Who Can Live with God?

This is a sermon based on Psalm 15 in which the author begins by asking the question, "Who may abide in thy tabernacle and who may dwell in thy holy hill?" The message speaks about the qualities that are necessary in the life of the individual who wishes to live in the presence of God. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was preached may be viewed by clicking here. 

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

Throughout the years that I have been in ministry, I have observed that people often express an interest in knowing the answer to the question, “What must I do to go to heaven?” You remember that there was a “certain ruler” who posed such a question to Jesus, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk. 18:18)

Out of all those who ask that question, there is a significant number of people who are really asking, “What is the MINIMUM I must do to get into heaven?” In other words, it seems like what many people actually mean is this, “I want to keep living the way I please, but I sure would like to make sure I make it to heaven instead of losing my soul in hell.” I fear that those who come to the Lord with this kind of thinking and motive may not find the answer they desire. Yes, God does want us to desire to go to heaven and be with him for eternity. But I believe our Scripture lesson today shows us that there are other equally important desires that He wants us to possess and exhibit.

The question as posed a few moments ago, asks, “What must I DO?” Perhaps the more important question is this, “Who must I BE?”

The question that King David asked in the first verse of Psalms 15 was this, “Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle? Who may dwell in Your holy hill?”

After we briefly consider the opening question, we will explore the qualities that are present in the life of this person who desires to “live with God.” 

I.          The Question Everyone Should Ask (v. 1)

“tabernacle” – lit. tent; some commentaries us the word “sanctuary.”

It originally was the structure that Moses made according to the design and plans given by God. It was created to be a place where God’s holy presence would be manifested and where Moses, and subsequent high priests, could commune with God and receive instructions from God, as well as make atonement for the people.

2 Samuel 6 describes the events when David brought the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem and had it placed in a tent structure that he had made for it. The original tabernacle and its furnishings were not brought to Jerusalem until later during the reign of Solomon. (Joyce Baldwin, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries)

“holy hill” – This was another way to refer to Mount Zion (Jerusalem) where the Ark of the Covenant was placed after David became king. Mount Zion was one of the hills upon which Jerusalem was built, and later became a name for the whole city.

“abide/dwell” – Commentaries tell us that both of these terms denote a temporary residence, since no one actually lived in the sanctuary. Therefore, these words really stress the idea of having communion with God. (TOTC; Expositor’s Bible Commentary)

(Willem A. Vangemeren, Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised) As the pilgrims approached Jerusalem—the city of God, where his “sanctuary” was located on the “holy hill”—they had to examine themselves before entering the courts of God’s sanctuary.

King David is asking the question that each and every person should ask. What kind of person should I be if I want to live / commune with God? Maybe we could phrase it like this: “What needs to be the defining characteristics of my life in order for me to fit in the presence of God?”

I keep remembering the words of Dr. John Oswalt in his book, Called to Be Holy. He emphasized the fact that the 10 commandments were not given to Israel as a means for them to earn God’s salvation. God had already saved them, delivered them from Egypt, and accepted them as His people by His infinite grace. When God spelled out the 10 commandments, He was describing the commands or principles one must follow in order to live in the presence of a holy God. And, that seems to be the force of this question that the Psalmist is asking.

II.        The Qualities Everyone Should Seek (vv. 2-5a)

The response to the question in verse 1 is found in verses 2-5.

The qualities that are given appear in both positive and negative forms. (i.e., some attitudes/actions they do, and others they avoid) The qualities are also distinguishable between character and conduct.

Compare Psalm 24:3-4 (NKJV) Who may ascend into the hill of the LORD? Or who may stand in His holy place? ⁴  He who has clean hands [conduct] and a pure heart [character]….

A. Holy Character (v. 2a, b)

“walks uprightly” – a moral way of life; blameless; “lives marked by ethical rightness.” (Vangemeren & Baldwin)

The work “walk” refers to the way someone lives. It seems to be talking about conduct, however this term is referring to the motivating principle for living, rather than specific actions, such as those listed in the following verses.

“works righteousness” – A quality that probably should be taken as a companion/parallel thought with “walks uprightly.”

According to Joyce Baldwin (TOTC), the word for righteousness means “they do the right thing and act morally.”

(Vangemeren) Righteousness is a dynamic term describing God or humans in relationship with people. The righteous do what is right; they live in accordance with God’s expectations (see 4:1).

Again, this word seems to be describing the underlying principle of this person’s life even though conduct is implied. The specific ways that uprightness and righteousness are displayed in the conduct or lifestyle of this person are spelled out in the remainder of verse 2 through the first part of verse 5. It is possible to do a lot of the right actions, but not for the right reasons. “Walking uprightly” and “working righteousness” address the inner motives of the heart as well as the conduct.

B. Holy Conduct (vv. 2c-5a)

“speaks truth” – (Vangemeren) … fidelity between the heart and the speech… integrity.

Opposite quality described in Psalm 12:2 (NKJV) They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

“does not backbite with tongue” – lit. slander. One of the root meanings is “spy out.” i.e., Looking for things to gossip about to hurt another’s reputation.

“does no evil to neighbor” – the word for “evil” has many variant meanings including harm, affliction, distress, grief, wickedness, etc., etc. “Neighbor” – lit. means close friend. (Jesus broadens the definition of “neighbor” in the NT parable of the “Good Samaritan.”)

“does not reproach” – forms an idiom — “casts a slur.” The wise neither initiate nor rejoice in the reproach of their associates. (Expositor's Bible Commentary, Revised)

v. 4 seems a little harsh to our ears perhaps. “… in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honors those who fear the Lord.”

(EBC) The vile (i.e., rejected or scorned) person is a reprobate known for his evil deeds…. The designation refers not to the occasional offender who needs restoration (cf. Gal 6:1) but to those determined in their way.

So this righteous person who seeks to dwell in the house of God is one who honors the godly, rather than the wicked, and is able to distinguish between the two. It is alarming to see the number of professing Christians who are willing to give honor and praise to those who are waging war against the moral values of God’s eternal Word.

Is trustworthy to a fault (v. 5a). When the righteous gives his word, he can be trusted to keep his word, even if it ends up costing him dearly.

This is one area I need to pay closer attention to. It’s so easy to say yes to a request, but then find out later I can’t do it. My reason may be legitimate, but it damages the reliability of my word anyway. I need to be more careful to not make promises or even imply a promise before knowing for sure I can fulfill it.

Usury – high interest. Prohibited in the Law for an Israelite to charge high interest on a fellow Israelite who has need of help.

In other words, he doesn’t cheat borrowers or take advantage of their adverse circumstances. (This is common sense and natural response for anyone who has the uprightness and righteous character we mentioned at the beginning.)

Doesn’t sellout (justice). It was common at times, but strictly forbidden by God to accept a bribe in the administration of justice, either as a judge or as a witness. It has often been said, “Everyone has his price.” But not the man or woman who desires to live with God.

Even though there are a total of ten characteristics or qualities listed in this Psalm, they obviously are not intended to reflect the entire Decalogue (Ten Commandments), because nothing is mentioned about murder, adultery, etc. However, several of these state in a general way what the commandments say in a specific way.

In all of these qualities described in these verses, we can sum them up as both Jesus and Paul do in the NT. All the law and the prophets can be summed up in these two: Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.

Note: Something else I have repeatedly stated and reminded us of… These qualities of godly or righteous conduct and character cannot be possessed and performed in and of our own strength or effort. It requires the cleansing and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

III.       The Promise Everyone Should Hear (v. 5b)

Psalm 15:5 (NKJV) … He who does these things shall never be moved.

Psalm 1:3 (NKJV) He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.

Conclusion:

Heaven wouldn’t be heaven without Jesus. So, am I ready to live in His presence? 

We have been talking about the kind of character and the kind of conduct that a person has who is able to live with God; to dwell in His sanctuary and live on His holy hill. In summary, that person who can live with God is one who is essentially like God in his heart motives and life conduct. It is the person that is growing more and more like Jesus each day.

The song I chose for our closing song today is hopefully the testimony of each one here today.

I Want to Be Like Jesus

He Did It All for Me

Using the classic "suffering servant" text from Isaiah 53:4-6, this sermon was delivered for a worship service in which the sacrament of communion was shared. The message emphasizes the theme that Christ sacrificed Himself for each of us, even though we live over two thousand years after His crucifixion. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was given can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

You no doubt have seen the title of my message already. Many of you will recognize it as the title of a popular song recorded by the Oak Ridge Boys and perhaps other groups.

Here are the lyrics to that song:

Once a man whom we know as the Son of God 

Hung upon a cruel tree

He suffered pain as no mortal man

He took my place He did it all for me

When I step inside of those gates of pearl 

And the Master's face I see

I'll gladly kneel at His nail-scarred feet

Oh praise the Lord He did it all for me

He did it all for me

Each drop of blood was shed for even me

When the Savior cried bowed His head and died

Oh praise the Lord He did all for me

Oh praise the Lord He did it all for me

This is the song that came to my mind as I began thinking about the message I felt led to bring today.

I recently read excerpts from a sermon by A.W. Tozer titled, “Who Put Jesus on the Cross?” I will be sharing a few quotes from his sermon as we go through the message today. Because we are sharing the sacrament of communion today, I want to speak to you today about the fact that His suffering and death were all for you and all for me.

As we look at this familiar text in Isaiah, there are at least two lessons we should learn from the passage.

I.          We must assume ownership for our sins.

(The Tozer Pulpit, vol. 6, Gerald Smith, editor) – “Let us not eloquently blame Judas nor Pilate… Let us not curse the Jews for delivering Jesus to be crucified… Oh, they were guilty, certainly! But they were our accomplices in crime.”

⁵  But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. ⁶  All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

“transgressions” – a rebellion or revolt; (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament) The fundamental idea of the root is a breach of relationships, civil or religious, between two parties… This masculine noun represents those who reject God’s authority.

“iniquities” – a perversion, or guilt; (TWOT)The basic meaning of the verb, "to bend, twist, distort," can be seen in its concrete, nontheological uses… "infraction, crooked behavior, perversion, iniquity, etc."…. it denotes both the deed and its consequences, the misdeed and its punishment.

“peace” – the condition of reconciliation that was the goal of the suffering.

Look at the pronouns used here in verses 5 & 6.

OUR transgressions; OUR iniquities; OUR peace… The LORD laid on Him the iniquities of US all. Yes, there were/are others who must assume ownership for their participation, but we all know that no one has ever found pardon and comfort by placing the blame on others.

Wherever we read in the Bible that Jesus died for the sins of the world, it is always imperative that we personalize it and remember that it was our “transgressions” and our “iniquities” that were the cause of His suffering and death. When we partake of the emblems of communion, it should be a vivid reminder of our sins and cause us to take ownership of our guilt, which made it necessary for Him to die.

II.        We must assume responsibility for His suffering.

Not only must we take ownership for our sins (i.e., transgressions and iniquities), but we must assume responsibility for His suffering. There are plenty of biblical references that describe the suffering of Christ as He paid the price of redemption, but we want to specifically look at the words used by the prophet here.

Isaiah 53:4-6 (NKJV) ⁴ … we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. ⁵ But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. ⁶ … the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

“stricken” – from root meaning to touch; to strike, inflict a blow (possibly fatal)

“smitten” – to hit, strike or beat;

“afflicted” – from root meaning looking down or browbeating; to depress (literally or figuratively); humiliate?

“wounded” – pierced, thus fatally wounded or slain.

“bruised” – crushed or broken; (TWOT) God did crush his servant… This emphasizes the emotional and spiritual suffering of the Savior as he became sin for us….

“chastisement” – reproof, correction, discipline

“stripes” – Tozer – “The meaning… in the original language is not a pleasant description. It means to be actually hurt and injured until the entire body is black and blue as one great bruise.”

“laid on him” – to lay a burden

All of these descriptive words stress the kind of suffering the Lord endured for us.

(Lyrics of song: The Hammer, by Ray Boltz - chorus)

And I cried, "Who nailed Him there?
This Child of peace and mercy
Who nailed Him there?
Come and face me like a man
Who nailed Him there?"

And the crowd began to mock me
I cried, "Oh my God, I do not understand"
Then I turned and saw the hammer
In my hand.

(Song writer/singer speaking)

I nailed Him there
The child of peace and mercy
I nailed Him there
I am the guilty man

I nailed Him there
With my sins and my transgressions
I cried, "Oh my God, now I understand
When I turned and saw the hammer in my hand"

Tozer – The suffering of Jesus Christ was not punitive (punishment)… not for anything He Himself had done… The suffering of Jesus was corrective… that it might begin in suffering and end in healing.

As we come to the communion table, we do so realizing that we must assume responsibility for Jesus’ suffering and His death. The awareness of this responsibility is included in repentance. Repentance is the act of turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is the reversal of direction. But the Bible says that “godly sorrow produces repentance” (2 Cor. 7:10).

That “sorrow” as Tozer says, is “remorse for the share we had in the revolt that wounded Jesus Christ, our Lord.” The godly sorrow is the result of owning up to our responsibility for His pain, His suffering and His death. That is why we can say the deeper the repentance is, the greater the commitment and loyalty will be. The greater our grasp of our role in the Lord’s suffering is, the more reluctant we will be to turn aside and go back to unbelief and sin.

Tozer – Many years ago, an historic group of Presbyterians were awed by the wonder and the mystery of Christ's having come in the flesh to give Himself as an offering for every man’s sin.

Those humble Christians said to one another: “Let us walk softly and search our hearts and wait on God and seek His face throughout the next three months. Then we will come to the communion table with our hearts prepared – lest the table of our Lord should become a common and careless thing.

Conclusion:

At the beginning of the message I quoted the lyrics of the song: “He Did It All for Me.” “Each drop of blood was shed for even me. When the Savior cried, bowed His head and died, oh praise the Lord, He did it all for me!”

Let us sing a hymn before we share the emblems of communion.

Song: A Wonderful Fountain  

Home for Supper

This is a sermon based on Rev. 19:7-9 that focuses on the subject of the "marriage supper of the Lamb." In this message Pastor Les provides Scriptures to support these three observations: 1) The bridegroom/Lamb is Christ. 2) The bride is the church. and 3) It is a great celebration. A video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was given can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

I suppose if I would ask, almost all of you could quote verbatim many of the phrases that you have heard from your parents or your spouses. There is a phrase that I heard many times from my mother as I was growing up, and I’ve heard that same phrase from my wife. It goes like this, “Make sure you’re home for supper!” Or, if it was in the form of a question, “Will you be home for supper?”

Well, I find myself not using the word, “supper” much anymore. We always referred to our meals as breakfast, dinner and supper. However, the more appropriate designation now days seems to be, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Since it is still in style to say “breakfast,” I still know when to show up if I am invited somewhere for breakfast. The same is true if I am invited to supper, but if I’m invited for dinner, I’ll need more information in order to know if I am supposed to show up at mid-day or early evening!

I have learned through various sources that it is not very common these days for families to sit down together for a supper meal. Many years ago, when my wife was still teaching Spanish in a Christian high school in Ohio, she asked her students how many of them eat any meals together regularly and there were only a few students who raised their hands. Eating supper together is an excellent time for families to bond, learn about each other’s day and engage in some good old-fashioned communication. I, for one, would advocate bringing back sit-down suppers for families everywhere. I must say it is tragic that so many families these days are so busy running in all directions that they rarely find time to sit down and eat a meal together.

The message I felt God prompting me to bring for today is also about a supper. The supper about which I am speaking today is infinitely more important than all the suppers that have ever been prepared or eaten. I am speaking about the supper that is described in the Bible as “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” As we consider the reference in Revelation regarding the marriage supper of the Lamb, there are three observations I wish to point out.

1.         The bridegroom is Christ.

Mark 2:18-19 (NKJV) The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, "Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?" ¹⁹ And Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.

John 3:29 (NKJV) He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.

Throughout the New Testament, the Lamb is portrayed in two main roles.

The Lamb is the perfect sacrifice to take away the sins of the world.

John 1:29 (KJV) The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1 Peter 1:19 (KJV) But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

The Lamb is also the mighty warrior who destroys all the forces of evil in the world.

Revelation 17:14 (KJV) These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

The Lamb is Jesus Christ, the Son of God and He is the bridegroom for this marriage that is described here.

2.         The bride is the Church.

2 Corinthians 11:2 (NKJV)  For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

Revelation 21:2 (KJV) And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:9-10 (NKJV) Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, "Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." ¹⁰ And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

Some commentators propose that these verses are symbolic and portraying the church as a city. Others believe that the city (place and description) is to be understood literally. I would say this, if it is literal, then it is only referred to as “the bride” because it is where the bride (the church) dwells. Most, if not all, of the other references to “wife” or “bride” in Scripture show it to be a people (the church), not a city.

The bride / church is a holy people.

(Vic Reasoner, A Fundamental Wesleyan Commentary on Revelation) She was given clean white robes and she maintains her purity through faith in the blood (1 John 1:7; 3:2-3).

1 John 1:7 (NKJV) But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

Revelation 7:14 (NKJV) And I said to him, "Sir, you know." So he said to me, "These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.

(Reasoner) Notice that clean white linen garments were given her to wear, yet she must make herself ready (vv 7-8). In Ephesians 5:26 Christ cleansed his wife…

Ephesians 5:25-26 (NKJV) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, ²⁶ that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

…in 2 Corinthians 7:1 the Church is exhorted to cleanse herself.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV) Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

Rev. 19:8b … for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

(Reasoner) [Adam] Clarke explained that the fine linen is not the righteousness of Christ imputed to believers, but “that which the grace and Spirit of Christ has [produced] in them.”

The bride of the Lamb is the church, which is made up of all those who have been made righteous through the righteousness of Christ that has been credited to them and imparted to them. If you and I want to be “home for supper,” we need to make sure that we have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and are walking in the light of His holy Word. We must be trusting completely in the sacrifice He made and faithfully striving to obey His Word in daily conduct.

3.         The supper is a great celebration.

(Reasoner) There were two major events in a Jewish marriage. The betrothal and the wedding were normally separated by twelve months. The two individuals were considered husband and wife, and were obligated to faithfulness, at the time of the [betrothal] (Gen 29:21; Deut 22:23-24). The betrothal was a covenant agreement which was considered binding and was only broken by divorce. Notice that in v 7 the bride is already called the “wife,” even before the marriage ceremony and supper…. In the same way, the Church is [as the] the betrothed wife of Christ (2 Cor. 11:2), but the wedding does not take place until [Rev.] 21:9.

It would be more accurate to say that the betrothal is on earth and the marriage in heaven. In betrothal both parties “plight” their “troth.” “Plight” means “pledge” and “troth” is related to the word “truth.” Thus, they enter into a covenant agreement, promising to be true to their word and keep faith.

There are several passages in the Gospels in which Jesus portrays the kingdom of God as a feast. One example is:

Matthew 8:11 (NKJV) And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.

“sit down” – lit. recline; implies reclining at the table, which was the customary way to eat meals.

In this Matthew text, Jesus declares that there will be Gentiles and peoples from all points of the compass who will come and feast with the patriarchs, but the unbelieving Jews will be kept / cast out.

(R.T. France, Tyndale NT Commentary) The imagery is that of the Messianic banquet (cf. 26:29; Luke 14:15; 22:30), a prominent theme in Jewish eschatological expectation…

Rev. 19:7 “let us rejoice and be glad…”

Rev. 19:9 …'Blessed [happy] are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'

The references to joy, gladness and blessedness all imply a time of great celebration. Sorrow and pain are absent, rejoicing and celebration are the characteristics of this feast.

Conclusion:

(Jewish Domestic Customs and Life in Interpreting the Gospels) After all the preparations for the marriage had been made and the betrothal period was completed, there was a marriage parade which followed. Often this seems to have taken place at night, at which time the bride was brought to the bridegroom's house. Heaton, for example, notes:

The actual wedding ceremony consisted of the bridegroom's bringing the bride to his own home. Specially dressed for the occasion, he sets off in the procession with his friends to meet the bride at her father's house.... The wedding procession [including many friends of the bride and bridegroom carrying lamps/torches] returned to the bridegroom's house (with what hilarity and singing we are left to imagine) and then [after the marriage was consummated] there began a [massive] feast which lasted anything up to a week, or even [two weeks] (Judges 14:12).

Matthew 25 is picturing such a wedding parade. It is at night and it seems that certain unmarried friends of the bridegroom wait to join this parade. These details make interesting the background which Christ was referring to in this parable of the ten virgins. … Christ seems to liken the friends to those who will be prepared to enter the kingdom (the marriage feast) when He returns.

Matthew 25:13 (NKJV) Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

I don’t know about you, but I anticipate being present at this wedding feast! I want to stay alert and keep my torch/lamp burning brightly. I am trusting in the shed blood of the Lamb and the righteousness that His sacrifice provides. Most of all, I am anxious to see the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world. What a day that will be! What a celebration!

Closing Song: What a Day That Will Be

Now, In Closing

 This is the seventh sermon in a series of messages through the New Testament book of Colossians. This message is based on Col. 4:2-18 and it speaks about the Apostle Paul's final instructions and final greetings to the believers in the church at Colossae. A video recording of the worship service in which this message was given can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

As most of you know, I have been preaching a series of messages through the book of Colossians. This will be the final message in the series as we look at the fourth chapter. Maybe we could think of this chapter as the Apostle Paul wrapping up a sermon and giving his closing remarks. Because of the content of this chapter, I decided to title this message, “Now, In Closing.”

I remember when I was a child sitting in church, I was always anxious to hear the preacher say, “In closing…” or “In conclusion…” I also remember that what followed was usually much longer than I hoped!

A long time ago I heard someone ask, “Do you know what it means when a preacher takes off his watch and lays it on the pulpit?” Answer: “It means absolutely nothing!” Well, I have never had the practice of laying my watch on the pulpit. I know there have been a couple of times in this series that I went a little “overtime,” but we didn’t charge extra for it! So, I’ll do my best to finish up on time or even a little earlier today! (There’s no money-back guarantee about that though!!) 

I’ve heard of preachers who said they weren’t bothered by people looking at their watches when the sermon was a little long, but it was a little embarrassing if anyone took their watch off and shook it to make sure it was still running!

The passage we are studying today includes a few more instructions for the Christian believers followed by some general information and greetings. As we look at verses 2-18, we notice that it contains some final instructions for the readers, as well as some final greetings.

I.          Final Instructions (4:2-6, 16-17)

As we have been noticing throughout the letter, it is quite simple to identify his “instructions” because he uses imperative verbs to indicate things he wants them to do. The same holds true in this chapter as well.

There are 6 commands in this chapter. (v. 2, “continue earnestly;” v. 4, “walk;” v. 15, “greet;” v. 16, “see” [KJV “cause”]; v. 17, “say;” v. 18, “remember.”)

Here are the final instructions:

A. Pray (vv. 2-4)

1. Pray continuously (present tense verb). This is a general command regarding the absolute value and importance of prayer.

2. Pray prudently. Watch (present tense) [KJV], be vigilant [NKJV]. That is, be alert to the situations and conditions that are prevalent, so you know how to pray and what to pray.

3. Pray gratefully. “With thanksgiving.” We have studied many different passages of Scripture in the past that emphasize the need to express our gratitude to God.

Prayers cannot be restricted to our wants and wishes that we hope God will do for us. Gratitude is important. Gratitude and giving of thanks are ways to express our faith about the character of God – good, kind, generous, etc. Gratitude is also a way to express our faith about what God is going to do.

4. Pray purposefully. (vv. 3-4) Paul requests their specific prayers for him and those with him (“us”) to gain opportunities to spread the gospel (“mysteries of Christ”) more and more, even in his dire situation.

He doesn’t ask them to pray for his release, i.e., personal benefit, but for the advancement of the Kingdom. (John Knight, Beacon Bible Expositions) He also requests they specifically pray that God will give them the ability to “manifest” or reveal/ bring to light the mystery so any hearers will be able to understand and accept the message.

B. Practice (vv. 5-6)

Paul urges the believers at Colossae to pray, but he also urges them to practice their faith in everyday life.

1. Live consistently. (v. 5)

v. 5 “walk” – a figure of speech that means to live your life.

He urges the recipients to walk “wisely” toward those who are not already believers. We have often been reminded in the Bible regarding the need for our conduct to be in harmony with our message. People are watching how we conduct our lives and the attitudes we portray.

(Tyndale NT Commentary) To walk in wisdom includes living the kind of life that reflects and reveals the mystery of Christ that Paul desired to reveal as indicated in verse 4.

Walking “wisely” also includes taking / seizing the opportunities that we have. “Redeem (buy up) the time.”

2. Speak carefully. (v. 6)

To speak carefully means to speak with grace.

To speak carefully means to speak with “seasoning.” Seasoned with salt implies speech that has a positive effect like salt does.

Would be similar to the point Jesus made in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, “You are the salt of the earth.”

(A.T. Robertson, Paul and the Intellectuals) Speech that is pleasing, winsome, sparkling, even brilliant… containing antiseptic powers of pure salt and not be contaminated by a vile environment.

C. Promote (vv. 15-17)

1. Promote brotherhood.

v. 15 “Greet” – imperative verb.

Paul is admonishing them to give brotherly, Christian greetings to the believers in Laodicea and one person in particular there in whose home the church was gathering. It seems as though his point is to promote the bond of brotherhood between himself, the Christians in Colossae and the Christians in Laodicea. A reminder that we’re not in this spiritual journey / spiritual battle alone but we have faithful brothers and sisters who think of us and pray for us as we do for them.

It is imperative for Christians to make every effort to “greet,” encourage, support other believers. We get all caught up in our own struggles and burdens, we often forget to reach out to others who are struggling. (Not just in our local fellowship of believers, but even those far away.)

2. Promote truth.

v. 16 “see…” (KJV – “cause”) that this letter is read to the church in Laodicea, and make sure you read the letter from there.

Most commentaries indicate that he probably expected the recipients to make a copy of the letter and share it with the other church. This is also a command (imperative), so he is emphasizing the importance of passing the Word of truth to all those who need to hear/read it.

3. Promote encouragement.

v. 17 “say…” Make sure you tell Archippus to pay attention to the ministry to which he was called so he can fulfill his calling.

“pay attention” – (KJV, “take heed”), lit. see, look at.

Some writers (e.g., Tyndale NT Comm.) think that Archippus may have been assigned to a particular type of ministry within the church of Colossae. We’re not told any additional details about Archippus. It seems like he might have been slack or even discontinued his ministry. Perhaps it was through discouraging circumstances. That is all speculation, but in any case, Paul wanted them to encourage this brother to keep his focus on it and complete the task God entrusted to him.

II.        Final Greetings (4:7-14, 18)

These next several verses provide some personal greetings and information that involve people who were currently with the apostle.

A. The News Bearers (vv. 7-9)

Tychicus – a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and a fellow servant in the Lord

“will tell you all the news about me” – KJV, “my state.” He would provide more specific details about what all had happened and was happening to the Apostle Paul.

v. 8 Tychicus will also seek to find out all he can about the church at Colossae in order to take news back to Paul. And he will seek to “comfort your hearts.”

Onesimus – He was originally from this city. He was the slave of a believer by the name of Philemon. In the book of Philemon, we learn that he had apparently stolen from Philemon and had run away.

Don’t know circumstances of his conversion, but Paul’s letter to Philemon urges him to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave, but as a brother in the Lord. He clearly indicates that Onesimus has come to know Christ and is currently walking in the truth and the faith. Here, Paul refers to Onesimus as “one of you,” and a “faithful, beloved brother.” Apparently had already proven by his life and assistance to Paul that there had been a change in his life.

Both of these men were to take news to the Colossians about Paul’s circumstances.

B. The Concerned Believers (vv. 10-14)

There are six men that Paul mentions in this section.

Aristarchus – “fellow prisoner”

Mark – KJV, nephew to Barnabas; commentators agree that the word here was not used to indicate nephew until years later in other literature. During this era, the word always meant cousin. In any case, he had deserted Paul and Barnabas in earlier missionary journey, but now, his life has gotten back on track and he has proven his usefulness to Paul. (2 Tim. – near his death, Paul is asking for Mark to come.) He his now urging the Colossians to receive him and welcome him. – A lesson in forgiveness and reconciliation.

Jesus/Justus – Nothing is said specifically about him, except that he, along with the two previous names, were all Jewish believers.

Epaphras – Col. 4:12 ^(NKJV) Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

Luke – a well-loved physician. Accompanied Paul on missionary journeys. Wrote the books of Luke and Acts.

Demas – Nothing is said about Demas. In 2 Timothy, Paul states that Demas has forsaken him, having “loved this present world.”

All of these people send greetings and offer their concerns about the progress and status of the Colossian Christians.

C. Personal Touch (v. 18)

It was typical for letters like this to be dictated to a “secretary” or representative, but this closing statement written by him personally. Remember my imprisonment. i.e., pray for me and keep encouraged yourselves.

Grace to you. May God provide all you need!

Conclusion:

As we apply the author’s final instructions and greetings to our own lives, it is fitting to ask God, “Make Me a Blessing!”

Song: Make Me a Blessing

Dead or Alive - Part Two

This is the sixth sermon in a series of messages through the New Testament book of Colossians. This message is based on Col. 3:12-4:1 and continues discussing the attitudes and conduct that the believers were urged to follow after they have put aside the negative attitudes and behaviors mentioned in the earlier portion of chapter three. The author provides a number of general admonitions, as well as specific admonitions for various people and the life roles they fulfill. A video recording of the worship service in which this message was delivered can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

As most of you know, we have been studying through the book of Colossians in the New Testament. This is a letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christian believers in the city of Colossae while he was a prisoner in Rome. The church was not started by Paul, but was probably started by one of Paul’s converts, Epaphras. Epaphras had brought word to Paul in Rome about the status of the Colossian church, which prompted Paul to write the letter.

Last week we covered verses 1-11 in chapter three as we learned how believers should apply the truth that they have died and risen with Christ. Because of the fact they have died and risen with Christ, their lives should reflect some noticeable changes.

I. The Rationale for the Transformed Life (3:1-4)

II. Negative Characteristics to Abandon (3:5-11)

They were commanded to “put to death” certain sins Paul named and to “put off” like old clothing certain attitudes that were related to the life before faith.

A. Put to Death Some Characteristics (5-7)

Fornication, Uncleanness, Passion,    Evil Desire, Covetousness

B. Put off Other Characteristics (8-11)

Anger, Wrath, Malice, Blasphemy, Filthy Language, Lying

III. Positive Characteristics to Embrace (3:12-4:1)

The next noticeable change Paul describes for them includes the “putting on” of new attitudes and behaviors, just as if they have put on new clothing. We didn’t have time to talk about these last week, so that is where we will begin today with verse 12. Often in the NT, Paul and other writers not only identified the wrong or bad qualities they urged believers to remove from their lives, but they also stressed the good / holy attitudes and behaviors that they must add into their lives.

Again today, just like last week, we will notice that Paul urges his readers to add these positive characteristics by issuing numerous imperative verbs (i.e., commands). (In these 15 verses there are 13 commands / imperatives.)

A. Positive qualities come from their spiritual inheritance. (3:12a)

Colossians 3:12a (NKJV) Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved…

Paul indicates there is an underlying reason why their character and behavior needs to change… it is because they are now the “chosen people of God.” They are the “new Israel” so they must reflect the character of God, just like the Israelites were supposed to do in the Old Covenant.

I have mentioned before: Dr. John Oswalt points out regarding the Exodus and the giving of the covenant the fact that Israel was chosen and saved/delivered by God’s grace alone. The law was not about how they could earn God’s salvation, but it was all about how they could live in relationship and covenant with a holy God. They were to take on the very nature of God himself. The same can be said regarding NT Christians. There is no character trait or conduct that can merit God’s salvation. However, now that we have been saved and have become God’s “chosen people” we are expected to reflect His character. In order to do that, we must “put on” Christ-like qualities.

B. Positive qualities include virtues of the heart & life. (3:12b-16)

Colossians 3:12b (NKJV) … put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

“tender mercies” – (KJV, bowels of mercy), ref. to the “seat of emotions” and refers to compassion, pity, etc. An attribute of God – several places in the Bible God is described as a God of compassion.

“kindness” – (Thayer) from a root word that implied “usefulness;” moral goodness and integrity.

“humility” – (Thayer) having a humble opinion of oneself; modesty.

“meekness” – (Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament) Its primary meaning is mild, gentle. It was applied to inanimate things, as light, wind, sound, sickness. It was used of a horse; gentle…. The Christian word, on the contrary, describes an inward quality, and that as related primarily to God. … The Christian meekness is based on humility, which is not a natural quality but an outgrowth of a renewed nature. … outgrowths of a spiritual relation to God.

“longsuffering” – (Thayer) While [patience] is the temper which does not easily succumb under suffering, [longsuffering] is the self-restraint which does not hastily retaliate a wrong.

These qualities will enable them to “bear continually” with one another and to “forgive continually” one another, mainly because they will remember that Christ has forgiven them. (present tense verbs)

Colossians 3:13 (NKJV) bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Additional positive qualities mentioned in this section include:

Colossians 3:14 (NKJV) But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

“Put on” is in italics in some translations, meaning that the verb does not actually appear in the original text, but it is supplied from the previous use (12b). This trait (love) is the main principle for compassionate actions toward others. It is the “crown jewel” of everything else. It is action, not emotion.

Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

“let peace rule” – imperative; (Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament) Lit., be umpire. Only here in the New Testament…. The previous references to occasions for meekness, long-suffering, forbearance, forgiveness, etc., indicate a conflict of passions and motives in the heart. Christ is the one who adjusts all these, so that the metaphorical sense [i.e., umpire] is appropriate….

Colossians 3:16 (NKJV) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

“let Word of Christ dwell richly” – imperative; Open up your heart to allow Christ's word take up permanent residency. In other words, do not seek the least amount of His Word to “squeak by,” but immerse, get all you can, gain all the benefit possible.

“in all wisdom” – Probably goes with “teaching and admonishing.”

Cf. Colossians 1:28 (NKJV) Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.

When the words and message of Christ lives in us abundantly, they will find expression in passing the message of truth to others (teaching and admonishing) and through worship with the singing of psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.

C. Positive qualities include rules for relationships. (3:18-25; 4:1)

Wives, husbands, children, fathers, servants, & masters.

(C.S. Lewis, Essay “The Sermon and the Lunch”) If the home is to be a means of grace it must be a place of rules ... the alternative to rule is not freedom but the unconstitutional (and often unconscious) tyranny of the most selfish member.’ (quoted by N.T. Wright in Tyndale New Testament Commentaries)

(N.T. Wright, Tyndale NT Commentaries) – … balancing carefully the duties and responsibilities of the various family members so that the stronger parties have duties as well as rights, and those who are in a position of submission are treated as responsible human beings, with rights as well as duties…. Neither party is to be arrogant or domineering… The ‘submission’ here is not that of the slave, or the doormat. The equality of women and men before the Lord, of which Paul wrote in Galatians 3:28, has not been retracted: but neither does it mean identity of role or function.

What about status of women and slaves? Does Paul condone…? I have read repeatedly how the status of women and slaves was elevated everywhere the Christian faith flourished. Paul (and the Lord) addressed people with practical principles for the culture in which they lived. But there are enough mandates found in the Bible so that serious Christians sought to eliminate slavery and abuse of women wherever they lived.

D. Positive qualities include gratitude and purpose. (3:15b, 17, 23-25)

Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

1. We should be grateful for what Christ has done for us and is doing in us.

If pausing to meditate on what Christ went through to save us and to refine us doesn’t inspire gratitude in our hearts, then there is something drastically wrong! But, he has done more than something FOR us. He is doing much more WITH us or in us. There is a saying that has been around a long time that hopefully most of us could apply to our own lives: “I’m not what I want / hope to be, but thank God, I’m not what I used to be!”

(That is not intended to be a “cop-out” or excuse to stop striving to be closer to the Lord.)

2. Our purpose for every attitude and action should be to glorify Christ.

v. 17 “… do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”

(N.T. Wright, Tyndale NT Commentaries) – Acting ‘in someone’s name’ means both representing him and being empowered to do so. Paul’s exhortation is therefore a salutary [useful] check on behaviour (‘can I really do this, if I am representing the Lord Jesus?’) and an encouragement to persevere with difficult tasks undertaken for him, knowing that necessary strength will be provided.

vv. 23-25 should probably be understood in direct connection with the admonition to the slaves/servants. However, it is a valid principle that all people in all walks of life should use for daily life.

“Do whatever you do as if you’re doing it for the Lord. So, do it heartily.” Don’t focus on the immediate reward, because the Lord will give out rewards in His time. His day of judgment (rewards and punishment) will be done in absolute truth and justice, without favoritism or partiality.

Conclusion:

We have been talking about living a transformed life. Last Sunday we emphasized the traits that the Apostle commanded his readers to remove from their attitudes and conduct. This week we have emphasized the traits that we need to add and develop in our attitudes and conduct. The bottom line is: we need to continually change to reflect more and more the image of Christ and bring glory to Him.

Whatever our position or status in life, we should seek to model the attitudes and actions that glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.

Closing Song: Living for Jesus

Dead or Alive

This is the fifth sermon in a series of messages through the New Testament book of Colossians. This message covered verses 1-11 of chapter three. In these verses the Apostle speaks about the kind of transformation that takes place in a person who has spiritually died with Christ and has been raised with Christ. The video recording of the worship service in which this sermon was preached can be viewed by clicking here.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

I felt that I should continue with our series of messages through the book of Colossians today, even though it is Mother’s Day. So, I want to begin by asking if you remember seeing some of the old “Wanted” posters typically used on old western shows where the wording at the bottom of the poster practically screams out, “Wanted: Dead or Alive!”? I actually think that phrase could be the connotation of a verse in Revelation chapter 3 in regard to the church in Laodicea.

Revelation 3:15-16 (NKJV) I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

The Apostle Paul writes to the Christians at Colossae and in chapter two he asks,

Colossians 2:20 (NKJV) … if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations—

Why are you feeling it necessary to be in bondage to the rules of the legalistic Jews or the body-denying Gnostics?

Now, in chapter three, Paul proposes new objectives based on the fact of being alive (raised) with Christ.

Colossians 3:1 ^(NKJV) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Those who died with Christ and have been raised with Christ are also described as “hidden with Christ.”

Colossians 3:3 (NKJV) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Whether we speak of being dead with Christ or risen & alive with Christ, the result should be a transformed life in this world. It is not a life controlled and regulated by the rules of men, but a life that is controlled by the Holy Spirit.

As we look into this passage today, we will first of all consider the rationale for a transformed life, then we will define the characteristics that need to be removed from our lives because we are hidden in Christ.

I.          The Rationale for the Transformed Life (3:1-4)

A. We are raised with Christ. (vv. 1-2)

A “raised” life implies a life of supernatural power, and a new focus of mind and desire (seek things above). If we have been raised, then it should change the direction we look for fulfillment and direction.

B. We are dead and hidden with Christ. (v. 3)

To be dead/hidden with Christ implies a life that is not its own, but it is lived in the life of another – Jesus Christ. He is the one that shines out, not me. If I am “hidden” in Christ, then other people should be able to look at my life and see Him.

C. We are going to reign with Christ. (v.4)

We are saved and redeemed to be fitted and prepared to reign with Christ in glory. Some have described this life as the “dressing room” for eternity. We are currently getting transformed, prepared and equipped for greater things!

As we continue in chapter three, the Apostle describes several characteristics of a person that is “dead or alive” in Christ. All of these characteristics are either described negatively as something we need to remove from our lives or described positively as something that needs to be added to our lives. They are easily identified by the imperative verbs that are used. Remember, an imperative verb is the same thing as a command.

II.        Negative Characteristics to Abandon (3:5-11)

There are two different metaphors that the Apostle uses in these verses as he describes the characteristics we are to remove from our lives.

A. Put to death … (vv. 5-7)

Colossians 3:5-7 (NKJV) Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ⁶ Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, ⁷ in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

The first metaphor relates to the subject of warfare or conflict as he commands us to “put to death” (i.e., kill, slay, mortify) certain traits.

“members on earth” – body limbs. (Vincent, Word Studies in the NT) The physical members, so far as they are employed in the service of sin. … The organs of the earthly and sensuous life.

Romans 6:13 (NKJV) And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

earthly “members” exhibiting in:

Fornication – a word that represents all illicit sexual relationships including those prior to marriage as well as those that are extra-marital, such as adultery.

Greek word is the same word the English word “pornography” comes from.

Uncleanness – a word that refers to physical, religious, or moral impurity. (religious – in connection to “cultic” or sacrifices in the OT.) In this context it probably refers to the “contamination of character affected by immoral behavior.” (Tyndale Commentary)

Passion – (KJV, “inordinate affection”); πάθος; an affection of the mind, a passionate desire.

evil desire – (KJV, evil concupiscence) evil = what is contrary to law, either divine or human… concupiscence = craving, longing, or desire. (Thayer Greek-English Lexicon)

Covetousness, which is idolatry – greedy desire to have more (Thayer), which is nothing short of “idol worship,” i.e., seeking satisfaction in the grasping of material possessions rather than in God.

vv. 6, 7 – because of all these ungodly traits, God’s wrath / anger is coming on all those who are disobedient, which formerly included these Christian believers.

“you once walked” – it used to be a characteristic of their lives, but not anymore.

B. Put off … (vv. 8-11)

The second metaphor relates to the wearing of clothing as he commands us to “put off” certain traits.

Colossians 3:8-9 (NKJV) But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

(N.T. Wright, Tyndale NT Commentaries) The list in verse 8 is another ugly one: anger, the continuous state of smoldering or seething hatred; rage, when this state breaks out in actual angry deeds or words; malice, a word which in the Greek can simply mean ‘evil’, but which here probably has the overtone of ‘evil intended to cause hurt’; slander, speech which puts malice into practical effect (the Greek is blasphēmia, speech which dishonours God himself—in this instance, by reviling a human being made in his image); and filthy language, words which, either by their foul association or their abusive intent, contaminate both speaker and hearers.

Lying – The person who has “died with Christ” and is “raised with Christ cannot be a person characterized by something that is completely contrary to the nature of Christ. God is a God of truth.

All of these traits represent the “old man” or the former life without God. They are to be removed like taking off an old garment.

Colossians 3:10-11 (NKJV) and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, ¹¹ where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

v. 10 And they are to be replaced by putting on new clothing (described later).

“have put on” – aorist middle participle.

“is renewed” – present passive participle.

According to the verb tenses Paul uses, the “putting on” is a decisive personal action, but the “renewing” is an ongoing process being done by God.

v. 11 – The commands and transformed lifestyle apply to all people regardless of ethnicity or status.

(N.T. Wright, Tyndale NT Commentaries) These intermingled distinctions of race, ancestral religion, class and caste provide the best soil for that mutual suspicion and distrust which turn into the vices listed in verse 8…. These distinctions, Paul declares with a breath-taking challenge, have become irrelevant in Christ.

III.       Positive Characteristics to Embrace (3:12 - 4:1)

The positive characteristics for the believer to embrace are described in the remaining verses of chapter three, as well as the first verse in chapter four.

Some of these positive commands pertain to personal attitudes and character traits, while other commands pertain to inter-personal relationships.

We do not have the time to examine this section today, so we will return to this next Sunday for a message we’ll brilliantly call: Dead or Alive (Part Two)!

Conclusion:

We have talked about a number of attitudes and actions that we are clearly informed have no part in the life of a believer who has died with Christ and been raised with Christ. This passage and many others in Scripture teach us that having a personal relationship with Christ will make a distinct difference in the way we live.

When we look at this sordid list of traits which do not belong in the life of a Christian, it ought to inspire a constant prayer in our hearts for God to make us whiter than snow in our attitudes and our character. After all, we cannot be the kind of person we ought to be without the cleansing and empowering of the Holy Spirit. Let’s sing such a prayer,

Closing Song: Whiter than Snow