Colossians:3

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* Verse 1-4 - As Christians are freed from the ceremonial law , they must walk the more closely with God in gospel obedience . As heaven and earth are contrary one to the other , both cannot be followed together ; and affection to the one will weaken and abate affection to the other . Those that are born again are dead to sin , because its dominion is broken , its power gradually subdued by the operation of grace , and it shall at length be extinguished by the perfection of glory . To be dead , then , means this , that those who have the Holy Spirit , mortifying within them the lusts of the flesh , are able to despise earthly things , and to desire those that are heavenly . Christ is , at present , one whom we have not seen ; but our comfort is , that our life is safe with him . The streams of this living water flow into the soul by the influences of the Holy Spirit , through faith . Christ lives in the believer by his Spirit , and the believer lives to him in all he does . At the second coming of Christ , there will be a general assembling of all the redeemed ; and those whose life is now hid with Christ , shall then appear with him in his glory . Do we look for such happiness , and should we not set our affections upon that world , and live above this ? * Verse 5-11 - It is our duty to mortify our members which incline to the things of the world . Mortify them , kill them , suppress them , as weeds or vermin which spread and destroy all about them . Continual opposition must be made to all corrupt workings , and no provision made for carnal indulgences . Occasions of sin must be avoided : the lusts of the flesh , and the love of the world ; and covetousness , which is idolatry ; love of present good , and of outward enjoyments . It is necessary to mortify sins , because if we do not kill them , they will kill us . The gospel changes the higher as well as the lower powers of the soul , and supports the rule of right reason and conscience , over appetite and passion . There is now no difference from country , or conditions and circumstances of life . It is the duty of every one to be holy , because Christ is a Christian 's All , his only Lord and Saviour , and all his hope and happiness . * Verse 12-17 - We must not only do no hurt to any , but do what good we can to all . Those who are the elect of God , holy and beloved , ought to be lowly and compassionate towards all . While in this world , where there is so much corruption in our hearts , quarrels will sometimes arise . But it is our duty to forgive one another , imitating the forgiveness through which we are saved . Let the peace of God rule in your hearts ; it is of his working in all who are his . Thanksgiving to God , helps to make us agreeable to all men . The gospel is the word of Christ . Many have the word , but it dwells in them poorly ; it has no power over them . The soul prospers , when we are full of the Scriptures and of the grace of Christ . But when we sing psalms , we must be affected with what we sing . Whatever we are employed about , let us do every thing in the name of the Lord Jesus , and in believing dependence on him . Those who do all in Christ 's name , will never want matter of thanksgiving to God , even the Father . * Verse 18-25 - The epistles most taken up in displaying the glory of the Divine grace , and magnifying the Lord Jesus , are the most particular in pressing the duties of the Christian life . We must never separate the privileges and duties of the gospel . Submission is the duty of wives . But it is submission , not to a severe lord or stern tyrant , but to her own husband , who is engaged to affectionate duty . And husbands must love their wives with tender and faithful affection . Dutiful children are the most likely to prosper . And parents must be tender , as well as children obedient . Servants are to do their duty , and obey their masters ' commands , in all things consistent with duty to God their heavenly Master . They must be both just and diligent ; without selfish designs , or hypocrisy and disguise . Those who fear God , will be just and faithful when from under their master 's eye , because they know they are under the eye of God . And do all with diligence , not idly and slothfully ; cheerfully , not discontented at the providence of God which put them in that relation . And for servants ' encouragement , let them know , that in serving their masters according to the command of Christ , they serve Christ , and he will give them a glorious reward at last . But , on the other hand , he who doeth wrong , shall receive for the wrong which he hath done . God will punish the unjust , as well as reward the faithful servant ; and the same if masters wrong their servants . For the righteous Judge of the earth will deal justly between master and servant . Both will stand upon a level at his tribunal . How happy would true religion make the world , if it every where prevailed , influenced every state of things , and every relation of life ! But the profession of those persons who are regardless of duties , and give just cause for complaint to those they are connected with , deceives themselves , as well as brings reproach on the gospel . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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