THE FRUIT OF THE WORD

Colossians 3:15-4:1

How can we live in a way that pleases God?

Teachers are saying we should live by obeying man-made rules–their version of O.T. law.

Since we could never keep God’s law completely, Judaizers invented their own modifications and demanded that everyone live by their standards to please God.

Our nature will never be able to produce adequate fruit to please God.

        We aren’t capable!

    Solution provided in the work Christ finished, when He died on the cross.

FOUR FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES FOR GODLY LIVING:

    True spirituality is the result of . . .

        *  Faith, not works. 2:6-7

        *  Christ’s finished work. 2:9-10

        *  NEVER legalism. 2:16-23–doesn’t come from “playing by the rules”–anyone’s list

        *  Living to glorify God 3:1-4:1  This is the essence of how we ought to live.

FOUR SPECIFIC IMPLICATIONS of this last principle for daily living:

    1. Focus your attention on Christ’s finished work 3:1-4

Walk with eyes fixed on Christ, seated in heavenlies, not on ourselves.

    2. Consider dead things that characterized our old lifestyle 3:5-11

             They’re dead! They have no influence over us anymore!

Since we’re no longer citizens of this world, let go of world’s lifestyle–leave it alone!

Adopt practices which correspond to lifestyle of new status.

    3. Dress appropriately as members of God's family. 3:12-14

In contrast to the old lifestyle, adopt a new lifestyle.

Described as clothing God's people should put on.

                 God wants us to get a new “wardrobe”—to dress differently.

                 Dress in a way that’s appropriate for our new status in life–We ought to look different!

    4. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you 3:15-4:1

Allow Christ’s Word to take up residence in our life.

                 It will transform our life and produce its fruit in us.

Paul has presented four theological principles that underlie godly living.

    This is good theology.    It’s the basis for godly living.

Now he moves beyond the theological basis to the “how-to”s of godly living.

    Judaizers say you live a godly life by keeping the law–living by the rules.

That’s fine. Except for one problem: We can’t do it! We don’t measure up!

Those reacting, suppose that opposite of legalism is libertinism.

Do whatever you want. We’re saved by grace, not law. SO, live it up!

Paul makes clear that’s NOT the answer!

    So how do you live a godly life? Sums it up in four simple keys:

FOUR COMMANDS FOR GODLY LIVING:

    They are commands to keep!

But they’re not the legalist’s list of rules!

             It’s not about legalism.

It’s not about libertinism.

It’s simple, but we’ll spend rest of our lives learning to flesh these out in daily living!

Each deals with a new attitude; a different perspective on life.

1. Let the peace of Christ determine how we should live. 3:15

“Rule” => lit.-"function as referee"--continually (pres.)Comes from sports and competition

        Who decides who wins the game? The official

God’s peace fills that role–determines who wins among God's people--NOT the score.

    We’re called to experience peace

Let it be the arbiter, the referee.

God won’t give us a rule book.

             He won’t give us a vision in the sky with flashing lightning bolt.

    God’s peace lays out the course for us.  This works two different ways:

        (i)     It’s true in general.

[I’m often asked, “How do I know which way God wants me to go?”] [tonight!]

When you’re following God’s direction, there’s peace about the way you’re headed.

                     Just keep walking!

God will stir up discomfort when you stray from his direction Is. 30:21

        (ii)    Paul is talking specifically about the unity of the body.

                 We’re called to form part of one body         3:15; Eph. 4:1

                     This isn't peace with God; it's the peace of God

God has made peace between those who were fighting each other.

                 He has made us one body

We should work together–experience peace with one another.

Peace declares who really wins in issues of conflict between us.

If a hot discussion with a brother or sister breaks the peace, we lose!

Attitude => UNITY

When you’re not sure you’re going God’s way, check the UNITY factor.

Paul says that when we’ve disrupted the peace, we’ve fouled out!

                 Let God’s peace, in His body, determine who’s playing by the rules.

Sports news: Sean Bradley was headed for new NBA record—fouling out. He fouled out in 8 minutes!

        Some of God’s people may be competing for that record!

             Don’t foul out! Paul says, let God’s peace serve as referee!

2. Be thankful 3:15b  Pres. cont.--always, continuously

        We should be continually grateful

             3:15 -"be thankful”

3:16 -"singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God"

             3:17 -"giving thanks through Him to God the Father"

God’s people should be the most grateful people on earth!

             Characteristic frequently lacking!

We’ve become so accustomed to the good life that we take it for granted.

We expect to have it all.

When we lose comforts—“we’ve been robbed of something we deserve.”

Look around—consider how much we have our grandparents never thought of enjoying.

                     How many things do people in other parts of the world never get to enjoy?

We’ve become desensitized to the reasons we should be grateful!

An ATTITUDE of GRATITUDE ought to be an integral part of our life!

When was the last time we expressed thanks to God for what a brother or sister in Christ has done for us?

    Who has God used to bless you?

        Take a moment some time today and thank God for that person.

        Why don’t you take a moment and jot them a note of encouragement and appreciation.

             That will do you and them good!

3. Let the Word of Christ permeate your thinking. 3:16

When Word of Christ produces its fruit, it’s evident through mutual edification—helping each other.

             We will dedicate ourselves to . . . Attitude => living for mutual edification

-teaching one another with wisdom

                 -admonishing one another with wisdom

Teaching affects our knowledge of the truth

                     Admonishing transforms relationships with one another

Enables us to see what God is saying and assists us to put it into practice

-singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, with gratitude in our hearts

4. Whatever you do, Do everything so that Christ gets the credit 3:17

When His Word takes up residence in our hearts, we do everything in His name.

Doesn’t refer to formula we repeat to sound religious—using His name.

Whatever we do is for Him--He is to get the credit

We do it in dependence on Him and in recognition of His authority

                 We are His representatives.

        He gets the credit for everything:        Includes words and deeds

We do everything with grateful hearts--Not complaining—thanking Him

Attitude => living to glorify God

Have you ever seen a fruit tree?     How many of you have ever seen an orange tree? an apple tree?

    How many have seen an apple tree that produces oranges?

    Why not? Every tree produces fruit, according to it’s own nature!

This obvious principle from nature is also true in the spiritual life.

Gal. 5:16-23: when the Holy Spirit lives in us, He produces fruit, according to His nature.

Col. 3:16: fruit that is produced in our life when the Word of God dwells in us.

    His fruit is totally different than what our nature produces.

When this attitude controls our life, it is reflected daily in our conduct, especially in RELATIONSHIPS WITH ONE ANOTHER–

             It permeates every level of our relationships with others =>

THREE CHANGED RELATIONSHIPS AFFECTED BY THESE ATTITUDES 3:18-4:1

    We seek to build up one another and to glorify God in everything we do (3:16-17).

        This is the essence of true spirituality 3:17

When we’re controlled by God’s Word, and do everything in His name, we have a distinct attitude toward authority, that affects our relationships

God is sovereign over the entire universe.He has all authority.

Those who recognize His right to rule in His universe–His right to govern our life–submit to authority He established

Three truths are presented concerning each sphere of authority:

    1. All grow out of a spirit of peace and unity 3:15-17

                 —importance of love, unity, gratitude, edification and glorifying Christ.

These instructions weren’t given so that some of us could dominate others.

They were given to encourage love and mutual edification!

    2. All focus on our personal responsibility, not on our rights.

These exhortations weren’t given so each of us could insist on our rights.

             They’re given so each of us might do what God called US to do.

    3. All are reciprocal, NOT conditional.

They weren’t given with idea that we only do our part when the other person does theirs.

We’ll NEVER reach the goal that way!

They’re reciprocal—both receive appropriate exhortations as to what our role ought to be.

Main focus directed to person who ought to submit to established authority.

Submission to authority is considered to be the same as submission to the Lord Himself:

                 3:18 “as is fitting in the Lord.”

                 3:20 “for this pleases the Lord.”

                 3:23 “as working for the Lord, and not for men.”

In case that seems hardest to believe–the slave, who was usually subject to a pagan owner– each verse repeats that the slave is really serving the Lord.

                     When life seems unfair, the slave can remember that he isn’t working for the unjust owner, but for the Lord.Final retribution comes from the Lord.

In the meantime, Christian slaves should stand out in their work, because they’re working for the living God, not for men!

3:22 “obey your earthly masters . . . with . . . reverence for the Lord.”

                     3:23 “working for the Lord . . . not for men.”

3:24 “since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord.”

So that those in charge don’t start thinking of themselves as too powerful, they’re given a warning against abusing their authority.

People who recognize God’s authority don’t abuse the privilege they’ve received:

                          3:18 “Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be harsh with them.”

3:21 “Fathers, don’t embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

                          4:1 “Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair.”

Relationship between wives and husbands 3:18-19

    Wives 3:18       Wives ought to submit to their husband.

Has to do with establishing order, not with giving orders.

No effort to prove inferiority of women, nor to put them down,.

In any united effort, somebody has to have the last word.

Otherwise, when there’s disagreement, everybody wants their way.

God says husbands have last word, NOT to do whatever HE wants, but for her welfare.

His use of “final” word should be controlled by love for her.

Submission is voluntary.

SHE chooses to submit.

She decides for herself; she takes initiative.

                     This isn’t something husbands can force down her throat!

You can’t obligate anyone to submit; submission is an attitude!

                     It has to come from inside of her.

Submission is continuous.

             This isn’t a one-time decision. Decision made over and over again, as we face circumstances.

Appropriate response for a godly woman: “as is fitting in the Lord.”

Husbands 3:19 Husbands ought to love their wife.

Popular concept viewed women as property, to use as he chose.

                 Paul doesn’t share that attitude; she isn’t just a man’s property.

On positive side, he exhorts husbands to love their wives.

This kind of love is distinct from that of pagans.

                 It isn’t based on what she is, or what she does.

It’s sincere love he gives her, because he decides to love her.

He chooses to love her and seek her best interests, whether she deserves it or not (1 Cor. 13; Rom. 5:8).

Like wife’s submission, this love requires continuous, daily decision

On negative side, husbands should not be harsh with their wife.

Husbands should be careful how they treat wife.

                 Peter says to “treat her like fine china!”

“Harsh” refers to a well-sharpened point.

It’s used of food that tastes bitter or that stings.

I’d use it to describe INDIAN food! They used it for taste like vinegar.

Describes a person who is disagreeable, harsh, critical, or angry.

—treatment which makes life unpleasant and disagreeable.

They’ve been acting that way. Paul urges them to stop it. Cut it out!

Relationship between children and parents 3:20-21

    Children 3:20 Children ought to obey their parents.

Command for children is not the same as for wife.

             Wife submits; children obey.

It’s possible to obey, without submitting.

                     “I’m still standing up on the inside!”

It’s also possible to submit to authority, while unable to DO what’s asked of us.

Such “disobedience” is never done in rebellion or defiance.

—willing to accept disciplinary measures imposed.

That’s how apostles responded when they suffered for Jesus’ name Acts 5:17-42

Paul instructs children to obey.

He doesn’t offer children same options as a wife.

Negative attitude is dealt with in passages calling for honor.

Paul calls for complete obedience—”obey your parents in EVERYTHING!”

Another continuous daily response.

God is big enough to accomplish his purposes through parents.

Children demonstrate they trust God and submit to His authority by obeying parents, whether their instructions seem right or not.

God takes responsibility for results that work for our ultimate welfare and for His glory.

Obedience to parents is equivalent to obedience to God. It pleases Him.

[On other hand, God’s instruction to godly parents is that WE shouldn’t abuse authority]

Parents 3:21 Parents should NOT embitter their children.

Distinction between godly discipline, and haranguing, bawling out, or criticizing our kids.

Consistent discipline, motivated by love, is clearly encouraged!

Continual bawling out and criticism leads to discouragement.

Correction is necessary at times, but we also seek opportunities to encourage children

             so as not to discourage and defeat them.

Relationship between slaves and masters 3:22-4:1

Slaves 3:22-25 Employees ought to obey their employer.

21st C. => Employees faithfully do what your boss asks you to do.

We don’t face slavery in the same sense as these believers did.

But we do face similar circumstances in the workplace.

Though master’s control over daily life of slaves was more pervasive, same principles apply.

Slavery included most people, even professionals like teachers or doctors.

        Swindoll: situation many of us have observed: Some employers prefer not to hire Christians. . ..

“They tend to be presumptuous—they take advantage of a Christian boss . . . “

”I find them negative, critical, resistant to change . . .”

“They are often preoccupied with other things—witnessing, church, whatever . . .”

             “I can’t trust them when I’m not around . . .”

[Maybe it’s just a minority; maybe it’s true of others too, but it’s still an unacceptable indictment!]

“Show me a lazy, irritating Christian on the job and I’ll show you an office or store or customer or shop that isn’t interested in his message.”

“Best platform to build a case for Christ at work rests on six pillars: integrity, faithfulness, punctuality, quality workmanship, a pleasant attitude, and enthusiasm.

Hire such a person and it will only be a matter of time before business will improve . . . people will be impressed . . . and Christianity will seem important.”

Ironside worked as a boy for a Christian cobbler. His job was to pound out leather soles before they were sewn on. Another cobbler who didn’t do that found that they wore out sooner and had to be replaced. He made more money that way. When Harry suggested the technique to his employer, the godly man replied, “Son, I don’t repair shoes to make money; I do it to glorify God.”

Essence of exhortation: worker should do good work, so his master receives full benefit!

Requirement is the same, whether the boss is a believer or not.

Worker should dedicate himself to do conscientiously whatever his boss asks.

Don’t just work faithfully when we’re watched, to keep boss happy, or make impression.

We ought to be faithful, whether the boss ever finds out or not. 3:22

We should dedicate ourselves to do the best work we possibly can.

Job performance should be based on reverence for God, aware God establishes authority and that our testimony is important.

Ultimately we work for God, not for people (3:23a, 24b)

Our true, “salary” comes from God, not people (3:24-25)

Those who serve Christ are repaid from His inheritance 3:24a.

Those who do unjustly are repaid in accordance with their injustice 3:25

Paul sees our work as a way to present a good testimony and to glorify God. Christians should do the best job we possibly can so that God will be glorified through our work.

[Other side, speaks to Christian bosses about our responsibility toward our employees.]

    Masters 4:1    Employers ought to treat employees fairly

From perspective of their contemporaries, slaves had no rights; they were property

Master was free to do whatever he wanted

No one expected mutual submission.

Bosses should remember we too have a Boss, Who is going to judge fairly and recompense each person according to our use of resources God places in our hands.

Christian employers ought to be different!

We should treat employees justly and fairly.

We ought to reflect submission to God in way we think of workers.

Since we’re God’s servants, we should treat our workers as we want God to treat us.

When we submit our life to God’s Word, attitudes and activities change!

    We need to think through our attitudes.

Do we demonstrate attitudes of unity, gratitude, mutual edification, and glorifying God?

How do our lives reflect the control of God’s Word?

If people who observe us don’t see a difference, why should they believe us and follow our God?

WHAT EVIDENCE REVEALS THAT GOD’S WORD CONTROLS OUR LIFE?