I wrote this sermon for a summer extension course (Extension #023) at Bob Jones University in the summer of 2001.
Theme: Three imperatives for proper Christian conduct
Introduction: As with all good doctrine, the biblical teaching of the believer’s union with Christ is full of practical implications for the daily Christian experience. Paul here in three sections of imperatives, gives instruction to believers to live in light of the reality of their position in Christ. Believers must first know the great doctrines of the faith. This is foundational and the reason why Paul begins almost all of his epistles with doctrinal teaching, followed immediately with practical exhortations for daily living. Let us take heed to the right doctrine so that we can have a right practice that pleases God.
I. Pursue Heavenly Things (vv. 1–4).
Paul begins his exhortations to the Colossians by telling them the centrality that heavenly things should occupy in their lives. The life of the believer should be so radically consumed with God, Christ, and spiritual realities that none can fail to notice the drastic difference between his life and the life of an unbeliever. Someone has spoken of a Christian who was so heavenly minded that he was of no earthly good, but I submit that this is exactly the opposite of our problem. We are too earthly minded to be of any heavenly good. Let us heed the Words of Scripture and pursue heavenly things with all of our might.
(Illustration: Just as a professional basketball player will spend hours a day in pursuit of becoming a more skilled player, the believer is a Christian by profession whose life should be consumed with the pursuit of God and heavenly things.)
A. Seek heavenly things (v. 1).
Paul begins with a first class condition, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” Those whose claim is that they have partaken of the new life found in Christ are commanded to show the reality of that claim by a new heavenly focus. As Christians, we must continually seek the things of Christ. The word seek is a word that shows the priority of one’s life. The continually pursuit of heavenly things in the life of a believer demonstrates that God is central in his affections and in his plans for life. Believer, what is it that dominates your time and fills your pursuit. This is your god.
B. Think on heavenly things (vv. 2–4).
One cannot pursue that on which his mind is not focused. So if our pursuits are in the wrong direction, we can be assured that our minds are thinking on the wrong things. Paul contrasts here heavenly things with earthly things. If earthly, temporal things are on your mind, then they will be what you pursue. But why is it that the believer’s life should be so caught up with this heavenly pursuit?
1. Because our present life consists of heavenly things (v. 3)
Paul answers this question by reminding believers of their union with Christ in His death. He says, “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” When Christ died upon the cross of Calvary, so did everyone of the elect of God. Because of that reality, when a believer comes to faith in Christ, he dies to the world and all his old ways, being raised to a new quality of life. Now the life of every believer is wrapped up in Christ.
2. Because our future life consists of heavenly things (v. 4)
Not only is the present life of the believer focused upon heavenly things, but also the future life, and to an even greater degree. Paul goes on, “When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” He reminds us that our future life will be in heaven with Christ for all eternity. Many people say, “Such and such is my life,” but for believers it must be, “Christ is our very life.”
II. Put to Death Sinful Things (vv. 5–11).
(Illustration: Pursuing heavenly things and practicing sinful things at the same time is as inconsistent and impossible as walking in opposite directions at the same time.)
It almost goes without saying, but the radical pursuit of God and heavenly things is utterly inconsistent with participation in sinful things. Yet often as believers, we struggle with the ways of the past and need encouragement to put them aside. Paul again reminds believers of their union with Christ in His death. He exhorts that believers live in the experience of the reality of what Christ has accomplished in His death.
A. Which bring the wrath of God (v. 6)
Paul is quick to remind the Colossians of God’s intense displeasure with sinful ways. These are the things that characterize unbelievers and will ultimately bring God’s wrath.
B. Which were part of your past (v. 7)
Paul also reminds believers of their past in contrast with the present. He said, “In them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now….” The Christian life is a life of change – change of belief and of behavior. If that change has taken place, do not return to the old ways. Life out your new life in Christ.
III. Practice Godly Things (vv. 12–17).
The final admonition is very practical. Paul sets before believers how they should live and behave, especially in regard to one another.
(Illustration: Just as a criminal who ceases from crime begins to replace that activity with good, so a Christian who has put aside the ways of the past must put on a new way of life.)
A. Christ is our model (v. 13)
In the practice of godliness there is but one model, the Lord Jesus Christ. As God in the flesh, He is the one to whom we must look to learn how to behave in a sinful world. Peter tells us that Christ has given us an example that we should follow in His steps. This is the very goal of the Christian life, conformity to the image of Christ, to the glory of God.
B. Love is supreme (v. 14)
Love in the Bible is elevated to a place above many other things. It is that which sums up all of our responsibilities to God and man. If we loved as we ought to, we would be without sin.
C. Unity is the goal (vv. 13–15).
Paul stresses unity a great deal in these few verses. The body of Christ is in reality one, and, as much as possible, it should seek to live that way.
D. The Word is the way (v. 16).
There is no progress in sanctification apart from the Word of God. It must be that which fills our minds with the ways of godliness. Jesus said in John 17:17 “Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.” It is this same word that must dwell in us, both for our own personal growth in godliness, and for the growth of others as we minister to them.
Conclusion: In our pursuit of a fuller Christian experience, we must give attention to these imperatives of Paul to pursue heavenly things, put to death sinful things, and practice godly things. Let us strive to know our union with Christ and to live in light of this great reality. Let the pursuit of God dominate your live. Let the fight against the sinful ways of the past continue on. And let the practice of godliness be that which characterizes your life.