Nov 11, 2018
For Paul, faith in Christ was to have practical application. In other words, it was to reveal itself in actions and attitudes. The believer’s position as a representative of Christ required a lifestyle that reflected the character of Christ. And the fact that each and every believer has the Spirit of God residing within them, means that they have a ready power source available that makes Christ-likeness not only possible, but non-negotiable. In Colossians 3:18-25, Paul provides his audience with some tips on practical piety. This is where-the-rubber-meets-the-road kind of stuff. Christianity was intended to be life-transformative. Not based on human effort alone, but because of the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God. Paul demands lives that model mutual submission, selfless love, radical forgiveness, and a no-holds-barred pursuit of holiness. We have been called to live starkly different lives that act as lights in the spiritual darkness of this world. Lives of practical piety that bring glory to God, not us.