Paul as inspired by the Spirit of God, writing in Colossians 3 shows us truths relevant to our lives. He started by stressing the REALITY of the new man [Col 3:1-3] as the rationale and basis for the kind of lifestyle the believer is to live [Col 3:4-9). Thereafter, he touched on the RENEWAL of the new man [Col 3:10), the RELATIONSHIPS of the new man [Col 3:11-12], and the ROUTINE of the new man [Col 3:13-14]. This dovetails into the portions of scripture which can be described as the REGIMEN of the new man [Col 3:15] discussed below. Regimen as a term borrowed from the health sector, can be defined a programme, recommended to ensure a healthy lifestyle.
Borrowing from that idea, Paul in Col 3:15-19, recommends a programme essential to the new life we have in Christ Jesus that will promote a healthy lifestyle. Those verses of scripture touch on four key concepts: (1) PEACE (2) The WORD INDWELLING US RICHLY (3)SINGING (4) DOING ALL IN THE NAME OF JESUS; and (5) GRATITUDE
- PEACE
Bear in mind that you are eternally secure in God’s choice in that from the foundations of the world, He elected you to salvation. And because of this, there are certain benefits which are yours in Him Col 3:12. He expects us to respond to this. One of your responses to God as result of His choosing you is to let the peace of God rule in your heart. The word ‘rule’ as used in Col 3:15 can be equated with what an umpire does in Tennis matches, where he makes decisions on issues – especially those that are not clear. He sits in the middle, makes those decisions, and it his decision is final. In the same way, we should allow the peace of God arbitrate in our hearts. So what is the peace of God?
The peace of God is both a fact and an experience.
THE PEACE OF GOD AS A FACT
The peace of God as a fact has two facets. The first aspect speaks of the peace of god in the context of the relationship between God and Man; while the other speaks of the peace of God in the context of the relationship between the two broad divisions of humanity –Jew and gentile.
Christ made peace between God and men– Naturally as human beings, we were in hostility with God, but through Christ Jesus, God reconciled everything back unto Himself Col 1:19-20, Rom 5:1). When a man becomes born again, he has peace with God. The state of hostility to God is gone, he is reconciled and at peace with God (2 Cor 5:18). This is a fact, an accomplished reality. It cannot be changed!
Christ made between Jews and the Gentiles (Eph 2:14) – When Jesus spoke about peace in Eph 2:14, he meant peace between Jew and gentiles; and not between man and God. Formerly, both the Jews and the Gentiles were alienated from themselves. Reconciliation therefore has not only taken place with God, but also with each other. The enmity between them was the Law, which the Jews prided in and with which they excluded the gentile. But Christ by his death abolished that barrier/enmity and made peace between Jews and gentile a fact!
THE PEACE OF GOD AS AN EXPERIENCE (Php 4:7, John 14:27)
This is the second facet of the peace of God. This deals with peace as an EXPERIENCE. It is what is when the heart or soul is in an unmixed state of tranquillity, calm, assurance or quietness, irrespective of what is going on outside. The peace which God gives is felt when we have no anxious care about the supply of our needs and we confidently commit everything into God’s hands. It’s a calm assurance of the heart that God provides (Isaiah 57:20-21, Isaiah 26:3). It’s the peace that comes when you keep your heart and mind focused on God. It comes from an understanding that God is at peace with you and enjoys you. The peace of God that passes all understanding surpasses all that the human mind can conceive or imagine. This is the peace that keeps your heart and minds from anxiety, distress, and agitation, amidst all our trials and wants, when you commit all to Him in prayer (Php 4:6-7).
The peace of God is supposed to help you both in taking your decisions and in your dealings with other people. The peace of God is supposed to arbitrate your mind. That is why when you are contemplating a course of action, or sin, a lack of peace could act as an umpire – if the conscience is not seared. In our dealings with people it can enable us take the proper course of action. We should be able to consider if our action will cause quarrels or strife, or whether it will leave a deep abiding rest in our hearts. If not, it would be better to refrain from it
- THE WORD OF GOD DWELLING RICHLY WITHIN [Col 3:16]
The word of God must dwell richly in your heart; it must domicile in your heart; taking a place and resting in your heart copiously and abundantly Col 3:16. This can only be achieved by a consistent study of God’s word – listening, reading and using reminders; not by a glossy glance through the scriptures. If the word of Christ dwells within you, then every thought, word and deed will conform to God’s will. Study the word and then it’s going to brings up inspiration in the light of truth. It will bring a proper response when you are faced with situations or challenges.
- SINGING [Col 3:16]
Colossians 3:16 gives us some sort of sequence of how things should be, contrary to the pattern where people just want to sing. As we first meditate and give ourselves over to the word of God, it enables us express our hearts filled with the word, in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs (Col 3:16). This also enables us to sing better songs that are line with scriptures. Most of the greatest hymns we have in the world emerged from giving attendance to and being filled with God’s word. We are to make melody in our hearts to God. Our hearts first must sing not merely by minds/memory, but from our hearts. Our mouths must express what we sing with our mouths.
- DOING ALL IN THE NAME OF JESUS –Col 3:17
Whatever you do, whether in deed or words, in the whole of our lives, we must do it in the name of Jesus i.e. whatever you are doing, consider God. Put up an attitude that is consistent with the character of God in your words, actions, as you interaction with people in church and outside church, every facet of life. Take your action in sync with him, aiming for his glory, representing Him in all you do.
- GRATITUDE
We see the idea of gratitude mentioned in verse Col 3:15 and 17, and Col 1:12. You should live your life with gratitude at every point in time. The life of a believer should not be characterized with murmurings and complaints, but gratitude to God in all things. God gave you His life, His Spirit, His nature, and indeed His all through Christ. Yet we complain and murmur. We ought to give thanks, at all times, for all He has done for us.
Determine in your heart to do all of these in the name of Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him!
Pastor Yinka Olowojolu