Good morning,
To thrive in ‘25 can’t be just theological, but must be practical. We must be able to practically apply Scripture to our lives.
Colossians 3 is a very practical chapter. It tells us how to have a heavenly focus, live a holy life, and be in unity with other believers.
How to Thrive in ‘25
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)
INTRODUCTION
In Chapter 2 Paul exhorts the Colossians’ to walk in Christ. Today we will learn how.
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.
Our church recognizes believers birthday’s. After singing “Happy Birthday”, they asked if I had any words of wisdom. I said, “Look up.”
That is exactly what Paul is telling the church at Colossae. We are to seek and set our affections on things above. Why? That is “…where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” If we want to know how to live, look up.
How to live a holy life (5-17)
Mortify (5-6)
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 (7-9)
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;
To thrive in ‘25, we must deal first with sin.
Mortify means kill or destroy. We must not allow sin to control our lives. We must put off the deeds of the flesh. Then we must repent of all unconfessed sin. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
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.
Now we “…put on the new man…renewed in knowledge…” Then apply the characteristics listed. In conjunction with these qualities we are immersing ourselves in the Word of God.
Then out of the overflow of God’s goodness to us, we teach and admonish others to follow Jesus.
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.
Finally, we must learn to be in unity with other believers. We should treat others as we would treat Christ. All of these devotions tie together.
The bottom line is: “ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;” (3:23)
CONCLUSION
SEEK THOSE THINGS ABOVE
LIVE HOLY LIVES PLEASING TO GOD
DWELL IN UNITY WITH FELLOW BELIEVERS
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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