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Applying the Great Transition – Col. 3
Applying the Great Transition – Col. 3
In chapter 2 we learned that by the Gracious actions of God we have had our whole eternity changed! It start in Col. 1 as we were said to have been ‘translated into the Kingdom of His dear Son (1:13). Then in we were made Complete in Jesus, spiritually circumcised by the removal of the ‘body of flesh’ (the fleshly aspect of our spiritual being, cp. Gal. 5:19f the works of the flesh), Raised up oin baptism and made alive unto God, and forgiven. We are NOW redeemed children of God.
Notice the 1st word of Chapter 3 – THEREFORE. And then Paul returns to our having been raised up with Christ (in baptism), we now are to put into action our new relationship. It is the actual application of the new creature, new birth, new man. We have died to SELF and are not slaves of God and righteousness. Our goal is no longer about self but glorifying God.
NOW we are to ‘consider’ ourselves in a whole new aspect – dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed. This is NOT a complete list. To change our old behavior we must change our HEART, our mind, our desires. We thus must ‘set our heart’ on things ABOVE – upon God, righteousness, holiness.
We CAN control what we THINK. Thus Paul wrote: “(8) Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (9) The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9)
SO – WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT? WHAT IS YOUR MIND DWELLING UPON? WHAT IS YOUR HEART SET UPON?
Hugh DeLong
