revmattil.org

Scripture affirms that hope is ours in Christ. We have it. It was something all the followers of Jesus knew and shared and spoke about.

Peter, that disciple who gets a lot of bad press, was one who had been with Jesus, saw Him face to face, sometimes misunderstood what Jesus was saying, but still believed that He was the Son of God. Peter knew what it meant to have hope in Christ. He got out of the boat and walked on water. He felt the hand of Jesus pulling him to safety when he doubted. And after he denied knowing Jesus, he was forgiven and restored and assured of his place in God’s kingdom. He knew all about hope. And God would lead him to write these words in his first letter that has been passed down to us today:

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

You and I have this hope because of Jesus. We know that He came into the world to take our place in punishment. He lived in obedience to all the law of God and then offered His perfect life as the payment for the sins of the world. He promised that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life. That is our confidence. That is our certainty. That is our hope. No matter what the world throws at you today, you have this hope, and nothing can take it away from you.

Because of the confidence I have in Jesus, these are some of the things I hope for:

• I hope to spend eternity with my Lord and Savior.
• I hope all of you reading this will do the same.
• I hope more people will come to know Jesus as their Savior because of what we do as followers of Jesus.

When Matthew was describing Jesus, he quoted from Isaiah 42, saying this was a clear prophecy of and reference to Jesus:

Matthew 12:21 In his name the nations will put their hope. (Isaiah 42:4)

Jesus is our Hope. We know what He did for us through His life and death and resurrection. We should not expect the world around us to understand what we have.  Paul was God’s chosen messenger in the early church to take the message of Jesus to the Gentiles, the non-Jews. Paul knew the world would have a hard time understanding our hope as believers. At one of his trials, when he was on his way to Rome, he was appealing to a King who understood Jewish teachings and this is what he said.

Acts 26:6-7 And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our fathers that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night. O king, it is because of this hope that the Jews are accusing me.

Those who have not been led by the Holy Spirit to know and believe in Jesus will not understand the hope that we have in Him. But that does not negate our hope. It is real because Jesus earned it for us.

Paul wrote about this a lot, especially throughout his letter to the believers in Rome.

Romans 4:18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Hope is ours in Christ. While the world around may not understand it – yet – if we keep living in that hope and speaking of the hope that is our in Christ, the Holy Spirit will work through us to lead others to know and believe in Jesus as well.

Colossians 4:16–18 ¹⁶ After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷ Tell Archippus: “See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord.” ¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

While the letters of St. Paul were addressed to a certain city or individual, they were meant to be shared with others. He makes that clear at the end of this epistle.

“After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.”

 The letters Paul wrote, while addressing issues in a given situation, were beneficial for others to read, including those of us removed by 2000 years. They speak to problems we still encounter today. And they point us to the timeless solution to sin: Jesus. His life was lived in conformity to God’s will. That perfect life was then sacrificed for the sin of the world. And He rose to conquer death for everyone. That is the message all need to hear, and what Paul was trying to do through his life and ministry. Writing letters was part of that.

When he mentions the letter from Laodicea, that could have been another letter he wrote that is lost to us, or it could have been the one he sent to Ephesus, which then made its way to Laodicea, and now was coming to Colosse.

Paul mentions Archippus, a coworker he call a “fellow soldier” in his letter to Philemon. His encouragement to him was to stay the course, remain faithful and do you work. He then tells the people that they should recognize that he had personally written the end of this letter. Most of the letters were written dictated and written down by his helpers.

As he concludes, he again requests prayers. He is under house arrest as he writes this letter, and hopes to be set free to continue spreading the Good News about Jesus.

I think the concluding phrase is terribly important: “Grace be with you.”   Paul was all about sharing the grace of God. Grace is the undeserved love of God that gives us what we did not earn and does not give us what our sins deserve. It is an underlying theme in all of his writings and messages. Sure, he speaks the Law as necessary because it is also God’s Word. But the predominant message that comes through Paul is God’s grace. It is what we all need to hear.

I leave you with these passages for your pondering today.

Romans 6:14 For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.

Galatians 2:21  “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”

Ephesians 2:8–9 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

Colossians 3:18–4:1 ¹⁸ Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. ²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵ Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism. ¹ Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Paul wrote similar words to this passage in his letter to the Ephesians (5:22 ff.). They give some good instructions for how we should live no matter what our station in life is. We remember that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ, and that status should be the motivation for how we live our lives.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Remembering who we are in Christ and what we have received from Him makes all the difference. When you see those around you as people for whom Jesus died, that influences how you treat them.

All too often we forget this. That is when we let our anger and selfish desires take over, and our actions are less than pleasing to God. That is why Paul repeatedly encourages us to remember who we are.

It is possible for us to live this way when we live by faith in the one who gave Himself up for us (Gal 2:20), our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:15–17 ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

I have read and commented on these verses many times throughout my ministry. There is so much wisdom and encouragement and practical application for our lives in this passage. Today I just want you to consider a few of the phrases

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts

When you have the peace that comes from knowing who you are in Christ Jesus, you have freedom and comfort in your life. You know He has won the victory and given it to you. You know you are His now and His forever. You will one day be in His presence. That confidence changes who you are and how you live.

And be thankful.

I don’t pray many prayers anymore that don’t tell God how grateful I am for all He has done for me. I recognize the blessings I have in my wife and family. I have more material blessings than I ever thought I would have. I have been blessed with travel and experiences that have enriched my life. And most of all, I know I have a Savior who did everything I needed to have forgiveness and life everlasting. I am grateful. I should not have to be reminded to “say thank you,” but I don’t mind the reminder. It needs to be part of my daily routine.

Let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly

 Having a Bible or a Bible app is not enough. You need to Be in the Word so that the Word is in you. That is why I always required memory work when I taught confirmation class, and frequently suggested it when I taught Adult Bible Class. If the Word is not in you, it cannot come out of you. God Himself has revealed Himself, His grace, His salvation, and His Will for you in His Word. That is why Peter encourages us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). That happens through the Word.

Do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus

 When you strive to live in the name of Jesus, you are striving to do His Will. Followers of Jesus will not sin and try to act as though that is His will. Those who live that way are not following Jesus. We know that we should endeavor to do His will in all things as a part of expressing our thanks to Him for being our Savior.

Colossians 3:12–14 ¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Remember who you are. When you have faith in Jesus, you can be certain that you are part of God’s chosen people. He calls you “holy and dearly loved.” By the grace of God, through faith, you are as much a part of God’s chosen people as Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Joseph, David, Solomon, Zechariah and Elizabeth, Joseph and Mary. God has put His name on you and brought you into His family. Remember who you are.

You have this status only because of God’s great love for you, love that led Him to come down here and pay for all you sin so that you could be brought back into His fold, so that you could have a loving relationship with your Creator instead of being separated from Him for eternity. He did that. He made it all possible.

When you recognize what God has done and who He has made you in Christ, you have the desire and the motivation to live the way He wants you to live.

clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience

How often is our “wardrobe” the exact opposite? We forget who we are and what God has done for us. Our “garments” are more like anger and resentment and pride and harsh words and impatience! This seems to be even more pronounced as election season is upon us. Christians, remember who you are.

Remember that you can disagree with someone without being harsh and unkind. And when you are mistreated, follow the example of Jesus. Forgive as you have been forgiven. Show compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

And over all these virtues put on love

That is how Jesus lived. He loved people. He showed love to all those He encountered, even those who opposed Him. And He showed the full extent of His love in letting Himself be the sacrifice to pay for the sin of the world.

Jeremiah 31:3 “I have loved you with an everlasting love;”

Remember who you are. A dearly loved child of God who has been called to respond to His love by loving you neighbor.

Colossians 3:5–11 ⁵ Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶ Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. ⁷ You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. ⁸ But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. ⁹ Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. ¹¹ Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.       

In the previous verses we were encouraged to set our hearts and minds on things above. The reason for this becomes clearer when Paul enumerates the things that belong to the earthly nature. It is a list of things that come from our fallen, sinful condition, doing things contrary to what God would have His people do.

We have all taken notice of these things all around us in the world. There seems to be more and more anger in the world every day. Filthy language is all around us. On our cruise, we heard expletives coming from the mouths of people of all ages with no regard for the people around, including families with small children. Lies are so commonplace that you don’t think you can believe what anyone tells you, especially not politicians.

Those without Christ in their lives live this way. Those who follow Jesus should not.

“You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these…”

When you have been led to faith in your Savior, it changes things. The certainty of sin forgiven and life eternal gives you the motivation to live the new life to which Jesus calls you. You want to express the profound gratitude that you have by living as his loved, obedient child. Knowing He died in your place, paid the consequences your sin deserved, and delivered you from damnation makes a huge difference in who you are and how you should live. You also know that saying “thank you” does not earn your forgiveness and salvation. Rather, you live lives of gratitude knowing you already have these things for Jesus’ sake.

Colossians 3:1–4 ¹ Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

How do you “set your hearts on things above” and “set your minds on this above, not earthly things?” Is this an encouragement to forsake the world and everything in it and focus only on spiritual things? That is how the monastic orders came about. People would seek to insulate themselves from the world around them in order to live a life pleasing to God. But I don’t think that is what God had in mind. He told us to love one another, and we cannot do that if we do not interact with our neighbors.

Cheryl and I just returned from a cruise to Alaska, something we talked about doing for a long time. It was a new experience for us and we enjoyed it. Those of you who have been on cruises know that the dining is quite nice. We had the same servers, Vishal and Aaron, every evening. As is our custom, we told them we were going to ask God to bless our meal and we would be praying for them as well. They were happy to both stand at the table while we prayed. Vishal was from Mumbai and Aaron was from the Philippines. After the first night we prayed together, Vishal said, “Aaron is a Catholic, and I love Jesus, too!”

On one of the subsequent evenings, Vishal told us how happy he was that we talked with the two of them. He said many of the cruisers did not want to speak with him. He seemed genuinely pleased that we not only prayed with him, but asked him about his life and his family. If we had not taken the time to converse with him, would we really be doing what God would have us do as His followers?

When you set your mind and heart on things above, you focus on Jesus and serving Him. We do that best when we follow His example of showing love and care and concern for our neighbor. We share God’s love with those we encounter every day in the hope that they will also come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, too. If they already know, praise God. If they have not yet come to faith, the Spirit will work through our witness. We want them to join us in looking to spiritual things and not viewing this fallen world as “all that there is.”

Jesus is seated at the right hand of God. He is in control. He rules for us. When He returns, He will bring us to the fulness of life and we will join Him in glory, the glory He earned for us through His payment for our sin.