We are honored to be with you today. Thanks so much for being here. The Bible is always relevant; we study it to become more like Jesus. He is our Savior, and like we have learned from Colossians, He is the preeminent one. Today’s lesson is the first of two parts, and the title is “Risen with Christ.” The passage is Colossians 3, the first seven verses.
This is the part of Colossians where Paul switches from what we think and believe to how we live. Many of his books follow a similar pattern. First, he builds the foundation for what we believe, teaching us the why behind our actions. Here in Colossians, the first two chapters teach that Christ is God and He is over all and above all. Then Paul switches and shows how this teaching affects our actions. So today, we look at how this preeminent Jesus wants us to live. Christianity isn’t just right thinking; it has to include right living.
The next time you read a book by Paul, see if you can find this switch. Where he goes from teaching doctrine and theology, correct thinking, to right living. How believing in Jesus affects daily life. Now let’s turn to Colossians 3, and we will go with J Mark for the rest of our lesson.
In Romans 12:2, the apostle Paul wrote, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” The word, transformed, is from the Greek metamorphoo, from which we get our English word, metamorphosis. Metamorphosis is the developmental change in the form or structure of a creature (like a butterfly or a frog) that occurs after birth or hatching. Most insect larvae are not very appealing to look at. Yet, the beauty of a butterfly emerging from a cocoon is a powerful reminder of the beauty that can come from transformation through Christ.
While Paul doesn’t use the word metamorphoo in the Colossian letter, he does use the cycle of death and resurrection to show the changes that take place in one who embraces Christ.
I’ve repeatedly said that this letter emphasizes the preeminence of Christ. In chapters 1 and 2, Paul addresses the doctrinal and theological aspects of Christ’s preeminence. He deals with the nature of Jesus’ person, His deity, His provision for our salvation, and more. In chapter 3, he shifts to the practical application of Christ’s preeminence in the lives of individual Believers, providing us with a roadmap for living a Christ-centered life.
In my teaching from chapter two, I stated emphatically that you and I can add nothing to Christ to secure our salvation. The Scripture is clear that our salvation is not by any good works we’ve done, but the mercy of God gives it, Titus 3:5. I used the term Solus Christus – Christ alone!
Some Bible teachers have concluded from this vital truth that you and I have no choice or responsibility in our salvation. I respectfully disagree. The offer of salvation is not just a possibility but a reality available to all. So, while we can’t do anything to earn or merit our salvation, we can accept or reject the offer. And remember, while salvation is essential, it is just the beginning. Jesus is calling each of us to be His disciples, His followers. That’s a life-long commitment, a commitment that begins with the acceptance of His offer of salvation.
In addition, some say that once a person is saved, they can never lose their salvation. I agree! No one can take my relationship with the Lord away from me, whether it’s another human being or a demonic spirit. And I can’t mistakenly lay down that relationship somewhere and forget where I put it. However, I can turn my back on God and walk away from Him. I can harden my heart to His voice and refuse to obey His commands.
Am I still saved? I don’t know the limits of God’s mercy, but I don’t want to test them. The Bible is clear that those who practi...
