The Focused Life
The Christian is a man made new. He or she is a new creature in Christ. Old things have passed away and new things have come (2 Cor 5:17). The Apostle James insists that Christians be doers of the Word, not hearers only (Jas 1:22). In the Pauline epistles the structural pattern is clear: doctrine explained, followed by orthopraxy.
Doing truth is both personal and communal. Christ’s church has one Spirit, who is indwelling all believers (Jn 14:17; Rom 8:9, 11) and who performs all our works for us (Is 26:12; Gal 2:20; Eph 2:10), by willing and doing His good pleasure (Phil 2:13). For this, God is glorified for accomplishing what concerns us (Ps 57:2; 138:8).
The Spirit-filled Christian’s walk is a sojourn through the wilderness of this world of darkness. The domain of darkness is the dominion of the prince of darkness (Acts 26:18; Col 1:13), who blinds the minds of people walking in darkness (2 Cor 4:4). Darkness is the realm of futility (Eph 4:17); and vanity is what marks this perverse generation in this present evil age (Eccl 1:2; 12:8; Acts 2:40; Phil 2:15). The natural man loves darkness because his deeds are evil (Jn 3:19). His eternal end is outer darkness (Mt 8:12; 22:13; 25:30).
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, instructing them to avoid partaking in the escapades of darkness in which the Christians formerly walked (Eph 5:8). The contrasting metaphor is light in the Lord. This consists of goodness, righteousness, and truth (Eph 5:9). Walking in the Light, who is Christ, as children of light (Eph 5:8; Phil 2:15), is to walk by the Spirit (Gal 5:16, 25), in a manner worthy of the Lord (Col 1:10).
The false teachers of the Bible are agents of darkness. They cast shadows (doubts) where light illumines truth. The false doctrine of demons is promoted by deceitful spirits (1 Tim 4:1), who inspire deviation from the truth, as it is in Jesus (Eph 4:21). The New Testament churches were plagued by diverse dilutions away from the purity and simplicity of Christ (Col 2:8, 16–23).
Colossians is typically Pauline. There is doctrine in chapters 1 and 2. This is followed by instruction for Christian living. Colossians 3:1 is the point of transition in emphasis. “Therefore” is the key word that introduces Paul’s “to do” list for believers.
The argument for living different from the worldly sons of Adam is death and resurrection derived from the believer’s union with Christ (3:3). Christians have been united with Christ in His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and heavenly enthronement (Rom 6:1–15; Eph 2:1–10). Here is the basis for practical, godly living. We belong to Christ (1 Cor 3:23); and our whole devotion is to Him (Mt 22:37).
The mystery of Christ has been revealed to those whom God and Christ have willed to reveal it (Mt 11:27; Lk 10:22). The Father and the Son of God are one (Jn 10:30). Their union is perfect; and adopted children of God have been incorporated into the family of God. Jesus, in His high priestly prayer, prayed for these…not for the world (Jn 17:9).
Regeneration is a movement from spiritual death to life — new, abundant, and eternal (Jn 10:10; 2 Cor 5:17; 1 Jn 5:11–13). New life is an introduction into the new realm of the kingdom of God’s beloved Son (Col 1:13). Each child of God is an ambassador for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). The ongoing present imperative is “to keep seeking the things above (3:1).”
The throne of God and the Lamb is in the heavens (Rev 7:17); and Christ is seated at the center of the throne at the right hand of God the Father (3:2). The God-man, in glorified body and soul, is at the right hand of Majesty (Heb 1:3; 8:1), having been given all authority in heaven and on earth (Mt 28:28). Our God and Savior, Jesus Christ reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords, forever (1 Tim 6:15; Titus 1:4; 2:13).
There is a simple identification and correlating economy for the already and the not yet. Colossians 3:1–3 is already a reality; while Colossians 3:4 is the not yet. The careful reader will see blessed assurance in the promise of glory.
Having received the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16), upon receipt of the indwelling Holy Spirit, those sanctified in Christ should focus on Christ (3:2). When the child of God keeps his eyes focused on Jesus (Heb 12:2), he or she is gazing at the beauty and glory of the Perfect Son.
Christ lives in us (Gal 2:20); and we are seated with Him in heavenly places (Eph 2:6). He is in us by the permanent indwelling of His Spirit (Jn 14:17; Rom 8:9, 11); and we are “in Christ” by His doing (1 Cor 1:30). This mutual indwelling provides all the blessings and benefits God intends for each Christian’s life and ministry service (Eph 1:3). Every spiritual and material need is supplied by God’s grace (2 Cor 9:8–11; 12:9).
The Christian life is Christ in us, the hope of glory (Col 1:27). All the promises of God are “yes” and “Amen’” in Him (2 Cor 1:20). This is the basis of Christian hope (1 Tim 1:1). God has promised many wonderful things for His adopted children; and He sealed the promises within His eternal covenant that appears “new” with Christ’s first advent. The Holy Spirit is the token, the pledge of the new covenant promises being fulfilled (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13).
Based on what has happened to the regenerate, Christians live as people of the future. This world is not our home (Phil 3:20); therefore, our focus is elsewhere in heaven (3:2). The Christian’s heart affection is love for God, for Christ, and for the Spirit-filled brethren with whom we share one baptism (Jn 13:34–35; Eph 4:5).
The revelation of Jesus Christ on the last day (apocalypse), as preached in our day, serves as a warning to those outside of His kingdom. If you die in your trespasses and sins, the terrifying expectation of God’s judgment has served you. As noted, religion and philosophy cannot save you. Those who would captivate you with special days, diets, or disciplines derived from deluded visions are accursed.
Singular devotion to Christ is the manifestation of God’s gracious work of revealing Christ to you. Jesus is all you need to know; and to know Him and the power of His resurrection is enough because He Himself is the wisdom of God and the power of God (1 Cor 1:24; Phil 3:10). He alone is the object of our faith.
Trusting Christ honors the Holy Spirit’s revelation of Him. The Christian believes in his heart (because the Holy Spirit permanently resides there) and confesses with his mouth (because the Holy Spirit has come upon him to be a witness) that Jesus Christ is Lord — Lord lords and Lord of all because He is all and in all of God’s elect, redeemed people (Phil 2:11; Col 3:11; 1 Tim 6:15).
In conclusion, believers are to cogitate on the exalted and enthroned King of glory. With spiritual eyes wide open, we look at the radiance of Christ and know there is no one else to consider worthy of our praise, adoration, thanksgiving, and worship. He has done great things and is still doing them, today.
My dear reader, what is on your mind as you read this exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the church members at Colossae — some of whom were lukewarm toward devotion to Christ Jesus the Lord. We must all be encouraged to take a closer look, even to pray for a better view to the One who has passed through the heavens.
Jesus was here. He is once again hid in the heavens. The natural man cannot see Him or what the fuss is all about. But you see Him because God has opened your eyes. You believe in Him because God has opened your heart. You know Him because He lives in you. Let us, therefore, bless the Lord by making much of Him that others would join us in doing the same…by His will and grace.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
March 10, 2024
