God’s wrath. Colossians 3 v 6, 7 & 8
“Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behaviour, slander, and dirty language.”
Colossians 3:6-8
As I always say, let’s look at the context of this first.
Paul has explained the position of Christians now in Christ but he is emphasising what it means for those who haven’t hear or received the good news of Jesus.
It is made clear by Paul and by Peter and john that as Christians we do not face the wrath of God.
“And, “He is the stone that makes people stumble, the rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbours. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honourable behaviour, and they will give honour to God when he judges the world.”
1 Peter 2:8-12
How do we deal with our bad habits such as anger, rage, malicious behaviour, slander, and dirty language?
I have been considering over the last few months what it means to receive the gospel. The good news?
Only by understanding this can we really tackle these remnants of our old spiritual nature and see ourselves become more like Jesus.
How do I communicate the good news? How do you? Let me give you an example that has helped me.
Is it like someone telling you about a new self-help book? Or something more life changing?
Let’s look at the different ideas of “good news”.
“I’ve won a pay rise”
“The baby is born! Mother and child are doing well”
“I’ve bought a new car and it was cheaper than Peter’s deal”
All good news but would it change your life, your neighbours life or the life of someone in another country? No.
I’ve been trying to find a way to explain it and they the Holy Spirit dropped the date 8th May 1945 into my mind.
Any good ideas what is special about the date?
It is my Dads 16th birthday of course.
It started with the bad news that war was declared, my Dad and my uncle were separated from their parents for most of the 5+ years of war. Suffered bullying, fleas, rejection, crippling home sickness.
On the 8th May 1945, on my Dads 16th birthday, that changed. Why? Because the good news that war was over. It effected everyone. No longer would the war separate them from their parents, have to put up with homesickness etc.
The gospel’s message that Jesus has victory over sin and death has an even greater effect than the end of war.
Look at the news headlines. 8th May 1945 – VE Day
Questions