Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. It is always an advantage to have the laws of a kingdom as concise as possible. The amount of litigation caused by the English code is immense. In God's government the matter is plain enough — included in ten commandments, and further reduced by Christ to, two. Our text is an instance of the terseness of Divine precepts. It contains a law applicable to every action, word, thought, place, circumstance in a few brief words. It is a great advantage to a mechanic to be able to carry with him a pocket rule or square. And so we have here a compendious rule in life which car, never fail. I. HOLY WALKING DESCRIBED. "Whatsoever," etc. This rule applies to those who are in Christ. The unconverted require a radical change before they can carry it out. You cannot walk as a believer if you have not believed. But having begun at the beginning, and taken the step of salvation by faith, the walk has to be carried on by following this injunction, which means — 1. To do all through the office and name of Christ as Mediator. (1) You are bound to offer daily praise: it must be in the name of the Lord Jesus. (2) You are to abound in prayer. His name gives power to prayer; it is not so much your earnestness and sincerity, but His blood that speaks to God. (3) You are to give Him your time and services in teaching the ignorant, etc.; they can only be acceptable in Him. (4) You are to-give of your substance; if you give all your wealth, the offering presented without Christ is nothing. 2. Do all under the authority of Jesus Christ. He is your King. The business of a Christian upon earth is not an independent one; he is a steward for Christ. 3. Do all under the sanction of Christ as our example. It is an admirable course to ask, "What would Christ have done in these circumstances?" 4. Do all as to the glory of Christ. The Christian must not seek self. 5. Do all in the strength of Christ. With Him is the residue of the Spirit, and the Spirit is the believer's power. These words are a rebuke — (1) to those who do nothing in Christ's name; (2) to those who glory in the name of men, as of churches or of saints; (3) to those professors who dishonour the name under which they profess to live. We-have — II. HOLY MUSIC PRESCRIBED — "Giving thanks," etc. Soldiers march to battle to trumpet and drum, etc., and it is an excellent thing when Christian men know how to sing as well as work. The best music consists in thankfulness to God. We ought to praise Him in all things, but more particularly in the exercise of religion. Some people are so afraid of joy, that they seem to labour under the delusion that all who are devout must be unhappy. The text tells us under what aspect we should regard God when thus thanking Him. It is as a Father. III. HOLY MOTIVES INCULCATED. Inscribed on our hearts are reasons which must secure obedience. These are — 1. Gratitude. All we have has been received from the Father through Christ. 2. The worthiness of Christ. "Him hath God exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour." 3. Love. He claims our love, and He gives us His. (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. |
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