Category Archives: Scripture

Bible, Family, Husbands, Scripture, Subjection, Submission, Wives

GODLY SUBJECTION

COLOSSIANS 3:18

“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.”

Boy, oh boy! This is not something you hear a lot today. Women subjecting themselves to their husbands? Are you kidding me? Aren’t we all equal? If you think about it, we are all subject to someone. I am subject to my boss. I am subject to the donors who support my ministry. I am subject to my church. I am subject, most of all, to God.

Paul discusses roles and relationships in the remainder of chapter 3. These verses are almost exactly what he wrote to the Ephesians in Ephesians chapters 5 and 6. Describing biblical roles in families is not sexist. It’s not chauvinistic. It’s not biased toward one person over another. It’s just the way God planned for us to function in families and communities.

APPLICATION

Men, before you get all high and mighty about this verse, ask yourself this question. Am I a man to whom a godly woman would want to subject herself to? Paul is going to the men in the next verse, so hang on. But we men need to prepare ourselves to be “subject worthy.”

In Ephesians 5:21-24, we read this, “21 and subject yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ. 22 Wives, subject yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything.”

Most any God-fearing, God-loving woman would willingly submit herself to a man who is subjecting himself to Christ. That can be trusted. That’s a man whom she can feel secure in trusting. Do you know many men like that? I do. They love God much more than they love their wives. Wives really do love that. So, wives subject yourself to that kind of man.

Father, thank You that we can subject ourselves to You.

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Bible, Scripture, Thankfulness, Words, Works

WHATEVER YOU DO

COLOSSIANS 3:17

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

One of the best things my dad taught me was a strong work ethic. I had my first job as a young boy mowing neighborhood yards with my brother. Those jobs began my savings account which allowed me to buy my first car (Oh, I loved that car). I watched my dad work two and sometimes three jobs to provide for us. He never complained. He just worked hard.

But Paul isn’t just talking about working hard. He is talking about everything we do. What does not show in the New American Standard Bible is the conjunction kai which means “and.” That connects this verse back to verses 15 and 16. Reread those verses and then read today’s verse again with the “and” at the beginning. The peace of Christ and the Word of Christ will guide you to do “everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 10:31 we read, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God.” You see, everything we do as believers of Christ is to point to God, to give glory to Him. Nothing else really matters. I love when an athlete makes a great play and then points upward. The recent Super Bowl champs’ coach gave all praise to Jesus when interviewed after the game. Glory to God!

Proverbs 16:3 tells us, “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” (NIV). So, this isn’t just a New Testament thought. It goes back much further. God’s people are to honor Him in whatever they say or do. Why? Because the lost world is watching. They see everything we do. One mistake and it makes the front page news. Satan loves to point out our mistakes, our sins.

So, live in such a way that you are always aware of giving God the glory for your words and deeds. Then you will be able to give “thanks through Him to God the Father.” That is our goal. That is our purpose. Give Him glory and thank Him for all He does in and through us.

I am so thankful, Lord, for the strength You give me to honor You in all I do or say.

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Admonished, Bible, Christ, Scripture, Teaching, Thankfulness

TEACH AND ADMONISH

COLOSSIANS 3:16

“Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

Don’t you just hate it when someone tries to “school” you or admonish you? It takes some thick skin sometimes to accept that. Depending on who is doing the schooling or admonishing it can be even harder. If that person does it out of spite or in a condescending way, we may respond back negatively. Let’s see what Paul says about this in today’s verse.

The key for Paul (and us) is the first part of the verse – “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you.” If you don’t have this, you will teach and admonish in the wrong way and receive it wrongly as well. It won’t be centered on His Word or Will. But look what happens if you do. You will sing and praise the Lord. That’s the last part of this verse.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “teaching” is didaskó. HELPS Word Studies says this about didaskó. “In the NT didáskō (‘teach’) nearly always refers to teaching the Scriptures (the written Word of God). The key role of teaching Scripture is shown by its great frequency in the NT, and the variety of word-forms (cognates).”

“Admonishing” is the Greek word noutheteó. It is “used in the New Testament to describe the act of admonishing or warning someone with the intent of correcting behavior or beliefs. It involves a gentle but firm guidance, often with a moral or spiritual focus, aiming to bring about positive change. This term is used in the context of Christian teaching and pastoral care, where the goal is to nurture spiritual growth and maturity.” (Strong’s Lexicon).

Is that how you teach and admonish? Is that how you are taught or admonished? Let us all focus on the Word of Christ to richly dwell within us so we can teach and admonish in that manner. No matter what you think, you have not learned it all yet. No one has arrived. Receive and give to please the Lord.

Lord God, help me give and receive teaching and admonishment in the manner Jesus would have.

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Bible, Peace, Rules, Scripture, Submission

LET PEACE RULE

COLOSSIANS 3:15

“Let the peace of Christ, to which you were indeed called in one body, rule in your hearts; and be thankful.”

As I write this blog, I am watching snow fall here in Knoxville. There isn’t anything much more peaceful than a slow snowfall. I know, I know – I’m a snow novice. We don’t get much here. But when it does fall, I love to sit and watch it with the gas logs burning and reading a good book.

Paul speaks of the “peace of Christ” today and says it should “rule” in our hearts. That word “rule” is the Greek word brabeuó which only occurs right here in the New Testament. Martin Luther said, “Let it be master and keep you in all tribulation.” Look at this explanation I found in another commentary. “…if the peace of Christ be your umpire ruling in your hearts, your reward is sure. ‘Let the peace of Christ act as umpire when anger, envy, and such passions arise; and restrain them.’ Let not those passions give the award, so that you should be swayed by them, but let Christ’s peace be the decider of everything.” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary)

APPLICATION

So, what does it mean for peace to rule your heart? Well, for one, you can’t blow your top in traffic, no road rage. Peace has to restrain our minds and our actions. I have seen too many church meetings that showed no sign of peace. How terrible! How dishonoring of Christ Who came to bring us peace.

I am reminded of His words in John 14:27. “‘Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.’” If Christ came to give us peace and we don’t exercise that peace, isn’t that grievous to Him? It’s a spurned gift. No one likes that.

In John 16:33 we are told by Jesus, “‘These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.’” Christ’s peace does not promise us a bed of roses. He says we will have troubles. But His peace can triumph over it all. Live in peace today.

It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well, with my soul.

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Bible, Bound, Safety, Scripture

GOD’S GLUE

COLOSSIANS 3:14

“In addition to all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”

Elmer’s glue has been around since 1947. Did you know that? Originally it was produced under the Borden label and was made from a byproduct of milk production. That’s pretty cool, huh? It changed over the years and has been a mainstay of many schoolteachers through the decades. How many children did arts and crafts with Elmer’s glue?

Although Elmer’s is good, God’s glue is better. Look at today’s verse. Paul tells us to “put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” The Greek word for “bond” is sundesmos and is only used four times in the New Testament. We will look at some of those in a minute. Paul wanted us to know that as we put on the new heart, we also should put on this love glue. We need to be closely connected.

APPLICATION

In Acts 8:23, sundesmos refers to the bondage of iniquity which Peter said Simon the magician was in. In Ephesians 4:3, it is the bond of peace. Earlier in Colossians 2:19 we saw it used to describe ligaments that bind us together in our growth in God. And here it is the bond of unity. What a wide range of definitions and usages. Sundesmos comes from syn (that inseparable “with”) and deo (to bind). So, it means to be bound closely.

What had you preferred to be bound to – iniquity or unity? Hmmm. I choose unity. I choose peace. I want some of God’s glue, that super glue, that supernatural glue. He joins us in His Spirit with that glue. He binds believer’s together with that glue. God is always about bringing us closer to Him.

One day death will separate us physically from our loved ones. Sometimes that happens way too early. However, if we are one in the Spirit, we will never be separated eternally. I am getting to the age that I am starting to have more family and friends on the other side than I have here. We are bound together with God’s glue. Are you?

Father, thank You for Your supersize tube of glue that never runs out and will never lose its grip on me.

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Bible, Christ, Forgiveness, Scripture, Wronged

FORGIVENESS

COLOSSIANS 3:13

“bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also.”

Forgiveness! This is probably the top personal relationship issue that brings Christian growth to a halt or pushes one’s growth to higher levels. Forgiving someone is not an option. It’s a command. We are expected to forgive others when they do us wrong – even if they don’t realize they have harmed us. I’ve had to deal with this. I am sure you have as well.

Paul is continuing his thought from verse 12 (take a sec and review that verse). In verse 13, he addresses the issue of forgiveness. It is important to note that the two verbs in this verse – “bearing with” and “forgiving” are actually participles tied back to the main verb in verse 12 which is “put on.” In other words, to be able to bear with someone or forgive someone you must first have put on this new heart Paul talks about.

APPLICATION

As I read Albert Barnes’ words on forgiveness on this verse, I felt I needed to share his words in entirety. So, here they are:

“If any man have a quarrel against any – Margin, ‘or complaint.’ The word used here – μομφή momphē – occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It means, ‘fault found, blame, censure;’ and here denotes occasion of complaint. The idea is, that if another one has given us just occasion of complaint, we are to forgive him; that is, we are:

(1) to harbor no malice against him;

(2) we are to be ready to do him good as if he had not given us occasion of complaint;

(3) we are to be willing to declare that we forgive him when be asks it; and,

(4) we are always afterward to treat him as kindly as if he had not injured us – as God treats us when he forgives us; see the notes at Matthew 18:21.

Even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye – Learn here that Christ has power to forgive sin; compare the Matthew 9:6 note; Acts 5:31 note. Christ forgave us:

(1) freely – he did not hesitate or delay when we asked him;

(2) entirely – he pardoned all our offences;

(3) forever – he did it so as to remember our sins no more, and to treat us ever onward as if we had not sinned.

So we should forgive an offending brother.”

Wow! No way to say that better. Forgive each other! Bear with each other! Just as Christ forgave you, forgive them. And that means we must die – die to our rights, die to our emotions, die to our self! Can you do that today?

Forgiveness can be hard, Lord. Give me the ability today to forgive those who have wronged me and those who even refuse to offer me forgiveness.

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Bible, Compassion, Gentleness, Heart, Humility, Kindness, New, Patience, Scripture

A NEW HEART

COLOSSIANS 3:12

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience;”

I have known people who received a heart transplant. I met some while I was having treatment for my own disease which can attack your heart. These individuals were given a new chance at life with a new heart. But guess what? They will still die. That new human heart will not last forever. We only have as many heart beats as God has planned for us. I truly believe that.

In today’s verse, Paul tells the Colossians (and us) to “put on” a new heart. What does he mean by that? This verb is an Aorist Imperative Middle. Thank you, Carl, that really blessed me. Hang on! Aorist tense means it happened in the past. Imperative mood means it is a command. And Middle voice means only you can do it. Let’s look at what kind of heart this is.

APPLICATION

Paul says it is “a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience;” Wow, that’s a lot. I might hit one of those a day, but all five? That’s asking a lot. Or is it? See, it is not up to me to be all of these. Christ in me can do this with His eyes shut, right? We just need to let Him give us that heart, accept it and He will do the rest.

We are told to put on Christ (Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27). We are told to clothe ourselves with the armor of God in Ephesians 6 and Romans 13:12. We are told to put on the new self in Ephesians 4:24. That’s a lot of “putting on.” Don’t you understand? One “putting on” of Christ covers all of this. He is the whole outfit.

One good thing about wearing a uniform to school or work is you don’t have to worry about what you are going to wear. Someone else has decided what you should wear. That’s how it is with Jesus. He has the perfect thing for you to put on, but you have decide to put it on. Will you do that today?

Clothe me today with righteousness and holiness so that I will have this new heart.

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All, Bible, Christ, Different, Scripture

THE ALL

COLOSSIANS 3:11

“a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, and free, but Christ is all, and in all.”

If you were dropped on this earth without any prior knowledge of the people, you might think we were all intentionally separated by our skin color or our language. I have the privilege to travel all over this globe and let me tell you something – there isn’t a smidgen of difference between us. Some people like to talk about the differences, but we are all created by the same great Creator.

Paul is insistent that the Colossians know there is no separation between believers. Whomever accepts Jesus and follows Him are brothers and sisters in Christ. That is clear as Paul lists these groups – very different groups. But the one little word that caught my attention is not evident in the English. In the Greek, the last phrase literally reads, “but the all and in all Christ.” What word did you see? It’s the little definite article “the” which is in the original. Christ is not just all. He is THE all.

APPLICATION

I know you don’t want a grammar lesson. But you have to look at this little Greek definite article, ta. This separates Christ from the rest of the so-called gods. Christ is THE all. There is no other. It’s interesting that no commentator I read even mentioned this. I wonder why.

My wife is THE one for me. God is THE God. THE Bible is THE Word of God. That little word is so important. I believe Paul is saying that you may have all these other groups which are all brought together because of THE Christ. No other person could have done that.

We have heard stories of bitter enemies who became friends due to a life-changing experience one or both had with THE Christ. I have seen people set free from bondage by THE Christ. Don’t trust a substitute. There are many out there. Come to THE Christ and discover a whole new way of living.

Thank You, Father, for THE Christ You sent for me.

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Bible, Evil, Jesus, Old Self, Scripture

THE OLD SELF

COLOSSIANS 3:9

“Do not lie to one another, since you stripped off the old self with its evil practices,

I am getting older every day. How about you? We all are. There is only one other alternative, right? And as we get older, it gets harder to let go of our old ways. Those habits are so hard to stop. Now, not all those habits are bad. But some… Well, let’s just say they ought to go the way of the dinosaur.

Paul reminds the Colossians (and us) that our old self is gone. We discussed how we have thrown it away. The Greek word for “stripped off” is apekduomai and only occurs here and earlier in Colossians 2:15. In both cases it is in the Middle voice which means you have to choose to do this. It is not done to you. Paul says we have chosen to strip “off the old self with its evil practices.”

APPLICATION

Don’t read that and just go past it. This is important. We have to choose to strip off this old stuff. We cannot walk the straight and narrow while we are carrying around all this baggage. The image of stripping off something is important. I have this picture in my mind of violently tearing it away. It’s not something you do slowly.

Let me give you an example. I recently was told about the conversion of someone who was struggling with their sexuality. They came to a church service, fell under conviction and came forward for salvation. The next Sunday the Pastor noticed this person still dressing in a way that resembled their old lifestyle. He approached them and said, “What are you doing?” They replied, “Well, I thought I would change a little bit at a time.” What?! No! You have to tear it off. You have to strip it away.

What are you wearing from your old self? What are you hanging on to? Let it go – now! It has to go! It does not represent who you are now. Walk afresh. Walk in victory.

O Father, give me the power to strip off all the old stuff and wear Your garments.

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Anger, Behavior, Bible, Scripture, Speech, Wrath

THROW OUT THE TRASH

COLOSSIANS 3:8

“But now you also, rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth.”

When I come in from working outside, my wife makes me take my clothes off in the garage and then directly to the washing machine. She can’t stand the smell of my sweat and dirt. I have to lay those things aside to distance myself from them in order to cleanse myself.

That’s the picture Paul is painting in today’s verse. Strong’s Lexicon explains this so well. “The Greek verb apotithémi is used in the New Testament to convey the action of putting off or laying aside something, often in a metaphorical sense. It implies a deliberate action of removing or discarding something that is no longer needed or is considered inappropriate. This term is frequently used in the context of moral and spiritual transformation, where believers are encouraged to “put off” sinful behaviors and attitudes.”

APPLICATION

This verb is only used 9 times in the New Testament. In James 1:21 it says, “Therefore, ridding yourselves of all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” To truly receive the Word, you have to get rid of all the stuff in your life that seeks to draw you away.

In Hebrews 12:1 the Holy Spirit tells us, “Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us.” You can’t run and drag this stuff with you. You have to throw it away.

What do you need to rid yourself of today? It may not be “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech,” but it still needs to go. You need to be unhindered, ready to run. Lay all that stuff aside and pursue the race He has for you.

Oh Lord, give me the strength to lay these things aside and never pick them up again.

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