Colossians 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all… I. THE GOSPEL PRODUCES THE NEW MAN. 1. Before man is made anew all influences fail to produce the change. The glories of heaven never move him to praise, the riches of the earth never touch his gratitude. Like a withered tree, which receives no benefit from sunshine or shower, gracious influences made no impression. 2. But thrown into the crucible and mould of the Cross, he comes out a new man. New thoughts crowd the theatre of his mind, new emotions flower in the garden of his soul, new prospects enliven his future, and impelled by new convictions he builds up a new character. When ignorant become learned and subjects kings, there is less change than when lions become lambs, and God's enemies His friends. 3. The new man is possible to all. You cannot make poets, painters, musicians, soldiers, statesmen of all men, but the gospel can renovate all. II. THE GOSPEL UNITES MANKIND UNDER ONE HEAD. 1. There were distinctions. (1) The national contrast between Jew and Greek was strong. The boast of race, achievements, culture, etc., created mutual contempt. Those who gloried in Alexander and Socrates were scornfully reminded of David and Solomon. (2) The religious distinction was still sharper. (3) That between high and low was observed with rigour, there being no middle class. 2. All these distinctions must be sunk and the race come up by another way. (1) All men must humble themselves in the sight of God. The gospel does not propose to readjust these various claims, but to press regeneration on all. Paul once prided himself on his distinctions, but they vanished in view of the great question, "What must I do to be saved?"(2) The gospel leads to an exaltation which leaves the most exalted human stations behind. Stars shine brightly till the sun appears. The barbarian at the foot of the Cross is higher than Caesar on his throne. He who embraces Christ is rich, while the millionaire who trusts in riches is poor. III. THE GOSPEL ASSIMILATES HUMAN LIFE TO THAT OF CHRIST. 1. Christ absorbs every other condition which influences the mind. The river which flows over mountain and dale preserves its name and identity all the way to its mouth — then it is lost. So with him whose life-streams flow towards Christ, they will be absorbed in the ocean of His love. We surrender all to the claims of the Cross. 2. Christ is seen and felt in all the relations of life. Nature, duty, etc., which before were Christless, are now full of Christ. 3. As Christ is all in all and we in Him, therefore all things are ours. (T. Davies, Ph. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. |
    |