Colossians 3:12b – God’s Closet

Picture: A clothes rack full of brightly colored sweatshirts.

…clothe yourselves with …

Summary: Paul provides us with an interesting metaphor for Christian living — putting on clothes. It is something we all do every day, and it is an easy way to visualize the change God wants to see in our lives. 

Yikes! This is where Christianity gets real. 

Looking back at verses nine and ten, Paul talks about taking off the “old self” and putting on the “new self.” Now he is telling us exactly how to do it. In the transition from nonbeliever to believer, this difference between “old self” and “new” is where the rubber hits the road. 

And what, exactly, is the difference? 

Continue reading “Colossians 3:12b – God’s Closet”

Colossians 3:10b – Strange Words

A picture of the words "renewed, knowledge, image, and Creator" floating against a background of space.

… which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 

Summary: Paul’s words in this passage offer a tantalizing glimpse into the revelation he received about Jesus Christ and his Gospel. 

This passage is one of the “Top Ten” most interesting passages in Colossians. The phrase “renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” suggests various meanings that stir the imagination. 

What does Paul mean? 

Continue reading “Colossians 3:10b – Strange Words”

1 Peter 2:24 (b) — Signpost

Picture: Rustic sign pointing to the "Next Step."

… so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness …

Today’s passage speaks to a theme that has been on my heart quite strongly for the past year or so. What does it mean to “die to sins and live for righteousness?” If we want to follow Peter’s guidance, what do we do? Moreover, if we want our church body to follow Peter’s teaching here, what do we do? 

If we are to die to our sin, we have to be aware that we are sinning. If we are to live for righteousness, we need to have some concept of what that means. Is it possible for us to do either without being in God’s Word every day? 

Continue reading “1 Peter 2:24 (b) — Signpost”