Sunday: Reconciled From Wicked Works
Daily Lesson for Sunday 22nd of February 2026
Read Colossians 1:21-22. What is Paul alluding to with his reference to alienation and being enemies? And what is the expected end result of Christ’s death (see also Ephesians 5:27)?
Paul has always painted a dark picture of humanity, at least humanity apart from the righteousness of Christ. And who today, almost two thousand years later, could argue with that sentiment? Someone once said that the one Christian doctrine that doesn’t need to be taken on faith is the sinfulness of humanity.
Image © Lars Justinen at Goodsalt.com
However, since the entrance of sin, God has taken the initiative to reconcile us, as bad as we are, to Himself. That is, from the start, God has worked to solve the problem of sin, even if the solution could be found only in His own death on the cross.
In Eden, He called out to Adam, His masterpiece of creation, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9, NKJV). And today, He continues to seek His one lost sheep—us. He seeks us out one by one. He has a perfect plan to reach us, applying the embryonic gospel promise of Genesis 3:15, putting enmity between us and Satan.
Sometimes the gospel is made so complicated and theoretical that it has little practical meaning for twenty-first-century living. But it’s really quite simple and straightforward.
The gospel has three parts:
First, because we are helpless to save ourselves, Jesus came and died for our sins. (See Romans 5:6-8.)
Second, by accepting His death as ours through faith, repentance, and baptism, we are justified and set free from the condemnation of sin. (See Romans 5:9-11; Romans 6:6-7.)
Third, the life we live now is the result of being united with Christ, experiencing His re-creating power, and His living His life in us. (See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21, Galatians 2:20.)
These are not necessarily separate steps or events. They can happen all at once, as soon as we are ready to accept Jesus into our lives. And they can be renewed every day as we give ourselves to Him each morning. Regardless of how each one of us has experienced the saving work of Christ in our lives, the foundation rests always upon the death of Jesus. To that we must always return.
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When you look at yourself, your character, and your innermost being, what does the sight tell you about your need of the Cross? |
I love steam engines. When I first came to Australia in the 1960s steam was going into decline. They still ran the class 38 locomotives in front of the Newcastle Flyer but as time went on, they were often replaced with Class 44 Goodwin- Alco diesels*. They were not even half the fun. Sadly, the day came when the last Class 38 ran and it was left to rot on a siding. We would pass the old locomotive in its rusty neglected state and remember its heyday when it ran with pride and distinction.
We must remember that what we call sin is often the result of wilful neglect. Sin hides and ultimately replaces the original design, with its rust and decay. It takes the action of Jesus to do the restoration work so the original design can be seen and experienced again.
Fortunately, the Railway Historical Society has rescued a couple of those beautiful old C38s. I have been in the workshops where folk have used their skill to restore them, not as static exhibits but as fully functional steam engines. These folk love their work. Most of them are unpaid. They love those engines and donate time, money and skill in getting them going again. They get an enormous pleasure out of seeing them operate again and carrying passengers, many of whom have never experienced steam-rail transport before. It is hard to put a monetary value on a restored steam engine, but when you see the people’s enjoyment, you know that it is worth it
It is not a perfect example of the work of Jesus in restoring us from a sinful state but I think it gives some sense of the joy and satisfaction that Jesus experiences in seeing us restored to our original created state. It is about how Jesus values us.
*[I must admit that the Class 44 Goodwin-Alco Diesels are also heritage engines now.]
We were created in God’s image.
That was our “original design” created good, purposeful, and reflecting God’s character.Like a beautifully engineered Class 38 steam locomotive in its prime, we were designed with dignity, strength and glory.
When sin entered the world it did not immediately destroy the design, but it corrupted it.Sin often works like rust:It begins subtly.It spreads through neglect.It hides the original beauty.It eventually disables what once functioned properly.
Sin is not only active rebellion; it is also failing to maintain relationship with God, ignoring His will, and allowing decay to set in.
Just as skilled volunteers lovingly restore a historic locomotive to full working order, Jesus restores us — not as museum pieces, but as living, functioning reflections of God’s design.
Christ’s work is not cosmetic repair. It is restoration and renewal:He removes the corrosion of guilt.He repairs what is broken.He restores purpose.He returns us to active service.
Jesus does not see us as scrap metal. He sees what we were created to be — and delights in restoring us so that the original design can once again be seen and experienced.
All human beings, whether Christians or not, believers or non-believers, desire peace and good human relationships. However, peace and good human relationships do not happen in a vacuum. May it be between husband and wife, parents and children, friends or neighbours. Human relationships must be cherished and nurtured. Paul identifies wicked works and wicked thoughts as the causes of the breakdown in human relationships (Colossians 1:21). Before physical separation takes place, internal separation has already taken place. Separation starts from the heart (suspicion, pride, bitterness, envy, resentment, selfishness) long before it manifests itself in behaviour.
Bad thinking → Bad actions → Bad relationships.
It is no secret what devastation wicked works have caused to relationships between wives and husbands (infidelity, bitter words, silence, financial deceitfulness, pornography, domination, unforgiveness). It is sorrowful indeed to witness what used to be a sweet and lovely relationship turn bitter and ugly. It is truly comforting to know that marriages can be reconciled, as Christ’s death reconciled us to God while we were alienated from Him. Before Christ’s death, mankind was God’s enemy because of sinful thoughts and actions. But now we stand before God justified because of what Jesus did on the cross for us. Equally, any marriage that is thriving, sweet and lovely is covered by the grace of God. Colossians 1:21-22, contains words of hope that all human relationships (husband and wife, parents and children, friends or neighbours) stand a chance to be reconciled because Jesus has made it possible. Reconciliation is a gift to mankind from God because it pleases Him to see us happy.
Reconciliation between husband and wife mirrors the redemptive work of Christ. Christ humbled Himself and forgave us our sins. Likewise, husbands and wives need to be humble and forgive each other. This reflects the nature of God (forgiveness, love, kindness, patience), and this brings glory to God. When a husband and wife are prepared to put down their ego and seek reconciliation, they reflect Christ’s sacrificial love. God is honoured in this act because it models the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32,NLT).
Two beautiful passages: John 3:16, 17; 2 Corinthians 5:18,19: “All this is from God, Who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation!”
Omwenga, you wrote “before Christ’s death, mankind was God’s enemy because of sinful thoughts and actions”. Isn’t it wonderful that God has given us a gauge, a yardstick, to measure our spiritual growth and provides a way of escape when we are tempted to do wrong?
Ephesians 2:1-14 and Romans 5:8 speak to us how God demonstrates His own love toward us who were dead in our sins.
Thomas, you are spot-on by reminding us how much God demonstrated His eternal love by sending His begotten Son to save us. Words will absolutely fail us to express our thanks to God for His rescue mission on the cross.
I can see why it will take eternity 4 us 2 study God’s Sacrafice 4 us. It’s amazing and so complicated.
We should have the spirit of love if we yearn to reconcile with our fellow human beings.Before reconciling with God ,we should first of all seek to renew our relationship with all people regardless of their denomination.Jesus died for all people.He did not set boundaries for reconciliation.
Good morning Dephedon,
I totally agree with our need for realising that we should be seeking reconciliation with all people. But we need to remember that the only way we can reconcile with our fellow human beings is by first being reconciled to God.Then, building on that foundation, we can reach out to others.
I will like to take a step further look at the character and attitudes of others since we hardly see our own sins.What I see reveals that we have strayed beyond farthest from God and only the cross can bridge that gap.
Someone said that a beautiful and wonderful marriage is the product of the union of “two Forgivers”. It is fascinating to realize that this concept of Forgiveness existed in the mind of God even before the world began. Titus 1:1-3. As fallen, sinful human beings we are constantly in need of God’s forgiveness and thus His reconciliation. In addition as we interact with our fellow human beings, especially the one closest to us; our husbands, wives , children , etc.; forgiveness becomes and indispensable glue to our relationships. Forgiveness, the precursor to reconciliation. No wonder our Lord taught us to pray to the Father – ” and forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matthew 6:12 NIV.
Christ saw in all the potential for redemption. That is why He gave His life as bearer of the sins of all(reconciliation). Thus, giving all who would believe in Him salvation, which is a redemption process(sanctification).
Romans 8:12-13.
Those are just two texts of the redemption process; there are many more. To stay on the path, we need Christ on a daily basis. It is good to evaluate yourself. A good connection with the Holy Spirit does that for you if you ask. Ask that He reveals what He finds in you. Psalm 139:1-6, Romans 8:16. See Oh God if there is any wicked way in me. Then lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:24. Lead me in the paths of righteousness for Thy name’s sake. Psalm 23:3. And keep me from evil. Matthew 6:13.
The Clear Word says
Our Father:
Do not leave us alone when our loyalty to You is tested. Help us overcome every temptation which the evil one brings against us. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are Yours forever. Amen.’
Matthew 6:13.
Dear Lord, I trust You to lead me not to my own understanding, rather I put my trust in You, that You will direct my life. Why such trust in You Lord, because I put You first. Amen! Prayer based on Proverbs 3:6.
Just loving the part which says God called His first master creation,”where are you?”. Hebrews 13 :8 Jesus the same yesterday,today and forever.
Even today in the midst chaos,turmoil,hopeless and painful life experiences,He is calling each and every child of His,”where are you, because I died for you on the cross…to bring you back home.
God made us for His pleasure it means God delights in His own creatures. When man sinned it hurt God but because of His delight in man his crowning creation He just couldn’t give up on us hence although all will not accept what God offers God sees the travail of His soul and He is satisfied. God’s righteous servant Jesus Christ shall justify many He has already bourne our iniquities.
If I truly look at myself as any human on this planet, I’m going to see someone who needs Christ every moment. That might be the secret to living well and balanced.
“Reconciled from wicked works” – did the work of reconciliation not start with God’s Spirit leading us back to believe Him to be benevolent and trustworthy? Acts of ‘sin’ occured as the result of doubt and distrust, and unfaithfulness became the disposition of those having lost access to commune/fellowship – worship – the Creator.
The spirit of self-reliance, which is nothing more than dependency on the spirit of God’s adversary, entered the heart and mind of our first parents; man cannot generate his own ‘spirit’. Soon, man was no longer able to hear their Creator’s voice clearly. With passing time, the noise of the spirit of this world drowned out God’s voice all together.
But our God had a plan! How did He “solve the problem of sin” having resulted from being separated from His Spirit? He sent His Son – anointing His servant Jesus with His Spirit – empowering Him to become our Lord and Savior – Matt.3:17.
1 Cor.6:17 – ”But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in Spirit.”
We are invited to become united with our Creator – having our ‘being’ in the Spirit of His Son Jesus Christ. This is how our God established our reconciliation with Him.
John 17:21-23; Gal.3:28; Eph.4:4-6; John4:24; 2 Pet.1:4.
Deep, Brigitte, deep…!!! Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well,”…the hour is coming when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth…”
“Enemies in your mind” (Col. 1:21)….that’s what stands out, for me. I’m picturing a deformed mind. Like the sweet potatoes I just pulled out of my refrigerator hydrator…there are big soft parts in their flesh with lots of bluish-white mold spots all over. Yuk, nothing salvageable.
Is a baby born with an enemy mind? Born resisting God and rebelling against His supremacy in their life? Psalm 51:5 and Psalm 58:3 indicate that this is so.
I taught preschool from 2018 to 2020 and I was shocked to see the extent of sinful nature in even very young children of only 4 or 5 years. There were a couple, both boys and girls, who might punch their friend with no remorse, or tell lies, fight to be first in line and refuse to follow direction from any of the teachers. When Covid-19 shut the school in 2020, I was relieved in a way, because of the aggressive behavior of those little ones who looked so sweet and innocent until their will was crossed. And lest I get too busy pointing fingers at them, in my own heart as I scan back to as early as I can remember…even growing up with a more demure personality and in a Christian home to guide me…from the beginning I am aware of my own tendencies to pride (feeling superior or inferior to others), to envy/comparing myself to others, and to selfishness. I am from my beginning deserving of the fiery judgement of God’s wrath against sin (Eph. 2:3).
What about Jesus? He was born of Mary who was a sinful human like all of us. Didn’t Jesus inherit sin? I put this question to the 3ABN Sabbath School Panel this past Friday for their live Q+A online meeting, and their answer is helpful. (You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxGFxfV7J5Y, from around minute 4:00-12:30.)
In a nutshell, Jesus was born with a fallen human nature, but He never had a sinful nature. What does this mean? Is. 53:3 and Heb. 2:17-18 say that Jesus was born with physical weakness …. a propensity to hunger, fatigue, pain, emotional vulnerability to feel suffering and exposure to temptation. Rom. 8:3 qualifies that Jesus came in the “likeness” of sinful flesh, so it was similar to ours, but different as well. With our fallen human nature, we all have succumbed to sinning, have made a conscious choice to sin at some point. But Jesus never gave in to sin with His fallen human nature… He never yielded to the inclination towards self (Heb. 4:15). He always submitted to the will of God the Heavenly Father, even as a baby and young child. He took our infirmities in His human flesh, but He never took our iniquities into His character. How did He accomplish this? Well, the answer I heard is that Jesus was also born with the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Jn. 3:34; Luke 1:35)…or born in a “born again” state. Before we are born again, we have a predisposition towards evil because we at that time don’t have the indwelling Holy Spirit (Jn. 3:3). Christ was not corrupted because He had the fullness of God’s indwelling Holy Spirit to aid Him in resisting temptation and He always let Himself be led by the Spirit. We who have been born again have the Holy Spirit in us too, but we still sin. That is why we need Jesus’ own sinless nature to conquer sin for us….Jesus is the only human who has triumphed over the magnetic attraction to wicked works. Only is HIS strength can we have the same victory and freedom from sin. We are not basically good and able to reach some level of “higher consciousness” on our own. (Jer. 2:22). Jesus must be allowed into our hearts and minds to be our perfect substitute when we want to live in obedience to God. As the lesson says, He must live His life in us.
We were enemies of God but Christ came and reconciled us with God through His death on the cross.
We should be ready and willing to reconcile with others regardless of their wicked works.