The Ascension: The Practical Demand
Colossians 3:1-4
Introduction:
1. Review: After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God the Father highly exalted his Son as Lord and our Prophet, Priest and King. As Prophet he speaks with higher authority than all who spoke for God before him and his word is the final authority of our doctrine and way of life. As Priest he intercedes for his chosen people on the basis of his complete atonement for our sins. As King he rules over everything for the good of his church. We look forward to the day when we will see his rule fully enforced, and wee strive to obey him as Lord now.
2. So we see that the doctrine of Christ’s ascension does not encourage a lackadaisical lifestyle (on the part of a believer). This should be clear since, as we shall see, a believer’s union with the ascended Christ means that the believer lives in a new sphere of existence.
Exposition:
I. The governing principle of the Christian life is union with the ascended Christ. 3:1a,3
A. “To the degree you understand union with Christ, to that degree you will understand the Biblical concept of salvation… Every spiritual blessing which is necessary for our full salvation and which renders us complete in grace flows out of and is derived from our union with Christ.” [Morey]
Comment: Note various places where union with Christ occurs — cf. 2:13, 26; 3:1, 3:4
B. The believer is dependent on Christ.
1. He willingly rests all his hope on Christ.
2. His whole life depends on him. Cf. Gal 2:20
C. This means that the Christian is radically different. Something has happened to him that has not happened to others.
1. We have a new position in Christ. Though we still live on this fallen earth, we have a secure standing in the heavenly realms.
2. Since we are in Him, we must approach life as we really are in Him — in a new relationship to sin. Rm 6:8-14
II. The indicated response of being in the ascended Christ is a changed attitude. 3:1b-2
A. General remarks
1. True thinking about Christ is thinking of him as exalted and reigning.
Illustration: The human mind loves pageantry — in government, in entertainment, and in religion.
2. Notice that we are not appealed to on the basis of types and shadows, but on the heavenly reality of the exalted Christ.
B. The way that we should think. 3:2
1. We are not to think on things of the earth, including…
a. Things of the earthly order — note 2:20.
(1) Ceremonies of the past age — 2:16-17.
(2) Ceremonies and/or rules of men — 2:18-23.
b. Things of sinful flesh — this appears beginning with 3:5. The great new word of the Christian life is “Therefore…”!
2. We must think on things above.
a. Christ and his new order. As we grow in grace, knowledge and love, we will think on Christ and his glory more. This in turn helps us to grow more.
b. True holiness — cf. Mt 6:33.
III. The motivation to live for Christ is our coming share in his glory. 3:4
A. Here Paul appeals to their hope of completed redemption. You do not need to threaten Christ’s people. The mention of grace stirs them. Cf. Rm 12:1-2.
B. Contrast between what now is and what will be — cf. Ph 3:21.
1. Now we have true life, but it is hidden with Christ.
2. However the true life we really have is yet to appear. One day it will be revealed. Those who follow Christ always have a forward look about them. Grace for today is excellent, but future grace is better. “One day…!”
Application:
1. If we are to cultivate this new direction for our desires, it will be necessary to regulate various areas of our lives.
a. To do otherwise would be counter-productive.
Illustration: The finish carpenter and wrecking ball are not in agreement.
b. Possible areas of needed regulation in your life: (These are only examples.)
Caution: I am not advocating a legalistic extermination, but thoughtful, considered regulation or moderation. I have known people that buried their television sets because of their disgust at the wickedness on the tube. But later they bought new televisions. Something is seriously lacking in that kind of approach.
(1) Reading material — these need not be the “classic” dirty magazines. They might be such specialist works as magazines about motorcycles, cars, homes, and sound equipment. Are they promoting greed in your life? Cf. 3:5.
(2) Music — what values is your music teaching you, perhaps without you realizing it?
Example: Could be learning false doctrine from “Christian” music?
(3) TV viewing — Are you being anesthetized unawares? Are you becoming insensitive to impurity and violence?
(4) Friendships — Be honest. In which direction do your friends pull you? Are they leading you toward Christ or away from him? Close friendships with unbelievers can corrupt (1 Cor 15:33-34).
Apply: Teens, watch out!
2. You may test your spiritual experience by the life set forth in these verses.
a. Does this whole idea of coming glory seem “unreal” to you? Let me remind you that Paul is speaking of basic Christian hope! Cf. 1 Jn 3:2; 1 Th 4:18ff, etc.
b. Do you desire to confirm your life to this ascended Lord?
(1) Has there been a real change in your desires? 1 Jn 2:15-17
Illustration: I have a real appreciation for letting wildlife enjoy its natural habitat. And though I am a suburban boy, I like to be in the woods and mountains. However, I don’t think I would develop a close friendship with a grizzly bear, because I doubt he would ever change from viewing me as dinner to viewing me as friend. You might still be “living in the woods”, but where are your desires?
(2) Whom do you desire to reign in your life — Christ or yourself? Mt 6:24