OUR FATHER WHOSE SON JESUS SITS ENTHRONED AT HIS RIGHT HAND

Continuing with the explanation of what Christ has gained for us, the Apostle Paul, in Colossians chapter 3 verse 1 - 11, encourages believers to mentally inhabit the realm above to which we were raised when we were born again. The apostle names the types or attitudes and behaviours that keep us glued to the earth and divert us from the things above where we are hidden in Christ and from where we shall appear with Him in glory.

1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

5 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.

8 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, 10 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.

Paul lists the things identified with the works of the old man that we are no longer part of:

• Fornication (Sexual immorality)
• Uncleaness (Impurity)
• Passion (Lust)
• Evil desires
• Covetousness (Greed) which is idolatry

As well, Paul separately lists dispositional stances to be avoided  that are part of what the old man exhibits:

• Anger
• Wrath (Rage)
• Malice
• Blasphemy (Slander)
• Filthy language
• Lies

Amen.

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