NOW WHAT? Colossians 1:15-20; 3:1-4:2.

Posted bySteven WalesPosted inRenew Your Mind, To Live is ChristTags:, , , , , ,

We know that Paul said “to live is Christ” Philippians 1:21.

If so—NOW WHAT? How do we honor Christ now that we know the truth? Do we obey rules? Or do we “do a good turn daily” as the Boy Scouts say? Or do we smile more and convince everyone we are happy? Paul elaborates in his letter to the Colossians, a treatise on Christology. First, he explains the greatness of Christ, then he shows how we should respond:

JESUS IS GOD ABOVE ALL:

(Read what follows slowly–isn’t this the best summary of the attributes of Jesus? It’s incredible.)

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; for by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also the head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness of God to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself” Colossians 1:15-20.

THEREFORE, LIVE THIS WAY:

“So if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above… Set your minds on things above, not things on earth…. Put to death … sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry.… Also put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. Do not lie…. Let the message of Christ dwell in you richly… and whatever you do, do it in His name. When you work, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men…. Devote yourselves to prayer, staying alert in it with thanksgiving” Colossians 3:1-4:2.

Paul does NOT give us rules, but a new way of THINKING:

Think of yourself as ALIVE to Christ.

Think of yourself as DEAD to sin. Put to death lust, anger, laziness.

Work enthusiastically so everyone can see you are serving Christ. Pray hard, be thankful.

ΑΩ

Published by Steven Wales

Dad's Daily Devotional began as text messages to my family. I wanted my teenagers to know their father was reading the Bible. But they were at school by then. Initially, I sent them a favorite verse or an insight based on what I read each day. That grew into drafting a devotional readng which I would send them via text. I work as an attorney and an adjunct professor, and recently wrote a book called HOW TO MAKE A'S.

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