QT 19/09/2024 Thu. Colossians 3. Put off and Put on. 脱去和穿上。

QT 19/09/2024 Thu. Colossians 3. Put off and Put on.
http://www.esvbible.org/col3

Paul elaborates this new way of thinking in 3:5–17 by comparing the old way of life that we must “put off” (3:5–11) and the new way of life we are to “put on” (3:12–17). Even after becoming a Christian, he or she still has responsibilities towards each other within relationships that exist on earth. In fact, becoming Christians should motivate and empower them to live them out well (3:18–4:1).

A truly holy lifestyle (Col 3:1-17) translates to certain behaviours in interpersonal relationships (Col 3:18-25).

If a person sets his mind on earthly things (Col 3:1-2), this would result in "sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and coveteousness, which is idolatry" (Col 3:5), "anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth" (Col 3:8), and "lie" (Col 3:9).

On the other hand, if he sets his mind on "things that are above" (Col 3:1-2), this equates with his status as "God's chosen ones, holy and beloved" (Col 3:12), a person with "compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (Col 3:12), forbearing and forgiving (Col 3:13), loving (Col 3:14).

The benefits of setting the mind on things above are plenty: "peace" and  "thankfulness" (Col 3:15), "perfect harmony" (Col 3:14), and receipt of an inheritance from the Lord as reward (Col 3:24).

REFLECTION: What are you seeking today? Ask a confidante or colleague.

星期四 2024年9月19日 今日读经：歌罗西书书3章. 放下和戴上。
https://www.bible.com/bible/41/Col.3.cnvs

保罗在 3：5-17 中通过比较我们必须 “脱去 ”的旧生活方式（3：5-11）和我们要 “穿上 ”的新生活方式（3:12-17），阐述了这种新的思维方式。即使成为基督徒，他或她仍然有责任在世上的人际关系中彼此相待。事实上，成为基督徒应该激励他们并赋予他们能力，使他们能够很好地履行这些责任（3：18-4：1）。

一个真正圣洁的生活(歌3:1-17)在人际关系上一定会有某些特定的表现(歌3:18-25)。

如果一个人思念地上的事(歌3:1-2),这就会导致“污秽、邪情、恶欲和贪心，贪心就是拜偶像”(歌3:5),“忿怒、恼怒、恶毒、毁谤，以及粗言秽语”(歌3:8)，和“说谎”(歌3:9)。

另一方面，如果他思念的是“天上的事”(歌3:1-2),这就等同于他“神所拣选的，是圣洁、蒙爱的人”的身份(歌3:12)，是一个有“怜悯的心肠、恩慈、谦卑、温柔和忍耐”的人(歌3:12)，是个“彼此宽容，互相饶恕”的人(歌3:13),也是个有爱心的人(歌3:14)。

思念天上的事的好处有很多：“平安”和“感谢的心”(歌3:15),“完全的和谐”(歌3:14)，和从主那里得到基业为赏赐(歌3:24)。

反思：你今天寻求的是什么？问一个知己或是同事。