Chapter summary
The Gnostics argued that the body was hostile to the spirit, for the material was essentially evil. Some turned to asceticism to weaken the body. Some gave in to licentiousness, dismissing what the "evil" body did as morally irrelevant. But Paul has shown that God entered the material world and in a real human body won us salvation. Now he shows that the way we live in our body does make a difference. In fact, true spirituality is living a human life, here on earth in union with God.
Since we have been raised with Christ (3:1-4), we "put to death" the sins that belong to our earthly, sin nature (vv. 5-8). We have put on a new "self," renewed in God's image (vv. 9-11). Thus, as God's people we live with others the kind of life Jesus lived here on earth, so that all we do can be said to be done "in the name of the Lord Jesus" (vv. 12-17). Here too Paul reminds us that we are each to live this way in the framework of the role we have been assigned—as spouse, parent or child, slave or free. In whatever setting we find ourselves we can live in a way that expresses, and pleases, God (3:18-4:1).
1) Since we have new life in Christ, we are to focus on the things that are above – where Christ holds preeminence.
2) We are to keep our minds on the Godly things, not the things of this world.
3) Since we have died (to the old way of living), our life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4) Christ is now our life. When he appears, then we, too, will appear with Him in glory (glorified).
5) Put to death whatever is worldly in you: your sexual sin, perversion, passion, lust, and greed (which is the same thing as worshipping wealth).
6) It is because of the fore mentioned sins that God’s anger comes on those who refuse to obey Him.
7) In the past we lived a sinful life.
8) We should get rid of anger, hot tempers, hatred, cursing, obscene language, and all similar sins.
9) Don’t lie to one another. You are no longer the person you were in the past.
10) We are new people. The new man is continually renewed in knowledge to be like God.
11) When this happens, ethnicity, culture, nor religious practices matter. Instead our focus is to be Christ, who is everything and in everything.
12) As God holy people, chosen and loved, we are to be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle and patient.
13) Put up with each other, and forgive each other if anyone has a complaint. Forgive as God has forgiven us.
14) Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly.
15) Let the peace of God control you. God has called us into His peace, be thankful.
16) Let God’s word with all of its wisdom and richness dwell in you. Use psalms, hymns and spiritual songs to teach and instruct you concerning God’s kindness. Sing to God from your heart.
17) Everything we do is to be done in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God through Him.
18) Wives, place yourselves under your husbands’ authority. This is appropriate behavior for God’s people.
19) Husbands, love your wives, do not be harsh with them.
20) Children, always obey your parents. This is pleasing to the Lord.
21) Fathers, don't make your children resentful, or they will become discouraged.
22) Employees, always obey your employer. Don't obey them only while you're being watched, as if you merely wanted to please man. Be sincere in your motives out of respect for the Lord Jesus Christ.
23) Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly as though you were working for the Lord.
24) You know that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward. It is Christ, your real employer, whom you are working for.
25) The person who does wrong will be paid back for the wrong he has done. God does not play favorites.
No comments:
Post a Comment