Spiritual Hamas

Spiritual Hamas
Colossians 1:21-29

Separating a passage at verse divisions, rather than at sentence and paragraph breaks presents the opportunity for the introduction of error, but in sentences as long as this it is sometimes necessary to examine the parts. A sentence is a complete thought. A semi colon or colon separates thoughts that are part of and integral to the thought, not quite strong enough to stand alone. Examination of the parts and combining them should enable us to better understand Paul’s statement.

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: “ (Colossians 1:21-23)

Being enemies is an attitude or state of mind. We think in terms of resentment toward those we consider enemies. We view them as trying to destroy us and our goals, and respond by doing things against what we think are their goals. Satan convinces the natural man that God is his enemy, trying to keep him from good things. He started with that lie when he accused God of trying to keep man from being like him, and man disobeyed God, going against what he perceived as God’s goals. That was our attitude as well.

Because of Jesus Christ’s actions, giving himself to die on the cross, we have been reconciled to God. Romans 5:10 stresses that it occurred when we were still his enemies. “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.” Our sins have been removed, and we stand before God blameless. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit,” (Romans 8:1).

When peace is made, intentional attacks and affronts to the other must stop. Both the actions and the attitude must change for it to work. The evidence of a real peace is an effort not to offend. As Christians, we must begin to walk in the spirit, not in the old attitude of the natural man, rebelling against God.

In the fighting between Palestine, and Israel, there have numerous peace efforts, with some resulting in treaties. While some people wanted peace, so they could live their own lives, various groups have viewed the treaties as opportunities to attack Israel without fear of reprisal. They sign the treaties, with no intention of changing their actions or attitudes. Because some refused to change their actions, and others retained their same attitudes, the treaties are meaningless.

Like the Hamas, the terrorist organization, some attempt to escape God’s judgment by making a profession, with no desire for reconciliation, and no intention of real changes in their attitude. Like the terrorists, they only stop their attacks long enough to replenish their supplies and strength. In such a case, the profession is false, there is no salvation, the change is temporary, to gain a n advantage. Continuing effort is the indication of a real commitment on our part and that the salvation is real. Jesus said that anyone who is not willing to put him above anything else cannot be saved in Luke 14:26-27. “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

Paul stresses that firm commitment to the Gospel is required. As the negotiator, the sufferings he experiences while trying to broker the agreement will be amply rewarded by the cessation of conflict, although they will get most of the benefit. The terms offered are the same for everyone. God doesn’t offer different deals to others.

“If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: “(Colossians 1:23-24)

As the ambassador for God, Paul has been given the responsibility to make those he is dealing with aware of details about God’s offer that are not widely known, as they will only benefit those who commit. He also reveals some of the plans for those who reject his offers of peace. He is not acting on his own initiative, or for his own interests, but was sent by God.

“Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” (Colossians 1:25-29)

The message, and the authority to share the message are from God, and are governed by his wishes. They are not a product of Paul’s own intellect. If accepted, they will produce the promised results. Paul labors to convince people to commit. Those who only make a profession to get something are like a spiritual members of Hamas, having no intention of being friends of Christ. God wants peace, not a ceasefire. He has made every effort to provide for peace. Too often we settle for a ceasefire which is likely to end in a resumption of hostilities, and eventual damnation.