WEEK 2 TUESDAY | KAREN LAWSON-SMITH
Colossians 3:1-17
Today we begin another short series, this time considering FAQs about things that can make standing firm hard. And in light of yesterday’s encouragement to do the work that lasts, we’ll stop each day and ask, “Why is what the Bible says about today’s topic good news for our friends who don’t yet know Jesus?” We hope this helps you as you seek to keep standing firm and give yourself fully to the work that lasts!
The last few months of COVID have raised lots of questions for people. I haven’t been able to do lots of the things I love, and so I’ve often felt a little bit lost and directionless. One of the questions that I’ve been particularly wrestling with is, “how does my life have direction and purpose? Is what I’m doing worthwhile and valuable? Am I valuable and worthwhile?”
Colossians 3:1-17 is a great comfort in answering these questions as it fleshes out the ‘why’ of our lives, by answering the ‘who’ question... and that all starts with the resurrection!
Read Colossians 3:1-17
Draw a picture or a mind map of all the ways that the believer is described in this passage (hint: look particularly at verses 1-3, 10, 12 & 15). Where are they, who are they, what are they wearing?
Paul (who wrote this part of the Bible, as well as 1 Corinthians) has just spent the last two chapters reminding his readers about how great and awesome Jesus is. He then says that if we trust Jesus, we too (!) are raised with him (v1). Therefore, we are to seek the things that are above. Because that’s where we are, with Jesus! So who are we? Raised with Christ! What we are seeking? Things above! That's what our lives are about: Jesus, and the stuff that's His. Even when life is hard, the goal is to become more like Jesus!
When I was (trying!) to learn to ride a bike, someone wisely told me that wherever you look, that’s where the bike will go. If you can’t take your eyes off the tree because you’re afraid of crashing into it, you probably will! Instead, look at the gap next to the tree and the bike will follow where you’re looking. It’s similar here. Focus on eternity and Jesus who takes you there, and your life will go in that direction. God is kind. In fact, our life is already there! It’s hidden with Jesus, so seek what is above at your already-decided destination (v1-2).
How do we “seek the things above”? Paul gives us two actions: we put things off (v5-9), and we put things on (v12-17).
We put off wrong desires/longings (v5) and wrong speech (v7, 9). Paul’s language is very strong: he says we are to put these things to death! How might we do this? Let’s think about ‘desires’ — for example, lust (something some people think only guys struggle with – it’s not). Putting lust to death means not obsessing about someone you’re attracted to or doing whatever you can to capture their attention. It means being careful about what you watch. Is it causing you to desire someone who isn’t your husband? “Putting to death” means drastic action. Is there some drastic action you need to take so you can seek what’s above? It might be worth talking to an older Christian about this – maybe your mum, youth leader, or another wise woman at church.
We put on lots of things in verses 12-17, but there’s one I want you to notice in particular.
Highlight how many times ‘thankfulness’ (or gratitude) occurs in these verses.
Our lives are to be shaped by thankfulness as we seek the things above, because we are reminded of what God has done for us! And so we stand firm, with our eyes fixed on Jesus and things that are above, knowing our lives now have eternal purpose.
REFLECT
What ways of speaking/thinking/behaving might you need to get rid of? Confess them to God and ask for His help to kill them.
How might you express your thankfulness to God? Think of some ideas and try to put one into practice by the end of the day.
Why is what the Bible says about purpose good news for your friends who don’t yet know Jesus?
PRAY
Heavenly Father, thank You that I am raised with Christ and hidden with Him. Thank You for giving my life purpose in Jesus. Please help me to make decisions that help me to put off sin and put on my new nature. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Meet the Writer:
KAREN LAWSON-SMITH
We asked our writers:
1. What year did you put your trust in Jesus and add your name to the list of resurrection witnesses?
2. Tell us something you're looking forward to in eternity?
3. What's one way you’re involved in the work of the Lord, i.e. eternal work (1 Cor 15:58)
“I became a resurrection witness when I was in year 5 in 1999 but it was in year 10 when I realised just how amazing it was to be forgiven! I look forward to no more tears and instead singing God’s praises all day long! One way I’m involved in the work of the Lord is through leading youth group in my church.”
