The Lifestyle of Worship

This lesson is titled the lifestyle of worship.  We have heard of "the lifestyles of the rich and famous" but let’s define the word lifestyle.

The word life describes our existence in this world.  The word style is derived from a word meaning a writing instrument.  Thus a lifestyle is the instrument with which you write your existence in this world.  Are your actions writing an ordered description that points the way towards God, or does it tell a tale merely of survival in a world of chaos?

We look at Colossians 3:1-5.12-17 where we will learn that everything we do in life is to be an act of worship.

For most people, worship is something dictated by the religion that they have chosen to follow, be it a certain dress, diet, rules to follow or holiday, most people are told by their religion and they follow along.

Let's look at the word religion for a moment.  

It arose from a Late Latin word of the 5th century indicating "monastic life", and by the 1200s it indicated a"state of life bound by monastic vows" and also an "action or conduct indicating a belief in a divine power and reverence for and desire to please it." It was derived from a Latin word indicating "respect for what is sacred; conscientiousness, moral obligation; divine service; holiness." 

There are several theories regarding its original development.  One holds that its was derived from words meaning "go through again" from re and legere indicating something to reread.  

More popular theories, however, hold to a connection with the word religare "to bind fast", via the notion of "place an obligation on." 

Another possible origin is religiens meaning "careful," and was the opposite of negligens. 

By the 1300s, In English, the meaning came to indicate a "particular system of faith in the worship of a divine being or beings." The sense of "recognition of and allegiance in manner of life perceived as justly due to a higher, unseen power or powers" is from 1530s.

The word faith indicates "trust, confidence and belief." As we can see from the etymology of religion, most put their "trust, confidence, and belief" in a system of worship of a divine being arising from the sense of "allegiance perceived as justly due to a higher unseen power." The lifestyle of religious people of whatever stripe is dictated by the "system of faith" to which they adhere.

Many people view worship as something that people do on Sunday mornings, or on whatever day their "system of faith" dictates. Unfortunately, many also think of worship solely in terms of  music and singing, i.e. entertainment. Thus, if they attend a worship service, they leave feeling they have met their worship obligation of their particular religion. 

However, Paul tells us the entirety of our lives should be carried out as an act of worship to God. We look at Colossians 3:1-5.  

The church at Colossae was probably founded in the city of Colossae sometime in the middle of the first century AD while Paul was in Ephesus. It is debatable whether Paul himself went to Colossae before writing to the church there, though the evidence seems to indicate that he did not. During the three years around AD 53 to 56 that Paul spent in Ephesus on his third missionary journey, the gospel spread throughout the Roman province of Asia and up the whole region of the Lycus Valley (in modern-day Turkey). Some years later, Epaphras brought word of what was happening in the young congregation to Paul, who was in a place of confinement or involuntary restraint. False teachers were disturbing the young congregation so Paul wrote to the church. After countering the false teaching Paul instructed the congregation in practical matters related to living Christian lives in the world.

First let's look at where Paul says our focus should be directed.  Is it to be directed on self? On a "system of faith"? On "monastic obligations"? Or upon something else entirely?

 

Colossians 3:1-5

1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the 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 hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.

Verse 1 is not a question.  It assumes that the hearer has been raised with Christ and does not necessarily question whether they have or not.  It implies “since you have been raised with Christ…”. And it has a baptismal context. Baptism was a central event in early Christian initiation rites. It was usually performed by immersion in a body of water, but could also be performed by pouring water over the head. 

John the Baptist's baptism was different from the quiet cleansing ceremonies of Old Testament Judaism.  Rather than the Judaic view of a relationship with God based upon birth into a covenant family (the Jews), baptism was a sign of personal repentance.  John was preparing the people to receive their king.  Jesus' baptism is a welcome of the people to their new kingdom after they had received God/Jesus/Spirit as their king in life.  John prepared the way, Jesus welcomes the people.

The word baptism is from a Greek word meaning "immerse, dip in water" from a word meaning to dip, steep, dye, color." To raise is to ascend, step up, or elevate or increase in amount or value.  Paul is saying that since you have already ascended to the recognition of Jesus as the King through the acknowledgment and repentance of your earthly nature you have increased in value as citizens of the King whose characteristics you have assumed for yourself.  As such, Paul encourages us to seek the things above.  

Above refers to heaven. The exhortation refers to a willfully chosen life-orientation toward heavenly realities. Believers’ values, thoughts, and actions are to be based upon the teachings of the king that they have recognized – the King of Heaven as opposed to Satan (meaning adversary, or unfriendly opponent), the King of the World.  

The worldly who have not choosen to repent of their earthly natures as John the Baptist called for, and who have not choosen Jesus as the King of their spiritual natures are under the influence of the "unfriendly opposition" of the King of the World.  

As baptized citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven Paul urged the Colossian believers to make discovery and exploration of Heavenly things a continuous habit.  Paul also notes that Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Right hand indicates the place of honor, privilege, power, co-rule, and universal presence. 

Seated indicates Christ’s work is finished. Also, rabbis taught while seated.  Jesus is teaching at the "right hand" of God.  In ancient times, people who sat at the right hand of a king were advisors and other individuals who held positions of trust and influence, a place of honor and status. Paul acknowledges Jesus' special place of trust, honor, status and influence as a "teacher of God" for all of earthly humanity, not just "birthright citizenship" for those lucky enough to have been born Jewish.

Paul is pointing out to us that the foundation of your mind is to continually be the existing state or condition of affairs of above (that which is higher than self).  Paul tells us in verse 3,  For you died.  The Christian that is "raised up" had "died to self (physical self) and now lives on a willfully chosen life-orientation of the heavenly realities (spiritual self).  Our spiritual selves are now "hidden with Christ in God."

At salvation, we essentially willfully merge into Christ. Our history becomes one with Christ’s history; therefore, we have died with Christ to sin. Believers are hidden with Christ in His death so that we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be ignored in favor of setting our sights now on Heavenly exploration, learning and growth.

As such Paul calls for us to Put to death . . . your earthly nature; to put to death all that was not in keeping with their Christian faith. Now that we have acquired our spiritual natures and have chosen the Heavenly king, Paul has called us to basically learn to become good citizens of Heaven.  Earthly nature refers to that which formerly caused believers to be dominated by sin. 

Satan, the one who tempted humanity with sin, continues to do so. We are to learn to NOT let such sin as advocated by the adversary have any effect on us at all.  Recognize it, reject it, and if and when you err, repent from it to learn NOT to give into it again.

Paul then proceeded to list a number of vices that formerly characterized the Colossians. Paul called for all of these vices to cease to dwell in one's life.  These are:

• Sexual immorality The Greek word is porneia, from which we get our English word pornography.  Paul stated that no one should willfully choose a life characterized by sexual immorality.  They will continue as earthly citizens and will not be citizens of God’s kingdom. One whose life is  focused upon the pleasure of the physical self ignores the growth and development of the spiritual self.

• Impurity refers to all kinds of corruption, referring to spiritual contamination, and frequently occurs with porneia. Such impurity and corruption leads to focusing upon the self's physical pleasure, and it too ignores the pure growth and direction of the spirital self. 

• Lust. In this context the word refers to dishonorable passions which are also focused upon the self's physical pleasure, ignoring the spiritual self's guidance.

• Evil desire. Remembering that the word evil carries the connotation of harmful, things that are harmful to the physical or spiritual self of us, or others, is what which Paul called “the desire of the flesh.” Putting the desire of the flesh above the desire of the Spirit draws one's attention away from the Spirit of God and more towards the spirit of earth.  It misses the mark of heavenly citizenship. 

• Greed. Sometimes translated “covetousness,” this refers to an inappropriate desire to acquire something—especially that which belongs to others. Again, this puts the desire of the flesh above the desire of the Spirit.  Such desires of the flesh become... 

• Idolatry because it sets something or someone in the place of, or in front of God. 

Instead, Paul tells us what we should focus upon.

Colossians 3:12-15

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. 14 Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.

Paul used three terms for the church that previously were applied to Israel in the Old Testament.  First, Israel was God’s chosen, or elect. Paul now applies that term to those who have repented of their earthly nature and have, instead assumed their spiritual nature.

Next, Holy means “to be set apart” not referring to moral perfection but to status: they were set apart from the world. 

And we are Dearly loved. The Old Testament based God’s choosing of Israel on His love. So it is now for New Testament believers. 

Some points that we are to focus upon as spiritual attributes include:

• Put on, or “clothe yourselves,” Adam and Eve clothed themselves to cover their selfish physical natures.  Paul is encouraging humanity to clothe themselves now to leave behind their selfish physical natures and instead highlight their new heavenly  attributes. 
  
  
• Compassion characterizes God and Jesus.
  
  
• Kindness describes benevolent acts. Sometimes this word is translated “goodness.” Christian kindness is part of the fruit of the Spirit motivated by agape. 
  
  
• Humility was not considered a virtue in the ancient world. Rather, it was perceived as weakness. The word comes from humble, indicating the ground.  Micah 6:8 tells us to walk humbly with your God, and Isaiah 57:15 tells us that God dwells with those who are lowly of spirit.  Genesis tells us that God walked in the Garden and that Adam heard it. One spiritual attribute is to recognize that, as compared to God, we are nothing but the Earth that God walks upon.  This is not to indicate worth, but rather fact.  We are made from dirt.  God made us from dirt.  We will return to dirt, but we live because of the life that God breathed into us.  We need to clothe ourselves in the heavenly attributes of God because we are children of God and we need to remember to live as such.
  
  
• Gentleness refers to meekness like a wild stallion that has been tamed but hasn’t lost its characteristic spirit. Once again, the supreme model is Jesus.
  
  
• Patience is enduring a wrong without responding in anger—even when there is no change of behavior on the other person’s part.
  
  
• Bearing with one another Hints at a difficulty or grudge one person has against another and thus needs to be tolerated or “put up with.” These are to be ongoing reactions and call for...
  
  
• Forgiving one another. Forgiving comes from the word for “grace.” It could be rendered “show grace” or “be gracious.” Thus to forgive is an act of grace, something undeserved. Believers forgive in this way because God graciously forgave them. This to be a normal and continuous response for us.
  
  
• If anyone has a grievance against another. Grievance refers to “a complaint” or “reason to blame.” Paul’s instruction leaves it up to the person who feels wronged to initiate the process of forgiveness, not the offending party, because the one offended is the one with the problem.  The offending party may not be aware, or may be intentionally offending.  It is up to the individual offended to remove themselves from the offense, with God's help, more so than it is to cause a change by the offending party, because...
  
  
• Just as the Lord has forgiven you so you are also to forgive. The grace received from the Lord is the grace we are to extend to others, and...
  
  
• Above all, put on love. Put on continues the clothing imagery. Love is agape, the distinctive love that comes from God, not based on emotion or the response of the recipient. Paul instructs us that this Love is a binding, unifying force both among believers and for all the other virtues—it is perfect, doing what other virtues by themselves cannot.

Paul concludes this portion of the passage calling for the peace of Christ to rule our hearts.  The verb rule refers to an umpire’s binding decision, hence it came to be used in the sense of “preside” or “control,” and thus by extension “be the deciding factor.”  And we are to be thankful no matter what.

Next, Paul lists some activities that we might incorporate in our worship.

Colossians 3:16-17

16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Paul outlines a sequence of how worship flows in the life of a believer. Consider this lifestyle of worship:

It begins with an with a clear view of who Jesus is and what He has done. 

It continues with the practical application of the life choices a disciple will make that will include things to “take off” and other things to “put on.” 

It produces peace in the heart of the disciple. 

It fosters an attitude of thankfulness that finds expression.

It inspires the praise and instruction of a song, born in the heart of the believer and offered for the benefit of other believers.

It culminates in a life full of the purpose of bringing honor and glory to the name of Christ in everything we do. Again, from a heart full of gratitude.

The word of Christ is an expression that is translated as “teaching about Christ”—the gospel.

Dwell richly, or “abundantly” emphasizes that the word of Christ needs to penetrate deeply into a Christian community so that it pervades, transforms, and characterizes them. Thus whatever teaching or admonishing was done, it was to be done in appropriate ways to the situation and people involved.  Not merely for the sake of punishment or behavioral penalty.

Teaching and admonishing offer two ways through which the word of Christ can become more deeply rooted in a Christian community. Teaching refers to communicating Christian truth—knowledge, content, information—that will help believers better know and understand their faith. It has a positive emphasis. Admonishing often has a negative tone and has to do with practical warnings of moral dangers, rebukes, and offering correctives.  Admonishing is also a positive emphasis, "child, don't stick your hand in the fire, you'll burn your hand" is a positive admonishment.  Prevention of harm is admonishment. 

Paul listed three terms here that give an insight into the important role of worship in the early church. Psalms were songs sung to a tune, and perhaps accompanied by a string instrument. In the New Testament the word psalms primarily refers to the psalms of the Old Testament. The word hymns is only used here and in Ephesians 5:19 in the New Testament. It refers to religious worship songs.

Songs is the most general term of the three words. Possibly the modifier spiritual refers to spontaneous songs prompted by the Spirit—Spirit-inspired songs. 

Singing summarizes the three terms Paul just used. After telling the believers they were to teach and admonish one another through psalms, hymns, and songs, Paul reminded them their singing actually was to God, and was to be done with Gratitude translates the Greek word for “grace.” Thanks, or gratitude, is a response to God’s grace resulting in heartfelt singing from the core of the believers’ beings, their hearts.

Paul tells us that we are to let all of your actions, what you say, what you do, be in the name and character of Jesus.

Giving thanks to God the Father through him. Thanks is to be rendered to God the Father for planning salvation and sending Christ as Redeemer. Such thanks to God is to be made through Jesus Christ.  Living our lives in the nature and character of Jesus (the Lord Saves) Christ (the anointed one of God) is how we best give thanks to God.  

Emulation is the sincerest form of flattery and just as Jesus emulated God, We are to emulate Jesus.  This is to be OUR lifestyle, the instrument with which you write your existence in this world – gratefully worshiping God and helping others as citizens of the Kingdom of God.