Matters of the Heart Series
COLOSSIANS 3: 12-17
“A HEART FULL OF GRACE”
In our text the Bible describes what God expects of the believer in response to what He has done for us by His Amazing Grace. Because God has made us righteous in Christ, He expects us to live righteously or with right behavior. Such behavior is the outward manifestation of the inward transformation, and the only sure proof that such inner transformation has taken place.
The emphasis of this section is on inner motives of the heart. Why should we put off the old deeds and put on the qualities of the new life in Christ? There are motives explained that ought to encourage us to walk in newness of life. For if we receive the grace needed to walk in newness of life or heart, Christ will transform our heart. Three evidences of walking in the new life of Christ are: a Virtuous Heart, a Peaceful Heart, a Grateful Heart.
[Let me give you eight things to be thankful for: Be grateful...
* for automatic dishwashers. They make it possible to get out of the kitchen before the family comes in for their after-dinner snacks.
* for husbands who attack small repair jobs around the house. They usually make them big enough to call in professionals.
* for the bathtub -- the one place the family allows Mom some time to herself.
* for children who put away their things and clean up after themselves. They’re such a joy you hate to see them go home to their own parents.
* for gardening. It’s a relief to deal with dirt outside the house for a change.
* for teenagers. They give parents an opportunity to learn a second language.
*for smoke alarms. They let you know when the turkey’s done.-- Gene Perrett]
This morning, I want us to continue our look at Matters of the Heart. The verses that we are going to examine this morning talk about what it means to have a heart filled with grace [a thankful heart]. They tell us where a heart filled with grace [a thankful heart] comes from, what it can accomplish in us personally, and what it can accomplish for the kingdom of God. As we deal with these verses, ask yourself, “Self, am I controlled by a a heart filled with grace [a thankful heart]?” [If so, have I told anybody about my thankfullness lately?”] By the time that we get done today, I hope that your motivation for having a heart filled with grace [or a thankful heart] will have been increased to the point that you will [make it the predominant pattern in your life] have a virtuous, peaceful & grateful heart.
I. A VIRTUOUS HEART, 12-14.
II. A PEACEFUL HEART, 15.
III. A THANKFUL/GRATEFUL HEART, 16-17.
In verses 8-9 Paul listed six vices (anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, and lying). Now in contrast to the fallen way of the old man, Christians are to display the virtues of the new man, the born again man. Verse 12 announces what God grace desires to do in your heart. “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;”
Those of us who have come to Christ are chosen by God (ἐκλετός). [Ephesians 1:4 states that “ ” Revelation 13:8 & 17:8 teach us that believers’ names have been written in the Book of Life from before the foundation of the world.] Christians as the chosen of God (2 Tim. 1:9) have the responsibility to live a godly life. God has a plan for each who response to the initiative of His grace. God’s choice did not depend on anything that we have done (Deut. 7:7-8). If God were to save man on the basis of merit, works or heritage, we would all be lost, no one would be saved. Salvation is by unmerited grace through placing your faith in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior.
Those chosen of God (Rom. 8:33; Titus 1:1) are holy and beloved in God’s eyes. Hagios (holy) means “set apart,” or “separate,” (“separated to God” Col. 1:2). God chose believers out of the mainstream of mankind and drew them to Himself. We now are different from the world. Just as the marriage ceremony sets apart a man and woman for each other exclusively, so salvation sets the believer apart exclusively for Jesus Christ. It would be a horrible thing if at the end of a wedding the groom ran off with the maid of honor. It is just as horrible if the Christian runs from God to love the world and the flesh. When believers fail to act differently than the world, they violate the very purpose of their calling.
Believers are beloved of God which means they are special recipients of His agape love. God’s love involves Him doing what is eternally best for us though not necessarily what we desire or what is easiest. It is a commitment to remain true to us, in all the circumstances of our life. As we begin to return God’s love we will grow in our obedience to Him and mature (come closer) in our walk with Him. Though God loves each of us just as we are, His love motivates us to respond to Him by becoming who He would have us be and doing what He would have us do.
The Bible calls beloved believers to take decisive action. We are to put on [imperative] or clothe ourselves (endysasthe from enduo) in the virtues of God’s loving grace. Because we have “put on (endysamenoi) the new self” (v. 10), we should live according to the traits (attributes) and attitudes of the born again person.
Jesus promised His disciples they would be clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49). All the following virtues are planted and grow in the new heart, or in the inner man. Compassion (splanchna oiktirmou) is the first character trait that is to mark the new man. Believers must not be indifferent to suffering, but should be concerned about people’s needs. We are to live in another’s skin, feel what he is going through.
[Compassion was certainly characteristic of Jesus (Lk. 1:78). He was so moved with compassion for people that He wept for them (Luke 19:41). He was so concerned about the poor that He fed them. He was so concerned about the sick that He healed them. Based on Christ’s example, Christians should be the greatest helpers of the poor, hurt, blind, sick, and needy.]
Kindness is closely related to compassion. It is meeting the needs of people on whom we have compassion. It is benevolence in action (2 Cor. 6:6). The Greek term refers to the grace that seeks to touch the whole person, taking the edge off their harsh reality. [Jesus used the word when he said, “My yoke is easy” (Mt. 11:30), not harsh or hard to bear. The kind person is as concerned about his neighbor’s good as he is about his own. God is kind, even to ungrateful and evil people (Luke 6:35). In fact, it was His kindness that led us to repentance (Rom. 2:4; Titus 3:4). Jesus’ kindness was expressed in His invitation to “take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you shall find rest-for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My load is light” (Mt. 11:29–30).] Kindness was exemplified by the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37), who bound the wounds of an enemy, took him to an inn, and spent a good amount of money so that the man could be cared for properly. It is an example we should follow. [Colossians, MacArthur New Testament Commentary. Chicago: Moody, 1986.]
Humility (tapeinophrosune) enables kindness for it allows us to accept people as they are. Humility had a negative connotation in NT times and still does to the prideful and domination pursuing age of ours. [H. H. Esser, “tapeinos,” in Colin Brown, ed., The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1977, 2:259]. Humility comes from experiencing the greatness of God and realizing that we become who we need to be only by His grace. Christ and Christianity elevated humility to a virtue. It is the antidote for the self-love that poisons relationships. Jesus Christ is the great example of humility (Phil. 2:1ff; Mt. 11:29), and it is to be a common and cherished Christian virtue (Eph. 4:2; Phil. 2:3ff.; 1 Pet. 5:5).
Gentleness (prautes) is the opposite of rough and ungracious and is closely related to humility. It is not weakness, but rather the willingness to suffer injury instead of inflicting it. Meekness is strength under control. “The word was used to describe a soothing wind, a healing medicine, and a colt that had been broken. In each instance, there is power: a wind can become a storm; too much medicine can kill; a horse can break loose. But meekness is power under control.” [Wiersbe, Bible Exposition Com. Victor Books. Wheaton, IL. 138 ] We become meek when we place ourselves and our situations under God’s will. When we do so we do not need to control others.
Roy Stedman said: “It is real strength, but it does not have to display itself or show off how strong it is.” The gentle person knows he is a sinner among sinners and is willing to suffer the abuse other sinners may impose on him.
Patience or forebearance translates makrothumia which means self-restraint, a steady response in the face of provocation (Col. 1:11). The patient person does not get angry at others. It is the spirit which doesn’t let mankind’s foolishness and unteachability drive it to cynicism or despair; nor let their insults and ill treatment drive one to bitterness or wrath. [William Barclay, The Letters to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Louisville: Westminster, 1975. p. 158]. Patience is the opposite of resentment and revenge. [It was a characteristic of Jesus Christ. Paul wrote to Timothy, “For this reason I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life” (1 Tim. 1:16).] Were it not for God’s patience with us, no one would ever be saved (2 Pet. 3:15).
The virtues of a heart filled with grace continue in verse 13. “bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Bearing with one another means “to endure, to hold out in spite of persecution, threats, injury, indifference, or complaints and not retaliating.” It characterized Paul, who told the Corinthians, “when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure” (1 Cor. 4:12). It did not characterize the Corinthians, who were actually taking each other to court. Paul exclaims, “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?” (1 Cor. 6:7). Believers are to exhibit forbearance (Eph. 4:2). [Such were the Thessalonians, of whom Paul wrote, “We ourselves speak proudly of you among the churches of God for your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure [anexomai, the same term used here in 3:13]” (2 Thess. 1:4).]
Believers are to be marked not only by endurance, but also by forgiving each other. The Greek charizomenoi literally means “to be gracious” and the text uses a reflexive pronoun, so it literally reads, “forgiving yourselves.” The church as a whole is to be a gracious, mutually forgiving fellowship.
The thought on forgiveness includes the phrase just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Christ is the model of forgiveness (Eph. 4:32). Because He has forgiven us, so also must we forgive others (Mt. 18:21–35).
The phrase whoever has a complaint against anyone refers to times when someone is at fault because of sin, error, or debt. Grudges have no place in a Christian’s life for they may lead to the sins previously mentioned (Colossians 3:8-9). The Lord Jesus is our pattern for forgiveness, because He forgave all our sins, errors, and debts. He is also the model for the rest of the virtues discussed in this section.
Verse 14 indicates the most important of all Christian virtues. “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
Over all these virtues Christians are to put on love. These virtues must flow from love, which in turn is a fruit of the Spirit-filled life (Gal. 5:22). Love is what lashes all these virtues together and bonds them together in our heart. Nothing is acceptable to God if not motivated by love (1 Cor. 13:1–3), including knowledge (Phil. 1:9), faith (Gal. 5:6), and obedience (John 14:15). As Paul wrote elsewhere, “The greatest of these is love” (1 Cor. 13:13). In this catalog of virtues love is the binding and cover, because it is of supreme importance. It is the perfect bond, holding them all together in perfect unity. Love is the beauty of the believer, dispelling the ugly sins of the flesh that destroy unity.
Paul concludes this look at the qualities that should mark the lifestyle of the new man by giving three priorities for our heart. The new man is concerned with the peace of Christ, the word of Christ, and the name of Christ.
II. A PEACEFUL HEART, 15.
Verse 15 teaches us that a heart full of grace is a heart where Christ’s peace is in control. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Believers are also to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts because they are called to peace as members of one body. The closer believers are to Christ (and His likeness), the closer they are to each other. In interpersonal relationships “peace” (God-given tranquility and well-being) should rule (brabeuetō, “arbitrate, decide every debate, umpire”; used only here in the NT, kata-brabeuetō, “decide against,” 2:18). Christ’s followers who have put on the virtues listed (3:12-14), are not concerned about disputing everything or controlling every thing, but with following Christ. They are concerned with letting His peace rule in their hearts and in their church.
What rules your heart? What determines what you do & how you will act in life/in the church? What rules the heart of FBC Bluegrass? What things were ruling in the hearts of those in the church at Colosse?
Prior to Paul’s letter there wasn’t much of the peace of Christ going around. Why was that? Well, they were listening more to man that to God. Obeying man doesn’t bring real peace, peace with God.
This peace is called the peace of Christ because it is the peace only He can bring. Believers were called to live in peace in one body. Individuals who have peace with Christ and in their own hearts will live in unity and harmony with each other.
Christians are to be thankful people (Phil. 4:6; Col. 1:12; 3:16-17; 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:18).
To maintain a peaceful heart one has to be thankful. An attitude of gratitude contributes to an enjoyment of spiritual tranquility, whereas grumbling makes for inner and outer agitation.
Thankfulness is a constant theme in Colossians (1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:15, 16, 17; 4:2). Gratitude comes naturally to believers in response to all God has done (Eph. 5:20; Phil. 4:6; 1 Thess. 5:18; Heb. 13:15), whereas ingratitude marks unbelievers (Rom. 1:21). A spirit of humble gratitude toward God will inevitably affect our relations with others. Peace and gratitude are closely linked.
III. A THANKFUL HEART, 16-17.
Verse 16 teaches us that a heart full of grace is a heart where Christ’s word is overflowing. “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
The new life Christians must “put on” is one in which the Word of Christ dwells richly. Christ’s words were recorded by Spirit-guided apostles (John 14:26; 16:13; 20:31). The words of the Bible, God’s written Word, are to dwell in believers. Dwell [is from enoikeo and] means “to live in,” or “to be at home.” Paul calls upon believers to let the Word take up residence and be at home in their lives. That is, by study, meditation, and application of the Word, it becomes a permanent abiding part of one’s life. Love, peace, and thankfulness, as well as unity, and all the required virtues, flow from a heart and mind filled with and controlled by Scripture.
God’s word is supposed to dwell in me. From time to time, I have had persons come to my house and spend some time there. They have stayed overnight or even for a few nights. Some of my family has come; some of Lori’s family has come. Friends of my children have stayed in my home. All of these persons were guests. There is a difference between a guest and someone who dwells in a home. A guest is not a permanent resident. A dweller is. A guest comes and goes according to what is convenient for him and for his host. A dweller remains regardless of the circumstances.
Richly (plousios) could also be translated “abundantly or extravagantly rich.” The truths of Scripture should permeate every aspect of the believer’s life and govern every thought, word, and deed. The Word dwells in us when we hear it (Mt. 13:9), handle it (2 Tim. 2:15), hide it (Ps. 119:11), and hold it fast (Phil. 2:16). To do those things, the Christian must read, study, and live the Word.
To let the word of Christ richly dwell is to be accomplished by being filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). The Word in the heart and mind is the handle by which the Spirit turns the will. It is clear that these two concepts are identical because the passages that follow each are so similar.
Paul then mentions two specific results of the Word of Christ dwelling in the believer, one positive and the other negative: with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another. Teaching is the impartation of positive truth about what we are supposed to believe and know. Admonishing is the negative side of teaching. It means to warn people about the wrong beliefs they hold and the consequences of their behavior as a result of these wrong beliefs. They are the result of a life overflowing with the Word of Christ.
Both of those are my responsibility as a pastor. But Paul wasn’t writing to a pastor here. He was writing to the church as a whole. Each of us have a responsibility to teach other persons including our children, fellow Christians, and others with whom we are in contact. We have a responsibility to warn them. That’s not always easy. But it is necessary. If you are in a BURNING BUILDING, I have the responsibility to do everything I can to warn you to get out. And you will probably be glad that I warned you. But why is it that I don’t also see the responsibility that I have to prevent you from being burned by sin? And if I do warn you, why is it that you take offense?
The way that you know what to teach and the way that you recognize when to warn is by filling yourself full of Christ’s word. That’s what gives you the wisdom to see the smoke, recognize the difference between the smoke of a fireplace and the smoke of a fire, and then the wisdom to go and bang on the door of someone’s heart until they open up to you and get out of the danger that they’re in.
Through this Spirit-filled kind of life (Eph. 5:18-19), Christians can teach (instruct) and admonish (“counsel”) one another; if it is done with all wisdom (sophia; 1:9; 2:3; 4:5) and not tactlessly (Gal. 6:1).
Having the Word of Christ richly dwell in us produces not only wise knowledge and healthy relationships, but also praise. It generates psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, and singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Psalms were taken from the Old Testament psalter, the book of Psalms. They sang psalms put to music, much as we do today. Hymns were expressions of praise to God. It is thought that some portions of the New Testament (Such as Col. 1:15–20 and Phil. 2:6–11) were originally hymns sung in the early church. Spiritual songs emphasized testimony (Rev. 5:9–10). They express in song what God has done for us [Colossians, MacArthur New Testament Commentary. Chicago: Moody, 1986.] like today’s choruses.
Verse 17 teaches us that a heart full of grace is a heart where Christ’s name is lifted up. “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Whatever we do (v. 23), in the church or in the world—for there is no sacred-secular split in God’s eyes for He is Sovereign over all. The simplest, most basic rule of thumb for living the Christian life is to do everything, in the name of the Lord Jesus. Whether in word or deed (by lip or life) all should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, i.e., for His glory. That is “in harmony with His revealed will, in subjection to His authority, in dependence on His power” [Hendriksen, W.; The NT Com. Phil. Phile. Col. Baker.].
To do everything in the name of Jesus is to act consistently with who He is and what He wants. Paul expressed the same thought in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Not only is whatever we do to be done for His glory, we are to live with a thankful spirit (Phil. 4:6; 1 Thess. 5:18). All we do is to be done without reluctance or despair or legalistic duty, but with giving thanks through Him to God the Father.
Three times in three verses Paul mentioned thankfulness: “be thankful” (Col. 3:15) “sing . . . with gratitude” (v. 16), and give thanks to God the Father (v. 17). [Walvoord, John; Zuck, Roy; Bible Knowledge Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985, S. 682]
Are you a grateful person?
Thankfulness seems to be a lost art today. Warren Wiersbe illustrated this problem in his commentary on Colossians. He told about a ministerial student in Evanston, Illinois, who was part of a life-saving squad. In 1860, a Ship went aground on the shore of Lake Michigan near Evanston. Edward Spencer waded again and again into the frigid waters to rescue 17 passengers. In the process, his health was permanently damaged. Some years later at his funeral, it was noted that not one of the people he rescued ever thanked him.
Let’s take time often to recall how God has rescued us from eternal death and has given us eternal life through His Son. Let’s make certain that we never allow thanking the our Father to become a lost art. -DCE
CONCLUSION / Time of Response
This story is told of a wagon train on THE OREGON TRAIL. Water and grass had been scarce for several days. Some of the wagons were broken down, with consequent delays amid the stifling heat. A general feeling of irritability had replaced the early optimism and cheer. So it was decided that, at the next night’s stop, a meeting would be held to air their troubles. When the immigrants had gathered around the campfire, one of them arose and said, “Before we do anything else, I think we should first thank God that we have come this far with no loss of life, with no serious trouble with the Indians, and that we have enough strength left to finish our journey.” After this was done, there was silence. No one had any complaints to make. Looked at in such a light, it seemed they really were fortunate. This is the transformation the thankful heart can often make. It enables us to see the real dimensions of many worth-while things that might be passed over. [Country Gentleman. Knights Master Book of New Illustrations, p. 681-682].
You may or may not accept my belief that having a heart full of grace will change you and change your outlook on life. But can I make this request of you? Try it out. For one week, whatever happens in your life, find something in that situation for which you can give thanks. You may have to look pretty hard, but look for something. It may be very small, but find something to be thankful for each and every day. And try to find something different each day. Then, once you’ve found that thing to be thankful for, express your thanks to the person or persons who are responsible for that item of thanks. Don’t keep the thanks inside. Let it spill over the sides and run down into the saucer. Then, your attitude of gratitude will not only affect you and your outlook on life, but it will also affect the people around you
God will fill your heart with His Amazing Grace, if you will let Him. Will you?
