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Colossians
Chapter Three
I.
Content of the Chapter
The Principles of
Christians’ Victorious Life
A. Set your mind on things
above ---- enjoy the
excellent life of Christ (v.1-4);
B. Put to death your members which are on the earth ---- die with Christ (v.5-9);
C. Put on the new man ---- manifest the life of Christ (v.10-11);
The Details of Christians’ Victorious Life
A. In the church life ---- let the peace of God rule
in your hearts (v.12-15);
B. In the spiritual life ---- let the word of Christ dwell
in you richly (v.16-17);
C. In the life of wife and husband ---- as is fitting in the Lord (v.18-19);
D. In the life of father and son ---- all things are well pleasing to the Lord (v.20-21);
E. In the life of the master and the
bondservant ---- in
sincerity of heart
fearing God (v.22-4:1);
II.
Verse by Verse Commentary
Col. 3:1 “If then you were raised
with Christ
seek those things which are above
where Christ is
sitting at the
right hand of God.”
YLT: “If
then
ye were raised with the Christ
the things
above seek ye
where the Christ is
on the right hand of God seated
”
Literal
Meaning: “then”
it shows
that the encouragements in chapter three and four are based on the truth in
chapter one and two. The teaching in life is always built on the foundation of
the truth.
“If then…seek”
it is not doubtful
but right.
“Be
raised with Christ”
it means that one
who has really believed the Lord will experience the transformation of life
---- he has died to sin and the world and lives unto God and spiritual things.
“Seek
those things which are above”
“seek”: enquire
desire
pursue; it indicates that the pursuit of thins which are above is the
manifestation of the one who has born again in life. “Those things which are above”: things that are heavenly and spiritual
and of God;
“Where
Christ is”
it unveils that “things which are above” are none
other than things concerning Christ
who is the content and reality of all
heavenly things.
“Sitting”
it shows that He
has fulfilled the will of God and rested.
“The right hand of God”
it refers to the position that is honorable and
glorious and powerful.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) As a true believer is a man of the heaven
he must seek things which are above.
2) Since we believers are saved by Christ
we
shall also set Christ as the goal of our pursuit henceforth.
3) For where thy treasure is
there will be
also thy heart (Matt. 6:21). If believers have truly cherished the Christ who
is in the heaven
he will necessarily seek those things which are above.
4) Christians shall in their life focus on the
ascended Christ and take Him as the origin of all provisions. The primary
secret for believers to walk on the earth is gazing at the risen Christ in the
heaven.
5) The Lord Jesus has ascended into the heaven
sitting at the right hand of the Majesty on high and living to intercede for us
(Heb. 7:25). We shall also approach the throne of grace with boldness (Heb.
4:14-16).
YLT: “the things above mind ye
not the things upon the
earth
”
Meaning of Words: “set…mind on”: be disposed to; exercise the
mind;
Literal
Meaning: “set your mind on”
things on which man is always setting his mind must be important things in his
sight. Moreover
mind may influence man’s action. If what man minds is right
what he does will also be right. Therefore
Paul here points out that if man
desires to seek things which are above
he shall firstly “set his mind on
things above”.
“Not on
things on the earth”
it does not mean
that men should not think of things on the earth
but not often set their mind
on things on the earth. “Things on the earth”: things that are of the world and
of the material and of the flesh
as well as things that we need in life
which
may not be sins;
Here
it seems that Paul is suggesting that the heretical teachings and
regulations in chapter two are things on the earth.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The biggest difference between believers and
men in the world lies in the mind. We may be dismissive of things that are
important in the sight of men the world.
2) One shall firstly set his mind on things
which are heavenly
and then he is enabled to lead a heavenly life
and vice
versa. If any believer desires to lead a triumphant life
he has to always set
his mind on things which are above.
YLT: “for ye did die
and your life hath been hid with the
Christ in God;”
Meaning of Words: “life”: spiritual life (zoe); “hidden”:
conceal
keep secret;
Literal
Meaning: “for”
it points
out the reason why believers ought to set their mind on things “which are
above”.
“You
died”
it means that the
old man of the believer had been crucified with Christ on the cross.
“And your life is
hidden with
Christ in God”
the death
of believers with Christ is not the end
for they will be raised with Christ
(Eph. 2:6) and obtain the new life that is of God. “ Hidden”: for the new life is invisible and
intangible and beyond apprehension before men in the world.
“Hidden…in
God”
this life is hidden in the divine realm
and is an utter mystery of God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Men in the world are unable to discern the
difference between the life of Christians and that of the world
for the life
of Christians is hidden.
2) Daily life is the manifestation of the inner
life. Though the inner life is hidden
the nature and disposition of this life
can be revealed by daily life.
3) Believers ought to live out the life of God
and testify the glory of the Lord. Since men in the world today are unable to
see the secret of God’s life
it is no wonder that they often despise or sneer
at us.
4) Since we believers have entered into a
higher level of life with Christ
our walking will also be improved into a
higher level.
5) Since our life is “hidden with Christ in
God”
we shall live with Christ in God.
6) God is in the heaven
and therefore all
those who have been hidden in God should also live in the heaven rather than
“set their mind on things on the earth” (v.2).
7) Our inner life is the life hidden in God
so
we shall also live before God in our daily life. All the works of those
Christians who live in this divine life are known by God
not men.
8) A true Christian neither declares nor
recommend himself. Instead
he declares the gospel and recommends Christ.
YLT: “when the Christ -- our life -- may be manifested
then
also we with him shall be manifested in glory.”
Meaning of Words: “life”: the spiritual life (zoe); “appear”:
manifest;
Literal
Meaning: “Christ who is our life”
it indicates that
Christ who lives in believers has become the nature
origin and provision of
believers’ spiritual life.
“Appears”
it refers to the second coming of the Lord (1Tim.
6:14; 2Tim. 4:8; Titus 2:13; 1Pet. 5:4).
“Then you also will appear with Him in glory”
it indicates the fact that Christ is the life of believers is hidden now before
men in the world. However
when the Lord comes again
believers shall appear
with Him in glory (Rom. 8:19; 1Thess. 4:16-17; 2Thess. 1:7-10; 1Pet. 1:13).
Then
this life will be utterly manifested in believers. At that time
we will
be like Him (1John 3:2). And men in the world will see the reality of the life.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) He that has the Son has life. He that does
not has the Son of God does not have life (1John 5:12).
2) Christ is not only honored in the heaven
---- who is the object of believers’ mind (v.1-2)
but also lives in believers
---- who is the fullness of us.
3) “Christ is our life”
which indicates: He is
the origin of all the provision of us and the motive of our whole life.
4) It is the best way to wait for the Lord of
setting our mind on the Lord all the time.
5) Though we are hidden and suffering today
we
will appear with Christ in glory one day. Our hope is not here today
but in
the future.
6) Christ is the inner life of us
who is a
life that is able to “appear”. Therefore
though we do not manifest ourselves
the inner life of us will spontaneously reveal Christ (2Cor. 2:14).
YLT: “Put to death
then
your members that upon the earth --
whoredom
uncleanness
passion
evil desire
and the covetousness
which is
idolatry --”
Meaning of Words: “put to death”: deaden
mortify; “fornication”: harlotry; “uncleanness”: impurity; “passion”:
inordinate affection; “evil desire”: concupiscence
longing for what is forbidden; “covetousness”:
greediness
fraudulency
avarice;
Literal
Meaning: “put to death”
it is imperative
which shows that it is
the responsibility of believers and they need to do it with their will.
“Members
which are on the earth”
on one hand
the
physiological need and the requirement of food ---- believers ought to “buffet
their bodies
and lead them captive” (1Cor. 9:27) so as to restrict the
physical need. On the other hand
the “members which are on the earth” also relate to the old men who were
defeated by the lusts (Eph. 4:22). Therefore
believers should “reckon
themselves dead to sin” and let not sin reign in our mortal body
neither yield
your members instruments of unrighteousness to sin (
1) “Fornication”
it generally refers
to the improper sexual relationship outside of marriage;
2) “Uncleanness”
it relates to all the things that may
defile man’s ears
thoughts
emotions
and faith etc.
including all the evil
and unclean lusts;
3) “Passion”: the inordinate affection or lust
especially the
inclination of homosexuality (
4) “Evil desire”: the evil lust that is out of control;
5) “Covetousness”: the insatiable possessive instinct
including
the endless greed for money and sex etc.
“Covetousness
which is idolatry”
covetousness
entices men to turn away from God and seek things outside of God
thus
enslaving men unconsciously. Therefore
covetousness is idolatry.
The heretical doctrine demands men to control the
lusts of the flesh
but it is of no value at all (
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) We are unable to put the members on the
earth to death through our own struggle
but through the Holy Spirit (Rom.
8:13).
2) The Spirit of life has set us free so that
we need no longer walk according to the flesh (
3) If we gaze on Christ and live in the life of
Christ
we will touch Christ and the cross will surely put our natural and
fleshly experience to death.
4) If one who has not touched Christ desires to
have the experience of the cross
it must be artificial. If one who has no
experience of the cross declares to have touched Christ
it must be of the
knowledge and letter in the head.
5) The lusts of avarice in one’s inner heart is
the root of all evil (1Tim. 6:10). He who is covetous will be enticed to leave
the Lord sooner or later
for money may rob his heart
time and even life.
YLT: “because of which things cometh the anger of God upon
the sons of the disobedience
”
Meaning of Words: “wrath”: anger
indignation; “coming
upon”: appear
come; “disobedience”: disbelief
unbelief
rebellion;
Literal
Meaning: “the wrath of God”
the righteous God
must maintain His righteousness
so He cannot but do justice toward those who
have violated His righteousness.
“Coming upon”
it must happen in the future;
“The sons of disobedience”
it shows that they are totally disobedient to
God by nature
so they always lead the life that is against the will of God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) If believers do not obey God today
they
will not escape from the chastening of God on that day.
2) Everything that hinders us from obeying God
should be dealt with today.
YLT: “in which also ye -- ye did walk once
when ye lived in
them;”
Literal
Meaning: “when you lived in them”: the living environment before we were
saved;
“In
which you yourselves once walked”
it refers to believers’ conversations before they were saved that sinned
against God;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) It is natural of drifting with the current.
The environment of man’s life often affects their walking. But the problem is
that once men have got used to the evil living environment
they will be
unconscious of the fault therein.
2) Though men need not to be responsible to
their living environment
they have to be in charge of their walking.
3) The church in the world is a clear stream
among the muddy water. If she is unable to provide good environment and example
to believers
believers will fall into many failures.
4) The church shall in no wise compromise with
the world (e.g. in view of the social tides
some churches dare not to condemn
the homosexuality according to the truth in the Scriptures and even accept the
homosexual persons. It is wrong).
YLT: “but now put off
even ye
the whole -- anger
wrath
malice
evil-speaking
filthy talking -- out of your mouth.”
Meaning of Words: “put off”: put away
cast off
pay apart;
“anger”: violent passion
fury; “wrath”: indignation
fierceness; “malice”:
malignity
naughtiness; “blasphemy”: evil speaking
vilification; “filthy
language”: vile conversation
shameful words;
Literal
Meaning: “but now”
it is
opposite to “when you lived…” in verse seven
which indicates that you have
believed the Lord Jesus now and have become men of the heaven.
“You…put
off all these”
the condition of
man decides the condition of his life. Since we believers have become men of
the heaven
we shall no longer live the earthly life. “All these”
they are the
manifestations of “the members on the earth” in verse five.
“Anger”: the violate passion
or fury explodes suddenly;
“Wrath”: it is a kind of
hurtful emotion accumulated and hidden in one’s inner heart;
“Malice”: the despicable
nature out of the evil heart for the purpose of hurting others;
“Blasphemy”: vilify men with
evil words in an insulting and derisive attitude;
“Filthy language out of your mouth”: the shameful words that may defile the heart of
the hearers;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The nature of life decides the walking by
this life. If we believers desire to forsake the evil and corrupt deeds
we
have to live by the life of God
not that of the old men.
2) Resentment and wrath are easily to destroy
the human relationship.
3) For of the abundance of the heart the mouth
speaks (Matt. 12:34). The anger and wrath and malice in one’s inner heart will
lead to the external blasphemy and filthy language out of your mouth.
YLT: “Lie not one to another
having put off the old man with
his practices
”
Meaning of Words: “put off”: divest wholly oneself
despoil;
“deeds”: practice
acts;
Literal
Meaning: “do not lie to one another”
trust is the primary
element of the harmony of interpersonal relationship. Lie may cause doubt and
distrust
and it remains the barrier to the oneness of the church.
“Since”
it reveals that the discredited virtues listed in verse five and eight
and nine are just the “the old man with his deeds”. The old man is the
corrupted nature of the believer before he was saved ---- he carries three big
problems: the corruption of the mind
the fornication of the body and the evil
speaking of the mouth;
“Have put off the old man
with his deeds”
this is an
objective fact accomplished when believers were crucified with Christ. However
it does not mean the old life is no longer in believers. The divine life of the
new man and the corrupted life of the old man in each believer often strive and
war against one another (
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Believers shall forsake not only the obvious
lies but also the ambiguous words which may leave a wrong expression to others.
2) Lie is the deed of the old man. And honesty
should be a sign of the life of Christians.
YLT: “and having put on the new
which is renewed in regard
to knowledge
after the image of Him who did create him;”
Meaning of Words: “put on”: invest with clothing
clothe
with
array; “new”: regenerate
fresh; “knowledge”: acknowledge
full discernment
recognition;
“renew”: renovate; “image”: form
likeness;
Literal
Meaning: “have put on the new man”
both “have put off”
(v.9) and “have put on” show that they are accomplished facts. “New” means
fresh and youthful ---- it is newness as regards time; “have put on the new man”
when believers are raised with Christ
they are united with Christ in the likeness of His resurrection so as to walk
in newness of life (
“Who is renewed in knowledge”
“in knowledge”
it is not only knowledge in head but also the full knowledge of God in spirit.
“Renewed”
it refers to the
intrinsic newness.
“Be renewed in knowledge”
it relates to the metabolism of the new
life is simultaneous with its growth with the increase of the knowledge of God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) “Have put on the new man”
it is an accomplished fact in our spirit.
However
it has not reached unto our soul and body
so we have to be renewed.
2) The renewal of the new man is mainly in the
realm of the mind. Therefore
the mind of believers should be renewed and
transformed (
3) The more believer knows of God
the more his
inner new life will be increased and the more his daily life of the new man
will be like the Lord.
YLT: “where there is not Greek and Jew
circumcision and
uncircumcision
foreigner
Scythian
servant
freeman -- but the all and in all
-- Christ.”
Literal
Meaning: “where”: in the new man
or in the deeds of the
new man;
“There is neither Greek nor
Jew”
there is no difference
in race;
“Circumcised nor uncircumcised”
there is no difference in religion;
“Barbarian
Scythian”
there is no difference in culture; “barbarian” refers to those who were ignorant of the
Greek culture and unable to speak Greek; “Scythian”
it relates to the violent and uncivilized
tribes who dwelt in the Caucasian hill
namely
those who were mostly barbaric;
besides
it also relates to the Zecothia in Greek classics
who were highly
civilized and respected.
“Slave nor free”
there is no difference in social status (class).
“Slave”: those who are sold to others and have no longer freedom;
“But Christ is all and in all”
it contains rich meanings: 1) believers become
totally different
for they are replaced by Christ; 2) Christ is the external
manifestation of believers and the internal fullness in believers; 3) Christ is
the sum of the gross needs of believers. Once one has obtained Christ
he has
obtained all; 4) Christ works in the environment and heart of believers so as
to enable them to experience by the external circumstance and internal
guidance; 5) all is for Christ and unto Christ;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Anything or anyone outside of Christ is of
no significance. What is most important is whether we have given the priority
to Christ in everything of us.
2) The differences of believers in the status
backgrounds
educational attainment or habits of life in the past are not
allowed to bring into the church life
for all of them are unworthy of the new
man.
3) If the church gives much place to anyone or
anything or knowledge or teaching or work or system outside of Christ
the
church has fallen into corruption and lost the reality of the church.
4) Christ is all and in all in the new man. The
natural man has no status at all.
YLT: “Put on
therefore
as choice ones of God
holy and
beloved
bowels of mercies
kindness
humble-mindedness
meekness
long-suffering
”
Meaning of Words: “elect”: chosen
favorite; “holy”:
sanctified unto God; “put on”: clothe with; “tender mercy”: compassion
pity;
“kindness”: moral excellence
goodness; “humility”: modesty
humiliation of
mind; “meekness”: gentleness; “longsuffering”: patience
longanimity;
Literal
Meaning: “therefore”
it points that the
conducts of believers should be according to the nature of the new man
not
that of the old man.
“As the elect of God”
the election of God is supposed to be the
reason why believers shall have the life of the new man.
“Holy and beloved”
it indicates that the elect of God are those who
are beloved by God (Rom. 11:28) and are separated from the world unto God
Himself.
“Put on”
it means that
believers have to manifest the following characters in their walking:
1) “Tender mercies”
one shows his compassion for men in spite of their
undeserved conditions.
2) “Kindness”
be kind and good to others;
3) “Humility”
have right judgment on oneself
namely
“esteeming the other as more excellent than oneself” (Phil. 2:3);
4) “Meekness”
be gentle without any harm to
others;
5) “Longsuffering”
be able to suffer the harm of others to oneself;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) “Tender mercies
kindness
humility
meekness
longsuffering”
all of them are
just the rich manifestation of the nature of God as well as that of Christ
Himself.
2) The secret of the interpersonal relationship
of believers after they are saved is to let the mind of Christ Jesus be in them
(Phil. 2:5).
Col. 3:13 “bearing with one another
and forgiving one another
if anyone has a complaint against another; even as
Christ forgave you
so you also must do.”
YLT: “forbearing one another
and forgiving each other
if
any one with any one may have a quarrel
as also the Christ did forgive you --
so also ye;”
Meaning of Words: “complaint”: blame
quarrel;
“bear”: hold oneself up against
put up with; “forgive”: grant as a favor
pardon;
Literal
Meaning: “if anyone has a complaint against another”
it
indicates that there may be unsatisfactory conditions or complaints caused by misunderstands or faults in the
corporate church life.
“Bearing
with one another”
one shall not
bear a grudge against anyone because of his fault.
“And
forgiving one another”
forget the complain instead of keeping it;
“Even
as Christ forgave you
so you also must do”
we shall forgive men as the Lord Jesus did
(Matt. 18:21-35; Eph. 4:32).
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) What the church shall bear and forgive is
the “complaint against another”
but sins or heretical doctrines. The church
shall be in no wise generous to sins and heretical doctrines.
2) Sometimes we say we forgive others
but we
may not forget the debts of them. However
the forgiveness of the Lord is
forgetting all and blotting out all and searching nothing in the past at all.
Col. 3:14 “But above all these things
put on love
which is the bond of perfection.”
YLT: “and above all these things
love
which is a bond of
the perfection
”
Meaning of Words: “love”: the divine love; “bond”: joint tie
ligament; “perfection”: completeness;
The Background: the garments that people in the ancient times wore
were large and slack
so they had to gird themselves after they had dressed.
Thus
they could walk and work freely. If one had not girt himself
such dress
might cause troubles or inconvenience to his walking.
Literal
Meaning: “love is
the bond of perfection”
it means that
love is like the belt that makes the whole dress next to the skin. Love
connects and promotes other virtues and makes them meaningful
thus perfecting
the amiable interpersonal relationship.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) All the virtues of believers are based on
and connected by love.
2) Love binds Christians and makes them unto
perfection gradually.
3) Love not only lets us not envy the good
virtues of others
but also binds the virtues of others
thus making all the
virtues become the powerful testimony of the church.
Col. 3:15 “And let the peace of God
rule in your hearts
to which also you were called in one body; and be
thankful.”
YLT: “and let the peace of God rule in your hearts
to which
also ye were called in one body
and become thankful.”
Meaning of Words: “rule”: arbitrate
govern; “thankful”: well
favored
grateful;
Literal
Meaning: “let the peace of God rule
in your hearts”: let the peace of Christ
preside and arbitrate in all
our walking and deal with others according to this principle of peace. “The
peace of Christ”
it is a mind of peace and rest in us since Christ abides in
us.
“To which also you were called in one body”
it means that Christians are called into
the body of Christ for the purpose of manifesting Christ is the lord of the
whole body. All the difficulties in the life of the body (the church life) are
caused by the disobedience of the members to the guidance of the head
and thus
disharmony appears among the members.
“And be thankful”
be grateful; man’s gratitude is the admission of God’s grace and that all the
goodness is from God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) If one is able to live in Christ
he will
necessarily have peace in him.
2) The true rest is to let the peace of Christ
preside in one’s heart.
3) Judgments in both individual and corporate
life are not decided by whether it is right
but whether there is peace.
4) Believers are able to walk forward in
conversation when there is peace in them. Once we have not found peace
we
should stop in any case.
5) “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts”
the word “let” shows that we are
responsible to “let” the peace of Christ rule and work in us. If we do not
“let”
we will have no peace.
6) Believers are called “in one body”. If all
the members are isolated from one another and do not act in concert with each
other
the body must suffer loss. Therefore
one shall not go his own way in
the church
but obey the guidance of Christ in everything.
7) Oneness is highly important for the church
life. And the way of keeping oneness lies in the obedience of the members to
the arbitration of the Head Christ ---- one does not seek his own will in
everything
but seek peace and gratitude in his heart.
8) Knowledge makes men divided. And Christ
makes men united ---- the oneness of the church does not lie in knowledge or
argument
but in the condition that Christ presides in everyone.
9) In the church
we shall be at “peace” with
one another and be filled with “gratitude” towards God.
Col. 3:16 “Let the word of Christ
dwell in you richly in all wisdom
teaching and admonishing one another in
psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
singing with grace in your hearts to the
Lord.”
YLT: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
in all
wisdom
teaching and admonishing each other
in psalms
and hymns
and
spiritual songs
in grace singing in your hearts to the Lord;”
Meaning of Words: “word”: utterance; “dwell”: abide
inhabit;
“spiritual
songs”: songs out of
spirit
spiritual regeneration; “admonishing”:
exhort
put in mind;
Literal
Meaning: “the word of Christ”
it refers to the word and
teachings of Christ
namely
the Holy Bible;
“Psalms”
it refers to the psalms in the Old
Testament
which were sung with the accompaniment of the musical instruments at
that time.
“Hymns”: songs
by which the saints praised
and worshiped God.
“Spiritual songs”: impromptu songs with
rhythms composed by believers in the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
“With grace in your hearts”
be grateful from the bottom of one’s heart;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The fullness of Christ is in His word.
Therefore
the more the word of the Lord abides in the heart of believers
the
more fullness of the Lord shall they obtain.
2) The word of Christ is life (John 6:63). As
long as man lets the word abide and produce in his field of heart
there will
be necessarily full fruit (Matt. 13:8
23).
3) Only when the mind of believers is governed
by “the word of Christ” (the word of God)
can they have right conversations.
Therefore
we shall let the word of God richly dwell in us.
4) If the wisdom of believers is applied to
remember the Lord’s word
it will be of the most value.
5) Christians ought to teach and admonish one
another
but it should be done is “wisdom”. Though the teachings and
admonishments are out of good will
if there is lack of wisdom
they may
produce opposite results.
6) Believers shall teach and admonish one
another by both words and songs.
7) The praises in one’s mouth shall be worthy
of the gratitude in one’s heart. If praise is not out of one’s heart
it will
be of no value before God.
8) The object of believers’ praise is God. Only
God Himself is worthy of our praise. If believers praise any giant man or any
great achievement
they have not given the glory worthy of God to Him.
Col. 3:17 “And whatever you do in word
or deed
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus
giving thanks to God the Father
through Him.”
YLT: “and all
whatever ye may do in word or in work
all
things in the name of the Lord Jesus -- giving thanks to the God and Father
through him.”
Literal
Meaning: “whatever you do”
it refers to the whole life of
Christians
including the favorable and unfavorable circumstances
joy and
sorrow.
“In word or deed”
all the performances of Christians in daily life
are in words and deeds.
“Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus”
there are several
aspects of meaning: 1) rely on the power of the Lord
for there is power in the
name of the Lord; 2) rely on the authority of the Lord
for the name of the
Lord is authority; 3) represent on the will of the Lord; 4) on behalf of the
Lord Himself
for living in the Lord means being united with Him;
This verse exhorts believers to do
everything as before God and with the mind of gratitude to God and do everything
by the Lord through obedience and for the Lord.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Do not say any word that cannot be spoken in
the name of the Lord. Do nothing that cannot be done in the name of the Lord.
2) The principle of believers’ life is not based on reasons
but on whether it is done in the name
of the Lord and
whether it is enabled us to give
thanks to God.
3) No
one shall be saved
without knowing the name of the Lord. And no believer will be truly used by the Lord without knowing the power of Lord's name.
3) The name of the Lord Jesus Christ is a name
given to
man now (Act 4:12). The Lord has entrusted Himself to us in this name to
us
so we should do
everything in His name.
4) Everyone may dislike those who are
ungrateful
yet we ourselves often overlook to give thanks.
Col. 3:18 “Wives
submit to your own
husbands
as is fitting in the Lord.”
YLT: “The wives! be subject to your own husbands
as is fit
in the Lord;”
Meaning of Words: “submit to”: obey
subordinate; “fitting”: attain to
proper;
Literal
Meaning: “wives
submit to your own
husbands”
it does not mean the position of the wives is not
equal to that of the husbands
because: 1) there is no difference between male
and female in Christ (Gal. 3:28); 2) there is no partiality (v.25).
Here
it means that the Lord’s appointment to the wife is different from
that to the husband: 1) as far as the function is concerned
the husband
typifies Christ
and the wife typifies the church (Eph. 5:23-24)
so the church
ought to submit to Christ. 2) As far as the natural gift is concerned
generally speaking
male is relatively decisive
and female is more irresolute;
male tends to be rational and female tends to be emotional; male is strong ----
who likes to take the responsibility of protection and provision in a family
and female is careful ---- who is fond of being responsible to take care of and
comfort the children; Therefore
it is proper that the wife submits to the
husband.
“Submit”
the word in the original focuses
on “submission” in the inner heart
not the external actions.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) “Submit” is a neutral verb
which means being willing to
submit. The submission of the wife is not fiercely commanded by the powerful husband.
2) Many
wives can submit to other women’
husbands
and say those husbands are good
but are able to submit to
their own husbands.
Col. 3:19 “Husbands
love your wives
and do not be bitter toward them.”
YLT: “the husbands! love your wives
and be not bitter with
them;”
Meaning of Words: “love”: the divine love; “bitter”: be make
bitter;
Literal
Meaning: “love your wives”
it is “love”
not “rule over” (Gen.
3:16). Love is the secret of making men submissive in hearts.
“And do not be bitter toward them”
love is unselfishness. Love is considering
others. He who really has love will never make his wife bitter.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The
love of the husband
to the wife should not be an occupying
love
but a
sacrificial one.
2) A
sacrificial love never
demands
anything from others
but seeks to give to others.
3) The
unselfish love of the husband must encourage the
wife to obey.
The husband who really loves his wife will even sacrifice
himself for the happiness
of his wife.
4) The obedience of the wife and the love of
the husband are seemingly different
but their origin is the same ---- deny
oneself. Only those who are able to deny themselves can have true submission
and true love.
Col. 3:20 “Children
obey your parents
in all things
for this is well pleasing to the Lord.”
YLT: “the children! obey the parents in all things
for this
is well-pleasing to the Lord;”
Meaning of Words: “obey”: be obedient to
hear under; “well
pleasing”: acceptable
fully agreeable;
Literal
Meaning: “all things”
all
things that do not go against the principles of God (Acts 5:29).
“Obey your parents”
“obey”
it means hearing under and paying attention
to hearken to obey the commandments;
“This
is well pleasing to the Lord”
the parents
symbolize the origin of our life. Therefore
the obedience to the parents
indirectly shows respect for God and is in obedience to God.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Whether it is pleasing to the Lord is the
principle of believers’ walking and dealing with others. What is pleasing to
the Lord
we do; and what is not pleasing to the Lord
we do not.
2) Except for the requirements that are not
pleasing to the Lord (e.g. the parents ask the children not to believe the
Lord
and ask them to do evil things etc.)
the children should always obey
them “in all things”.
3) All the Christians who do not obey their
parents are Christians whom the Lord does not please.
Col. 3:21 “Fathers
do not provoke
your children
lest they become discouraged.”
YLT: “the fathers! vex not your children
lest they be
discouraged.”
Meaning of Words: “provoke”: stimulate;
“become discouraged”: spiritless
disheartened
dismayed;
Literal
Meaning: “provoke your children”
it means that the excessive use of the elder status
may stimulate the children and even stir up their anger.
“Lest they become discouraged”: lack enterprise because of being disheartened;
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) A gentle attitude may make the children
honor their parents and disposed to obey them. However
a stern and harsh
attitude may provoke their children and deprave them.
2) If the elders often rebuke or beat the children
it will make the children lose confidence in their own judgment and dare not to
choose and even become disheartened. After they have grown up
they may have
deep sense of inferiority.
Col. 3:22 “Bondservants
obey in all
things your masters according to the flesh
not with eyeservice
as
men-pleasers
but in sincerity of heart
fearing God.”
YLT: “The servants! obey in all things those who are masters
according to the flesh
not in eye-service as men-pleasers
but in simplicity
of heart
fearing God;”
Meaning of Words: “bondservants”:
slaves; “obey”: hear under; “eyeservice”: sight-labor
that needs watching; “sincerity”: singleness
generosity
bountifulness;
“fear”: frighten
reverence;
Literal
Meaning: “masters according to the
flesh”
it refers to the relationship because of the flesh.
In the old times
the masters held the power of life and death of the slaves.
Though there is no such kind of masters at present
the “masters” can be used
to refer to the employers or bosses.
“With eyeservice”
it means that the servants work only when they are
visible to the eyes of the masters. Once they are out of the masters’ sight
they will stop working and be idle.
“As men-pleasers”
the servants only please the masters according to
the flesh
not the Lord in the heavens.
“But in sincerity of heart
fearing God”
the eyes of the Lord in the heavens are
everywhere and even search the hearts and try the reins. Therefore
the
servants do not work perfunctorily but work in sincerity of heart without any
deceit or falsehood for fear of not pleasing the Lord.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Believers should stand in their own
positions before the hirers or superiors. To whom honor
honor; to whom obey
obey;
2) Believers should not work without any sense
of responsibility
but do their best for the sake of fearing the Lord.
Col. 3:23 “And whatever you do
do it
heartily
as to the Lord and not to men
”
YLT: “and all
whatever ye may do -- out of soul work -- as
to the Lord
and not to men
”
Literal
Meaning: “whatever you do”
all things that are
irrelevant to sins;
“Do it heartily”
it is done in “sincerity of heart” (v.22) as well
as with diligence.
“As to the Lord and not to men”
the works of believers shall be regarded as to
be distributed by the Lord and done for the Lord.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) The works of Christians have no difference
between “secular” and “sacred” works. If believers do the works for the Lord
all their works are for the Lord.
2) If Christians work irresponsibly
perfunctorily
it may humiliate the Lord.
Col. 3:24 “knowing that from the Lord
you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
YLT: “having known that from the Lord ye shall receive the
recompense of the inheritance -- for the Lord Christ ye serve;”
Meaning of Words: “receive”: take
take aside; “inheritance”: heirship
possession; “reward”: requital;
“serve”: be a slave to
be in bondage;
The Background: according to the Roman laws
the slaves had
no right to inherit any inheritance. Paul had a mind to reveal the difference
of the Christians bondservants from general bondservants.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) Believers who work on the earth not only
receive the wages today but also obtain the reward of inheritance in the
future. How can we not work with diligence?
2) All the works believers are doing are
seemingly done for others
but actually “they are services to the Lord Christ”.
Once we have known of this
everything in our hand will become rather
meaningful.
3) Believers who do the works in the world are
able to receive the reward from the Lord
let along the service to God in the
church!
4) Since we serve the Lord Christ
we shall
seek the will of the Lord in everything instead of serving according to our
natural zeal
or fleshly judgment or respect of persons.
Col. 3:25 “But he who does wrong will
be repaid for what he has done
and there is no partiality.”
YLT: “and he who is doing unrighteously shall receive what he
did unrighteously
and there is no acceptance of persons.”
Meaning of Words: “do wrong”: be unjust
hurt
be an offender; “be
repaid”: receive
carry off; “partiality”: respect of persons
favoritism;
Literal
Meaning: “but he who does wrong will
be repaid for what he has done”
all those who have gone against the righteousness
of God must be punished by the righteousness of God.
“And there is no partiality”
it indicates that the Lord’s judgment is not
according to the respect of persons
but according to the fact.
Enlightenment
in the Word:
1) He who “has done” something must “receive”
something. However
will he “receive” punishment or reward? It will be decided
by whether we have “done” right or wrong.
2) The judgment of righteousness or
unrighteousness does not lie in men
but in the “Lord”. However
the Lord’s
judgment is not according to the respect of persons
but according to men’s
works.
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
The
Life of Christians
A. The characteristics of life ---- be raised
with Christ (v.1);
B. The purpose of life ---- seek those things
which are above (v.1);
C. The practice of life ---- set your mind on things
above (v.2);
The Deeds of the Old
Man
A. Fornication
uncleanness
passion
evil desire
and
covetousness
and idolatry (v.5);
B. Anger
wrath
malice
blasphemy
filthy language out of
your mouth (v.8);
C. Lies (v.9);
The Differences that
is Impossible among Christians (v.11)
A. The difference in race;
B. The difference in citizenship;
C. The difference in language;
D. The difference in moral belief;
E. The difference in culture and education;
F. The difference in social status;
The Principles of
the Life of Christians as Members in the Body
A. Christ is all and in all ---- there is no
difference among one another (v.11);
B. Let the mind of Christ be in us ---- bear with one another
and forgive
one another (v.13);
C. let the peace of God rule
in us---- be called in one body (v.15);
D. Let the word of Christ
dwell in us richly ---- be taught and admonished by the Lord’s
word (v.16);
E. Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus
no matter in word or deed ---- be united with the Lord (v.17);
The Principles of
Christians’ Life among People
A. Whether it is fitting in the Lord (v.18-19);
B. Whether it is well pleasing to the Lord (v.20-21);
C. Regard the Lord as the Lord of all the
people (v.22-23);
D. Know that the Lord is a Lord who rewards or
punishes according to justice (v.24-25);
Put on the New Man
A. The Foundation of Putting on the New Man
(v.1-4);
1. Be raised with Christ;
2. Seek those things which are above;
3. Life is hidden with Christ in God;
4. Partake of the glory with Christ in life;
B. The Principles of Putting on the New Man
(v.5-11);
1. Put to death your members which are on the earth;
2. Have put off the old man with his deeds;
3. Be renewed in knowledge;
4. Regard Christ as all;
C.
The Manifestations
of Putting on the New Man ---- tender mercies
kindness
humility
meekness
longsuffering (v.12);
D.
The Attitudes of
Putting on the New Man ---- bearing with one another
and forgiving one another (v.13);
E.
The Inner Conditions
of Those who Have Put on the New Man (v.14-15);
1. Love is the bond of perfection;
2. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts;
3. Be thankful;
F. The Ways of Putting on the New Man
(v.16-17);
1. Receive the word of Christ with all wisdom;
2. teaching and admonishing
one another
3. Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus
no
matter in word or deed;
4. Give thanks to God the Father
through Christ;
G. The Details of Putting on the New Man
(v.18-25);
1. Be wives and husbands in the Lord;
2. Be children and parents according to what is
well pleasing to the Lord;
3. Be bondservants and masters in the fear of
the Lord;
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Mary Zhou