Paul Explains How Believers Should Live
June 12, 2021
Commentary
All men everywhere should obey the laws of God. But believers have an even greater responsibility: to live victorious lives before the Father in heaven (v. 12). Paul explains how believers should live:
Towards one another (verses 12-14). With “bowels of compassion.” Speak from the heart.With “kindness.” Eph. 4:32 says, “Be ye kind one to another.”With “humbleness of mind.” Humility is not thinking poorly of one’s self but having a proper attitude of one’s self.With “meekness.” Meekness is not weakness but instead it is power under control.With “long-suffering.” Putting up with provoking circumstances without retaliating. With “forbearance.” Being able to “hold up.”With “forgiveness.” Holding no grudges.With “love.” Ruling our lives.Towards God (vv. 15-17). Allowing His peace to reign in your hearts (v.15).Dwelling in the His Word (v. 16). Doing everything in Jesus’ name (v. 17).Warren Wiersbe says, “Just as the marriage ceremony sets apart a man and a woman for each other exclusively, so salvation sets the believer apart exclusively for Jesus Christ. Would it not be horrible to see the groom run off with the maid of honor at the end of the wedding? It is just as horrible to contemplate the Christian living for the world and the flesh.”
Application
In a few minutes, a person can disgrace a name that it has taken years to build. I want to be on guard to the point that there is never anything in my life that would bring disgrace to His name?
Colossians 3:8– 17 (NET)
8 But now, put off all such things as anger, rage, malice, slander, abusive language from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another since you have put off the old man with its practices 10 and have been clothed with the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created it. 11 Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.
12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others. 14 And to all these virtues add love, which is the perfect bond. 15 Let the peace of Christ be in control in your heart (for you were in fact called as one body to this peace), and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and exhorting one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, all with grace in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.