Steven A. Bush - July 21, 2024
If Then, From Beginning to End
Colossians 3:1-4 says: "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." (ESV) These opening verses declare what our awesome position is in Christ. The rest of this chapter, and the beginning of the next, lay out virtues that are meant to reflect and be evidence of what genuine faith in Christ should look like. We might call these If/Thens. As they say in theological terms, the indicative leads to the imperative. The neighboring city of Laodicea, just nine miles from Colossae, was written to by Christ Jesus personally. John records that letter in Revelation 3:14-22. In many ways the Laodiceans were Christians in name only. Their actions did not align with their professions of faith. Jesus called them "lukewarm" and if they didn't repent He would spew them out of His mouth. That warning should frighten us all, make us examine ourselves, and stir us to consecrate our hearts afresh while embracing all He has instructed us to do...
Scripture References: Colossians 3:1-25, Colossians 4:1-6, Revelation 3:14-22