2023-12-15 Friday Colossians 3:17
English Standard Version
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
In the context of reformed evangelical Christianity, comment on Colossians 3:17 from the ESV. Provide insights and theological teaching from Colossians 3:17 for its application to modern Christian living.
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Colossians 3:17 in the English Standard Version (ESV) states: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Here are some theological insights and teachings from Colossians 3:17, highlighting its application to modern Christian living:
1. **Comprehensive Scope:** The verse emphasises the comprehensive nature of Christian life. It encompasses “whatever you do, in word or deed,” leaving no aspect of life untouched by the lordship of Christ. This instruction covers all facets of life—speech, actions, work, relationships, and decisions.
2. **Christ-Centered Living:** The verse underscores the centrality of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life. Every action, whether in speech or conduct, should be rooted in honouring and reflecting the character of Christ. This includes imitating His love, humility, compassion, and obedience.
3. **Gratitude and Thanksgiving:** Paul encourages believers to approach life with a heart of gratitude, acknowledging God the Father through Jesus Christ. Gratitude should be a continual attitude, recognising God’s sovereignty and provision in everything.
4. **Motivation for Action:** The verse provides a framework for understanding the motivation behind our actions. The name of the Lord Jesus serves as the guiding principle and motivation for our conduct. This encourages Christians to align their behaviors and decisions with Christ’s teachings and example.
5. **Application to Modern Living:** In our contemporary context, this verse speaks to the integration of faith into daily life. It challenges us to live intentionally, ensuring that our actions and words reflect Christ’s values and teachings. It encourages believers to cultivate a lifestyle that embodies Christlikeness in personal, professional, and social spheres.
6. **Impact on Relationships:** This verse impacts interpersonal relationships, urging believers to conduct themselves in a manner that honours Christ. It fosters an environment of respect, love, and kindness, promoting unity and harmony among individuals.
Applying Colossians 3:17 to modern Christian living involves a conscious commitment to align one’s thoughts, words, and actions with the principles taught by Jesus Christ. It’s about living a life that glorifies God in all aspects and expressing gratitude for His grace and blessings.
*Confidence Level: High*
*References: Colossians 3:17 (ESV); Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible*
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Colossians 3:17 from the ESV reads: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
This verse is part of a larger section where Paul instructs the Colossians on how to live as new people in Christ, who have been raised with him and have set their minds on things above (Colossians 3:1-4). Paul urges them to put off the old self with its sinful practices and put on the new self, which is being renewed in the image of God (Colossians 3:5-11). He then lists some of the virtues that characterise the new self, such as compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love (Colossians 3:12-14). He also exhorts them to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts, to let the word of Christ dwell in them richly, and to teach and admonish one another with wisdom, psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:15-16).
Colossians 3:17 summarises the main principle of Christian living: to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. This means to act in a way that is consistent with his character, will, and authority, and to seek his glory and honour in all things. It also means to act in dependence on his power and grace, and to acknowledge him as the source and goal of our lives. Doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus implies that there is no area of our lives that is excluded from his lordship and influence. Whether we speak or act, whether we work or rest, whether we eat or drink, whether we pray or play, we are to do it all for him and with him.
The verse also reminds us to give thanks to God the Father through him. This means to express our gratitude and praise to God for all his blessings and benefits, especially for the gift of his Son, who died for our sins and rose again for our justification. Giving thanks to God through him means to recognise that Jesus is the mediator between us and God, the one who reconciles us to God and intercedes for us. It also means to acknowledge that all we have and are comes from God’s grace and generosity, and not from our own merit or effort.
The application of Colossians 3:17 to modern Christian living is clear and challenging. It calls us to live every moment of our lives in conscious awareness of and obedience to Jesus, our Lord and Savior. It also calls us to live every moment of our lives in joyful gratitude and worship to God, our Father and Creator. It challenges us to examine our motives, attitudes, words, and actions, and to ask ourselves: Are they in line with the name of Jesus? Are they pleasing to God? Are they edifying to others? Are they expressing our thankfulness to God? If not, we need to repent and seek God’s forgiveness and help to change. If yes, we need to continue and grow in his grace and love.
To help you remember and apply this verse, I have composed a short poem based on it. You can read it below:
Whatever you do, in word or deed,
Do everything in the name of the Lord;
Let his name be your guide and creed,
Let his name be your strength and reward.
Whatever you do, in word or deed,
Do everything in the name of the Lord;
Let his name be your joy and peace,
Let his name be your praise and song.
Whatever you do, in word or deed,
Do everything in the name of the Lord;
Let his name be your hope and faith,
Let his name be your life and love.
Whatever you do, in word or deed,
Do everything in the name of the Lord;
Give thanks to God the Father through him,
Give thanks to God the Father through him.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 15/12/2023
(1) Colossians 3:17 Commentaries: Whatever you do in word or deed, do all …. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/colossians/3-17.htm.
(2) Enduring Word Bible Commentary Colossians Chapter 3. https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/colossians-3/.
(3) Doing Our Work as for the Lord (Colossians 3:17, 23) – Theology of Work. https://www.theologyofwork.org/new-testament/colossians-philemon/colossians-and-work/doing-our-work-as-for-the-lord-colossians-317-23.
(4) Colossians 3 Bible Commentary – Matthew Henry (concise) – Christianity. https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary/matthew-henry-concise/colossians/3.
(5) Sermon: Jesus Restores Our Lives – Colossians 3 | Lifeway. https://www.lifeway.com/en/articles/sermon-jesus-restores-our-lives-colossians-3.
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## Colossians 3:17 in Reformed Evangelical Christianity: Insights and Application
**The Text:** “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 ESV)
**Reformed Evangelical Perspective:**
* **Christocentricity:** This verse is a powerful call to **Christian living centred on Jesus Christ**. Everything we do, from our words to our actions, should be done “in His name,” reflecting His character and advancing His kingdom.
* **Totality of Life:** The phrase “whatever you do” emphasises that this consecration extends to every area of life, not just religious activities. Our work, relationships, leisure, and even the mundane are all opportunities to glorify God.
* **Gratitude and Dependence:** The act of “giving thanks” acknowledges our complete dependence on God and expresses our gratitude for His grace and blessings in everything we do.
* **Coram Deo:** This Latin phrase, meaning “before the face of God,” captures the essence of this verse. We are always living in His presence, accountable to Him for our thoughts, words, and deeds.
**Insights and Application for Modern Christians:**
* **Intentionality:** Cultivate a deliberate awareness of Christ’s presence in every aspect of your life. Ask yourself, “Is this action, this word, truly reflecting His character and His will?”
* **Redeeming the Ordinary:** See everyday activities as opportunities for service. Mundane tasks like cooking or cleaning can be acts of worship when done with love and gratitude to God.
* **Holistic Witness:** Don’t compartmentalise your faith. Live out your Christian values consistently, regardless of the setting or audience.
* **Service and Mission:** Understand that our “doing” is not just about individual piety, but also about serving others and contributing to the mission of the church.
* **Gratitude Practice:** Cultivate a habit of daily thanksgiving. Reflect on God’s blessings and express your gratitude in prayer and through your actions.
* **Community and Accountability:** Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and challenge you in your journey to live life “in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
**Additional Considerations:**
* The specific meaning of “doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” will vary depending on individual circumstances and callings.
* This verse doesn’t advocate for adding unnecessary religious language to everyday life, but rather for a genuine alignment of our hearts and actions with Christ’s teachings.
* Living out this verse requires ongoing dependence on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength.
**By integrating the insights from Colossians 3:17, reformed evangelicals can cultivate a deeper Christ-centredness, live out their faith authentically in every sphere, and contribute to a vibrant and impactful community of believers.**
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