PUTTING UP GODLY THINGS (COL 3: 10-17)

PUTTING UP GODLY THINGS (COL 3: 10-17):

After writing that they have to put off the old self, Paul writes to the Colossians to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Putting on the new self is not meant to be something physical or external but something mental or internal in terms of getting a new perception and reference standard through the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who came into the world as an image of the Lord.

And then Paul writes that there it is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, Barbarian, Scythian, slave, and free but Christ is all, and in all. They shall put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another they also must forgive, forgiving each other, as the Lord had forgiven Him. And above all those, they shall put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Paul mentions that there is no difference and discrimination in the sight of Christ at any cost whether it may be very superior or even it might be least superior in people’s sight. By following the footsteps of Christ who came into the world and died for the sins of all the people, they also should follow the praiseworthy characteristics and treat others as they treat themselves. Above everything they should show genuine love to commune and be united with one another.

Paul further writes that the peace of Christ shall rule in their hearts, to which indeed they were called in one body. And be thankful. The word of Christ shall dwell in them richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in their hearts to God. And whatever they do, in word or deed, they shall do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. When a person accepts Christ and put on the new self, they will be children of God and become united in the fellowship with Christ and the believers, for which they shall be grateful. Also, they shall recite, remind and practice the Word of God. They shall also use the music and poems with grateful hearts. Also whatever they go and whatever they think, believers should do it in the name of the Lord for His Guidance and support, as well as give praises to the king.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      What does it mean to ‘Put on the new self’?

2.      What does it mean to ‘bring renewed knowledge after the image of its creator?

3.      What shall the person who put on the new self, have?

4.      What should we do when we have a complaint against someone? Why?

5.      What is above all things? Why?

6.      How believers are one body?

7.      How we ought to be thankful for God?

8.      How we should do something in word or deed?

9.      How we can renew ourselves every day?

How the things we do could be pleasing God?