Monday, 26th July 2021. Control what you say, because you are transformed
Text: Colossians 3:1-10.
The theme for today’s passage is similar to the one of yesterday – union with Christ (vv.1, 3).Verse 1 states that we are raised with Christ, and verse 3 says our lives are hidden with Christ in God. Christians have a very intimate relationship of union with the Lord. Then in vv9-10 Paul speaks about our responsibility. He says, “putting off the old self … put on the new self”. The imagery makes us think of putting off/on clothing. Our old self is filthy from our original sin nature, and God calls us to get rid of it. Putting on the new self is the image of our Creator, our regenerated, converted nature that we now have because of our spiritual union with Christ. This is the language of transformation – salvation and lifestyle.
The particular lifestyle focus in v.8 is about our words. Words are of the utmost importance to God. He created everything by His Word, He keeps everything existing by His word, the entire Scripture is God’s Word, Jesus Christ is the incarnate Word of God, and Adam caused sin by listening to lies. Words are important, and we must be very careful about what we say and do not say. We must not speak evil about others, nor will we use filthy language. Especially we will be careful about the 3rd Commandment; “You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain”. Many Christians frequently say, “Oh my God” when they are not praying. If that is you, please stop. Transformed speech uses God’s name
carefully and only in a worshipful fashion.
Meditate on verse 9. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ, rid me of the spirit of lying. Amen.
