The main point of the message from Colossians 3 this last week was that Changed Affections Enable Changed Actions. Paul reflects on the gospel in the first four verses of Chapter 3 before moving on to the implications.
Earlier in the letter (1:15-20), Paul writes one of the most beautiful, profound reflections on Jesus.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
This was probably a poem or hymn of the early church celebrating Jesus’ uniqueness and divinity. If we want to change our affections, poetry and music are some of the best tools we have.
Contrast this beautiful Christ-hymn with the religious practices and attitudes of the people of Colossae. In chapter 2:16-23, Paul warns them,
Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.
If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—“Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”
Jesus is so much better than religious duty!
I wonder if there is a poem or hymn that stirs your affections for Jesus. Would you share it with me?