By Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read Colossians 3:1-11

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” (Colossians 3:9-10)

Rev. Ron Purkey

It is not enough for Christ to be preeminent in the Gospel, the cross, creation, and the church; he must also be preeminent in our lives. Paul states very specifically how we should “practice the preeminence of Christ.”

“Since you are risen with Christ, set your mind (affection) on things above!” (Colossians 3:1) In other words, let your earthly practice be worthy of your heavenly position. Once you were dead in sin (Ephesians 2:1-3), but now you are dead to sin. Christ is in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), and someday soon that glory will be revealed (Colossians 3:4). In brief, Paul says, “Live up to what Christ has done for you!” This simple principle of Christian living is more powerful than all the rules and regulations men can devise. “You are made full in him” (Colossians 2:10); now live out that fullness in daily life.

Oriental, Greek and Roman religions said little or nothing about personal holiness. A person could bring sacrifices, say prayers, and go away from the altar to commit terrible sins, and nobody would think he or she was inconsistent. Not so with Christianity. The new life within demands a new life without. Since we have died with Christ, we should put to death (“mortify,” Colossians: 5) impure behavior (see Romans 6). “Don’t live the way you used to live,” Paul cautions, “the way the unsaved crowd lives. Christ is your life, and you died with him. Now, let his life show through you day by day.”

In Colossians 3:8-11, Paul compares the new life to a change of clothes: “Put off the old sins as you would take off a filthy garment, and put on the new life of holiness.” But notice we are able to do this because in Christ we have already put off the old man (Colossians 3:9); that is, in Christ the body of flesh (the sinful nature) has been put off through his true circumcision on the cross (Colossians 2:11). Physical circumcision in the Old Testament meant entering into a covenant relationship with God. Our spiritual circumcision in Jesus Christ means the old nature has been put off, and we may now walk in newness of life.

Though originally marred by sin, believers have been re-created (by a spiritual birth) to reflect God’s righteousness and holiness. When others see Christian believers, they are to see the character of our God. If you have not made your decision for Jesus Christ, now is the time to do it. First, read the Gospel of John in the New Testament. Second, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior by praying and asking God for forgiveness. Third, commit yourself to live for Christ.

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines at www.rcpbibleoutlines.com free on the website. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.