Tag Servants

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.

Who are we? We are just CHRISTIANS.

The Preacher 3 Comments

WE ARE JUST CHRISTIANS

“Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” (Acts 26:28,29).

We’re often asked to show our ID’s. From getting on a plane, to buying things on credit, or to the police officer that pulled me over looking for my autograph.

We use identification to gain access to banking accounts, safety deposit boxes, and the like.

When we speak about locating the Lord’s church, we look for its identifying marks. What does it teach about salvation, assembling together for worship, morality, and eschatology.

The Christian has an identity also. It’s interesting to note that our identity is in relationship to our God and to fellow Christians.

Let us explore our multifaceted identity as outlined in God’s Word.

When viewed in relation to God we are His children. “And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” (2Cor 6:18)

When viewed in relation of hope we are heirs. “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Rom. 8:17)

When viewed in relation to each other we are brethren. “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” (Rom. 12:1)

When viewed in relation to character we are saints. “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Rom. 1:7)

If viewed as fighters we are soldiers. “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2Tim. 2:3)

When viewed in relation to our abode upon earth we are pilgrims. “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” (1Pet. 2:11.)

When viewed as the Image of Christ we are persecuted. “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (1Pet 4:13; cf. Matt 10:24,25; 2Tim 3:12).

When viewed as learners of Christ we are disciples (adherents). “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19 ASV).

When viewed in relation to Christ we have a name; we are called Christians. “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26b).

When viewed as workers for the Lord we are servants of Christ. “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:13).

Agape,

Spencer

We are striving to be undenominational and non-sectarian. We plead for a restoration of New Testament Christianity. It is our sincere conviction that one cannot be right in the sight of God by ignoring and disregarding the teaching of God’s word. Let us strive to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Col. 3:17).