LET'S BE SPIRITUAL

COL. 2:11-13

Rick Jackson

Just because something has been covered does not mean it has been exhausted. Last Wednesday we finished going over Col. 2 but Sunday morning it became apparent we hadn't said evertything that could be said... nor are we foolish enough to think this will be the final word. Nevertheless, it seems a little more input is needful at this time.

J. B. Lightfoot said of the break between verse 10 and 11, "The previous verses have dealt with the theological tenets of the false teachers. The apostle now turns to their practical errors." Dealing with how to be spiritual was certainly practical. The false teachers didn't have the answer that the Word of God does have.

I. SPIRITUAL CIRCUMCISION [v. 11]

Physical circumcision was used by God in the Old Testament much as baptism is used in the New Testament. it doesn't save a person but a person who was saved should have submitted to it. It was to be an outward expression of a inward reality. The man who refused it showed an unwillingness to submit to God whereas the man whe requested it showed a desire for God's will.

Gn. 17:1-14, Ex. 4:19-28

Deuteronomy 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.

Deuteronomy 30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

Jeremiah 4:4 Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, and take away the foreskins of your heart, ye men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: lest my fury come forth like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

Acts 2:41-42 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 8:35-39 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Spiritual circumcision differs from physical circumcision in at leat three areas (according to Wuest):

1. It's character- it's not external but is internal

2. It's author- it's not done by man but is done by God

3. It's extent- it is not dealing with just part of a body but is dealing with the whole sin nature

II. SPIRITUAL CONDITION [V. 11-12]

1. The What- domination has been broken [the body "put off" was the physical body as dominated by the old nature] v. 11, Eph. 2:1-3 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

The body is still the possession of the believer but the flesh has been "rendered inoperative", the power of the sin nature is broken [Rm. 6:6]

2. The how- the "circumcision" of Christ (the spiritual operation performed on us by Christ)

In physical circumsion a part of the body was taken off and laid aside. In spiritual circumcision the whole old nature is "taken off" and laid aside (not eradicated yet- but will be at death. I Jn. 1:8)

3. Who? This is accomplished by God when a person trusts the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour! [2:12]

God breaks the power of indwelling sin (Rm. 6:3-4) since He's the only One who can. Since the old nature is not eradicated we must yield to the Holy Spirit (Rm. 6) and put off the "old man" and put on the "new" (Eph. 4:22, Col. 3:9).

III. SPIRITUAL CHANGE [V. 13]

1. You were spiritually dead.

2. You are now spiritually alive.

3. You are forgiven.