The Book of Colossians Pt. 41 Governed By The Peace Of God

Colossians 3:1,2  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2)  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Colossians one and two are chapters that spell out the doctrines God teaches us through the apostle Paul. Chapters three and four are explanations of our spiritual duties and obligations based upon the doctrines.

What we believe must impact how we live.

Thus, this chapter began with an exhortation to seek those things which are above where Christ is seated in heaven with our Father. 

We are to set the affection of our heart upon our Lord and heavenly things.

Paul gave us some things that we must "put off" including sexual sins, lying, and filthy communication.

He gave us some things we must "put on" including forbearance, forgiveness toward one another, and to have the love of God poured into us by the Holy Spirit.

Ruled by the peace of God.

Colossians 3:15  And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

Now we are ready to learn another valuable truth. We are to let the peace of God govern our hearts. 

We must discover what this peace of God is. We know that it is connected with the work and Person of Jesus Christ. We know that it is beneficial for believers and that it is an important aspect of our Christian faith.

"Peace" is the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and that is no longer fearful of judgement and condemnation from God, and is content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is.

Websters 1828 dictionary defines peace as having freedom from agitation or disturbance by our passions, such as from fear, terror, anger, or anxiety. It is enjoying a quietness of mind filled with tranquility, calmness, a quiet conscience.

The word "rule" means to be an umpire, an arbitrator governing or making decisions. This is a unique word and is only found in this text of scripture.  

The idea here is to allow the peace of God to act as umpire in our soul, when anger, envy, and such passions arise. 

His peace will restrain our emotions, as we allow God’s peace be umpire or govern our responses to the situations and people that we face.

God's kingdom will be marked by peace.

Romans 14:17,18  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18)  For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men. 

Paul highlights the key difference between the rule of God and the governments of men. Men hold sway over military might and law enforcement in attempting to protect a nation and maintain law and order.

This is a physically enforced peace that keeps civil unrest in check, but it fails to address issues of men's hearts that cause them to break the law. 

God's kingdom is spiritual in nature. Yes, there is a physical component including a new heaven and a new earth, but the primary distinction is that God deals with our wicked hearts. 

When we hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and we turn to Him with repentant faith, the Holy Spirit regenerates our heart and takes up residence in each believer. Thus, Ezekiel's prophecies are literally fulfilled. 

We need a new heart and a new spirit from God.

Ezekiel 11:19,20  And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: 20)  That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God. 

Ezekiel 36:26,27  A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27)  And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Both of Ezekiel's prophecies connect with John #3 and Jesus telling Nicodemus "Ye must be born again." 

Our natural or old man, inherits a sinful, wicked heart from the fall of man into sin. Our heart is a stony heart, meaning it does not care about God.  It is cold, deadened and hardened against the things of God.

Our flesh is ready to follow lust and commit sin. Our old man rebels against God. 

Therefore, we need a new heart and a new spirit. Jehovah provides what we need through Jesus Christ. This is why we must be born again. 

The new birth is a supernatural second birth from above. It is a work of the Spirit of God, in the heart of man with the holy scriptures, that are able to make us wise unto salvation (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

We were once at war against God, but are reconciled by Christ. 

Colossians 1:21  And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled,

Elsewhere, we learn that before God saved us, we were His enemies, fighting in the Devil's army (See Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2;1-3 or Titus 3:3 for examples).

The wrath of God abides over each sinner. His wrath is turned away when we turn to Jesus Christ and repent of our sins. 

Then, instead of being an enemy of God, we are now fighting in His army and we have peace with God. He loves us and accepts us because of our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. 

To be reconciled means that two parties who were in conflict (Holy God and sinful man) now have their differences resolved. 

Jesus Christ paid the penalty of our sin by dying on the cross. His death is also our death. His resurrection proves that the blood He shed was accepted by the Father for all humanities' sins. 

The wrath of God for our sins which made us His enemies, was poured out on Christ at the cross. 

Thus, the Father is satisfied and at peace with a sinner who repents and calls upon the name of the Lord for salvation. 

The world does not understand God's peace.

Philippians 4:6,7  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7)  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

It is worth noting that we are urged to make all of our prayers, supplications and requests know to God with thanksgiving.

It is after we cast all of our cares upon Him, that His peace establishes our hearts and minds through Jesus Christ the Lord. 

Even while the world explodes with hatred, anger, riotous actions and vile behaviors, the believer in Christ can be governed by the peace of God. 

Thoughts to Ponder...

Peace is a blessing from Jehovah to His people. 

Psalm 29:11  The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Peace is something believers delight in. 

Psalm 37:11  But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

Those who love God's holy law enjoy great peace. 

Psalm 119:165  Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Jesus promised to grant His peace to each believer. 

John 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The saving work of Jesus Christ justifies us in heaven and brings us God's peace.

Romans 5:1  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Those who set their hearts on heavenly things will be blessed by His peace. 

Romans 8:6  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

May each of us commit ourselves to seeking this heavenly peace of God. May we allow His peace to govern our thoughts, words and action, so that we are a living testimony to the world of God's saving grace and abundant mercy.

Bob