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Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Whatsoever we do, in word or deed? That looks like the apostle is calling for total and absolute commitment to the Lord Jesus, and in fact he is. Looking back to check the context of Paul’s writing we see in Colossians 2:12 that we were quickened or made alive with Christ when we rose from the waters of baptism. He states in Colossians 3:1-2 that if we are risen with Christ, we are to set our affections on things above, not on the things of this earth. In other words, "It’s all about Him and His kingdom and not about us." We are dead to this world (vs. 3). Our old man has been crucified with Christ where our body of sin has been destroyed. Our life is now hid with Christ in God. We gladly forsake the evils of the world, and the lust of our flesh that constantly seeks for the elevation of self (vs. 4) . The payback for doing this is that we have an eternal reward in glory. We will see Jesus and we will be like Jesus. We will abide and fellowship with Him forever ( I John 3:2). Looking at verses 5-11, we are reminded to not only kill and put off the works of the flesh but to put on that new man which is formed in the image of Christ. In Christ there is no big or small nor are we separated by race, nationality or gender. Christ is all, and in all. He’s just as much in you as He is in me, so we had best not be setting each other at naught. He died for us all. Because of this (vss. 12-15) I am to exercise and display the fruit of the Spirit, by freely forgiving those who offend me just as Christ forgave me for my offenses against Him. I am to put on charity and let the peace of God rule in my heart. Verse 16 is very rich: We are to walk in the word of God to the point that it becomes an integral part of our very being. Every thought, action and reaction, should be filtered through the word of God. Which brings us back to our text: Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. When we were born into the kingdom we took on the family name, the name of Jesus (Ephesians 1:10, 21; I John 3:23, 5:13). It is that name that we confessed upon our repentance and baptism (John 1:12; 20,31). We were filled with God’s Spirit that was sent in His name (John 14:26). So what’s in a name? Everything! (Ephesians 1:15-23). We remember Jesus was given a name above every name because He humbled Himself and became obedient, even to the point of going to the cross (Philippians 2:5-8). God demands no less from us. If we suffer with Him we’ll reign with Him, If we deny Him, He’ll deny us (II Timothy 2:12). The name of Jesus is integrally connected with the cross and the resurrection. We remember when the apostles were commanded to no longer teach in the name of Jesus. Their response was to continue teaching the resurrection of Jesus Christ with great power (Acts 4:33). Every moment of our life we are to follow the pattern of the Lord Jesus. We remember that He prayed, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). Once again, it’s not about me, it’s not about you, it’s all about Him. It’s not about advancing earthy political kingdoms, it’s all about advancing the kingdom of God. Nor it is about advancing our personal kingdoms and agendas, it is about advancing His. We don’t use His name to enrich ourselves with the wealth of this world, we are seeking to be wealthy in the Spirit. Our gold and silver is all going to burn (II Peter 3:12). We remember the parable of the sower where the deceitfulness of riches caused many to be unfruitful (Mark 4:19). The things of the Spirit are eternal. We have confidence in our God who promised to clothe and feed us, just as He does for the lilies and birds of the field. We remember His admonition to seek His kingdom first, knowing that our food clothing and shelter will be supplied (Matthew 6:33). We remember that we commanded not to be covetous, if we have food and raiment we are to be content, because Jesus is ever present with us (I Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5). Philippians 2:9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. We have put on His great name, and we do our best, by God’s help to magnify His name by our every word or deed. All for the glory of God. Simply put: If we follow the pattern of Jesus, we magnify His name and bring glory to God, by our every word and deed. If we follow our own agenda, we do just the opposite and God is not pleased. I choose to do the former, and I’m sure that you do also. Song: My God, My King and My Redeemer "Character in a saint means the disposition of Jesus Christ persistently manifested." - Oswald Chambers Thoughts on the Life of Christ, Thoughts on Faith - Hebrews 11, Thoughts on the I AMs of Jesus, Thoughts on the Lord's Prayer, Thoughts on the book of Romans, Thoughts on the book of Ephesians, Thought on the book of Philippians, Thoughts on the book of Colossians, Thoughts on the book of James, Thoughts on the book of 1st Peter, Thoughts on the book of 2nd Peter
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