Colossians 3:1-11 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set
your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your
life is hidden with Christ in God. When
Christ who is our life appears, then
you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication,
uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming
upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice,
blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his
deeds, and have put on the new man who is
renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor
uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but
Christ is all and in
all.
Pastor JJ finished up his
Sermon series on “The Church”, with preaching on Colossians 3 and saying that
by stating that we seek truth of those things which are above, we are
proclaiming that there is truth of God and that this truth can be known. In a
world that believes that truth is “relative”, a disciple of the Christian church
is to equip the saints (meaning those who are sanctified) by providing teaching
and preaching in the Word of God (John 17:17). That is individual growth and
maturity that brings the light of truth of the of God, through Jesus Christ, to
a lost and dying world that is blind to the consequences of sin and the associated ill affects upon their lives and
society. By redemption, forgiveness and salvation by grace through faith in the
atoning sacrificial work of our Savior and Lord on the cross, this reality
should encourage us beyond our comfort zone, in expression of what God has done
and is doing today. Put off the “old” sinful self and put on the “new” you in holiness
and righteousness, renewed in this knowledge of truth.
Colossians
3:12-17 “Since God chose you to be
the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy,
kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who
offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love,
which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.
For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be
thankful. Let the message about Christ,
in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the
wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful
hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a
representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Pastor JJ urged us to fully
understand what God wants out of our lives and what He wants us to do with our
lives. To be a passionate and committed church because the truth in God’s Word
makes sense, so put into practice God’s Word, Will, and Way by faith. When the
Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is preached in the fellowship
provided in the church, there is the power for radical change because faith is
acted upon. Those that receive much in forgiveness and salvation in redemption,
and adoption in the family of God, and eternal life as citizens in heaven and
restored relationship with Creator God, and the indwelling Holy Spirit, give
much in gratitude, with passionate care and love. They make a difference in the
world, even in the face of dark opposition, for all is covered by the blood of
Christ and true worship flows out of their hearts. We give up sin as we put on
Christ and take on that new identity to be used by the child of God in our independence
from the “old” self. Do what God did for you to other people, walking the same
way and accomplishing common goals, working together as the body of Christ,
being loved by Christ, and bringing the
love of Christ. Always answer to God first because the fight was won on the
cross. Be a refuge, a covering, an encouragement and a hospital to those around
you, that they may see, hear and feel His mercy, grace and love through us for
the praise and glory of God.
In Christ, Brian
1 comment:
Amen!! Preach it brother!
Blessings,
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