Tag holiness

Bearing Fruit unto Holiness

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“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” (John 15:8)

The Apostle Paul writes about bearing fruit, comparing our former lives to our new life having been baptized into Christ.

“For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:20-23).

In this passage he had reminded the saints in Rome they had died to sin when they were baptized into the death of Christ. “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (vss 2-4).

What does all of this mean for us today? Prior to obeying the gospel the fruit of our shameful lives was leading to death (eternal separation from God Isaiah 59:2). Do you remember Romans chapter one? “Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them” (Rom 1:32). Read that whole chapter and see those shameful things worthy of death. Recall what Paul wrote to the church at Corinth; “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1Corinthians 6:9-11).

Here’s the comfort: Those who have been baptized into Christ’s death, for the forgiveness of sins, have put on Christ, and have the circumcision of the heart by the working of God, have been set free from sin, and are now on that narrow path that leads to eternal life as servants of God!* We have been washed, we are sanctified, we are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Agape
Spencer

*Romans 6:3-4; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:11-12; Matthew 7:13-14.

Duties of SAINTS

The Preacher 2 Comments


The letter to the Colossians, penned by the Apostle Paul, serves as a profound guide for Christian living. In Colossians 3:1-4:6, Paul outlines the duties of saints, offering a roadmap for believers to follow. These duties can be encapsulated in six main directives: Seek things above, Abolish sin, Implement virtues, Act in the Name of the Lord, Treat your family well, and Serve with steadfastness.

Seek Things Above
(Colossians 3:1-4)
Paul begins by urging believers to set their minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This heavenly focus requires a shift from earthly desires to a pursuit of spiritual growth and eternal truths. As Christians, our lives are hidden with Christ in God, and our ultimate hope is in His return and our future glory with Him. This perspective not only shapes our priorities but also transforms our daily actions, aligning them with God’s eternal purposes.

Abolish Sin (Colossians 3:5-9)
The next step is to mortify, or put to death, sinful behaviors. Paul specifically mentions immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed. These vices are part of the old self, which believers are to shed. Additionally, anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk must be eradicated from our lives. By abolishing these sins, we break free from their destructive power and align ourselves with God’s holiness (cf 1Pet 1:16).

Implement Virtues
(Colossians 3:10-14)
Having discarded the old self, Paul instructs us to put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. This new self is characterized by virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Forgiveness and love are paramount, with love binding all these virtues together in perfect harmony. These qualities reflect the character of Christ and foster a spirit of unity and peace within the church.

Act in the Name of the Lord
(Colossians 3:15-17)
In every action, whether in word or deed, believers are to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. This command underscores the importance of living a life that seeks the authority of Christ in all circumstances. The peace of Christ should rule in our hearts, and the word of Christ should dwell richly among us, teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom. Our lives become a model of God’s grace and truth when we consistently act in His name.

Treat Your Family Well
(Colossians 3:18-21)
Paul then addresses family relationships, emphasizing the importance of treating each other well. Wives are called to submit to their husbands as is fitting in the Lord, and husbands are instructed to love their wives and not be harsh with them. Children are to obey their parents in everything, as this pleases the Lord, while fathers are cautioned not to provoke their children, lest they become discouraged. These instructions promote faithfulness to God and love within the home, reflecting God’s design to lead them to heaven.

Serve with Steadfastness
(Colossians 3:22-4:6)
Finally, Paul speaks to servants and masters, urging them to serve and lead with integrity and devotion. Servants are to obey their earthly masters with sincerity of heart, as if serving the Lord, while masters are to treat their servants justly and fairly, knowing they too have a Master in heaven. This principle extends to all areas of life, encouraging believers to serve wholeheartedly, remain steadfast in prayer, and conduct themselves wisely towards outsiders, making the most of every opportunity.

Conclusion
The duties outlined in Colossians 3:1-4:6 provide a comprehensive framework for Christian living. By seeking things above, abolishing sin, implementing virtues, acting in the name of the Lord, treating our families well, and serving with steadfastness, we fulfill our calling as saints. These principles guide us to live lives that are pleasing to God, edifying to the church, and impactful to the world around us. May we, as followers of Christ, diligently pursue these duties, growing in faith and reflecting the glory of our Savior in all we do.