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TODAY IN THE WORD
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Topic: TODAY IN THE WORD (Read 506106 times)
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1545 on:
August 20, 2006, 04:32:44 PM »
Read: Colossians 1:15-18
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. - Colossians 1:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Colossians 1 is not a traditional Christmas text, but maybe we should begin reading these verses alongside the Gospel narratives of JesusÕ birth.
Why? Because PaulÕs description of Jesus Christ helps us understand why Scripture calls the baby of Bethlehem ÒGod with usÓ (Matt. 1:23). ItÕs impossible to understand Òthe mystery of godlinessÓ (1 Tim. 3:16) without realizing that Jesus Christ was God in the flesh.
Many writers and artists have attempted to capture the staggering truth that a helpless newborn lying in an animalÕs feeding trough was actually the Creator and sustainer of the universe.
But thatÕs exactly who Jesus is. When Joseph and Mary looked into the face of their son, they were seeing the image of the invisible God, Òthe exact representation of His beingÓ (Heb. 1:3). No wonder Paul said the mystery of godliness is great!
In verse 16, the apostle ascribes creation to Jesus, an unmistakable reference to His deity. And just to make sure he was not misunderstood, Paul expounded on his statement with several phrases that encompass everything that exists.
But even that is not enough. Creation was not only the work of Jesus ChristÕs hands, but also a gift for His glory. Everything was created Òfor HimÓ (v. 16). He is the head of creation, and the power that holds this universe together (v. 17). If Jesus had surrendered any of His deity in the manger, the world would have come unglued.
For those of us who know Christ, we find great comfort in His headship of the church. We are members of the body for which He came to give His life; we are as vitally joined to Jesus as our physical bodies are joined to our heads. He is our life.
In light of all that Jesus is, who else could claim first place in creation and in our hearts? The last part of verse 18 is a wonderful statement of the theme Paul develops in Colossians.
There may have been no room for Mary, Joseph, and the unborn Jesus at the Bethlehem inn, but He deserves and demands first place in our hearts no matter what we may have to move or remove to make that a reality!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
LetÕs continue contemplating JesusÕ place of priority in our hearts.
In Acts 10:14, Peter said in response to a divine directive, ÒNot so, LordÓ (KJV). That statement is really an oxymoron. If Jesus is truly Lord, we cannot tell Him no. Why not do a Òthrone checkÓ today to see who or what is occupying the central place in your life? If you find that something has crowded Jesus to the side, itÕs time to return Him to the place He deserves.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1546 on:
August 20, 2006, 04:33:24 PM »
Read: Colossians 1:19-20; Ephesians 2:14-18
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you....Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. - John 14:27
TODAY IN THE WORD
On November 22, 1963, the day of his assassination, President John Kennedy was carrying with him a speech he intended to give in Dallas. In part, he had planned to say, ÒWe ask...that we may achieve in our time and for all time the ancient vision of 'peace on earth, goodwill toward men.Õ Ó
Kennedy was borrowing, of course, from the angelsÕ words in announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds on the hills outside Bethlehem. Many leaders have expressed the same wish for their generations, and the prospect of world peace will one day be realized when Christ returns to set up His Kingdom.
But students of Scripture know that Jesus did not come to earth the first time to reconcile hostile or warring nations. He came to reconcile sinful humankind with God through the sacrifice of His own sinless life. This is the peace we rightly celebrate and sing about at Christmas.
JesusÕ death was sufficient and effective for the payment of our sin debt because He is God in the flesh. All the Òfullness of the DeityÓ is found in Him, as Paul writes in Colossians 2:9.
JesusÕ ministry of reconciliation does in fact extend to Òall things,Ó and at His second coming He will subdue all His enemies and usher in worldwide peace (1 Cor. 15:24-28). But in His incarnation, His birth in human flesh, JesusÕ purpose was the work of personal reconciliation between God and sinners.
This peace-making required a blood sacrifice, because Òwithout the shedding of blood there is no forgivenessÓ (Heb. 9:22). In Ephesians 2, Paul also explains that ChristÕs death broke down the wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles so that both groups might be formed into one new body of which Christ is the head.
The means of this reconciliation was the cross (Eph. 2:16). We donÕt usually associate Calvary with Christmas, but we canÕt look into the manger without seeing the shadow of the cross looming over it. Jesus came to give Himself as a ransom for our sins.
Only Christ could do that so letÕs rejoice today in our unique Savior, who rules over all.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
One irony of Christmas is that the world talks and sings about peace while many people are wrestling with the turmoil in their hearts.
Chances are you know someone who needs the peace only Jesus can give. This would be a great time of year to introduce that friend or family member to the Savior, because the season often provides us with an opportunity to discuss spiritual matters. Are you thinking of a person you know who doesnÕt yet know Christ? Bring that friend to the Lord in prayer, and watch for a chance to communicate His words of life.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1547 on:
August 20, 2006, 04:33:53 PM »
Read: Colossians 1:21-23
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ. - 2 Corinthians 5:19
TODAY IN THE WORD
In his well-known book Peace Child, missionary Don Richardson tells how warfare was averted between two hostile tribes by the birth of a child who was called the Òpeace child.Ó Richardson used this cultural story to present Christ, GodÕs Òpeace child,Ó to the people.
The child whose birth we celebrate was both the messenger and the means of GodÕs peace offering to a sinful, hostile race to Him. Forget all the New Age chatter about harmonizing with the universe and finding inner peace through yoga, meditation, and relaxation techniques.
The fact is that all of us were born in hostility against God because of our sin. Paul made this clear to the Colossian believers, reminding them of their former state of alienation from God through sin (v. 21).
But their condition was resolved by the death of Christ, which satisfied GodÕs holy anger against sin. Because God has accepted the sacrifice of His Son, we who were GodÕs enemies can now become His children.
This is the wonder and the joy of Christmas. The problem was ours, not GodÕs. We were the ones who were alienated and cut off from God (Eph. 2:12-13). But He reached out to bring us to Himself!
In verse 22 we may see a trace of PaulÕs reaction to the false teaching that was endangering the church at Colosse. He used a form of the verb reconcile that means Òcompletely reconciled.Ó In other words, ChristÕs work on the cross was fully sufficient, in answer to those who were saying that something more was needed for salvation.
But nothing can be added to what Christ has done for us. Look at the results of His reconciliation. We are now ÒholyÓ and Òwithout blemishÓ in GodÕs sight (v. 22) our sin has been removed.
And we are Òfree from accusation.Ó That means no one can bring any charge against us before God (Rom. 8:33). We are complete in Christ! Our challenge is to stand firm in the hope Christ has given us and if we are true children of Christ, He will see that we do stand firm.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Is there someone to whom you need to be reconciled? This would be a great time to reach out a hand or take the first step toward healing a damaged relationship.
Maybe you need to forgive, or to be forgiven. Maybe some harsh words need to be retracted, or an act of kindness performed. Whatever the case, ask God for the strength to pursue reconciliation. And if this is not a need for you right now, pray that the Lord will help you guard your relationships with others.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1548 on:
August 20, 2006, 04:34:21 PM »
Read: Colossians 1:24-29
We proclaim him...so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. - Colossians 1:28
TODAY IN THE WORD
John Huss, the reformer, was born in Bohemia in 1370. Well over a century before Martin Luther, Huss preached against corruption and abuse in the church, and called for reform. He was also a powerful preacher of Scripture who taught that GodÕs Word was the churchÕs ultimate authority. His views eventually put him in great danger from aroused church officials, and on July 6, 1415, he was condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake. Yet just before his death, Huss said, ÒI shall die with joy in faith of the gospel.Ó Then he sang a hymn as the flames engulfed him.
Having joy in the face of unspeakable suffering is something the world does not understand. Sometimes even we as Christians forget that our joy is not dependent on whatÕs happening around us or to us.
We have an incomparable example of joy despite suffering in the life of Jesus, who endured the agony of the cross with joy because of the redemption His death would bring (Heb. 12:2).
Paul also knew something about joy in suffering. We havenÕt mentioned it before, but Paul wrote Colossians during his first imprisonment, which probably took place in Rome. The apostle wasnÕt a masochist. But he understood that the blows which fell on him were inflicted by the enemies of Christ, who were really lashing out at Jesus.
Therefore, since Paul was suffering for Christ in his ministry to the church, he could rejoice in what his afflictions were accomplishing. Paul saw himself as the churchÕs servant because of GodÕs commission to reveal the ÒmysteryÓ of the gospel, Òwhich is Christ in you, the hope of gloryÓ (v. 27).
Jesus Christ suffered, Paul suffered, and countless saints in history have suffered for the sake of Christ. What about us? GodÕs goal for us is that we would become Òperfect in ChristÓ (v. 28). That means complete, mature, not lacking in anything necessary for godly living. And part of the training course for Christian maturity is suffering.
Jesus Himself was perfected by suffering (Heb. 2:10), not because He was imperfect in any way, but to authenticate Him as the author of salvation. We need to be reminded that trials are part of the process of growing in Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
There is a saying that pain is Òthe gift that nobody wants.Ó
But if we understand GodÕs Word correctly, the hard times are as much a part of the Christian life as the good times. LetÕs face it; most of us tend to kick back and take it easy when things are going our way. Real growth and maturity usually come in the face of setbacks. We are not told to pray for suffering, but we are urged to be faithful to Christ in all circumstances. Today, ask God for grace to serve Him whatever this new week may bring.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1549 on:
August 20, 2006, 04:34:51 PM »
Read: Colossians 2:1-10
Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him. - Colossians 2:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Our world is full of people who, for a fee, will let you in on the ÒsecretÓ to making a fortune, retiring early, losing weight, growing hair, or a thousand other goals people want to pursue. Failure to respond will, of course, exclude you from this body of knowledge that is not available to the masses.
Actually, that sales line is as old as the ancient city of Colosse. We know from PaulÕs letter that the believers there were being exposed to a heresy that included pagan Greek ideas of ÒsecretÓ knowledge. This was a form of mysticism that supposedly contained mysteries available only to those select people who had attained a higher level of spiritual reality.
But it was all a farce. And Paul repudiated their claims with a blast of truth that focused on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, the theme of Colossians.
Although Paul had not met the Colossian believers at this point, he still felt respon-sible for their spiritual growth and protection, for at least two reasons. First, because he was the apostle to the Gentiles. Second, because the Colossian church had in all likelihood been founded by Epaphras, PaulÕs coworker.
Paul knew that the best antidote for error is the truth, so he encouraged his readers with the truth that they were already fully ÒinitiatedÓ into the mysteries of God. This ÒinitiationÓ was a result of their union with Christ, who as God in the flesh is the source of all wisdom and knowledge (v. 3).
Notice the contrast between the false teachersÕ Òsales lineÓ and the truth of Christ. The former said real wisdom could only be attained by the few. But in Christ, every believer can enjoy Òthe full riches of complete understandingÓ (v. 2).
Instead of mysterious secrets, Paul offered the formula for Christian maturity expressed in todayÕs verse. How did we receive Christ? By faith. How do we grow in Him? By faith. ThereÕs nothing secretive about it.
Our faith in Christ is effective because He is fully God, and because He has revealed His fullness to us.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
TodayÕs reading reminds us that every Christian has equal access to the joyful, victorious Christian life God offers.
If weÕre not enjoying that fullness, the problem must be on our end. What hinders your spiritual growth? It might help to jot down these things on a piece of paper and make them a focus of your prayers this week. Begin by thanking the Lord that in Christ, you have received everything you need to live victoriously.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1550 on:
August 20, 2006, 04:35:32 PM »
Read: Colossians 2:11-17
When you were dead in your sins... God made you alive with Christ. - Colossians 2:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
ItÕs safe to say that there is no law that gives people the ability to obey it. The purpose of a law is to draw the boundaries and deal with those who step outside of those boundaries. The lawÕs power of enforcement is external.
ThatÕs part of the problem with trying to seek salvation by law-keeping. Even the Law given to Moses, though it was holy and just, was unable to provide the Israelites with the internal power needed to keep it. Instead, the Law revealed the peopleÕs sins and spelled out GodÕs punishment.
And, because of human-kindÕs sinful nature, law-keeping is impossible for us. GodÕs standard is perfect obedience, but no one except Jesus Christ has ever kept GodÕs law perfectly. The Colossians were not capable of pleasing God by their own efforts, so Paul vigorously resisted those who were trying to burden the believers there with a system of Jewish legalism.
Remember we said that legalism was one extreme of a two-sided heresy being promoted in Colosse. Some were insisting that these Christians had to be circumcised to please God.
Not so, said Paul. When we come to Christ, we undergo circumcision of the heart by putting off the sinful nature and putting on Christ. The internal reality was GodÕs interest all along, even for the Israelites who underwent the physical rite of circumcision (Rom. 2:29).
The same is true of baptism. Water baptism is symbolic of the internal, spiritual reality of Spirit baptism (1 Cor. 12:13). Without the internal reality, the outward ceremony is meaningless. So Paul told the Colossians not to let anyone bring them under the bondage of legalism on any issue (vv. 16-17).
The apostleÕs message is crucial, because legalism is still prevalent today. Christ is all we will ever need for salvation. His death canceled the debt of sin we owed to God. Jesus also stripped Satan and his demons of their power and paraded them as His captives.
Since Jesus Christ has done all of that, why should we submit ourselves to rules that have no power to save us or make us more pleasing to God?
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Legalists want to give people a list of rules to obey.
But the real issue is a personÕs debt of sin contained in the Òwritten codeÓ (v. 14). Everyone owes this debt, and those who have never trusted Christ for salvation are still carrying it. What better Christmas present to give people than the good news that Christ has paid for sin? You can share the message by purchasing and giving out attractive Christmas tracts this season. Your local bookstore should have a selection.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1551 on:
August 20, 2006, 04:36:10 PM »
Read: Colossians 2:18-19; 1 Corinthians 9:24-
Run in such a way as to get the prize. - 1 Corinthians 9:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
For one competitor at the world-famous Boston Marathon, what should have been a moment of triumph turned into a shocking disappointment. The participant, a perennial winner in the wheelchair division, was nearing the finish line when an over-eager announcer proclaimed her the winner. She raised her hands in triumph just short of the line, only to see another competitor flash past her and break the tape. The two women were credited with the same time for the race, but the second woman was awarded the $10ꯠ cash prize.
ItÕs one thing to lose a tight race at the wire because you were overtaken. ItÕs another thing to be distracted and let the prize slip away. Paul wanted to make sure this did not happen to the Colossian believers in the Christian race, because the prize they were running for was worth more than all the world.
At the end of the month, we are going to talk about what it takes to win the prize of Jesus ChristÕs approval and receive the rewards He has for us. We need to keep the finish line in view as we serve Christ each day so we arenÕt easily distracted by the voices shouting around us.
We will never lack distractions. The Colossians had people in their midst who wanted to turn their focus toward legalism and a form of mysticism that promoted visions and secret knowledge as the way to God.
But the apostle raised a warning flag when he said that these mystical dreamers promoted the worship of angels. As shown elsewhere in Scripture, people tried to worship angels, but the angels always refused to accept the worship (see Rev. 22:8-9).
Another problem with this false religion was its Òfalse humilityÓ that masked a puffed-up ego. True wisdom from God always brings humility. ItÕs the wisdom of this world that inflates people and makes them feel superior to everyone else.
The problem with those who teach a faith in knowledge is pretty clear. They have no connection with Jesus Christ, the head of the body (v. 19). Otherwise, they would know that all the wisdom and fullness of God is found in Christ alone.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
ItÕs easy to become distracted at Christmas with so many things to buy, so many details to look after, so many functions to attend.
But if a less cluttered, more Christ-centered Christmas is what you want, you can begin today. Some suggestions: cut back on the gift list a little, trim the number of activities, turn off the TV or computer one night, and devote some extra time to adoring Christ.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1552 on:
August 20, 2006, 04:36:39 PM »
Read: Colossians 2:20-23
You died with Christ to the basic principles of this world. - Colossians 2:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Asceticism, the practice of severe self-denial to help achieve righteousness, has been practiced since the earliest days of the church. Ancient ascetics sometimes went to great extremes to discipline or punish their bodies, to free them from their sinful flesh and enable them to practice holy living. In the fifth century, Simeon the Stylite raised ascetic living to a new height literally. Simeon spent the last thirty-six years of his life living on a platform atop a pole, which was raised periodically until it reached sixty feet.
You have to wonder how people could read a passage like the one before us today and then plunge themselves into all kinds of self-denial in the hope of achieving righteousness. It stands to reason that if things like denying ourselves food, sleep, or some other necessity or living on a raised platform could make us more like Christ, the Bible would have given us a strict regimen to follow.
Instead, Paul does the opposite. Trying to tame sinful impulses by mistreating the body is as futile as trying to force the flesh to behave by imposing a set of laws. Asceticism suffers from the same problem as legalism. ItÕs an attempt to control the inward nature from the outside.
Rigid self-denial was another ingredient in the false teaching that plagued the church at Colosse. Paul reveals the futility of it all in these few verses. For example, systems of self-denial as a path to God are merely Òhuman commands and teachingsÓ (v. 22). They are not from God.
Another problem is that instead of leading to holiness, the people who follow these regulations are practicing the same Òfalse humilityÓ (v. 23, see v. 18) as the mystics. That means their self-imposed discipline was producing pride.
Asceticism is a dead-end because it canÕt produce its stated goal. Rigid rules of behavior Òlack any value in restraining sensual indulgenceÓ (v. 23).
What a breath of fresh air Paul breathes into the argument when he tells us that because we died with Christ, we have been set free from such religious futility. Since this is true, why would we want to go back into bondage? Christ is all we need!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
There is a world of difference between punishing our bodies to manufacture righteousness, and disciplining ourselves as believers so we can run the race well and win the prize (see yesterdayÕs study).
Paul was an advocate of spiritual discipline not to punish himself, but to please the one who had died to save him. Today, letÕs ask ourselves why we do the things we do. Take time for some self-examination, then ask the Lord to help you avoid the trap of trying to gain holiness with religious performance.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1553 on:
August 20, 2006, 05:08:34 PM »
Read: Colossians 3:1-4
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above. - Colossians 3:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Author A.W. Tozer explains that Òa real Christian is an odd number anyway. He feels supreme love for One whom he has never seen...dies so he can live...sees the invisible [and] hears the inaudible.Ó
Tozer is right. The unseen realities of the spirit are more real to Christians than the things we can see, hear, and touch. ThatÕs the way it should be, since the things around us are temporary, while the things of the spirit are eternal.
Paul had no problem encouraging believers to be Òheavenly minded.Ó Through-out his letters, the apostle consistently urges us to draw our identity from Christ rather than from any connection on earth.
The reason for this is simple. When we put our faith in Christ, we died to our old way of life as surely as Christ died on the cross and was buried in JosephÕs tomb. And when Jesus arose from the dead and ascended back to heaven, we arose and ascended with Him by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.
ThatÕs the theology of our complete identification with Christ (see Rom. 6:3-7). In todayÕs reading Paul shows how this truth should impact our lives, telling us that we need to set our minds and hearts on Òthings above.Ó
This is another way of saying that Jesus Christ deserves to be the center of our thoughts, emotions, and wills everything that makes us who we are. Others may not understand people who live like this, but things will become clear when Jesus returns (Òappears,Ó v. 4) and takes us to be with Him in the glory of heaven.
This is the reward for a life lived in devotion to Christ. Identity with Christ today, and glory with Him tomorrow, is the ultimate answer to people who say that faith in Christ is not enough.
There were people like that in Colosse, trying to promote legalism, mystical experiences, and self-denial as the way to God. Their descendants are among us today; only the names have been changed to make the guilty look more appealing. But donÕt let them rob you of the riches you have in Jesus Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
HereÕs a one-question test you can take to help determine how much your heart and mind are set on Christ this Christmas season.
If all of the physical reminders of the season were missing from your home and community trees, lights, decorations, parades, stores filled with shoppers would it still be Christmas to you? That may not be an easy question to answer, since this probably will not happen where you live. But itÕs worth thinking about this weekend. It would also make a great conversation starter at dinner.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1554 on:
August 20, 2006, 05:09:31 PM »
Read: Colossians 3:5-11
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. - Galatians 5:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
During the Civil War, a Confederate soldier from Virginia became so tired of living in his lice-infested clothes that he decided to do something about it. He wrote his wife with instructions to meet him at a certain place on a certain day, bringing with her a fresh change of clothes and a jug of kerosene. The soldier met his wife at the designated spot, bathed in the kerosene to rid himself of the lice, then burned his infested clothes and returned to his unit.
What a great illustration of the way we, as Ònew creations,Ó are to treat our old way of life (2 Cor. 5: 17)! The Bible uses radical terms for the treatment: we are to crucify, or Òput to death,Ó the old nature (v. 5). Like a set of lice-infested clothes, our sinful nature is too contaminated to be cleaned up. God has already consigned it to the grave.
Paul is not teaching that we can completely rid ourselves of the nature we inherited from Adam. That will happen someday but not until Jesus returns and we become Òlike HimÓ in the fullest sense of that term (1 John 3:2). In the meantime, we are people with two natures.
This is one of the paradoxes of the Christian life. On the one hand, we are made new in Christ. Paul has just written that as believers in Christ, we are dead to the old things of the world (Col. 2:20). ThatÕs because we have put off the Òold self,Ó the corrupt nature that dominated us before our salvation (3:9).
But on the other hand, we are told to kill off the evil practices of the old nature, which include every kind of immorality and sin imaginable. That makes it sound like those old clothes are still wrapped around us.
This is the paradox: the sinful nature is powerless, but itÕs still present. ThatÕs why Paul could say that sometimes he did the very thing he didnÕt want to do, and failed to do what he knew was right (Rom. 7:15-20).
We need to understand both of these realities. When Christ conquered sin on the cross, sin was drained of its ability to enslave us. Through the Holy Spirit, we have all the power we need to say no to the downward pull of the old life. ItÕs our responsibility to use this power and turn away from sin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our challenge as Christians is to live like Christ.
WeÕve been talking this month about the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. This truth is vitally important when it comes to the choices we make each day. Since we are complete in Christ, and He has all power and authority, we donÕt have to let sin run the show. If there is an area in your life where sin has established a foothold, reclaim that territory today in the name and the power of Christ (1 John 1:9).
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1555 on:
August 20, 2006, 05:10:57 PM »
Read: Colossians 3:12-14; Galatians 5:22-23
I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. - Ephesians 4:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to one historian, author Washington Irving changed the popular image of St. Nicholas in 1809 by describing him as a stout, jolly man who smoked a long pipe. A few years later, Clement MooreÕs world-famous poem, ÒA Visit from St. Nicholas,Ó helped cement in peopleÕs minds the image of St. Nicholas as Òa jolly, fat man flying through the air.Ó By 1886, cartoonist Thomas NastÕs drawings depicting this new St. Nicholas for the New Yorker magazine had completed the characterÕs transformation of identity.
Christians have undergone a transformation in identity too except that in our case, the change didnÕt take most of a century to complete. The change was instantaneous in terms of the transaction. We became Ònew creation
Ó the moment we trusted Christ. ÒThe old has gone, the new has come!Ó (2 Cor. 5:17).
However, as we learned yesterday, living out our new identity is a process involving both time and growth. Paul had used the metaphor of changing clothes to describe how salvation causes the shedding of the old nature and its power over us (Col. 3:9). Now he continues that imagery by telling us to put on the new clothes that identify us with Christ (vv. 10, 12).
Talk about a different image! Compare the list in verses 5-8 with the Christian character qualities we will read about today and tomorrow, and one thing is clear. There is no comparison! The difference is more than just night and day. These two ways of living are as different as heaven and hell.
One difference between the sins of our old life and the virtues of the new is that theyÕre focused on different things. Sin is hopelessly and incurably self-centered. Things like immorality, greed, and anger are sins that put the sinner first, even if other people are abused and hurt along the way.
But the Christian life is always Òother-centered.Ó Notice the tenderness of PaulÕs appeal for us to be kind, patient, and forgiving with one another. And just in case he missed anything, Paul urged us to live in love, the ÒgreatestÓ of the virtues (1 Cor. 13:13) because it reminds us most of Jesus Christ.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
These virtues would make a great Christmas gift!
As we get further into the season, chances are that everyone from your family members to store salespeople could use a little compassion, kindness, patience, and love. Why not be the bearer of these gifts to others this Christmas? It wonÕt cost you anything.
A good reminder might be to write these qualities on a card and put it where you will see it every day. When you go Christmas shopping, slip the card inside your checkbook and pray that God will give you opportunities to reflect His love.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1556 on:
August 20, 2006, 05:11:45 PM »
Read: Colossians 3:15-17
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another. - Colossians 3:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
The story is told that the great Christian industrialist R. G. LeTourneau was once working with his engineers on the design for a new piece of equipment. They were baffled by the problem of designing the machine, becoming more tense as the days wore on. Finally, on Wednesday evening, LeTourneau announced, ÒWell, boys, IÕm knocking off. IÕm going to prayer meeting. Ò
The engineers protested, citing their deadline. LeTourneau replied, ÒBut IÕve got a deadline with God.Ó He went to the meeting, prayed and sang hymns, and on the way home the design of the new machine popped into his mind, complete in every detail.
You may not invent a new piece of machinery when you take time to worship God and sing hymns of praise to Him. But wonderful things do happen when we get our hearts and minds in tune with the Lord.
These few verses are a beautiful picture of the body of Christ at its best. They show us what the church, and our individual Christian lives, can look like when our lives are centered on Christ.
Believers in tune with Christ will be ruled by His peace. There are two sides to this peace. We are at peace with God because of what Jesus did on the cross (Rom. 5:1). And we can enjoy the peace of God (Phil. 4:7) that keeps our hearts and minds at rest in any circumstance.
Gratitude is also a mark of Christ-centered believers. Our thankfulness is all-encompassing, because the Word tells us to do everything in ChristÕs name as we give thanks to the Father (v. 17).
The command to let GodÕs Word Òdwell in [us] richlyÓ (v. 16) is the hinge on which our lives turn. PaulÕs concern for the Colossians was that they not be distracted and misled by false teachers who wanted to draw them away from complete dependence on Christ. The best antidote for error is the Word of God.
Having our hearts and lips filled with music is a natural effect of lives ruled by ChristÕs peace, enriched by His Word, and focused on honoring Him in every action.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The connection between music and Christmas is a natural one, since this season has produced some of the finest Christ-centered music ever written.
We hope your home echoes with the music of Christmas. Playing the great hymns and songs of the season provides a rich background of worship that you and your family can enjoy even as you go about your regular activities. If you want to get your week off to a great start, let God-honoring music fill your home.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1557 on:
August 20, 2006, 05:12:25 PM »
Read: Colossians 3:18-21
A new command I give you: Love one another. - John 13:34
TODAY IN THE WORD
Charles DickensÕs classic story A Christmas Carol was first published in December 1843. Within a week, the first printing had sold out, and now most of the world knows the heartwarming story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his poor but faithful clerk, Bob Crachet. The climactic scene of the loving Crachet family happily gathered around the radically reformed Scrooge, with Bob holding Tiny Tim on his shoulder, is a fairy-tale ending.
But close-knit, loving families arenÕt just found in stories, although youÕd think so with the way some ÒexpertsÓ talk about the problems of the family these days. But people donÕt have the last word on the family; God does. And His Word gives guidelines for cultivating and maintaining the kind of family that is more joyful than anyone in the storybooks.
Colossians 3 gives us a portion of GodÕs family guidelines. No member is neglected. GodÕs standards are clear, if not always popular. One evangelical denomination was ridiculed in the media this past summer for daring to declare that Òloving submissionÓ was GodÕs will for a Christian wife. ItÕs a good thing that truth isnÕt decided by polls.
The balance to a wifeÕs submission is her husbandÕs loving, understanding, and tender leadership. LetÕs remember that Paul is still writing in the context of believers exhibiting kindness, patience, gentleness, and love toward one another. The home is the place where these Christian virtues need to displayed and perfected.
In other words, if your act isnÕt together at home, donÕt take it on the road!
You may know that the fifth Commandment to honor oneÕs father and mother Òis the first commandment with a promiseÓ (Eph. 6:2; see Exod. 20:12). Christ is sufficient in the lives of children, too, and He is pleased by their obedience.
Verse 21 hints at the challenges facing Christian parents as they try to raise their children to love and serve God. But a husband and wife who are pleasing God in their marriage roles can count on the all-sufficient power of Christ to help them reflect His image in their children.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This is a good day for your family to do a self-evaluation based on the biblical criteria in todayÕs reading.
You can even tie your time together into the story of Jesus by reviewing JesusÕ obedience to His parents and His well-rounded growth as a boy and young man (Luke 2:51-52).
You will probably have many opportunities with family and friends to display the Christ-like attitude and servant heart that underscore todayÕs study.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1558 on:
August 20, 2006, 05:13:13 PM »
Read: Colossians 3:22-4:1
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. - Colossians 3:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
Henry Ford, inventor of the automobile, once hired an efficiency expert to evaluate his company. The expert gave a favorable report, but complained about one of FordÕs employees. ÒEvery time I go by his office, heÕs just sitting there with his feet up on his desk. That man is wasting your money.Ó
Ford replied, ÒThat man once had an idea that saved us millions of dollars. At the time, I believe his feet were planted right where they are now.Ó
It was natural for a visitor to FordÕs offices to assume that an employee with his feet on the desk was shirking his duty. But something was happening there that the expert couldnÕt see. Henry Ford saw it, and recognized and rewarded the manÕs work.
Something similar was happening among the first centuryÕs equivalent of employees and employers. Slaves and masters were becoming believers in places like Colosse. Suddenly, a master and his slave might find themselves worshiping next to each other as brothers in Christ.
Their new relationship with Christ changed everything about their relationship with each other. Slaves were to work as faithfully for their masters as they would work for Christ because, in fact, He was the real Òboss.Ó And masters were to treat their slaves with the same fairness and respect they would want to receive from their Master in heaven.
The result was a radical departure from the ordinary master-slave relationship in the Roman empire. Slaves in that day had little incentive to give their masters a decent dayÕs work. After all, they were serving against their will in less than ideal circumstances.
By the same token, masters usually had little incentive to treat their slaves with compassion. The relationship was often adversarial, with one side trying to do as little as possible while the other pushed for maximum productivity.
Can you see the difference the gospel made? The principle of todayÕs verse was a radical new approach to work in PaulÕs day. And the principle works in any employment setting, including yours.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Work is so much a part of our identity in this culture that our attitude toward it helps shape our entire attitude toward life.
It could be that because of Christmas, things are more hectic and pressured than usual at your workplace. Even if thatÕs not the case, you may know a coworker who could use a little help this week. Why not go the extra mile for a coworker? Do it as if you were serving the Lord Himself, and youÕll enjoy the reward of His approval.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
Soldier4Christ
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Re: TODAY IN THE WORD
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Reply #1559 on:
August 20, 2006, 05:13:57 PM »
Read: Colossians 4:2-4; Ephesians 6:18-20
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. - Colossians 4:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Author and Bible teacher John MacArthur says concerning todayÕs verse, ÒThe verb means 'to be courageously persistent,Õ 'to hold on and not let go.Õ Paul is calling strongly on believers to persist in prayer....True prayer often involves struggling and grappling with God, proving to Him the deepest concern of oneÕs heart.Ó
Does this sound like the prayer life of most Christians in the Õ90s? It can be and really, it should be. From GodÕs standpoint, persistent and faithful prayer is the norm not the exception. Prayer is appropriate, even necessary, Òon all occasionsÓ (Eph. 6:18). Through the parable of the persistent widow, Jesus teaches us not to give up but to pray until we get an answer (Luke 18:1-8).
LetÕs put this passage in its context, because it has something to teach us about the importance of prayer. In Colossians 1-2, Paul had argued for and proved the superiority of Christ over any human system of rules or religion. He had pled for the Colossians not to exchange their allegiance to Christ for an inferior experience that promised something great but produced nothing worthwhile.
Then in chapter 3, the apostle began to lay out the implications of ChristÕs superiority in the everyday lives of believers. If Christ is all, and in all, and He is (Col. 3:11), then we should display it in our behavior at home, at work, and in our prayer.
The way we prove our dependence on the Lord in prayer is by praying with tenacity, Òstruggling and grappling with God,Ó as Dr. MacArthur says. Since Christ is sufficient for any need or concern we could possibly have, then we can do nothing better than to bring our needs to Him and stay on our knees before Him. Praying persistently also means praying expectantly. We could say that Òbeing watchfulÓ means keeping one eye open spiritually while you pray.
This is an attitude of heart that says, ÒLord, I believe you hear and answer prayer, and I am praying with the confidence that you will hear and answer me.Ó Combine this with an Òattitude of gratitude,Ó and your prayer life will flourish.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul asked the churches at Colosse and Ephesus to pray that God would open doors for him to preach Christ and spread the gospel.
This is a prayer request you can make today with absolute confidence that God will answer, because spreading the gospel is His stated will (see Mark 16:15). Please pray today that God will use the heightened spiritual awareness of the Christmas season to open the hearts of many unbelievers to Christ. And donÕt forget to pray that God will use you to share His Word.
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Joh 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
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