Beginning in Colossians 2, the apostle Paul labored to establish the primacy of Christ and His will. As men consider how we will live our lives, what our philosophies and actions will be, allegiance to Jesus as Lord is the best choice we can make.
In contrast, Paul stated, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (2:8). Human philosophy is persuasive, but ultimately flawed and impotent. But, we are “complete in Him [Christ], who is the head of all principality and power” (2:10).
Paul also explained to the Colossians that an appeal and dependence upon the Old Covenant that God had with the Israelites was insufficient to save man. This is why the New Covenant supplanted it. The law, referred to as “the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us” had been taken away, Jesus having “nailed it to the cross” (2:14). In regard to the law, Paul wrote, “So let no one judge you in food or drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ” (2:16-17). Further, traditions of men, (that often surround law), with their regulations, “have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh” (2:23).
Some men turn to fleshly lusts in an attempt to find meaning and purpose in life. They perhaps feel impowered by throwing off the restrictions that govern us. Anarchy has always had a strong appeal to some men. Men who live for the flesh, however, never think of the final consequences of their actions. Not only are their lives characterized by dissipation, But, “Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience” (3:6).
Rather than philosophy, tradition or carnality, our call is to “put off the old man with his deeds, and…put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (3:9-10). What is the new man? It is one who is described as having “tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness and longsuffering” (3:12). Change in character is a part of it, treating others well is another part (cf. 3:13-15). Finally, our interaction with the word of God is worthy of note.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:16-17).
The fact is, we can’t live for Christ and fail to heed and obey His will for us. “Holding fast to the Head” requires allegiance to His will. This is why we must immerse ourselves in the word of Christ. This is why everything we do must be done “in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
By the way, “in the name of” has reference to the authority of the Lord Jesus. It is not something we say, it is a prescribed and limited realm in which we reside. Everything the Christian does is done in accord with the authority of Jesus Christ. He follows His Lord rather than the philosophies of man, or his own will and desires. Because he does, he is walking “worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him” (1:10).
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