KEY VERSE: 1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2, NIV
Paul Challenges the believers that since they have been raised with Christ, they should set their hearts and minds on things above - where Christ is seated. He challenges hem not to set their minds on earthly things. The scripture tells us that where our treasure is, our hearts will be there too! So we definitely want to treasure things above rather than things on this earth!
He tells them they are Dead and Hidden:
3For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Then he challenges them to put off the things, the earthly, fleshly things that bring no glory to God an bring men down.
5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Colossians 3:5-11
Application Question: What is your mind and heart focused on? What is the result in your life?
2-What do you need to confess and repent of?
3-What do you need to stop focusing on? What do you need to start focusing on?
Prayer: Lord Thank you for your challenge for me to set my mind on things above and not on the earth. I know that where my heart is, my treasure will be. Help me this day to set my heart and my mind on you. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Fred's Devo 15:10 "Don't Follow Man Made Rules: Follow Christ"
Key Verse: So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. Colossians 2:21-23 (NLT)
The Apostle Paul was addressing an error or false teaching that had arisen among the Colossian saints. "This false teaching tried to reduce Christianity into a legal system and to obscure the person and work of Christ" See: http://www.abu.nb.ca/ecm/Col00b.htm
Paul had already told them in Colossians 1:18 that all things have preeminece in Christ.
He pleaded with these early Christians not to allow their Jewish and Gnostic friends to lay on them any extra rules other than faith and obedience in Christ!
16 So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. 17 For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. 18 Don’t let anyone condemn you by insisting on pious self-denial or the worship of angels, saying they have had visions about these things. Their sinful minds have made them proud, 19 and they are not connected to Christ, the head of the body. For he holds the whole body together with its joints and ligaments, and it grows as God nourishes it.
Christ has set them free from following worldly legalistic rules. They do nothing to deal with man's evil heart!
20 You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world, such as, 21 “Don’t handle! Don’t taste! Don’t touch!”? 22 Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate as we use them. 23 These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires.
Prayer: Father, thank you for this reminder to follow Christ and Christ alone. Help me not to give my allegiance to any human beleif or legalistic doctrine which tries to make me righteous apart from Christ. As you say in vs 23: These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no help in conquering a person’s evil desires. Lord, I trust you to change me through the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ my Lord and In His Strong Name! Amen!
Friday, February 5, 2010
14:10 "You Were Once Dead: Now You are Made Alive"
Key Verse: 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
This passage in Colossians 2: 9-15 is a summary of what happened to us at salvation. It begins with who Christ is and then moves to what he did for us!
1-The Fulness of God Dwells in Christ:
9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.[b] 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
1-When we became Christians we received a spiritual circumcision: We Were Buried and Raised Wih Him
11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.[c] 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
2-We who were Once Dead Are Now Made Alive in Christ!
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed[the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross
Key Verse: 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
Prayer: Father thank you that the fullness of God is found in Jesus, your only begotten son! Thank you for cutting away our sinful nature and raising us from the dead through your precious salvation. Thank you for the new life that I know have in Jesus Christ. Help me to share this precious faith with other people whom you have brought into my life. In Jesus Name! Amen!
This passage in Colossians 2: 9-15 is a summary of what happened to us at salvation. It begins with who Christ is and then moves to what he did for us!
1-The Fulness of God Dwells in Christ:
9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.[b] 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
1-When we became Christians we received a spiritual circumcision: We Were Buried and Raised Wih Him
11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.[c] 12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
2-We who were Once Dead Are Now Made Alive in Christ!
13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15 In this way, he disarmed[the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross
Key Verse: 13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
Prayer: Father thank you that the fullness of God is found in Jesus, your only begotten son! Thank you for cutting away our sinful nature and raising us from the dead through your precious salvation. Thank you for the new life that I know have in Jesus Christ. Help me to share this precious faith with other people whom you have brought into my life. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Fred's Devo 13:10 "Are You a Prisoner of Christ or Something Else?
Key Verses: "...Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,continue to live in him...See to it that no one take you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy..." Colossians 2:6 and 8a NLT
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossiams 2:6-8 - NIV
The Apostle Paul is pleading with the Colossian saints to continue to live in the Christ they have received. He wants them to become strong in their faith by being "rooted and built up in Christ". Big Brother Paul warns the saints at Colossae not to be taken captive by deceptive human philosophies which are human or worldly in origin. Instead, he wants them to be taken captive by Christ! In fact Paul declares in a letter to another group of believers that he himself is a prisoner of Christ! (Philemon 3:1)
The only thing that should hold a Christian captive is his allegiance to Christ!
What is holding you captive today? Money? Fear? People? Worldly Philsophies? Human Traditions? Lusts? Religion devoid of the life of Christ? Other things? If you are being held captive by anything other than your total commitment to Jesus Christ, get yourself free. You can begin by praying this prayer below and taking the steps after the prayer?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this challenging word today! I renew my commitment to Jesus Christ today! Help me, by your grace to be strong in my faith, being rooted and built up in Jesus Christ alone! Show me the things which hold me in bondage. Forgive me for the times when I allow vain human philosophies, traditions, principles, people or things to take me captive. I admit that there are times when I fear what other people may think more than I fear you! By the power of Jesus Christ that lives in me, I renounce my allegiance to all of the things which hold me in bondage! ((name those things and let them go). In the name of Jesus I declare that Jesus Christ is my King of Kings and Lord of Lord!
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Prayerful Reflection Questions: Lord, how should my actions and practices change as a result of my new commitment?
Where can I find Christian community and accountability that will help me to live out my new commitment?
6So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
8See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossiams 2:6-8 - NIV
The Apostle Paul is pleading with the Colossian saints to continue to live in the Christ they have received. He wants them to become strong in their faith by being "rooted and built up in Christ". Big Brother Paul warns the saints at Colossae not to be taken captive by deceptive human philosophies which are human or worldly in origin. Instead, he wants them to be taken captive by Christ! In fact Paul declares in a letter to another group of believers that he himself is a prisoner of Christ! (Philemon 3:1)
The only thing that should hold a Christian captive is his allegiance to Christ!
What is holding you captive today? Money? Fear? People? Worldly Philsophies? Human Traditions? Lusts? Religion devoid of the life of Christ? Other things? If you are being held captive by anything other than your total commitment to Jesus Christ, get yourself free. You can begin by praying this prayer below and taking the steps after the prayer?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for this challenging word today! I renew my commitment to Jesus Christ today! Help me, by your grace to be strong in my faith, being rooted and built up in Jesus Christ alone! Show me the things which hold me in bondage. Forgive me for the times when I allow vain human philosophies, traditions, principles, people or things to take me captive. I admit that there are times when I fear what other people may think more than I fear you! By the power of Jesus Christ that lives in me, I renounce my allegiance to all of the things which hold me in bondage! ((name those things and let them go). In the name of Jesus I declare that Jesus Christ is my King of Kings and Lord of Lord!
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Prayerful Reflection Questions: Lord, how should my actions and practices change as a result of my new commitment?
Where can I find Christian community and accountability that will help me to live out my new commitment?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
12:10 "Be Encouraged in Heart and United in Love"
Today's scripture:
"1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. Colossians 2: 1-5 -NLT
Key Verse: My purpose is they may be encouraged in heart and united in love." Colossians 2:2 NIV
Comment:The apostle Paul continues to reveal his heart for the Colossian converts to Christianity. He wants them to be encouraged in their hearts and united in love. He knows the importance of being encouraged because the scriptures tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:9) He also knows how important it is for Christians to be united in love: 1- We are strengthened by our fellowship with one another. 2-It is a powerful witness to those who do not yet know Christ.
As you go about your day, I want to exhort you to be encouraged in the Lord and in the knowledge of his great love for you. I also want to challenge you to stay connected to the Body of Christ, the fellowship of believers for there we find edification, accountability and strength.
Prayer: Father help me to apply your word today by receiving the encouragement that comes from my relationship with you and help me to stay connected to the body of Christ in love and unity.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
"1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. Colossians 2: 1-5 -NLT
Key Verse: My purpose is they may be encouraged in heart and united in love." Colossians 2:2 NIV
Comment:The apostle Paul continues to reveal his heart for the Colossian converts to Christianity. He wants them to be encouraged in their hearts and united in love. He knows the importance of being encouraged because the scriptures tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. (Nehemiah 8:9) He also knows how important it is for Christians to be united in love: 1- We are strengthened by our fellowship with one another. 2-It is a powerful witness to those who do not yet know Christ.
As you go about your day, I want to exhort you to be encouraged in the Lord and in the knowledge of his great love for you. I also want to challenge you to stay connected to the Body of Christ, the fellowship of believers for there we find edification, accountability and strength.
Prayer: Father help me to apply your word today by receiving the encouragement that comes from my relationship with you and help me to stay connected to the body of Christ in love and unity.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Monday, February 1, 2010
11:10 Paul's suffering and labor so we could get the Gospel!
To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:29
As Gentile beleivers, it is easy to forget that the Gospel we now cherish and even sometimes take for granted came to us from the Jewish converts who suffered much persecution to get the Gospel to the Gentiles. The chief among the preachers of the Gospel to the Gentiles was the Apostle Paul! In this passage, we see his heart and passion to share the Gospel with us!
1-Paul Rejoices, even in his suffering for the Church!
24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
2-Paul sees himself as a servant, sent by God to preach the Gospel.
25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—
3-This Gospel was once hidden but is now revealed to Gentiles!
26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
4-Paul preaches and teaches the Gospel so we will grow!
28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
5-Paul labor is powered by Christ!
29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I labor in my own strength or shrink back from sacrifice or suffering. Help me by your power to have the attitude of a servant and labor in the power and energy of Christ. In Jesus Name! Amen!
As Gentile beleivers, it is easy to forget that the Gospel we now cherish and even sometimes take for granted came to us from the Jewish converts who suffered much persecution to get the Gospel to the Gentiles. The chief among the preachers of the Gospel to the Gentiles was the Apostle Paul! In this passage, we see his heart and passion to share the Gospel with us!
1-Paul Rejoices, even in his suffering for the Church!
24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
2-Paul sees himself as a servant, sent by God to preach the Gospel.
25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—
3-This Gospel was once hidden but is now revealed to Gentiles!
26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
4-Paul preaches and teaches the Gospel so we will grow!
28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
5-Paul labor is powered by Christ!
29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I labor in my own strength or shrink back from sacrifice or suffering. Help me by your power to have the attitude of a servant and labor in the power and energy of Christ. In Jesus Name! Amen!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Volume 10:10 "Once Alienated from God: Now Reconciled"
Key Verse: "Once you were alienated from God...now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body." Col 1: 21 a and 22 b NIV
Through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, which we discussed on yesterday, we who were once seperated and alienated from God, are now reconciled to him! As we look today at Colossians 1:21-23: we see that:
1-We were once alienated from God; Now reconciled by Christ
21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[f] your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death
2-This reconciliation presented us holy!
22b to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—
3-Stay Firm in your Faith because of the Gospel.
23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Prayer: Father, I thank you that though I was seperated and alienated from you because of sin, you reconiled be to you through Jesus Christ. Help me to contimue in my faith, motivated by the good news of the Gospel.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
Through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, which we discussed on yesterday, we who were once seperated and alienated from God, are now reconciled to him! As we look today at Colossians 1:21-23: we see that:
1-We were once alienated from God; Now reconciled by Christ
21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of[f] your evil behavior. 22But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death
2-This reconciliation presented us holy!
22b to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—
3-Stay Firm in your Faith because of the Gospel.
23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Prayer: Father, I thank you that though I was seperated and alienated from you because of sin, you reconiled be to you through Jesus Christ. Help me to contimue in my faith, motivated by the good news of the Gospel.
In Jesus Name! Amen!
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