12So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Interesting Words
put on
(ἐνδύω – Greek) – enduo ► verb: put on, to clothe, from among (en) and set (dunó), (in the sense of sinking into a garment… the verb moves from the simple act of dressing the body to the profound reality of God clothing His people with righteousness), to invest with clothing, be dressed – Matt 6:25; Luke 12:49; Rom 13:12, 14; 1Cor 15:53;
bond
(σύνδεσμος – Greek) – sundesmos ► noun: joint, tie, from sun (with, among) and desmos (imprisonment), band, bond chain – Eph 4:3; Col 2:19;
rule
(βραβεύω – Greek) – brabeuó ► verb: to rule, arbitrate, govern, properly, “act as an umpire”, (this is also the meaning of this term in classical Greek) – only one use in the NT, here in Colossians.
(βραβεῖον – Greek) – brabeion ► noun: prize, an award (of arbitration), specially, a prize in the public games, recognition that follows triumph – 1Cor 9:24; Phil 3:14;
Cross References
▪︎ Eph 4:24-25;
▪︎ Eph 5:19-20;
▪︎ Phil 2:14-15, 16;
▪︎
1. Review the definition for the Greek word for “put on”. What are the implications of this to our spiritual lives?
▪︎ We need to “sink down into” our new clothes of Christ’s righteousness. Get comfortable in and with Church. Isa 61:10;
▪︎ Like a uniform, we need to take on the new role and then in some sense let that conform and transform our behavior.
▪︎ It is a matter of the heart, heart of obedience, of humility, of love, kindness, long-suffering, patience.
▪︎ It is the Holy Spirit that fills our heart, thus God gets credit for everything because He sovereignly works in us (John 5:30).
▪︎ It is a choice to put on Christ, the armor of God, etc. – Eph 6:10-18; Rom 13:12; 2Cor 4:6;
2. There are five (5) character traits listed in the last half of Col 3:12. How do these impact your personal relationships with others?
▪︎ Compassion – sympathy or sorrow for others when they encounter setbacks or injury. It establishes our concern for each other in the body of Christ.
▪︎ Kindness – friendly feeling; liking, showing favor to someone. This should be our standard mode of relating to others. Eph 4:31-32;
▪︎ Humility – modest opinion or estimate of one’s own importance, rank, or stature. What do you have that you didn’t receive. We’re all in this together. All resources in the body are shared. Phil 2:3-4;
▪︎ Gentleness – amiable, well managed, temperate, mild, moderate, free from extremes. Col 4:6; 1Thes 2:7-8; 2Cor 10:1; Matt 11:28-30;
▪︎ Patience – bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation. Eph 4:2; Col 1:11;
Impact:
▪︎ they are all essential to interpersonal relations.
▪︎ No harmonious relations without these.
3. Qualities listed in Col 3:13 imply that something has gone wrong. What has gone wrong and how do these qualities help?
▪︎ Sin is what happened. Man’s rejection of God and disobedience have separated him from Gods plan. Isa 59:1-2;
▪︎ Each person should repent of his own evil ways , and accept God’s solution which is Jesus’ payment on the cross (Rom3:25, 6:23). This is the reset button that allows us to make things right with others. God gives His Holy Spirit to us as a new source of power and ability to work with others. Rom 8:9;
▪︎ Given the above, we can bear with the flaws of others. Gal 5:22; Eph 4:2;
▪︎ We can forgive others who wrong us. Matt 6:12;
▪︎ Work toward a resolution with those we have wronged. 1John 1:9;
▪︎ Receiving and giving forgiveness to each other as problems come up. Matt 6:14-15;
4. Col 3:14 introduces agape love. In what ways is love reflected in the concept of a “bond of unity”?
▪︎ God and every human has a lot at stake, current and future relationships, between each other and with God.
▪︎ Love is the glue that holds us all together.
▪︎ This bond brings us to a place where we share the same goals, work as a team, accomplish tasks together and apart, for the Kingdom of God.
▪︎ Love is the ingredient (lubricant) that keeps the machinery of the Kingdom running smoothly. 1Peter 4:8 ;
5. Given this relationship between love and unity, how does peace ruling in our hearts (Col 3:15) augment that dynamic? Also consider Col 3:17.
▪︎ Peace acts as the umpire in our own hearts confirming what the Holy Spirit is communicating to us.
▪︎ It also acts as the indicator, driven by the Spirit, to mediate between brothers and sisters in Christ.
▪︎ Every aspect, every move we take should be followed up personally with thankfulness, first to God who sovereignly controls everything, and empowers us through the Spirit.
▪︎ Secondly, all team tasks should be followed up with thanksgiving to each team member, to promote thanksgiving, honor and praise to God.
6. List several reasons why the Word of God is foundational to all our relationships (Col 3:16)?
▪︎ It is our only sure link to the mind of God, our only access to know exactly what He wants done. 1Cor 2:16;
▪︎ It should be ready on our minds having been prayerfully meditated on as we move thru each task.
▪︎ Memorized scripture (richly dwelling in us) is what the Holy Spirit uses to point us to new directions in the midst of ongoing tasks.
▪︎ Formal teaching sessions and informal lessons all should be used to hone us into well equipped warriors for our master’s use.