When we put our trust in Jesus, we’re considered buried with Him and raised with Him. We’re made alive with Christ having been forgiven of our sins and given new life to be lived in His righteousness (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12-14). We no longer have to be enslaved to sin but empowered to live in that new life made possible because Jesus was raised from the dead conquering sin and death. That newness starts in our hearts and comes out in what we do but also how we speak. Even our communication can be empowered to reflect His righteousness because of the resurrection.
The Premise for Empowered Communication Because of the Resurrection
Colossians 3 begins, “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ”, laying the premise upon which the subsequent verses are possible, including those that deal with our communication. Before we get to those verses, consider two phrases that are the logical conclusion to having been raised with Christ.
1) Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. (Col. 3:1)
This new life, possible because of the resurrection, begins in our hearts. Consequently, communication empowered by the resurrection requires our hearts are attuned to and growing more and more in the likeness of Christ. — “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Lk. 6:45)
2) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Col. 3:2)
What we think about will tend to flow into our heart which in turn will come out of our mouths. Is it any wonder we’re exhorted to think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8)? — “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom. 12:2)
The Outworking of Resurrection Power in How We Communicate
With our hearts and minds set on things above, we’re ready to “put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to our earthly nature” (Col. 3:5). After listing some deeds and attitudes that belong to our “earthly nature”, we get to those that relate more to our communication.
So, we begin with what communication empowered by the resurrection is not according to Colossians 3:8-9.
It is not driven by anger, rage, or malice.
It is not slanderous — not hurtful or destructive to another individual.
It is not unwholesome, filthy language.
It is not manipulative or deceptive, based on lies.
Then we find what communication reflective of having been raised with Christ is according to Colossians 3:12.
It is becoming of those who belong to God, His chosen people which means it will …
reflect His holiness.
reflect His love.
It is a choice we make as we are to “clothe” ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness patience, forbearance, forgiveness, and above all, love (Col. 3:12-14).
- We put off or get rid of communication that is fleshly, of our old nature.
- We put on or clothe ourselves with communication that is empowered by the resurrection, of our new nature.
And, just as God raised Jesus from the dead, so He empowers us to make these choices.
For More on These Topics, Go To:
All Posts about Communication:
- Communication with God Essential to Your Purpose
- Communication in Step with Your Purpose
- Communication Imperative to Body Life
- Communication Guided by Body Life Commands
- Communication Governed by the Great Commission
- Authority in Communication
- Focus of Communication
- Confidence in Communication
- Christ-like Communication Imperative
- What We Communicate: Both Grace and Truth
- How We Communicate: Both Graciously and Truthfully
- Who Can Tame the Tongue?
- Empowered Communication Because of the Gospel
- Empowered Communication as a Result of Spiritual Gifting
- Empowered Communication Seasoned with Grace
- Empowered Communication Possible Because of the Resurrection
- Empowered Communication Because of His Name
- Empowered Communication Takes Prayer
- Empowered Communication Guarded by Scripture
- Communication Under the Control of the Spirit
- Communication Protected with Spiritual Armor
- Be an Example in How to Communicate with One Another
this teaching is very blessed and challenged me so I would like teach My church ministers. I would like thank you and may God bless you. Pastor Mulugeta Abera, From Ethiopia Hosanna KHC congregation
Praise God, Pastor Abera, for the usefulness of this teaching. The Truth of God’s Word certainly does bless and challenge us. May He continue to use it to equip and build up your church ministers.