Archives for 2019

Good morning,

Who will inhabit heaven? This week we will explore this topic. We will look at who is Jesus, what did He come to do, what kind of life did Jesus promise, and how do I become an inhabitant of heaven.

Who Inhabits Heaven?

“And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Revelation 21:27)

Introduction

Who is Jesus?

Bread of life (John 6:35)

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:35 

Light of the world (John 8:12)

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Resurrection and life (John 11:25,26)

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Way, truth, and life (John 14:6)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

True God and eternal life (1 John 5:20)

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

What did Jesus come to do?

Seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10)

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Save that which is lost (Matthew 18:11)

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Give abundant life (John 10:10)

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21)

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Died for our sin (Romans 5:8)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Died, buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

What kind of life did Jesus promise?

Eternal Life

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:23) 

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)

He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. ¹³ These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. (1 John 5:12-13)  

How do I become an inhabitant of heaven?

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ

And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?³¹ And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:30-31)

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12)

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36)

Conclusion

Those who repent of their sins, believe on Jesus Christ by faith, will inhabit heaven.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Who will inhabit heaven? This week we will explore this topic. We will look at who is Jesus, what did He come to do, what kind of life did Jesus promise, and how do I become an inhabitant of heaven.

What did Jesus come to do?

Seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10)

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Save that which is lost (Matthew 18:11)

For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.

Give abundant life (John 10:10)

I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21)

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Died for our sin (Romans 5:8)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Died, buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Disobedience caused sin to enter this world. God’s creation was perfect. God gave Adam a simple command and Adam chose to disobey. Sin entered and corrupted everything.

Mankind incurred a sin debt he could not pay.

Jesus came and paid our sin debt with His precious, pure, sinless blood. He became sin for us.

No one made Him go to the cross. He did it willingly for us.

Heaven will be our opportunity to spend eternity with the one who bought our salvation at Calvary.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

Who will inhabit heaven? This week we will explore this topic. We will look at who is Jesus, what did He come to do, what kind of life did Jesus promise, and how do I become an inhabitant of heaven.

Who is Jesus?

Bread of life (John 6:35)

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. John 6:35 

Light of the world (John 8:12)

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Resurrection and life (John 11:25,26)

Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Way, truth, and life (John 14:6)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

True God and eternal life (1 John 5:20)

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

From last weeks study, we know that Jesus is already in heaven. He is preparing a place for those who will be in heaven.

The above Scriptures tell us about Jesus. He is nourishment, light, resurrection life, the only way of salvation, complete truth, and eternal life.

All that is available to us.

Next we will see what Jesus came to do on our behalf.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

There are many misconceptions about heaven. This week we will begin a series on heaven. We need to understand that there are three heavens, that heaven is a real place, and that God built it.

Heaven built by God

“For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:10)

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.¹⁴ For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.¹⁵ And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.¹⁶ But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:13-16)

Heaven was built by God. It was built for believers to reside. Jesus is preparing a dwelling place for us.

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.² In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

Jesus is coming again to take us home to be with Him in heaven. What a tremendous promise.

Are you ready to go? If not, trust Christ as your Savior and Lord. Call me for the details.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

There are many misconceptions about heaven. This week we will begin a series on heaven. We need to understand that there are three heavens, that heaven is a real place, and that God built it.

Heaven is a real place

John testifies of the throne, the four and twenty elders, the seven Spirits of God, the sea of glass, the four beasts who praise God day and night, the sealed book, the Lamb, and the angels praising the Lamb. (Revelation 4-5)

1. The throne (4:1-3)

“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.² And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.³ And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.”

2. The four and twenty elders (4:4)

“And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.”

3. The seven Spirits of God (4:5)

“And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.”

4. The sea of glass (4:6)

“And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.”

5. Four beasts who worship God day and night (4:6-9)

“And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.⁸ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.⁹ And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,”

6. Four and twenty elders worship (4:10-11)

“The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

7. The sealed book (5:1-4)

“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.² And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?³ And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.⁴ And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.”

8. The Lamb who is worthy to open the seals (5:5-10)

“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.⁶ And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.⁷ And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.⁸ And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints.⁹ And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;¹⁰ And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

9. The angels praising the Lamb (5:11-14)

“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;¹² Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. ¹³ And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.¹⁴ And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.”

Heaven is a real place.

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

There are many misconceptions about heaven. This week we will begin a series on heaven. We need to understand that there are three heavens, that heaven is a real place, and that God built it.

Heaven

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.² In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” (John 14:1-3)

INTRODUCTION

Three Heavens

1. Firmament or sky that covers the earth

This is the realm of birds and clouds that surrounds the entire earth.

2. Where the stars, sun, moon resides

This is the space beyond the earth and it covers the entire universe.

3. Where God resides

This is the unseen and is the residence of God, including Jesus Christ. This is where the dead martyrs and saints are today. This is the location of the throne of God and where the holy angels surrounding His throne sing day and night, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord our God.

“I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.³ And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)⁴ How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4)

Heaven is a real place

John testifies of the throne, the four and twenty elders, the seven Spirits of God, the sea of glass, the four beasts who praise God day and night, the sealed book, the Lamb, and the angels praising the Lamb. (Revelation 4-5)

1. The throne (4:1-3)

“After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.² And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.³ And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and a sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald.”

2. The four and twenty elders (4:4)

“And round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting, clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.”

3. The seven Spirits of God (4:5)

“And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.”

4. The sea of glass (4:6)

“And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind.”

5. Four beasts who worship God day and night (4:6-9)

“And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.⁸ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.⁹ And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever,”

6. Four and twenty elders worship (4:10-11)

“The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,¹¹ Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

7. The sealed book (5:1-4)

“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.² And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?³ And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.⁴ And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.”

8. The Lamb who is worthy to open the seals (5:5-10)

“And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.⁶ And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.⁷ And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.⁸ And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints.⁹ And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;¹⁰ And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.”

9. The angels praising the Lamb (5:11-14)

“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;¹² Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. ¹³ And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.¹⁴ And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.”

Heaven built by God

“For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:10)

“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.¹⁴ For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.¹⁵ And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.¹⁶ But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” (Hebrews 11:13-16)

Conclusion

Heaven is a real place

Heaven built by God

Heaven is our hope for the future

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

There are many misconceptions about heaven. This week we will begin a series on heaven. We need to understand that there are three heavens, that heaven is a real place, and that God built it.

Three Heavens

1. Firmament or sky that covers the earth

This is the realm of birds and clouds that surrounds the entire earth.

2. Where the stars, sun, moon resides

This is the space beyond the earth and it covers the entire universe.

3. Where God resides

This is the unseen and is the residence of God, including Jesus Christ. This is where the dead martyrs and saints are today. This is the location of the throne of God and where the holy angels surrounding His throne sing day and night, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord our God.

“I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.³ And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)⁴ How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4)

Someday soon all believers in Christ will be transported to the third heaven. It may be in the rapture or at death, but it will happen.

Rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18)

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:¹⁷ Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.¹⁸ Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”

Death (2 Corinthians 5:6-8)

“Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:⁷ (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) ⁸ We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”

Are you ready to be transported to the third heaven?

Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin, through His blood, to pay our sin debt.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

We must repent of our sins and trust Christ as Savior and Lord.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: ¹³ Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”     (John 1:12-13)

Salvation is not by works, but by the grace of God, through faith.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:⁹ Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Have you trusted Christ as Savior and Lord? This is the only way to arrive in the third heaven!

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This compliments our study of Colossians 3.

(John Newton, Gadsby’s Hymnal #1100)

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above,
where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above,not on earthly things.” Colossians 3:1-2 

    1.  Let worldly minds the world pursue,
            It has no charms for me;
        Once I admired its trifles too,
            But grace has set me free.

    2.  Its pleasures now no longer please,
            No more content afford;
        Far from my heart be joys like these,
            Now I have seen the Lord.

    3.  As by the light of opening day
            The stars are all concealed;
        So earthly pleasures fade away,
            When Jesus is revealed.

    4.  Creatures no more divide my choice;
            I bid them all depart;
        His name, and love, and gracious voice,
            Have fixed my roving heart.

    5.  Now, Lord, I would be thine alone,
            And wholly live to thee;
        But may I hope that thou wilt own
            A worthless worm like me?

    6.  Yes, though of sinners I’m the worst,
            I cannot doubt thy will;
        For if thou hadst not loved me first,
            I thee had hated still. 

   ~  ~  ~  ~

“Gadsby’s Hymnal” is considered the best devotional hymnal ever written.  In the preface Gadsby writes: “It is the desire of my heart to give a selection of hymns in one book, free from Arminianism, and sound in the faith–that the church might be edified, and God glorified.” November, 1838
   ~  ~  ~  ~ 

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will learn how to walk in Christ. We will be looking at the heavenly focus (1-4), how to live a holy life (5-17), and living the Christian life in all relationships (18-4:1). We will be encouraged and challenged as we study Colossians 3.

COLOSSIANS 3

PRACTICAL LIVING FOR BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (3:17)

Paul taught the Colossians about Jesus, then about the believers being complete in Jesus and why, now he has explained how to live holy lives. So his next logical step is to teach about relationships concerning wives, husbands, children, fathers, servants, and masters. He makes the point that each of these relationships is contingent on their relationship to God. Chapter 3, verses 18 through Chapter4, verse 1, explains.

Living the Christian life in all relationships (18-25, 4:1)

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.  ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.  ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.  ²¹ Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.  ²² Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eye service, as men pleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; ²³ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ²⁴ Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.  ²⁵ But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons. Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Verse 18: Wifely submission cannot be forced; it must come from her own free will. As it is fit in the Lord means the wife’s submission to her husband is proper in her relationship with Christ; submission rendered to her husband is submission rendered to Christ.

Verse 19: Ephesians 5:25 explains the duty of the husband is to love his wife. The Greek word for love is agapao, the same affection with which “God so loved the world” (John 3:16). This type of love is a willing and sacrificial giving of oneself for the benefit of another, without thought of return. Be not bitter against them might be translated, “Do not be harsh toward them.”  The husband who loves his wife will not be rude, unkind, or cruel toward her. This implies that wifely submission is gained in part by the husband’s love.

Verse 20: Obedience to parental authority is pleasing to the Lord in the child’s relationship to Him. The obedience given to parents is obedience given to Christ.

Verse 21: Fathers can provoke their children to anger by injustice, loss of temper, undo severity, cruelty, favoritism, suppression, sarcasm, ridicule, and misuse and abuse of authority.

Verse 22-25: Eyeservice is work done only when the master is watching. Christian slaves were to work hard even when the owners were absent. Singleness of heart means a sincere disposition. Do it heartily means the slave is to perform his slave duties wholeheartedly, doing the best job he can with all his strength. A slave could be enthusiastic in carrying out his menial tasks because they were done, not so much for his earthly master (unto men), but for his heavenly Master (to the Lord).

Verse 1, Chapter 4: The reason earthly masters should give their servants that which is just and equal is that the masters themselves also have a Master in heaven. As they want Him to be just and fair with them, so they must be towards their servants.

CONCLUSION

• SEEK THOSE THINGS ABOVE
• LIVE HOLY LIVES PLEASING TO GOD
• DWELL IN UNITY WITH FELLOW BELIEVERS

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001

Good morning,

This week we will learn how to walk in Christ. We will look at the heavenly focus (1-4), how to live a holy life (5-17), and living the Christian life in all relationships. We will be encouraged and challenged as we study Colossians 3.

COLOSSIANS 3-STANDARDS OF CHRIST

PRACTICAL LIVING FOR BELIEVERS IN JESUS CHRIST

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (3:17)

INTRODUCTION

In Chapter 2 Paul exhorts the Colossians’ to walk in Christ. Today we will learn how.

1. Heavenly Focus (1-4)

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. ² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. ³ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

2. How to live a holy life (5-17)

Mortify (5-7)

⁵ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: ⁶ For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:

Put off (8-9)

⁷ In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. ⁸ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. ⁹ Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Put on (10-15)

¹⁰ And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: ¹¹ Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. ¹² Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; ¹³ Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. ¹⁴ And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.¹⁵ And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

The word of God (16)

¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus (17)

¹⁷ And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

3. Living the Christian life in all relationships (18-25)

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. ²² Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God; ²³ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ²⁴ Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. ²⁵ But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

CONCLUSION

SEEK THOSE THINGS ABOVE

LIVE HOLY LIVES PLEASING TO GOD

DWELL IN UNITY WITH FELLOW BELIEVERS

Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001