gift and enjoy it apart from and in spite of the Giver. However, the one whose mind is stayed on God, thinking on what is noble, pure and just, will experience the presence of the God of peace—the Giver of every good and perfect gift.

In order to think on what is righteous, we must reject what is sinful and saturate ourselves with what is righteous. The reality is that many Christians forfeit Christ’s peace by the music they listen to, the movies they watch, the books they read, the conversations they entertain, etc. In order to think on what is right, we must guard our hearts and minds from all that pollutes and taints us (cf. Prov. 4:23; James 1:27). It must be our daily priority to think on what is righteous as we study God’s Word and think about everything in accordance with his revelation. God and his peace are with the person who practices this as a daily endeavor.

Are you training your mind to enjoy and meditate on the Giver in everything? This does not just happen organically; it is a work of discipline. We must choose to think upon God in everything, through the study of his Word, worship, and appreciation of his gifts. There, the peace of God can rule in our hearts.

How else can we allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts?

Application Question: In what ways is God calling you to think on what is right and good to not only have peace but to also experience the God of peace?

4. The Peace Of Christ Will Rule In Our Hearts When We Practice Righteousness.

Paul says that not only should we think on what is right, but we must practice it as well. Paul said, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:9).

When we think on what is right and put into practice God’s truths, then the God of peace will be with us. We have all experienced this before. When we walk in rebellion toward God, we subsequently lose our peace with God. Peace cannot exist without righteousness. Listen to what David said in Psalm 32:2–5:

Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Selah. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD’— and you forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.

David says “blessed” or “happy” is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit. Happiness and joy are the products of an intimate relationship with God and a righteous walk. But, when David sinned and did not confess his sins, he suffered physical pain; he suffered heart pain as he groaned. His strength was sapped.

We experience this all the time. When we live in sin, we cannot have the peace of God; instead, we experience the discipline of God. David said he could sense the Lord’s hand upon him, taking away his physical strength (v. 4). He groaned all day long. But when he confessed, he began to again walk in the “happiness” of the man who was forgiven.

It’s the same for us. Paul said, “Put these things into practice” and the God of peace will be with you. A righteous life brings peace and the presence of the Giver of peace. When we live and think on sinful things, we forfeit the peace of God and instead bring the wrath of God.

Application Question: In what ways have you experienced both this sense of peace in doing God’s will and loss of peace when living in rebellion?

5. The Peace Of Christ Will Rule In Our Hearts When We Walk In Peace With The Body Of Christ.

Finally, in returning to Colossians 3:15, not only does Paul say we must “let the peace of Christ rule” in order to have peace, but we also must maintain peace in our relationships. Look at what he says: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.”

This is also a common experience for us when walking in discord with a brother or sister; it removes our joy and peace. Often, instead of thinking on God, we think about how we were mistreated or misunderstood, what we should say or do next, and sometimes how to get even with those who harmed us. We can’t experience the peace of God when we are out of fellowship with one another.

Paul says we are members of one body. When one part of the body is not functioning in harmony with the rest of the body then there is some type of sickness and possibly even a cancer. The body can’t function that way and, similarly, there can be no peace of Christ in our lives when we are in discord with another member of the body.

Look at what David says about walking in unity:

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore (Ps. 133).

When there is peace and unity among the brothers, that is where God’s blessing is. That is where he bestows his peace. But where there is discord he removes his blessing. If we are out of fellowship with a brother or sister in the Lord, one of the ways we “let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts” is by seeking to reconcile that relationship. Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” As much as it depends upon us, we must seek to live in harmony with others. That means we must forgive others, we must bless those who curse us, and we even must serve our enemies. Romans 12:19–21 says,

Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Application Question: In what ways have you experienced the peace of Christ or lost the peace of Christ because of relationships with other people?

Discerning God’s Will Through The Peace Of Christ

The first priority of a heavenly citizen is allowing the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts. It is very easy to allow worry to rule, either through the fear of man or fear of the future. Oftentimes fear can lead us to make irrational decisions. However, the child of God who is a citizen of heaven should not be ruled by fear but by the peace of Christ. It must umpire and decide our course of action.

How do we apply this to discerning God’s will? How do we apply this when trying to discern future steps, like “Who I should date or marry?” or “How should I serve in the church?” When trying to discern God’s will we must ask these types of questions concerning the peace of Christ.

• “Will taking this action disrupt my peace with God?” Each believer must develop sensitivity to his relationship with Christ and the Lord’s peace. Sin always causes discord in our relationship with God. Therefore, if it would be displeasing to God, then we should reject it. The peace of Christ must rule as we seek to do his will on the earth.
• “Will taking this action disrupt my peace with his body?” Paul said, “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.” (Rom. 14:21). If it causes discord in the body instead of peace, we should not do it. This includes rejecting freedoms such as wearing certain clothes, going to certain places, enjoying certain types of entertainment, etc.
• “Has God given peace in my heart to proceed in this direction?” It has often been said, “Darkness about going is light about staying.”5 Having no peace many times is enough of an answer to not proceed. Again, peace is not the only determinant; it is possible to have a false peace. It must be tested by God’s Word and the agreement of the saints, but the peace of Christ must be discerned and obeyed.

Christians must develop sensitivity to the peace of Christ. He has left us his peace, and we must let it rule in our hearts. It must decide like an umpire. This should be the priority of every heavenly citizen.

In the next chapter, we will look at two more priorities of a citizen of heaven: the Word of God dwelling in our hearts and doing everything to glorify God (Col. 3:16–17).

Application Question: How have you experienced the peace of Christ, especially in the area of decision-making?

Conclusion

The peace of Christ is one of the outer garments among the clothes of a believer. In this world we will have trials, but Christ has given each of us his peace. We must labor to maintain it; it must be one of our priorities as a believer. How do we let the peace of Christ rule in our lives?

1. The peace of Christ rules in the heart of the person who practices rejecting fear and anxiety. Fear and anxiety want to rule over our lives, and therefore they must be continually rejected.
2. The peace of Christ rules in the heart of the person who practices living in an atmosphere of prayer through worship, thanksgiving, and bringing their petitions before God.
3. The peace of Christ rules in the heart of the person who practices thinking on righteous things. We cannot have peace with wrong thoughts.
4. The peace of Christ rules in the heart of the person who practices righteousness. God and his peace are present with a righteous man. However, living in sin will forfeit both the Giver and the gift.
5. The peace of Christ rules in the heart of the person who practices living others. Discord in the body will only remove peace. However, those who live in peace with their brothers and sisters will enjoy the peace and blessing of God (Ps. 133).

Our daily practice as believers must conform to our new position in Christ Jesus.

The apostle Paul makes an uncompromising and clear statement of the ethical demands of Christianity. What does Christ demand of us? How then shall we live since we have been raised up with Christ and are seated with Him in the heavenlies?

"Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God" (Colossians 3:1). This is the basis upon which Paul calls for a different ethical standard of living for the Christian.

"Therefore consider," or remember that you are a dead man. "Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). Paul takes a hard look at the "I wants" in life.

The believer is to put into daily practice the principles of the Word of God by the power of the Holy Spirit.

A NEW PRINCIPLE TO LIVE BY

What is it that we are to consider dead? The idea is to reckon as dead. It reminds us of Paul's summary statement on the first ten verses of Romans chapter six. He says, "Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:11).  It is an imperative statement. "Be constantly counting upon the fact" or "reckon" yourself to be dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

"Put to death" or treat as dead that which is dead. This ideal status or position stated in the first four verses is to be put into daily practice. Put into practice today what is an accomplished fact in eternity. You died to sin, now bury the beast.

The believer who "died with Christ" has been "raised with Christ."

"Therefore consider the member of your earthly body as dead to . . ." Literally, "put to death the members which are upon the earth." What is it in your life that raises its head up against Christ? What thoughts, attitudes, behaviors, values keep you from doing the will of God? Is there some self-centeredness that needs to be removed from your life?

The apostle Paul calls for a radical transformation of the will. He calls for a change at the center of your life.

"So put to death whatever in your nature belongs to the earth" (NET). Something has to die.

What are the members of your earthly body that is used to carry out the desires that oppose the will of God? Everything that is against God has to go. Treat it as dead. Everything that will keep you from fully surrendering yourself to Christ must be removed.

PUT TO DEATH THE OLD SELF

The word translated "mortify" or "put to death," tells us there are some things that must take place in the Christian's life. They must go; they must be cut out like a cancer; they must be removed. It is a command that requires a decisive action on the part of the believer.

God has done His part; now we must act on it. We are to count upon this fact and make personal application to our lives.

Let's take the knife and remove it because it is dead. "Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry" (Colossians 3:5).

"Immorality" (porneia) refers to any kind of illicit sexual behavior outside of marriage relationship. It is all sexual immorality including adultery, fornication, homosexuality, lesbianism, intercourse with animals, close relatives, etc.

"Impurity" (akatharsia) means uncleanness, filthiness in a moral sense. It is a perverted immoral life-style.

"Passion" (pathos) means inordinate affection, a strong drive that does not cease until it is satisfied. This strong desire can be either good or bad, but in this context indicates depraved passion. This person is a slave to his evil desires. He is a driven person who is obsessed by his evil passions.

"Evil desire" (epithumia) means, "desire, longing" for something that is forbidden. It is a "lust" for all evil in a broad sense for anything evil. Paul probably includes the word here to cover every conceivable evil thing that is against holiness of God.

"Greed" (pleonexia) is covetousness, insatiableness with the idea to desire more and more. It is a selfish greed that cannot be satisfied. Here is the person who wants that which is forbidden to him. It is beyond his means so he takes it anyhow. It leads to rape, murder, robbery, wars, etc. If I cannot have what you possess by legal means, I will take it by any means.

Paul says all of these "I wants" in life "amount to idolatry."

"Greed amounts to idolatry," says the apostle Paul. Material possessions and passions take the place of God. Jesus made it very clear in Matthew 6:24 when He said, "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth."

What are you worshipping today? Jesus said you must make a choice. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). That does not mean we are to use God as a means to get material riches. Some of the prosperity gospel schemes only enrich unscrupulous activity is of carnal pastors.

Paul reminds his readers once again this is the way you used to live but not any more. "For an account of these things the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience" (Col. 3:6).

 The "wrath of God" is a deep-seated anger of God against these sins. It displays itself in a future judgment resulting in eternal punishment. The wrath is the result of God's holiness and righteousness against sin.

No amount of modern day wishing away the wrath of God will get rid of it. God will not tolerate sin, and He will not go away. The Day of Judgment will arrive and God will deal with our sins either by the atoning sacrifice of Christ Jesus or the unrepentant sinner will pay (Rom. 6:23; Ezek. 18:4; Rev. 20:11-15).

 "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience" (Ephesians 5:6).

God Paul calls those who oppose God "children of disobedience." Disobedience is their life-style.

BUT YOU ARE DIFFERENT

 "In them you also once walked, when you were living in them" (Col. 3:7). Your life style before coming to Christ was characterized by these sins. The idea is you as well as those who are still living this way even now.

"Walked" and "living" indicates their attitudes and behaviors. It characterizes the kind of life they have chosen to follow. They walk about or conduct life in this manner. The believers used to partake of this life-style, but it no longer characterizes them. "You used to live this way," but thank God you don't anymore. "You also lived your lives in this way at one time, when you used to live among them" (Colossians 3:7, The NET Bible).

Not only has there been a change in your life-style, but verses eight and nine says your defensive reactions to life have also changed.

Now that you have been raised with Christ go ahead and take some old behaviors off. 

"But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices" (Colossians 3:8-9).

Here are some other things that must go in the Christian's life. Paul says, "But now you also, put them all aside . . ." (Col. 3:8).

"Put off" is figurative of getting rid of some behaviors. Lay aside these sinful behaviors just like you would take off some old dirty clothes. The idea is to rid yourself completely of these old sinful attitudes, passions and resulting behaviors.

"Anger" (org) is the long-lasting, slow burning anger. It tends to stay around along time.

"Wrath" (thumos) refers to a burning anger that flares up quickly and burns with the intensity of a fire. It just as quickly dies out. It is like burning dry pine straw that blazes up quickly and burns itself out.

Paul tells us in verse eight that whether our reactions to life are long lasting or sudden out bursts, both are wrong and need to be dealt with properly.

 "Malice" (kakia) is an all-pervading evil mind-set that conceives of evil things to do. It is a vicious nature that is predetermined to do evil to others. This person is just plain bad, evil, wicked. He has a deliberate intention to do evil.

"Slander" (blasphemia) is the word from which we get blaspheme in English. This person will use abusive speech to belittle other people and cause them to lose their good reputation. They insult people with their speech.

"Abusive speech from the mouth" is obscene, foul-mouthed, filthy talk.

"Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices" (Col. 3:9). Paul states imperatively to forbid completely these behaviors. "Stop lying." Don't do it anymore.

Every one of these behaviors in verses eight and nine are used to defend wounded egos and our reactions to blocked goals.

PUT OFF THE OLD SELF

"You laid aside the old self with its evil practices" (Col. 3:9). "Put off," "lay aside" (apekduomai) is to "take off completely, strip off of oneself" clothes. It is used figuratively here of the old nature.

Keeping in mind the context Paul is saying if the old sinful human nature really has been put off, don't be tempted at a critical moment to behave the way you did before you believed on Christ. You are to consistently behave differently.

"Put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth" (Ephesians 4:24).

"Put off the old man" or "old self" refers to the old nature, now as he is in old Adam and dominated by the sinful nature.

In Romans 6:6 the apostle Paul wrote, "Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin."

Not only are we to take off the old man but we are also to put on the new one who lives in a new sphere of existence in Christ.

You have taken off the old self that you used to be with its sinful attitudes, thoughts, feelings, volitions, behaviors, etc.

PUT ON THE NEW SELF

In Colossians 3:10-17 Paul tells us to put on the new person in Christ. "Put on the new self" or "new man." The metaphor is the same in verse nine. Put on some fresh, new clothes. The present tense refers to the continual action "which is ever being renewed" in the believer. Put on the new spiritual man who is Christ.

This "new self" is our new spiritual nature because of our vital union with Christ. It is the regenerate self that is united with Christ.

"Put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him" (Colossians 3:10). This renewal is true of all born again believers because "Christ is all, and in all" (Col. 3:11).

This new person in Christ is continually being renewed in true knowledge of the image of God. The image of God in us that was marred by the fall and depravity has been passed along to each of us has been renewed by the new birth. Because we have been regenerated or born again spiritually, we are being constantly renewed by the Holy Spirit with the goal that we are being "conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom. 8:29). The Holy Spirit reproduces more and more of Christ likeness in the believer (Phil. 3:32; Col. 3:10; 1 John 3:2). The Holy Spirit does this sanctifying work by the renewing of the spirit of the mind (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 4:16; Eph. 4:23). It is something that is going on all the time as the believer cooperates with the Holy Spirit. Even in our subconscious mind the Holy Spirit is at work applying His Word to our inner self. His goal is to conform us to the character and likeness of Christ. This sanctifying work of the Spirit is going on in the inner life of every true believer.

 A radical change has taken place in the believer's life, but there is also a continual renewal and spiritual growth in grace and knowledge of Christ until he reaches a level of maturity that is manhood in the image of God.

What is it that we are to put on? "So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity" (Colossians 3:12-14).

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly beloved, cloth yourself with . . ." (NET).  Who is to put on these new clothes? The Christian is to act on what he knows to be the truth. You "have been chosen of God, holy and beloved" (Col. 3:12). You belong to Him because He chose you. You are the elect of God, picked out by God Himself for His glory (Eph. 1:4). You are the object of His love that He has set apart for Himself; therefore live in such a manner to be pleasing to Him.

"Put on a heart of compassion" (Col. 3:12). Clothe yourself with "a heart of compassion" (splagchnon) meaning the seat of emotions. In English we usually think of the "heart" metaphorically as the seat of the emotions and have a tendency to place our hands to our bosom when referring to our emotions. The ancients thought of the inward parts including heart, liver, and lungs, but with the same basic idea of the seat of emotions. Put on a heart full of "compassion" (oiktirmos). In a world full of hurt the people of God are equipped to touch lives with compassion and mercy. We are called upon to empathize with the hurts of humanity.

It can clearly be demonstrated from history that over the centuries it is Christianity that has responded to the needs of humanity the world over. Hospitals, clinics, welfare organizations, emergency relief agencies, homes for the elderly, were created by Christian organizations to meet the critical health and social needs.

"Kindness" (chrestotes) means "goodness, kindness, generosity" and is always seeking the highest good in others. Kindness is an attitude that always demonstrates itself in action. It reaches out and touches people.

"Humility" (tapeinophrosune) is an attitude of self-evaluation that recognizes one's own weakness and failures, but also the power of God working through the person. This is the kind of person God can use in His kingdom. It is a wholesome esteem, lacking any taint of arrogance. There is a false humility that is deceitful.

"Gentleness" (prautes) is often translated "meekness" but is really power under control. It is the gentleness that is strong, but humble and courteous, considerate. This "gentleness" does not imply weakness and is a better word than meekness. It is an obedient submission to the will of God and gives strength to put on the other characteristics in this list. It is a fruit of the Spirit and a beatitude of Jesus. Here is the power of our personalities brought into submission to God by the Holy Spirit.

"Patience" (makrothumia) is "longsuffering" when someone provokes us. It patiently endures when under pressure of life and refuses to retaliate. It is that quality that takes time before action is taken.

"Bearing with one another" (Col. 3:13) (anecho) has the idea of putting up with another person. It is to "endure, bear with, put up with" people and situations. The present tense emphasizes the continual action on the part of the believer.

"Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you." Have you been around any complainers lately? The only solution is to forgive just as Christ set the example for us.

The most important moral quality to put on is "love" (Col. 3:14). "Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity." "On top of all the others" put on love. This is what holds all the other characteristics together. Love is the outer garment or belt binding it all together. Love is the bond that keeps everything in perfect harmony.

The goal is "the perfect bond of unity." In Ephesians 4:3 Paul admonished believers to be "diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

Jesus said, "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). He also prayed for us in His high priestly prayer. "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me" (John 17:22-23).

We are to pursue this goal of complete maturity in our relationships with one another. Put on "the perfect bond of unity." "When the love binds all Christians together, the ideal of Christian perfection is attained," says A. S. Peake.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts" (Col. 3:15). The "peace of Christ" is the umpire that regulates the unity in the relationships in the Body of Christ. "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful" (v. 15). The healthy body preserves the unity in the bond of love. Every believer has a responsibility to maintain this oneness.

Our hearts should be filled with thankfulness and gratitude for all God has done through Christ Jesus. He is our peace and we have this peace through our vital union with Him. That peace should rule our hearts in whatever circumstances we face.

HOW DO YOU DO IT?

I can hear someone asking how in the world do you put on all these characteristics in the new life? You may be amazed that we cannot do it by ourselves. Yes, we need help, and God provides it.

The apostle Paul tells us how to do it. "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. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (Col. 3:16-17). These words remind us of Colossians 1:27b-28. "Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ."

The Word filled life accomplishes God's will. The Word of God has a sanctifying effect upon the life of the believer. It cleanses and empowers us to live the Christian life. How rich and powerful are the words of Christ when we allow them to settle down into our hearts and abide permanently.

"Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you . . ." The idea is to let the word of Christ make itself at home, settle down and be at home within the believer. It becomes a daily habit. The presence of Christ in the believer should govern every attitude, thought, word, and behavior. We are to take every "thought captive to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5).

The word teaches us with infinite wisdom, admonishes us and encourages us, puts a song in our hearts and causes us to sing with a thankful heart to God.

The motive of service is well stated in verse seventeen. "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father."

Paul could not have chosen more fitting words to conclude his admonition to change our wardrobe. In everything we do, let the name of Jesus be exalted. To God be the glory.

We need to daily remind ourselves to whom we belong. We are members of the Body of Christ. We belong to His family. When we keep that in mind, we will correct a lot of our thoughts and behaviors.

We are in the practical section of this wonderful book. Paul is telling the Colossians and all believers how we are to live as God's children.

In verse 9 Paul says that Christians have "laid aside (or have taken off like a garment) the old self with its practices." That's what happened at conversion: our old identity with Adam ended when we died with Christ at Calvary.

Then verse 10 states the positive counterpart to this putting off of the old self. It says that Christians "have put on the new self." So in conversion what happened was that our identity with Adam ended, and we were united to Jesus Christ.

We did not just decide to do this and make it happen ourselves. Verse 12 makes clear who was the initiating power behind this change of identity. Paul refers to believers as "those who have been chosen of God, holy and loved." The reason we experienced the putting off of our old self and the putting on of a new self was that God loved us and chose us and set us apart as holy to the Lord. We are elect, holy, and loved. In other words, God took the initiative with us. God elected, God sanctified, God loved. And because of God's electing love, we are to live for Him. In the following verses he tells us what we are to put on:

Colossians 3:12-13 (NASB) And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Do these describe you? They should. If you are not living up to these qualities, I hope that working on it, desiring it, and praying that God's grace would enable you to live this way. Paul goes on in verse 14 to give us the crowning virtue:

Colossians 3:14 (NASB) And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Looking at verse 13 and 14, does anything strike you as strange? Verse 13 says, "bearing with one another" and then verse 14 says, "and beyond all these love." Doesn't

forbearance seem like a strange concept for a believer to be directed towards when love seems to be the aim of following after God? It strikes me as a little strange. Maybe it's just me, but forbearance and love seem to be quite different. Let's look at some contrasts between the two differing concepts in a series of statements.

Love accepts men and women as they are, forbearance puts up with them. Love seeks out people who don't fit in and puts its arm around them, forbearance smiles at them and hopes they don't come any nearer. Love wants to get involved in the trials of the unlovely, forbearance asks them how they are and hopes they don't take the question seriously or take too long in answering. Love reaches out a hand to touch the unclean, forbearance puts out a hand, even though it wishes it'd remembered its gloves. Love draws together the diverse into a unity, forbearance praises God for men's diversity.

Since we are told to "bear with one another" and to love one another, they must not be mutually exclusive. But in my mind, if I love someone I don't have to bear with them. Those are just some rambling thoughts of mine.

Colossians 3:14 (NASB) And beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

The sixth expression of the new nature, which can be understood as needing to be "put on" is love. The translators supply "put on" from the previous verse. The emphasis is placed on the word "love." Literally, it reads, "And above all these things, love." Love is the priority of all the graces in this list. Love ties all other virtues together and is, therefore, the most important grace.

Believers will never enjoy mutual fellowship through compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, or patience; they will not bear with each other or forgive each other unless they love one another. To try to practice the virtues of 3:12,13 apart from love is LEGALISM. They must flow from love, which in turn is a fruit of the Spirit-filled life (Gal. 5:22). Nothing is acceptable to God if not motivated by love.

Vines says, "Love is the power which holds together all the other virtues." The key to everything is love. Having the kind of love God has will be essential. It alone will empower us to treat other people in the ways we have been discussing. Love is the chief virtue of the new life we have in Christ.

Love is "the perfect bond of unity."The word "bond" means: "to bind together, to unite." In this context, "bond" has the idea of a girdle or belt. This is not the kind of girdle that we think of today. In the first century, both men and women wore girdles. Among people of the Near East, the final piece of dress was the girdle or sash. Every soldier wore this belt to hold his clothes together and a scabbard to hold his sword and other things. There he carried his rations and breastplate. The "bond" or girdle was a foundational garment that holds all garments together. Love holds everything together. Love binds all the graces together and holds them in their proper place like a broad belt or girdle.

What exactly is this "love" that we are to put on? Our culture uses the word love to mean just about everything except what the Bible means by it. So Christians are easily misled into thinking love is primarily a feeling, something we fall in or out of. We equate it with lust or sex, we talk about "making love." The word "love" used here is not the Greek word eros. That word is used to describe erotic love, sensual love, what you feel when you "fall in love," a passionate attraction to another person. That kind of love is not even mentioned in the Word of God, though it is a common form of love today. And the word here is not phileo, which means: "affection, friendship, a feeling of warmth toward someone else." Phileo is a two-way kind of love. That's where we get "Philadelphia" from ­ the city of brotherly love. In other words ­ you love me, and I'll love you back. I love you because there are certain things that are good about you. And you love me because there are certain things that are good about me. A two-way love. This is not what is mentioned here.

The word Paul uses here is agape. This Greek word was rarely used in Greek literature prior to the New Testament. In the New Testament, the word agape took on a special meaning; it was used by the New Testament writers to designate a volitional love (as opposed to a purely emotional love); a self-sacrificial love, a love naturally expressed by divinity but not so easily by humanity. It seems as though the early Christian church took this word out of its obsoleteness and made it a characteristic word for love.

Agape is a one-way love. In other words, you love me, even if I don't love you back. You love me, even though there is nothing good about me. It's a supernatural kind of love; the kind of love that God has shown to the world. Even though the world didn't love God, God loved the world and sent his son. Even though you didn't ask for it, Jesus loved you and died for your sins on the cross. God loves us, even though there isn't anything good about us to love.
Agape love is a response to someone who is unworthy of love. This concept of love was derived from the cross. God loved the world and gave his son for it. That was a response to unworthy people, to sinners, to those who were his enemies. That is agape. It is a love that proceeds from the nature of the lover, rather than the worth of the person who is loved. It is a love that gives, a love that seeks the best of the object loved. Agape is a commitment of the will to cherish and uphold another person. It is the only word ever used to describe God's love. It is a decision that you make, and a commitment that you have launched upon to treat another person with concern, with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another. That is what love is, and this is what Paul is talking about.

Just how important is it that we love one another? Paul answers that question in:

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NASB) If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

If a believer does not display agape, he himself is nothing! The Greek text at the end of verse 2 does not say that he is nobody, that would be strong. But the Greek text says he is nothing! From this text, we could draw this equation, life minus love equals zero. The loveless person produces nothing, is nothing, and gains nothing. That's how important love is in your life and mine. Do you think that maybe that is overstating it a little bit? Is love really that important?

Mark 12:28-31 (NASB) And one of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, "What commandment is the foremost of all?" 29 Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD; 30 AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' 31 "The second is this, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

So, Jesus is saying that the greatest commandment is to love. Paul says the same thing in Romans in a little different way:

Romans 13:8 (NASB) Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Peter puts it this way:

1 Peter 4:8 (NASB) Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

Look at what God told the children of Israel, about 3500 years ago:

Leviticus 19:18 (NASB) 'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.

Those verses ought to make it clear enough that love is preeminent. Above everything else, we are called to love God and one another.

What does it mean to love God? If we want to know what it is to love, we must go to the Scriptures:

John 14:15 (NASB) "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.

John 14:21 (NASB) "He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him."

John 15:10 (NASB) "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love.

Based on those verses, what would you say it means to love God? If love here is not formally defined as "obedience," it is so closely connected with it that there seems to be no room for anything else.

1 John 2:3-5 (NASB) And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 The one who says, "I have come to know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; 5 but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him:

1 John 5:2 (NASB) By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.

It seems that the visible characteristic of love is obedience, and love, itself, is a desire to obey. The Scriptures also make it clear that our love to God is validated by our love for others:

1 John 4:20-21 (NASB) If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.

We cannot truly love God without loving one another. To recognize that there is someone I do not love is to say to God, "I do not love you enough to love that person." Love is truly preeminent - I hope that you see that. To not be a loving person is not some small character flaw, it is to break the greatest commandment; it is to not love God.

If that is in fact true; if love is preeminent, if life minus love equals zero, if to not be loving is to not love God, if love is that important, then we should all desire to manifest love in our lives, shouldn't we?

All believers have the capacity to act in love. We all have the capacity to love, but do we all love? No! Why? Because love is a product of a Spirit controlled life. Galatians 5:22 says, "The fruit, or product, of the Spirit is love..." The fruit of the Spirit, like all of spiritual living, comes only from living a Spirit controlled life or walking in the Spirit.

Galatians 5:14-16 (NASB) For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." 15 But if you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another. 16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.

Apart from the control of God's Spirit, we cannot love. I can't love my neighbor, no matter how hard I try. How then can we love? The key is in the saying, "the law is fulfilled" (verse 14).

Romans 8:4 (NASB) in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

"The righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us" - this is the same word pleroo, used in Galatians 5:14. What is it that the law requires? It requires love:

Matthew 22:37-40 (NASB) And He said to him, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.' 38 "This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 "The second is like it, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' 40 "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets."

In Romans 8:4, in the phrase "might be fulfilled in us," the verb is in the passive voice. It does not say, "that we might fulfill the law," but "that the law might be fulfilled in us." Agape love is divine love; God is it's source, and God loves through us as we walk in fellowship with him. Our obligation is to stay in fellowship with him:

1 John 1:6-7 (NKJV) If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

The unsaved man can no more experience this kind of love than can a marble statue! It takes the indwelling of the Spirit of God in the life, and the empowering of that Spirit for anyone to display this kind of character in daily life.

What we are really talking about here is practical sanctification. Practical sanctification is spiritual growth, it is conformity to Christ likeness. It is becoming a loving person.

1 John 2:6 (NASB) the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

How can we learn to live like Christ lived? How do we do it? God does not call upon us to love with our own anemic, synthetic, saccharine, imitation love. He calls upon us to love with his love, out of his love.

How do we become sanctified? How do we grow into Christ likeness? How do we learn to love? These are really all the same questions with the same answer. Sanctification is a matter of "dependant discipline." Dependant emphasizes our need for God's power to work in us.

John 15:5 (NASB) "I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from Me you can do nothing.

Discipline sums up our responsibility to grow in sanctification, in love. What is our part, what do we need to do? We need to apply the means of Sanctification. Let me give you the mechanics of our part in sanctification. We are responsible to discipline ourselves toward spiritual growth, all the while trusting God to work in us.

Perhaps the analogy of a farmer will help us understand this. Consider the farmer and his crops. There are certain "disciplines," or tasks, he must do. He must plow, plant, fertilize, and cultivate. In some areas, he must irrigate. But he cannot make the seed germinate and grow. Only God can do that. The farmer, whether he recognizes it or not, depends on God both for the physical and mental ability to do his tasks and for the capital to buy his supplies and equipment. And he obviously depends on God for the growth of his crops.

In the same way, the Christian depends on God to enable him to perform his disciplines. What are the disciplines of the Christian life? Bible study, prayer, fellowship. But the performance of the disciplines does not itself produce spiritual growth. Only God can do that.

Growth in sanctification, in love, is not then a matter of personal discipline plus God's work. It is a matter of dependant discipline, of recognizing that we are dependant on God to enable us to do what we are responsible to do. Then, it is a recognition that even when we have performed our duties, we must still look to Him to produce the growth. Paul put it this way:

1 Corinthians 3:7 (NASB) So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth.

Let me add something here, I really believe that sanctification is a family matter. That is, it involves the whole family of believers in a local church. I don't believe that we are sanctified in isolation from other believers. Sanctification takes place within the framework of relationships we have with one another in the church. Guy Appere has expressed this clearly: "By God's deliberate choice, sanctification is a collective process taking place in a community, and, apart from special circumstances, the Christian's way to sanctification is in company with other Christians and with their help." [The Mystery of Christ, 107]

This is quite apparent in the language used by the Apostle Paul, in our text, as he exhorts us corporately to a life of spiritual progress.

Notice the effect of love - "Which is the perfect bond of unity." I think this refers not only to the other virtues mentioned in Colossians 3:12-13, but to the power of love to "bind or hold together" the community of believers. The implication is that the very different personalities that make up the church are held together by the active love of the body for one another.

Have you asked yourself the question lately, "Am I growing in love? Looking back over a year, are you easier to live with now? Are you able to handle people more graciously, more courteously? Are you more compassionate, more patient? These are the measurements of life. This is why we were given life, that we might learn how to act in love. Nothing else can be substituted for it. There is no use holding up any other quality we possess if we lack this one. It is the paramount goal of every human life, and we do well to measure ourselves by it.

Next, the apostle moves beyond our lives as individuals, to the church, and how the body ought to function:

Colossians 3:15 (NASB) And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

The word "peace" comes from the Greek word eirene, its Hebrew equivalent would be shalom. It refers to: "the absence of conflict, tranquility, serenity."

What is this "peace" implied in the text? He calls it, "the peace of Christ," which is uniquely used here, though we see the "peace of God" used in numerous places (e.g., Rom. 1:7; I Cor. 1:3; Gal. 1:3; Eph. 1:2).

Two specific areas must be considered when thinking of the peace of Christ. First, we must think of Christ in His person:

Ephesians 2:14-18 (NASB) For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one, and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, 15 by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace, 16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity. 17 AND HE CAME AND PREACHED PEACE TO YOU WHO WERE FAR AWAY, AND PEACE TO THOSE WHO WERE NEAR; 18 for through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

The emphasis in this passage is how, in the person of Christ through the offering of himself at the cross, Jews and Gentiles who have been at enmity with each other are now brought into the same family through Christ. Rather than the open and even secret hostility in their relationships, through Christ the "enmity" has been removed, the wall separating us racially, socially, and culturally has been broken down. We are now "one new man" in Christ. Therefore, we have peace in relationships to each other due to the person of Christ in his mediatorial office. The peace of his presence continues to establish our relationship with one another.

Secondly, we have peace in relationship to God that is described in the term "justification." It is through the accomplishment of our Lord, in bearing the judgment of God against us, that we now have peace with God. This is a peace that is a gift through Christ:

Romans 5:1 (NASB) Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

We are no longer enemies of God, but His children. We no longer are under divine judgment, but under his blessing and care.

It is this "peace of Christ" that is to "rule in your hearts." The consciousness, that we are at peace with God through Christ and at peace with one another through Christ, must dominate our thinking. It is to affect our decisions. It is to alter the way we think, live, and interact with others. Notice that the peace of God is to rule in your hearts (plural). You (together) were called in one body to peace and thanksgiving.

It's the peace which comes from Christ's work, then, which Paul urges his readers to allow to "rule" in their hearts in order that peace between the brethren might also come about as a consequence and an overflow. The NIV translation is clear at this point, even though they add quite a bit to the Greek that's there. They translate that the peace of Christ should rule in the believers' hearts "...since, as members of one body, you were called to peace."

The appeal, therefore, is that, just as God has reconciled them to Himself through Jesus and has dealt with the problem of enmity which existed between them, so too should they allow the realities of that peace to overflow from them that they might welcome and receive all who come with the name of Jesus upon them.

If we know Christ's peace, we know that God accepts us by his grace. This knowledge gives us a disposition of peace. The more the person and work of Christ dominate our thinking, the greater peace the Christian will have in himself.

To "rule" is an athletic term meaning: "to act as an umpire." In ancient Greece, the umpire presided over the Olympic games and the Isthmian games. He discerned the athlete's qualification to take part in the games. He determined whether the winner violated any rules during the contest. He enforced the rules and awarded the prizes.

The Christian is to let the peace of Christ arbitrate, or decide, all matters in his heart. The peace of Christ should direct, control, or rule in our hearts. This peace gives us correct judgment and decision when we let God's rule govern our lives.

When Christians need to make choices, the peace that Christ produces in our hearts should be a determining factor. We should choose what will result in peace between us and God, and between us and one another, if such a course of action lies within God's moral will.

Colossians 3:15 (NASB) And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Notice how Paul ends this verse, "...and be thankful". What is it that they are to be thankful for? The Greek word translated "thankful" is eucharistos. This word occurs only once in the New Testament and is found in the LXX again only once in:

Proverbs 11:16 (NASB) A gracious [eucharistos] woman attains honor, And violent men attain riches.

It's this idea of "graciousness" which lies at the foundation of the word, and I find it difficult to understand why most translations render the word in Colossians 3:15 as "thankful," rather than as appears to be necessary from the LXX, "gracious." If this were done, the exhortation: "Be gracious [towards the brethren]" would be much more in keeping with what's preceded it, where relationships between believers are being defined. Why commentators take the phrase as denoting a response of thankfulness, I have no idea.

The Greek says, "become gracious." It does not mean to "be" something; it means: "to become something that we were not before." It is a continuous obligation."Become" indicates that the Colossians were not gracious before this challenge from Paul.

Thankfulness is a constant theme in Colossians (cf. 1:3, 12; 2:7; 3: 16,17; 4:2) but it seems to me, like in this text, the idea is more of "becoming gracious." Thayer's Greek dictionary defines this word eucharistos as:

1) "mindful of favors, grateful, thankful."

2) "pleasing, agreeable."

3) "acceptable to others, winning, liberal, beneficent."

If we use the last two, Paul is saying, "Become pleasing, agreeable, acceptable to others, winning, liberal, and beneficent." Do you think an attitude like this would promote peace among the community of believers? You bet it would.

So, Believers, we are to put on love. We are to let Christ's peace reign in our hearts, and we are to be gracious to each other. When the church begins to live this way, we will have a very positive effect on the world in which we live. May God help us to understand and flesh out these qualities in our lives.'