Back to study index
Study: The Colossians EpistlePutting On the New Man; Part 1Colossians 3:10-13
IntroductionLast week, we studied "Putting Off the Old Man" in verses 5-9. In those verses, Paul gave two commands to slaughter sin (viz., "Put to Death Your Sin" and "Put Off Your Sin"). Not only did Paul give us two commands to slaughter our sin, but he also gave us two reasons why we should slaughter our sin (viz., because of "God's Furious Wrath" and "Your Former Walk"). During our study, we also touched on the "how." In other words, it is one thing for Paul to command us to put sin to death; but it is quite another to know how to do it! Well, how do you do it? First, it seems the precursor to putting sin to death is seen back in verses 1-2: "setting your mind on things above." To ponder and yearn for those things within the Heavenly realm; as opposed to the things on earth (e.g., tangible possessions and intangible vanity). In other words, to put off the old man, you must first maintain a mindset continually focused on the eternal; and not the temporal. You must have a mindset steadfastly focused on our Lord Jesus Christ; not this world. Second, we put sin to death by attacking the root cause of sin itself (viz., covetousness). And how do we attack covetousness? With a heart filled with contentment. Focus on the cross! Earnestly pray for God's grace in cultivating a contented heart which worships our Lord; as opposed to an idolatrous and prideful heart which worships self. Third, by minimizing external temptation. The first two items relate to internal means (i.e., one's mindset and heart); now an external means. Do anything, indeed everything, however radical, to evade that which could in any way lead us into sin. Focus on the internal first, THEN the external. To do otherwise is to invite hypocrisy and/or legalism. Fourth, as we will see here in verses 10-17, by "Putting On the New Man." In other words, take off your old filthy rags; and in their place, put on your new, fresh, clean garments! This will be a two week study in which we cover verses 10-13 this week; and verses 14-17 next week. 1. The Renewal of the New Man
And Have Put On the New Man- Last week, we ended our study in verse 9 with Paul stating, "since you have put off the old man with his deeds,." We learned there that Paul was referring to the old unregenerate self. Now we pick up with exact opposite here in verse 10 where Paul states, "and have put on the new man" (i.e., the new regenerate self). As Romans 5 clearly teaches, there are only two types of people in this world; those in Adam (i.e., the old man) and those in Jesus Christ (i.e., the new man). There is no middle ground. You cannot be both. Instead, you are either one or the other. Thomas Goodwin- "There are but two men that are seen standing before God: Adam and Jesus Christ; and these two men have all other men hanging at their girdles." Therefore, as authentic believers who are complete in, and through, the Person and Work of Jesus Christ, Paul is commanding the Colossians, indeed each and every authentic believer: "Let your conduct be in accordance with your new position in Jesus Christ."
Renewed- The Greek means, "To cause to grow up; with a new strength and vigor given to one; to be changed into a new kind of life as opposed to the former corrupt state." MacArthur states that, "This is a verb which contains a sense of contrast with the former reality; describing a new quality of life that never before existed." So all said, while authentic believers possess a new life, it is not an immediate state of perfection or spiritual maturity. Instead, we are born into a new life which entails the process of sanctification (i.e, that ongoing process of becoming more and more holy). Just like a baby which is born complete, but immature, requires subsequent growth, so too the new man (i.e., although complete in his position in Christ; still yet he has the capacity to grow in his condition).
Well, we have seen the renewal of the new man. But how is he renewed? Paul says, "in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him." Simply put, the new man is renewed by an ongoing, deepening, knowledge of God Himself! The Greek is "epignosis" and as we have already learned, it is a word used by Paul to denote a deep thorough knowledge in sharp contrast to the "gnosis" offered by Colossian false teachers. So Paul is saying this, "Without an ongoing, deepening, intimate knowledge of God Himself, there can be no spiritual growth or renewal." Or better yet, "From mature knowledge flows holy living." Well, what is the source of this knowledge? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV): 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Hughes- "There is constant renewal taking place in the believer's life as he keeps increasing in true knowledge of what God is like. This knowledge leads to progressively being conformed to the image of the Creator, and thus building a life like His." 2. The Realization of the New Man
As a reminder, the Colossian Heresy being peddled by the false teachers promised exclusive membership with the spiritually elite. However, in sharp contrast, Paul here stresses the equality and resulting unity of all authentic believers in, and through, the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. In other words, throughout chapter two Paul proclaimed two things: a) without Christ, we were all equal in our spiritual death and b) with Christ, we are all equally complete. Therefore, here in chapter three, Paul is now proclaiming that because of God's sovereign grace, and the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ, all authentic believers are equal before God. So, the new man's realization is that he is equal to all others in Jesus Christ and enjoys an unsurpassed unity known to no other people group. In short, no religious snobbery here! Greek Nor Jew- A Jew was, and is, a descendant of Abraham through Isaac. In contrast, Greeks were Gentiles (i.e., non-Jews). During Paul's day, and even today to a certain extent, Jews and Gentiles disdained each other and would have nothing to do with each other. However, in Jesus Christ, all racial barriers are annihilated. Circumcised Nor Uncircumcised- Over and beyond the national (i.e., racial) distinction between Greeks and Jews, the distinction here is one of religion. However, in Jesus Christ, all religious barriers are annihilated! Barbarian, Scythian- Barbarians were inarticulate and stammering in their speech; and as such were considered to be uncivilized by the Greeks. Scythians were an uncultured class of slaves which Josephus described as, "Delighting in murdering people and only little better than wild beasts." As such, the cultured, educated and elite Greeks and Jews looked with contempt on the barbarian and Scythian. However, in Jesus Christ, all cultural barriers are annihilated! Slave Nor Free- This refers to a social distinction. However, in Jesus Christ, all social barriers are annihilated!
But Christ Is All and In All- Again, the reason authentic believers are all equal before God is our all-sufficient Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is all that matters! Application- As we can clearly see, there is absolutely no place for man-made barriers, distinctions or classes of people within the Church of Jesus Christ. No cliques, no snobbery, no holier-than-thou arrogance, no air of superiority, no condescension, no self-glory, no lording it over others, no bigotry (spiritual, national or otherwise), no spiritual elitism and no spiritual exclusivity. Instead, we as authentic believers are all one in Jesus Christ insofar as our position before God! Yes, there are distinctions in function and roles (e.g., Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12), but not in our spiritual position, importance and/or value. Simply put, God's grace bridges all chasms. The result? Authentic Christians genuinely loving each other. John 13:35 (NKJV): 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." 3. The Reminder of the New Man
Before Paul begins to instruct the Colossians (indeed all believers) what to put on, he first gives a reminder: as authentic Christians, we are, "the elect of God, holy and beloved" The doctrine of God's sovereign grace in predestination and election is not just ivory tower theology. Instead, such beautiful, God-glorifying and Christ-exalting truths dramatically impact one's daily life, mindset, actions and walk with our Lord. In other words, the proper knowledge we just studied in verse 10 produces spiritual fruit. Authentic believers are so because of God's sovereign election! Authentic believers have been made holy through His sovereign predestination to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ! Authentic believers are beloved by God because of His sovereign love! Therefore.. Put On- The Greek means "to put on clothes." Same as in verse 10. MacArthur- "A righteous identity must issue in righteous behavior. Such behavior is the outward manifestation of the inward transformation, and it is the only sure proof that such transformation has taken place." Hendriksen- "Since you have in principle taken Christ into your hearts, therefore actually be in practice" Tender Mercies- An emotional, caring, tender, merciful and heartfelt compassion for others. Of all people, authentic believers must not be indifferent to the suffering of others, but instead should be genuinely concerned to meet people's true needs (i.e., not wants). Kindness- Closely related to tender mercies. It is a readiness to do good, even when it may be undeserved (that's the tough part). It is a grace that pervades the whole person. The opposite is harshness. Humility- A genuine posture of lowliness and servanthood. It is the genuine mindset that results from a proper and complete comprehension of the authentic Gospel of Jesus Christ (viz., God's sovereign grace (as we just noted)). This is a chief virtue of the authentic Christian. Without it, one's salvation is in serious doubt.
Meekness- Closely related to humility. It is not weakness or spinelessness, but a willingness to suffer injury instead of afflicting it; strength under control; gentleness with a steel-like strength. Longsuffering- A patience which does not get angry with others; even in the face of insult/injury. Opposite is resentment or revenge. Hughes- "Means much more than just enduring difficulties or passive resignation to the circumstances. It is based on a lively, outgoing faith in God." 4. The Role Model of the New Man
What happens when we put on these garments? It promotes our capacity to bear with each other. Not just in the church, but also in our homes with our families. Bearing- To endure, to hold out in spite of persecution, threats, injury, indifference, or complaints and not retaliate. Such mutual forbearance naturally results in mutual forgiveness (i.e., a gracious spirit). True forgiveness is only possible through Jesus Christ! Why? First, because He is our perfect role model because of His example on the cross where His suffering was, and is, simply unrivaled!
Question- And what was the response of Jesus the Christ?
The second reason? Because of Christ's forgiveness to us personally. As we see in the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18, if a thrice holy God of wrath can forgive us of our infinite offense against Him; surely we can forgive each other as the sinners we are! All said, the church as a whole is to be a gracious, mutually forgiving fellowship. Teacher: Darin Lawson |