RECOGNITION ROSS SMITH

RECOGNITION                                                                                                                                    ROSS SMITH

 

ALL REFERENCES ARE FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED.

 

We have previously looked at the subject of “ACCEPTABLE AMBITION” or “PLEASING GOD”, however, the subject of “RECOGNITION” seemed too extensive to include in that particular study. To “RECOGNISE” someone can take two forms, either we (1) know them, or we (2) regard them,

1. Identify (someone or something) from having encountered them before; know again.
2. Acknowledge the existence, validity, or legality of.

1 Corinthians 8:3                              BUT IF one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, PROMPT OBEDIENCE, and GRATEFUL RECOGNITION of His blessing], he is known by God [RECOGNIZED as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].

Here we have firstly the “acknowledgement” aspect of “RECOGNITION” followed by Father identifying the person He knows, that “worthy person”. We need to know if we qualify for this exalted position and the Apostle Paul again comes to our aid to describe such a one.

The first requirement to pleasing God is found in Hebrews 11:6  “But without faith, it is impossible to please and be satisfactory to Him”. Whenever I see the word “FAITH” I understand that in practical terms it means “OBEDIENCE”. So, in paraphrase, “without OBEDIENCE we cannot please God”, and already in 1 Corinthians 8:3 that has been confirmed.

In numerous instances in the Word where “OBEDIENCE” is used it is accompanied by other terms such as “PROMPT OBEDIENCE” and “GRATEFUL RECOGNITION”.

Whilst much emphasis is placed upon “OBEDIENCE” we do not attribute the same degree of importance to the word “RECOGNITION”.

Colossians 1:10 brings the subject acutely into focus in how we are PLEASING TO GOD but concludes with a comprehensive and extensive blueprint with the word “RECOGNITION”.

Colossians 1:10                                 That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, FULLY PLEASING to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing and increasing in and by the knowledge of God [with fuller, deeper, and clearer insight, ACQUAINTANCE, AND RECOGNITION].

The manner in which we walk, live and conduct ourselves is a path that leads to greater ACQUAINTANCE AND RECOGNITION, and so this verse again couples both the “IDENTITY” of God by our “fuller, clearer and deeper insight” and our “ACKNOWLEDGEMENT” because we are striving to please Him in everything.

It is only a person of significant influence that we generally will “ACKNOWLEDGE”, for they are either a person of authority, or a leader in their field, or a person whose actions or opinions strongly influence the course of events.

If we think the need to “RECOGNISE” is not of consequence (spelt with a “z” in Amplified), well there are 117  verses and 122 matches. Obviously, we are not setting out to explore all the instances, but it may be a worthwhile time of study just to go and read each reference for the weight it carries.

“RECOGNITION” carries far more intent than first imagined when we read what Peter had to say,

2 Peter 3:18                                        But GROW in GRACE (undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and RECOGNITION and KNOWLEDGE and UNDERSTANDING of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be] glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen (so be it)!

It is our growth in “GRACE” with all its benefits that precedes the enhancement of our “RECOGNITION” which is conjoined with KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING, a fact we must not overlook, for much concentration has been on “Knowledge and Understanding” but little on “Recognition”.  I fear we are still ambivalent regarding the “undeserved favour and spiritual strength” that is the very structure of “GRACE” and so effectively presume upon Gods goodness, for 2 Peter indicates that the outcome of this position will glorify Christ.

But scripture goes further in expressing the importance of “RECOGNITION” and it is a hallmark that each Christian is encouraged, bidden, and instructed to show.

John 13:35                                          BY THIS shall all [men] KNOW (This “know” is that acknowledgement of the Christian influence, it is a “life of contrast Ephesians 5:11)  THAT YOU ARE MY DISCIPLES, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].

Whilst “LOVE” identifies us before men, it is “FRUIT” that identifies us before God, and also is a skill we are afforded so that we are not misled by charlatans and false teachings.

The Apostle  Paul adds a further dimension in his inimitable fashion of eloquent phrasing, and we will see how the sentiment is not a new one.

Philippians 3:8                                   Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss COMPARED TO the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and RECOGNIZING and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake, I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),

But that is still not good enough for the Apostle, he has to reinforce his position when he enlarges the scope in verse 10.

Philippians 3:10                                FOR MY DETERMINED PURPOSE IS] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and RECOGNIZING and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]

As stated, this is not a new sentiment for if we revert to Old Testament we see the same ambition enunciated by a patriarch regarded as special by God Himself. Such was his relationship it is recorded, “And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” But Moses continues, despite his elevated communion with God,

Exodus 33:13                                     Now, therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, show me now Your way, THAT I MAY KNOW YOU [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You, perceiving and RECOGNIZING and understanding more strongly and clearly] and that I may find favor in Your sight. And [Lord, do] consider that this nation is Your people.

Moses was addressed by God “face-to-face”, so the recognition Moses sought was not God’s IDENTITY, but his IDEAL. He was acknowledging the fact of God’s supremacy and the onerous task of leading Israel which demanded that he “think, act and feel like God”. That was his acknowledgement/recognition. 

The “fruit” of this encounter was the abiding “Presence of God”.

How does that relate to our present situation in New Testament times? Well, the apostle Paul expressed the same but intensified sentiment of verse 8 in different terms as we see above in Philippians 3:10. Paul said, “FOR MY DETERMINED PURPOSE IS] that I MAY KNOW HIM”, basically the same terminology that Moses employed.

DESIRE DEVELOPS DETERMINATION

The “RECOGNITION” of a superior requires the acknowledgement of our inferiority and both Moses and Paul evidenced this. Paul said, (Philippians 3:11)  “THAT IF POSSIBLE” whilst Moses said, Exodus 33:13  “NOW THEREFORE, I PRAY YOU, IF I HAVE FOUND FAVOR IN YOUR SIGHT”.

The same opportunity is available today, but carries the same requirement, and demands the same ambition as evidenced by both Moses and Paul.

SELAH

RITUAL VERSUS HABITUAL ROSS SMITH

RITUAL VERSUS HABITUAL                                                                                                                ROSS SMITH

ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED

 

Whilst these two words, RITUAL and HABITUAL seldom appear in our communications as a subject, they occur in our behaviour as an object, that is, we exhibit either one or the other or both, more regularly than we first imagined.

RITUAL is where we survive under a legal imposition, sometimes created FOR US and sometimes created BY US. It often feels comfortable because it gives us some “nail of principle” that we can hang our behaviour on, so we don’t have to deal with our conscience and we feel justified by engaging in the same procedure on a regular basis. Unfortunately, this applies to our spiritual behaviour as well as our natural behaviour.

HABITUAL is generally CONSTRUCTIVE whilst RITUAL is almost always DESTRUCTIVE

The current turmoil on our planet has brought to the surface the need for revision of how church services, funerals, weddings, and myriad other “RITUALS” must come under scrutiny and a deep review of these privileges and luxuries that we have taken for granted. Have we been unconsciously “ritualistic” and now need to be more aware of the Holy Spirit leading in every aspect of our ministry and relations?

Galatians  2:21                                  [Therefore, (Or, Because I have died to the legal and to self  ..  comments mine) I do not treat God’s gracious gift as something of minor importance and defeat its very purpose]; I do not set aside and invalidate and frustrate and nullify the grace (unmerited favour) of God. For if justification (righteousness, acquittal from guilt) comes through [observing the RITUAL of] the Law, then Christ (the Messiah) died groundlessly and to no purpose and in vain. [His death was then wholly superfluous.]

Galatians 4:3                                      So we [Jewish Christians] also, when we were minors, were kept like slaves under [the rules of the Hebrew RITUAL and subject to] the elementary teachings of a system of external observations and regulations.

Let us not fall into the trap of thinking because we read or pray every day that we are fulfilling the requirements that the Lord has for us. The church has been at fault here for an extended period of time, particularly in some “religions” where good works, applied on a regular basis will ensure entrance into heaven.

The practice of “confession” and the “Mass” engaged in with fond embrace by the Catholic Church is another example of RITUAL which salves the conscience of the individual whilst condemning them to certain death. We can also become infected with an improper attitude. Have we also become ritualistic in our “order of service” and the way we relate to each other and excluded the initiative of the Holy Spirit?  We need a fresh revelation every day. See how scripture confirms this:-

Psalm 145:2                                       Every day [WITH ITS NEW REASONS] will I bless You [affectionately and gratefully praise You]; yes, I will praise Your name forever and ever.

What was our “new reason” today? If we are not aware of God’s daily dealings and benefits we are being presumptuous. Even when we do become aware of God’s “benevolent purpose” (read “circumstances”) and yet fail to engage in bountiful praise, it suggests that we are still spiritually robotic, or ritualistic.

There is generally nothing “NEW” in ritualistic activities but when we abide in habitual fellowship Isaiah said we will be kept up to date on “NEW THINGS”.

Isaiah 42:9                                          Behold, the former things have come to pass, and NEW THINGS I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.

As stated previously, the current dilemma facing our world has, in a matter of days, deleted and denied our normality, the “former things have come to pass” and with such alacrity, as to spur us on to realise that the coming of the Lord can and will overtake humanity without any opportunity to reflect on how the Lord has been alerting us to the need for conformity. Isaiah would not have realised how stark this verse would be to us today.

Matthew 13:52                                 He said to them, Therefore every teacher and interpreter of the Sacred Writings who has been instructed about and trained for the kingdom of heaven and has become a disciple is like a householder who brings forth out of his storehouse TREASURE THAT IS NEW and [treasure that is] old [the fresh as well as the familiar].

The “NEW FRESH TEACHING” that Mark identifies is not some new doctrine or dogma but the refreshing explanation and clarity of the truth of God’s Word which liberates us from the ritualistic interpretation and legalistic demands so often imposed by man-made religious fervour. Are we becoming more acquainted with the relevance of God’s Word and its application to our current situation?

Mark 1:27                                           And they were all so amazed and almost terrified that they kept questioning and demanding one of another, saying, What is this?  NEW FRESH TEACHING! With authority, He gives orders even to the unclean spirits and they obey Him!

2 Corinthians 3:6                              [It is He] Who has qualified us [making us to be fit and worthy and sufficient] as MINISTERS AND DISPENSERS OF A NEW COVENANT [of salvation through Christ], not [ministers] of the letter (of legally written code) but of the Spirit; for the code [of the Law] kills, but the [Holy] Spirit makes alive.

What a great responsibility but what a great opportunity. Ritual does not change anything it is simply rote, an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner. Father requires ministers whose focus is on the building up of the body, devoid of egotistical pageantry and secularism which is overtaking Christendom. This is the time for us to step up as “Ministers and dispensers of a new covenant”, the critical demand as “ministers made alive by the Holy Spirit.”

HABITUAL is something we do as a  commitment, with an objective in mind that supersedes any mindless engagement, but has a component to it that suggests there is a goal established by the insistent awareness that we have a supreme purpose to fulfil and everything else becomes secondary, and we become addicted to receiving that “freshness” that comes with hearing His voice and applying His Word.

The author of Lamentations has endured quite some suffering as expressed in chapter 3:19 and is still reflecting on the effects it has had on his spirit until he recalls the Lord’s mercy and lovingkindness. Despite his distress, he reflects on the providential nature of God and realises that every morning there is a freshness, a habitual visitation of God’s compassion and identifies that they are “NEW every morning”.

Lamentations 3:20-23                    My soul has them (his afflictions etc) continually in remembrance and is bowed down within me.  But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation:  It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. THEY ARE NEW EVERY MORNING; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.

Isaiah also understood HABITUAL when he penned the words,

Isaiah 33:2                                          O Lord, be gracious to us; we have waited [EXPECTANTLY] (Or “HABITUALLY” – comments mine) for You. Be the arm [of Your servants–their strength and defense] EVERY MORNING, our salvation in the time of trouble.

Enoch obviously had mastered the ability to “set his mind and keep it set” and develop the habit of continuous fellowship. He was able to do this without the gift of the Holy Spirit such as we are privileged to enjoy and assist us in developing this same ability.

Genesis 5:22                                      Enoch walked [IN HABITUAL FELLOWSHIP] with God after the birth of Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. (See also Genesis 5:24)

Noah is another great example of “HABITUAL FELLOWSHIP” and evidenced tremendous “ESP”, (endurance, steadfastness, patience) in building the ark and preaching for 100 years under duress only made possible by his “HABITUAL FELLOWSHIP” with God. We are not privy to the habits Noah had developed except it is recorded that he was “just, righteous, blameless and walked in HABITUAL FELLOWSHIP” with God.

Genesis 6:9                                         This is the history of the generations of Noah. Noah was a just and righteous man, blameless in his [evil] generation; Noah walked [IN HABITUAL FELLOWSHIP] with God.

The word HABITUAL also has other meanings such as “Usual, Routine, Customary, Regular, Normal, Consistent, Ordinary” – but in using these terms does not suggest any form of “OCD” or “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder” – but nominates that we operate in a conscious engagement in a practice that has become completely normal, even though it transcends the mental and originates in and is energised by the Holy Spirit. (Philippians 2:3)

“Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder” is a relatively new medical term for an archaic condition, where people have been condemned to a life of misery due to the fact that they have to do everything according to a repetitious misalignment of their priorities. Any departure or change of routine will unsettle their emotional stability.

Once we develop a HABIT it can become ADDICTIVE, and again not in an “OCD” form. It will take on unimagined dimensions with unbelievable results

James 5:16                                          Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER (read – “HABITUAL”) of a righteous man availed much.

Matthew has contrasted the ritualistic practice that the Gentiles had adopted, the opposite end of the spectrum that James recommends as “Effectual fervent prayer”.  “And when you pray, do not heap up phrases (multiply words, repeating the same ones over and over) as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7 )

1 Thessalonians 5:17                Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly].

The Psalmist has obviously become addicted to the benefits of his relationship with God to the point he is now finding enjoyment that supersedes even living.

Psalm 63:3                                          Because Your loving-kindness is BETTER THAN LIFE, (Or,  “I have become ADDICTED” – comments mine) my lips shall praise You

Joshua 1:8                                           This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall MEDITATE ON IT DAY AND NIGHT, (HABITUALLY – comments mine) that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success. (Refer to notes on Casual and Causal)

 

 

THE NEW REAL LIFE ROSS SMITH

THE NEW REAL LIFE                                                                                                                  ROSS SMITH

ALL REFERENCES FROM AMPLIFIED VERSION UNLESS NOTED

 

To attain the “NEW LIFE” that Colossians proposes in chapter 3:3, there are a number of adjustments that need to be made. So, firstly we will look at the proposal,

Colossians 3:3                                    For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and YOUR [NEW, REAL] LIFE is hidden with Christ in God.

The above Scripture gives two different inferences, if we delete the text in the brackets, it reads, “For you have died” but when we include the brackets it clarifies that the world sees us as dead. It is on this premise then that verse one becomes applicable stating, “If then you have been raised with Christ TO A NEW LIFE” with the expectation that we will have both died to self and are seen to be dead as far as worldly matters are concerned. Notice that it is a new, REAL life.

Three things emerge from this verse that we need to be conscious of as we proceed to evidence that “NEW REAL LIFE”, for these conditions will prevail as we truly represent the Christ we serve.

1. The world doesn’t care about you,
2. You have passed away as far as they are concerned
3. We are protected from their insidious attitude        (see verses five, eight, nine)

But then we also have three things that we have to attend to so that this “NEW LIFE” can emerge, and each requires a different approach;

1. Kill, deaden, deprive
2. Put away, rid yourselves
3. Strip off

 FIRSTLY, it is important for us to realise that as Christ’s representatives we count for nothing as far as the world is concerned.  It is no new phenomenon for back in the Apostles day they were warned to be careful as the Gentiles didn’t regard them with any degree of appreciation.

1 Peter 2:12                                        Conduct yourselves properly (honourably, righteously) among the Gentiles, so that, although they may slander you as evildoers, [yet] they may by witnessing your good deeds [come to] glorify God in the day of inspection [when God shall look upon you wanderers as a pastor or shepherd looks over his flock].

Peter used the word “CONDUCT” that includes much more than just good behaviour. The example of an orchestral conductor adds to the intention. It has been said, “he who would lead the band must turn his back on the crowd”.

The conductor makes no sound, plays no instrument, has no chair, maintains an impeccable tempo, has acute sensitivity and lastly, he unifies the performance just by lifting his finger. And so, the analogy carries through to our conduct, we must at all times maintain our self-control or “tempo”, we must develop and maintain acute sensitivity so that we are able to interpret the Authors Intended Meaning (AIM) for our lives, the task is unending as there is no chair and our life of contrast will influence the “band of humanity” just as the conductor’s finger influences the orchestra.

SECONDLY, we are as good as dead in the world’s estimation, we are of no consequence to the worlds ambitions or programs, we are in fact a pain in the neck because we keep injecting ethical arguments that conflict with the objectives they wish to implement. We only need to look at gay marriage, the same-sex phenomenon, climate change, church secularisation, and myriad other issues to see that the influence of the Christian church is now of very little consequence to worldlings.

Is this the reason so many “ministers” are adopting methods so closely aligned with how the world do it to try and maintain some acceptance within the world, teaching doctrines that even the world  holds in disdain, and the end result is, the whole of Christendom, that is, the church, but particularly anyone who would truly attempt to represent the Lord is looked upon as a corpse.

THIRDLY, we must hurry to the refuge provided specifically for occasions such as this. And where is that found, “IN HIM”. We know that in Colossians 2:3 that “IN HIM all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) (This is indeed the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in our study of God’s Word  ..  comments mine) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden.”

Surely this is a good place to be, no one in the world has any regard for us, they ignore us as if we are dead, SO WE TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION, we high tail it into the sanctuary and shelter under God’s benevolent purpose and the providence of the Almighty, He Who has conquered sin and death and anything else that is stupid enough to try and contend with Him.

Now we have three responsibilities we are to discharge if we are to appropriate this “NEW REAL LIFE” and enjoy the benefits and bonuses of such a relationship. Some of these things we must to do are a bit messy, they may involve some things we have become very comfortable with, maybe adopted some of them, but now some extensive and vigorous spiritual energy needs to be expended.

• Colossians 3:5 (a) So KILL, DEADEN, DEPRIVE of power the evil desire lurking in your members [those animal impulses and all that is earthly in you that is employed in sin]:

To do so, the particular fault that requires homicide must have a life of its own, otherwise, it cannot be killed. It can be approached in three ways, firstly is to kill it off, that is, once it has been slain then it should no longer have any effect.

But less effective, it can also be deadened, or anaesthetised so that it is comatose and ineffectual in its intentions. And lastly, an even weaker approach is to deprive or starve the fault so that it becomes weak and helpless in its insidious work.

I like to think that this “power of evil lurking in our members” the one against which we can use three methods, is likened to a “PARASITE”, a bloodsucker, or a leech, a freeloader that has attached itself to our life and saps us of the vitality that we are intended to have in Christ, some opportunistic parasitic impediment. YOU CAN’T JUST SHAKE IT OFF, IT HAS TO BE KILLED!

Hebrews 12:1 (B) describes this sort of dysfunction as “every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us.”   If you have ever walked through the thick and damp verdure of the rain forest you may well have come out the other side with leeches or ticks attached to your body.

How did they get there, where did they come from, well they “deftly and cleverly clung” when we least expected them,?  But they are part of the territory through which we passed, and so likewise, those things we have to “KILL, DEADEN, DEPRIVE” are likewise things we have picked up in our travels.

• Colossians 3:8 (a) But now PUT AWAY AND RID YOURSELVES [completely] of all these things

To “PUT AWAY AND RID YOURSELVES” does not mean to “STORE” but refers to things we no longer need, so we get rid of them. There has been great promotion over some years now of the need to “DECLUTTER”. There are so many theories regarding this action, but an interesting commentary said, “clearing away clutter improved focus, it also increased productivity and made it easier for the brain to process information.” Clutter has negative effects on our mental and physical health, it can leave us feeling anxious, stressed, or even depressed.” One must ponder if this is a reason for such an avalanche of mental health problems today.

Colossians 3:2 tells us to rid ourselves of “mental clutter” when it states, “And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. ”

HOW MANY THINGS ARE WE INVOLVED IN THAT COMPLICATE OUR LIVES, things that may have been useful, or even sentimental, they may be things we have learnt from parents or peers, but does that make them useful now? In our “NEW REAL LIFE,” these things either no longer fit, are out of fashion or have been replaced by better and smarter options.

But we have kept and stored some of these things for decades and if we revert to what Colossians says they are, it brings a whole new dimension to what “WE SHOULD PUT AWAY AND RID”. These things are insidious items, working or spreading harmfully in a subtle or stealthy manner, taking up valuable space in our heart and mind, causing a clutter, and it won’t take much to identify them if we have a look in the cupboard of our heart. They are “anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances from your lips! “ (Colossians 3:8)

When we realise that these things will be a gross inhibitor of our “NEW REAL LIFE IN CHRIST” then I am sure we will quickly realise and dispense with and rid ourselves of such destructive and debilitating traits.

• Colossians 3:9 (B) For YOU HAVE STRIPPED OFF the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices,

Somethings we wear so that we are not exposed, either to the cold or the wet, at other times to the environment in which we work, or to protect us from the sun and some even find Lycra appropriate!!!!! There are many “garbs” available to cover us, not just to hide our nudity, but to camouflage our personality.

Revelation 3:18                                 Therefore I counsel you to purchase from Me gold refined and tested by fire, that you may be [truly] wealthy, and white clothes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nudity from being seen, and salve to put on your eyes, that you may see.

Salvation brings about a radical change in the nature of the believer. And if we skip on a little in Colossians we find a very precise description of some of the garb that we have ”STRIPPED OFF” in this ”NEW LIFE”.

Colossians 3:8-10                             But now PUT AWAY AND RID YOURSELVES [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, bad feeling toward others, curses and slander, and foulmouthed abuse and shameful utterances from your lips! Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old (unregenerate) self with its evil practices,  AND HAVE CLOTHED YOURSELVES WITH THE NEW [SPIRITUAL SELF], which is [EVER IN THE PROCESS of being] renewed and remoulded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the image (the likeness) of Him Who created it.

Can you imagine living in the presence of the Lord with any of the above “unregenerate” activities, could we look into His face sincerely and without embarrassment if we held any of these ill-fitting, unattractive and despicable garbs that were a part of the “OLD SELF”?

THIRDLY, “we are hidden with Christ in God.

If we have not carried out the previous instructions, crucified those things needing to be killed, died to self in this life, rid ourselves of clutter,  there will be no abiding place in the next life.

Being hidden in Christ also means being hidden from the world. We can be assured that nothing this world can do to us will ever touch our spiritual reality. Yes, they may be able to affect us physically – in fact, this is promised to us throughout Scripture. We are not promised an easy road or one without pain and suffering. The promise made in second Timothy 3:12 is enough to convince some people that a godly life is too expensive.

2 Timothy 3:12                                  Indeed all who delight in piety and are DETERMINED to live a devoted and godly life in Christ Jesus will meet with persecution [will be made to suffer because of their religious stand].

We are not promised health but in accordance with the prosperity of our soul. We are not promised financial stability. We are not promised social acceptability. What we are promised is that after all of this is through, after this life has passed that we will reign with Him and that we are assured of a place with Him in Heaven. That is the point of the last promise that Paul makes.

Colossians 3:4                                    When Christ, WHO IS OUR LIFE, appears, then you also will appear with Him in [the splendour of His] glory.

If Christ is truly our life then every moment should be lived in light of the fact that we are before Him and with the knowledge that we represent Him to the world. HE IS OUR VERY LIFE, our very reason for existence. It is for His glory that we are even still here.

Our natures are changed, and we are now hidden with Christ in God – and yet we are still here. Why? To represent Him. To demonstrate for the world what the changed nature, what the changed life of the Christian really looks like.