God’s Glory in Christ—In Sanctification (Colossians 2:11 — 3:17)

The Epistle of Paul to the believers at Colossae is the mirror of God’s glory in the Person and Performance of Christ. Its written in order that not only should we be aware of false teachers and their false teachings, but be able to refute the same and reflect the glory of God through our practical Christian life and living both here and now; These truths are fundamental and vital for making us rooted and grounded in the faith, causing us to live a holy and separated life (our sanctification). Unfolding the same before them through different angles he shows the Pre-eminence of Christ in all things. If only a believer would know the value of this glorious gift in Him and His gracious act of redemption through Him, would we be content and live uncompromising life in today’s most compromising world.

What’s written to them then is still live and true for us. For Satan is all out to lead many to undermine the grace of God and spoil the image and reflection of the glory of the only begotten through a child of God, specially to mar the glory in the gathering of the saints. Take heed and let the Spirit minister the Word afresh to our souls to fix and focus our eyes upon the glorious Son of God.

In the scripture before us, he draws our attention not only to avenues of possible distractions and dilemmas but also the final and perfect work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Declaring the ultimate truth, he exposes all lies before us that we be established in the truth. Paul is agonizing with great concern for the believers that they should be knit together. For in Him is hid all treasures of knowledge and wisdom. It is IN Him and not FROM Him. He is all sufficient, nothing more, nothing less or nothing else is required. People go about searching for knowledge and ready to pay a ransom for it. To get through this life successfully, be it any area or affairs of it, know this, if you have Him you have all. You got Him, you got it all.

Let us study the passage under three headings:

1. The Apprehension of God’s Glory in Christian –for Safety
2. The Appreciation of God’s Glory in Christ –for Superiority
3. The Appropriation of God’s Glory in Christian –for Sanctity

Unless you appreciate you CANNOT appropriate and unless you appropriate you DO NOT appreciate. Only by doing thus shall the glory of God be radiated through our lives, truly sanctifying us in our faith and faithful walk for the Lord.

1. The Apprehension of God’s Glory in Christian

What do they who mar the glory would say?

Watch out for their:

• enticing words (v.4)
• pseudo intellectualism (v.8)
• legalism (v.16)
• mysticism (v.18)
• ascetism (v.20-23)

Considering this fact he warns:

• Let no man beguile you with enticing words (v.4)
• Let no man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit (v.8)
• Let no man judge you (v.16)
• Let no man beguile you of your reward (v.18)

2. The Appreciation of God’s Glory in Christ:

What are you suppose to be aware of?

To appreciate the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, know

In Him are hid all treasures of wisdom and knowledge –so you in Him (v.4,9,10)

• Ye have been taught (v.7)
• Ye are complete (v.10)
• Ye are circumcised (v.11)
• Ye are risen (v.12)
• Ye are forgiven (v.13)

What are the facts to be beware of? Know that what the false teachers say:

• Is Rudimentary –But you have died to it with Christ.
• Is Worldly –But you are in the world but not of the world.
• Is Trivial –But you are brought to the world of eternal.
• Is of Human origin –But you are heavenly.
• Is Futile –But you are of the spirit and valued.

3. The Appropriation of God’s Glory in Christian:

What you should know?

Three fold work of Christ for you:

1. Past: Ye are risen with Christ (3:1)
2. Present: Ye are hid with Christ (3:3)
3. Future: Ye shall appear with Christ (3:4)

What you should put off? (v. 3:8-9)

Anger, Wrath, Malice, Blasphemy, Filthy Communication, All lies

What you should put on? (3:10-14)

Bowels of Mercies, Kindness, Humbleness of Mind, Meekness, Long suffering, Fore bearing one another, Forgiving one another, Charity.

Why should you do all this? (3:15-17)

For three fold results to mark the priorities in you:

• Peace of God to Rule your heart
• Word of Christ to Reside in your heart
• Name of the Lord Jesus to React from your heart

How should you do it?

Key: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him” (3:17).

(Courtesy: IBF 2007)