Thank you for joining us as we study God’s Word together. No matter where you are or what you are going through, we are confident the Bible has good principles for you right where you are. The Holy Spirit through God’s Word can speak to and guide you, it is up to us to have a heart that is in tune with God and ears that are listening for Him. With his help, this will happen today as we study Colossians.
Today’s lesson is “Pursuing Perfection.” This is the first of a two-part teaching. We are looking at Paul’s metaphor of “changing clothes” and applying that to our relationship with Jesus. Let’s go now with Bible teacher J Mark to Colossians 3.
In 2019, people worldwide spent nearly 2 trillion dollars on clothing. Clothing is often used as a fashion statement, but also as a means of identification. Police officers, EMTs, firefighters, and military personnel have recognizable uniforms. Many corporations require their employees to wear uniforms, from the front office to the janitorial staff.
In the book of Zechariah, there’s an interesting scene involving clothing. In his vision, Zechariah sees Joshua, the High Priest, wearing filthy garments, standing before God and the angel of the Lord. And Satan is standing at Joshua’s right hand to accuse him.
Then the LORD speaks. “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?” The Lord speaks again, saying, “Take away the filthy garments from him. And to [Joshua], He said, ‘See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.’ And I said, ‘Let them put a clean turban on his head.’ So, they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.” This powerful act of forgiveness and transformation should fill us with hope and inspiration.
In this vision, God takes away the sin of Joshua, typified by the filthy clothing, and gives him a pure robe of righteousness. In other words, when forgiveness of sin is accepted, the heart is changed, and we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. This act of embracing Christ’s righteousness should reassure and comfort us in our journey of spiritual growth.
In our previous study, from the opening verses of Colossians chapter 3, we looked at what it means to be risen with Christ. We talked about the changes that take place when we, by faith, enter into His death and resurrection. One of those changes was our focus. We constantly seek the things above, the things of Christ—our way of thinking shifts from earthly to heavenly things.
As a result of our being in Christ, certain practices cannot be a part of our lives. Verse 5 lists a series of sexual sins, including covetousness. Paul told us these things must be put to death within us personally and among us corporately.
Today, we begin a study from Colossians 3:8-14 titled, “Pursuing Perfection.” This section builds on the preceding verses and reminds us that when we place Christ first, that choice will dramatically impact our lives. I’ll begin by reading the text.
8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor un...
