Colossians 1:24-29 – “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my physical body—for the sake of his body, the church—what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. 25 I became a servant of the church according to the stewardship from God—given to me for you—in order to complete the word of God, 26 that is, the mystery that has been kept hidden from ages and generations, but has now been revealed to his saints. 27 God wanted to make known to them the glorious riches of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim him by instructing and teaching all people with all wisdom so that we may present every person mature in Christ. 29 Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to his power that powerfully works in me.”
As I read, prayed, and meditated on the Word of God today, a thought exploded in my spirit. It is found in Colossians 1:26-27 and is further developed throughout the rest of the book. “Christ IN You, the Hope of Glory!”
The thought that was reverberating in my spirit was the full scope of “Christ IN us.” We say it, sing it, testify of it, but do we manifest it? How real and literal is it to us?
In Colossians 1:22-23, we find that through the Cross, we are enabled to be transformed into people who are holy, without reproach, and blameless. He is, but are we? That depends on “Christ IN us” being a realized reality.
He said this would be our condition and position “IF.” That dastardly little word “if” keeps interfering with our precepts and concepts. “IF” we continue in faith and our foundation remains firm. “IF” we are not moved from the hope of the gospel, we will experience this transformation. We will manifest HIM. It all begins with “Christ IN us.”
In Colossians 2:9, we read an incredible declaration. “For in Him is embodied all the fullness of the Godhead.” Keep in mind this: Christ is IN us through the new birth. IN us. What does that mean? How does that look in manifestation? How does He look? How does He live? What does He do? What attitude does He exhibit? Is that what we offer? Then, I ask, is “Christ IN us” in a manifested reality?
If He is LORD, we are totally surrendered to His Lordship. If He is IN us and the LORD, His life is manifested through us. What is the overriding passion and pursuit of our lives? If He is IN us, Colossians 3 informs us how we are to live.
It begins “IF” we have risen with Jesus in the newness of life, THEN. Seek Him and the things of heaven. THEN, you set your mind on heavenly Christ things, the things His mind is set on. THEN, you mortify your earthly members: immorality, uncleanness, intemperate desires, evil lust, and covetousness, for these are idolatry.
In verse 8, THEN, if Christ is IN you through the new birth, you PUT OFF: anger, malice, wrath, blasphemy, foul conversation. Do not lie to one another, and put away the old ways of life, which include selfishness.
In verse 12, he reminds us that IF Christ is IN us, THEN we are to put on (not pray for God to do it for us) mercy, gentleness, humbleness of mind, meekness, patience, forbearing one another, and forgiving one another.
In verse 15, we are to let (think about that word) the peace of Christ govern your hearts and let (that word again) His word dwell in you abundantly. Then, he gives a pathway to bringing the fleshly man in line. Teach and admonish one another (restoration is always the goal). We do this in Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs sung with grace!
Is Christ IN us? Can others see it? Do we see it? If He is IN us, then the fullness of the Godhead is IN us. Sin cannot defeat us. No devil in hell can hinder us. Nothing is impossible for us. We have ALL the authority of the Godhead operating IN and THROUGH us. Is that us?
That is my heart’s cry – Total surrender and total reception of the finished work of Jesus! That is our heritage. That is our provision. That is our invitation. That is our promise.
May Christ be manifested in each of us daily and in all things!
Roy's Covenant Corner 