TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 3:12-14
Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. - Romans 13:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
According to CNN/Money, forecasters predict that teen shoppers will spend more this year than the $169 billion they spent in 2004. Must-have items include cell phones and iPods, but nearly as important are clothes. Retailers are taking notice of teen buying power. “American Eagle has refocused back on the 18-year-old customer featuring preppy fashions,” said industry analyst Todd Slater.

It's no wonder that retailers are paying close attention to teen spenders. Fashion trends change quickly with this group: what's in now will be out tomorrow, prompting even more purchasing. But good news for those whose wallet or taste can't keep up with trendy big spenders—there's a type of “clothing” that's never out of style.

Picking up on his discussion of the new humanity in Christ that God is currently creating, Paul goes on to present the type of character that's appropriate for the people of God. Before doing so, however, Paul lists three things that are true of believers: first, they are chosen by God; second, they are set apart for God (see the discussion of “holy” on Oct. 1); and, third, they are the object of God's love. This is the true condition of all those who are being renewed in the knowledge of the Creator.

Because of who we truly are, we're to “wear” the proper clothes, or character. It's not surprising that three of these—kindness, gentleness, and patience—are fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Unlike the false humility of the false teachers, the lowliness mentioned here is the essential quality of humility, which puts others first.

In addition to these five “garments,” believers are to forgive. What a contrast to the list we looked at yesterday! Finally, as sort of overcoat that pulls it all together and covers all, we are to put on love—the very essence of unity. Through love, past divisions (v. 11) are broken down and replaced by perfect unity.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Forgiveness is perhaps the hardest quality to put on. It's no accident that forgiveness is preceded by compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Paul is only too aware of our human nature, and knows that all these characteristics are needed in order for us to forgive and to put up with each other! Each morning as you get dressed, take a minute to envision deliberately putting each of these qualities “on” for the day, focusing particularly on one quality each day of the week.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 3:15-17; Psalm 95:1-7
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. - Psalm 95:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Worship is a controversial issue for many churches. Heated discussions center around the style of music, the role of multimedia, and the place of popular culture. These aren't easy questions, but everyone should agree that the aim of worship is to direct our hearts to God for spiritual growth. It's possible that this aim is overshadowed by attempts to make church “accessible.” Over sixty years ago, Herbert H. Farmer expressed his concerns about those who simply want church to be pleasant and “to come away ”˜feeling better.'” He laments, “aving truth, the truth that liberates . . . is almost completely absent” in many churches. As we'll see, this would have grieved Paul.

First, Paul reveals what happens when we grasp the perfect equality of our new humanity in Christ (v. 11) and we're clothed with our new spiritual clothing (v. 12)—we experience the peace of Christ. This peace isn't just the absence of hostility, rather it's harmony and unity—the original shalom God intended for humanity. The verb “rule” in verse 15 conveys the image of an umpire. When disputes do arise, every effort must be made to arrive at decisions that preserve peace.

Next, Paul exhorts the Colossians to let the word of Christ dwell within them. It might be surprising to find the Word, teaching, admonishing, and wisdom linked to worship: singing psalms, hymns (new compositions about Jesus), or spiritual songs (spontaneous praises). Too often today we make a sharp distinction between “praise and worship” and “preaching and teaching,” We find this combination of praise and truth in Psalm 95, and history illustrates that the church responds with rich and profound singing when the Word is proclaimed.

Woven around all of this is thanksgiving. In fact, gratitude encompasses all that Paul has been saying so far: focusing on Jesus, ridding ourselves of sin, putting on the new self, forgiving one another, preserving peace, and worshiping.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's not our intention at Today in the Word to advocate a particular style of worship. At the same time, this passage affirms the need for solid truth to be central in our worship. Sometimes we're afraid that nonbelievers might be offended by the truth, but Jesus declares, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). When truth infuses all of our worship, we expose people to “saving truth, the truth that liberates.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 3:18-21; Titus 2:1-7
For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace. - 1 Corinthians 14:33
TODAY IN THE WORD
Most families agree that it's better to have some type of order than complete chaos! Recently, an increasing number of organizations seek to help families establish and maintain order in the home. One such group is EasyChild, which claims to serve over 5,000 children. Dr. Ali Hashemian, an expert on attention deficit disorder, gave the following endorsement for EasyChild: “An exceptionally easy tool for parents to use, it teaches children how to be accountable for their behaviors, preparing them for real life.” These are important goals, and it shouldn't surprise us to find that the Bible also has a lot to say about this.

In the August 2005 issue of Today in the Word, four days were devoted to this subject in Ephesians. It's also addressed in 1 Peter 2:18-3:7 and in the passages that we'll look at today and tomorrow. When some people look at these passages, they tend to think that they're out-dated or even repressive. Often this is because people fail to recognize two key points. First, God's intention for such instruction is life-giving. All these passages link proper conduct in relationships with spiritual blessings, such moral cleansing (Eph. 5:26) or witness for nonbelievers (1 Pet. 3:1). Living according to God's rules brings fruitfulness and well-being.

Second, in the ancient world, wives, children, and slaves weren't considered to be independent moral entities—pagan writers would have never addressed any of them directly, and certainly not first! This was radical in the first century and shows the equal status of all people in God's sight.

The Colossians passage is the shortest of this set of passages, but we still see the emphasis on God's intent (vv. 18, 20) and fruitfulness by identifying things that prevent growth (vv. 19, 21). These short verses outline the proper attitude for Christians and show that firm guidance, not harsh control, is God's intent.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Titus 2 offers another set of instructions concerning conduct within the body of Christ. Again, we see God's intentions for promoting godliness and fruitful relationships. Note the emphasis on protecting our witness to nonbelievers (vv. 5, . This reminds us that the way we act within our biological families and our spiritual family has consequences outside of both. God is a God of order, and His “rules” bless us and draw outsiders toward the family of God.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 3:22-4:1
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord. - Colossians 3:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
Motivational speaking is big business; companies spend millions of dollars on speakers who encourage their employees to work harder and smarter. Books, CDs, posters, and even coffee mugs seek to enhance worker productivity. Although these may offer helpful suggestions, God's Word also offers profound insights into proper attitudes and motivation for employer-employee relationships.

We need to make one thing clear about today's passage. We must understand Paul in his first-century setting. In Roman cities as much as one third of the population were slaves, so it's certain that many slaves belonged to early churches. The fact that Paul addresses slaves doesn't imply that he supports slavery. As we noted yesterday, slaves wouldn't have been addressed independently by Greek or Roman writers, so the mere fact that Paul addresses slaves—and says more to them than to masters—would have been shocking. Although Paul couldn't abolish slavery, he could show slaves their true dignity in God's sight. Paul's comments to slaves show that he cares about the integrity of their souls and their relationship to the Lord. He notes that their primary motivation should be that they're actually serving the Lord, not humans (v. 24). Consequently, they should avoid simply giving the appearance of working in order to gain favor, but rather are to serve with sincerity, or singleness of heart. Because their motivation is for the Lord, their reward is from the Lord. Under Roman law slaves couldn't receive an inheritance, but as God's chosen people (Col. 2:11-12), slaves were fully assured of their eternal inheritance (Col. 1:5).

Verse 25 also underscores the equality of all people before God. There's no favoritism with sin—we all reap what we sow and receive the consequences of our sin, no matter what our station or position.

Finally, masters are exhorted to act with justice and fairness, because in the larger scheme, they are actually servants of the God of all justice.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Slavery and paid employment aren't the same, and we shouldn't minimalize slavery's horrors by comparing the two. Yet working relationships are probably the best current application for this passage for most people. As employees, we all need to work as unto the Lord, not as people-pleasers or just when the boss is looking. Our real employer is the Lord, who will reward our sincere service. As employers, we need to remember that we are accountable to the impartial Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 4:2-4; Acts 16:6-10
We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will. - Colossians 1:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
An essential part of maturity is accepting responsibility. As young children grow, it's important that they be given responsibilities that are appropriate for their age so that they can experience the rewards of faithfulness and so that they are prepared for more difficult assignments. As Abigail Van Buren once said, “If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.” The same is true concerning spiritual maturity. The Colossians had received a great deal from Epaphras and Paul, but now it was their turn to participate in the Lord's work through the ministry of prayer.

Paul begins by exhorting them to devote themselves to prayer—exactly what he and Timothy had modeled for them in the opening of this letter (1:9-14). Throughout the letter, Paul has stressed the importance of vigilance (2:8, 16, 18) and thankfulness (1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:17). Now he offers the Colossians the privilege of serving him through their prayers. First, Paul asks for an opportunity, or opening, for sharing the gospel. Some have suggested that Paul was referring to his prison door here (v. 3), but Paul described his ministry similarly in Ephesus as a “door for effective work” (1 Cor. 16:9) and the opportunity to preach the gospel in Troas as a “door” (2 Cor. 2:12). Despite his own circumstances, Paul's burden was always on sharing the gospel. In whatever way possible, Paul remained faithful to his calling to proclaim the mystery of Christ through whom God is creating one new reconciled humanity.

Acts 16 gives us an exciting understanding of the door for the gospel that Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians. Troas is located in Asia Minor, or modern-day Turkey, and Macedonia refers to the northern part of Greece. So the door that opened for Paul in Troas was the means that the Lord used to bring the gospel into Europe—the impact from that open door is still felt by us today!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We can learn a lot about prayer from Paul. First, we learn how to pray for others, regardless of specific circumstances (1:9-14). Second, we see Paul's humility in asking for prayer and allowing others to serve him in this way. Sometimes we're reluctant to ask others to pray for us, but Paul's example should encourage us otherwise. Third, we learn the importance of praying for the spread of the gospel, that doors all around the world might be opened.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 4:5-6; Proverbs 2:6-3:4
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. - 1 Peter 3:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Most of us don't give much thought to salt, but long ago it was considered so valuable that it was used as currency. Perhaps you recall the expression, “You're worth your weight in salt.” Indeed, salt is essential for health and cooking. Our bodies use salt to get rid of carbon dioxide. Salt also helps with heart and muscle contractions. Before the invention of refrigeration, salt was an important preservative that inhibited the growth of bacteria. And, of course, salt simply helps many foods taste better. It's no wonder then that Scripture uses salt as an important metaphor.

Much of Colossians has dealt with combating false teaching and fostering spiritual maturity. To round things out, Paul concludes with some final instructions concerning conduct toward nonbelievers. Paul begins by once again appealing to wisdom. Recall Paul's prayer that the Colossians would be filled with knowledge of God's will through spiritual wisdom (1:9-14). God's wisdom reveals His ways, which bless us and those around us. God's wisdom protects us as we interact with those who practice evil (Prov. 2:12, 16). God's wisdom also gives us discretion, so that we know when and where to share certain things (v. 11). When we walk in wisdom, we gain favor (3:4). The purpose of acting wisely is so that we might be effective witnesses for the gospel, not wasting any opportunity that might come our way (Col. 4:5).

Paul's next desire is that our words would be the right mix of sweet and savory! This can be a delicate balance. We need to be gentle and nurturing in our dealings with nonbelievers, but we also need to hold out the truth that preserves life. Consider Jesus' words on the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?” (Matt. 5:13). Both comfort and challenge are required in our interactions with nonbelievers, and God's wisdom leads us appropriately.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We're surrounded by people longing for hope. By sharing with nonbelievers what God is doing in our lives, we offer that hope. By directing a conversation away from gossip, we preserve life. By acknowledging those who check out groceries or who drive a bus, we encourage. There are many ways that we can be a spice and a preservative to those around us. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal opportunities for you to act wisely toward outsiders.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 4:7-9; Romans 16:3-16
All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss. - 1 Corinthians 16:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
We can't overestimate the power of news about loved ones who are far away. Although the Colossians had probably never met Paul, they knew about his imprisonment and were naturally concerned. News about his situation would have been welcomed.

We learn from Acts 20:4 that Tychicus was a believer from the province of Asia, or modern-day Turkey, who accompanied Paul with the offering for the Jerusalem church. Here Paul is sending Tychicus with the express purpose of letting others know about his own circumstances in prison, which no doubt included the opportunities that he had to share the gospel (see Phil. 1:12-14). Perhaps it was too risky to share about his circumstances in writing. Although faithful Tychicus was frequently sent as Paul's envoy (Eph. 6:22; Titus 3:12), no doubt his ministry also included reinforcing Paul's teaching and checking in on churches.

We have to read between the lines a bit more with Onesimus. Despite the meaning of his name, “useful,” he's most probably the runaway slave mentioned in Philemon. In that letter, Paul exhorts Onesimus's owner, Philemon, to receive his former slave back as a brother in the Lord. Here the expression “one of you” (v. 9) refers both to Onesimus as a Colossian and now as a Christian. Suspicions about his character may have remained, but being called a “faithful and dear brother” by Paul surely helped.

The long greetings at the end of Colossians and Romans are unmatched in Paul's letters. Although we no longer know details about many of these individuals, these passages give us a glimpse of the wide range of people who knew and ministered with Paul. Some people portray Paul as a serious loner who was hard to get along with. But we get a different picture from the final greetings presented here. It's clear that he was deeply involved in the lives of many people and had numerous relationships. Each name no doubt represents hours of fellowship, counsel, and prayer.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today's passages remind us that Christianity is not about “lone rangers.” Just as we can't function apart from the Lord, so too we must be connected with other believers. Despite Paul's unique calling, even his ministry was a team effort, as his greetings indicate. Today's a good day to consider your own part of the body of Christ. Are you isolated, trying to make it on your own? If so, seek out ways to join a ministry team or Bible study group.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 4:10-14
They refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition. - 1 Corinthians 16:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Important People of the Twentieth Century includes some pretty influential people: Albert Einstein, Princess Diana, Martin Luther King, Walt Disney, the Beatles, and Oprah Winfrey, to name just a few. Some even more influential names were missing, such as Pandita Ramabai, who ministered to oppressed women in India; Muri Thompson, a Maori who evangelized in New Zealand and Oceania; or William Cameron Townsend, whose heart for unreached tribes led to the creation of Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Today we continue Paul's final greeting. Although we don't know much about these individuals, it's clear that they had significant ministries. Aristarchus was a Macedonian from Thessalonica (Acts 20:4), who endured the Ephesian riot with Paul (Acts 19:29). He also accompanied Paul on his final journey to Rome (Acts 27:2). Aristarchus may in fact have been a prisoner with Paul, or he may have willingly stayed with Paul in his imprisonment. Mark is likely the same John Mark who earlier deserted Paul and Barnabas's ministry (Acts 15:36-41). Here we see the two reconciled and Paul encourages the Colossians to welcome him. Together Aristarchus and Mark were joined by another Jew, Jesus, called Justus, as workers who brought comfort to Paul.

By now, Epaphras and his ministry are well-known to us. Having ministered faithfully to the Colossians when he was with them, now we see him wrestling for them in prayer while he is away from them. Much of his prayer echoes Paul's own (1:9-14) as he prays that the Colossians will remain grounded in their understanding of God's purposes in Christ, especially in light of the false teachers trying to lead the Colossians astray.

Although the mention of Luke is brief, we learn here that he was a doctor. Luke's steadfast character is seen throughout Acts. Sadly, however, we find out in 2 Timothy 4:10 that Demas eventually deserted Paul.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although none of these individuals would have made the 100 Most Important People of the First Century list, their legacy is inestimable. Consider that two of these individuals wrote gospel accounts of Jesus. From these believers and countless others, the gospel spread around the world and eventually to each one of us. In a similar way, the truly influential people of any century are those who faithfully bring the gospel across the street and around the world.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Colossians 4:15-18
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. - 2 Thessalonians 3:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
C. S. Lewis's numerous writings, ranging from defenses of Christianity to science fiction and beloved children's stories, are well-known. But Lewis also sent handwritten replies—some with drawings!—to every letter he received. He especially loved writing to children, patiently answering questions about Narnia and offering advice to young writers.

We see this personal touch in Paul's letters. Although he often used a scribe, or secretary, to write down his words as he dictated, his own handwritten notes underscored his personal care and authenticated his letters against possible forgeries. Paul's note in today's passage emphasized his concern for the Colossians.

As we read about the church meeting in Nympha's house in Laodicea, we get another glimpse into the world of the early church. We don't know any more about this woman, but we know that house churches were common until church buildings began to be built about 200 years after Colossians was written. Believers also met at Lydia's house in Philippi (Acts 16:40) and Philemon's house in Colosse. Even now, believers in many parts of the world, such as China, meet in house churches.

We also see how Paul's letters circulated. His letter to the Colossians was to be read in nearby Laodicea, and Paul's letter sent to them (now lost) was to be read in Colosse. We also see God's hand, as He preserved exactly those apostolic letters that were needed for future generations.

Finally, we have another insight into Paul. There's no pity in the words, “Remember my chains.” Instead Paul wants the Colossians to know that those who proclaim the true gospel are willing to suffer for it, unlike the false teachers in Colosse. Paul's chains—rather than a symbol of failure-- underscored his authority and his exhortations to this small church struggling to remain faithful.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We've covered a lot of ground this month! Consider retracing one of the important themes in Colossians such as thanksgiving, the gospel's power, Christ's supremacy, God's mystery, putting off the old and putting on the new, or God's purposes for fruitful relationships. List one or two things that you've learned about this topic. Then think of a response, such as participating in a ministry of reconciliation, praying for open doors for the gospel, or cultivating gratitude.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy. - 1 Corinthians 1:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Soon after the death of Pope John Paul II this year, Pope Benedict XVI beatified him, making him a candidate for sainthood. Pope John Paul II had done the same for Mother Teresa shortly after her death. Is this what it means to be a saint—a recommendation from the Pope and a process of approval after death? Actually, the number of saints is far greater than the canonization process of the Roman Catholic Church suggests. If you know Jesus Christ as Savior, you are a saint.

I'm no candidate for sainthood, you might say. All your private sins, all your mistakes remind you of that. And truth be told, you might fear what holiness demands. But today's text emphasizes that all Christians are saints. Paul speaks to all the church as those “called to be holy” (v. 2), or “saints by calling” (NASB). Personal holiness isn't an elective in God's curriculum. Sainthood is for pastors and carpenters, homemakers and missionaries. When God made His righteousness available to us by His Son, Jesus Christ, He meant not simply to save us but to change us. This process of change is called sanctification. Our study this month will focus on two aspects of our sanctification: first, what it means to be sanctified “in Christ Jesus” (v. 2). Just as we are saved by the grace of Jesus, so we are sanctified by His grace.

By exploring the themes of 1 Corinthians and other relevant Scriptures, we'll see the necessity and power of this grace to make us more like Christ. No doubt sanctification is a work of God. Our study will also examine our personal responsibilities as God calls us to “be holy.” While God's grace operates fully in our sanctification, we'll learn that His work doesn't exempt us from our own efforts in the process.

As difficult as this topic of sanctification might appear, it has unquestioned practical importance for our lives. Our study this month will help us understand what it means that we are already made “saints” and at the same time called to become “saintly.”
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
“True salvation brings with it a desire to be holy,” says Jerry Bridges in Pursuit of Holiness. God's grace operates in our lives for a greater goal than simply forgiving us of our sins. God wants to make us more like His Son, Jesus Christ. Have you considered that your conversion to Christ was the beginning of the journey, not the end? Pray that this month, your desire for and practice of personal holiness will grow.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 1
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. - 1 Corinthians 1:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
Motor Trend's 2004 car of the year, the Toyota Prius, demonstrates the energy efficiency of hybrid cars. Many automobile manufacturers are considering alternative sources of energy. Electricity and hydrogen fuel cells promise cleaner, more efficient ways to power cars. Gasoline-fueled cars might one day become a note in the history books.

Our spiritual engines, will never need an alternative fuel source. Paul's instruction to the church at Corinth needs no revision. To power our sanctification, to run our spiritual engines, we cannot begin without God's grace in Christ Jesus. Sanctification is a work initiated by God (vv. 27, 28), empowered by God (v. 24), and accomplished by God (v. . He, not we, powers our spiritual engines. With spiritual fervor and zeal we can press the pedal, but the engine won't roar to life without grace.

Our study of sanctification this month, following the themes of 1 Corinthians 1, will not explain all the how-to's of this process. Instead, we will look at the emphases in this chapter in order to discover that we find the grace of God repeated again and again.

Salvation and sanctification begin at the Cross. The gospel is both the message that saves and the one that sanctifies. Clearly none are saved on the basis of personal qualifications (v. 26). Neither will we be sanctified because of merit. God's plan has always been to save and sanctify apart from human effort “so that no one may boast before him” (v. 29). Salvation begins with admitting one's sin and need for God. And sanctification continues with constant reaffirmations of our complete dependence upon God to provide “everything we need for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3).

We can breathe a big sigh of relief, knowing that what's to come isn't a laundry list of drudgeries we have to do in order to be sanctified. Rather, our exploration of Scripture will provide an encouraging glimpse of the empowering grace of God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Here might be signs that you are trying to power your spiritual engine with something other than the grace of God. First, you're spiritually exhausted. Worn out from trying to be like Christ, wondering why you're the underdog in your fight against personal sin. Or, second, you're constantly failing. You're falling into the same sin, again and again, praying repeatedly for forgiveness and victory, but it eludes you. There is hope for you! Ask God for help by His grace.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Romans 6:1-14
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that . . . we too may live a new life. - Romans 6:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
One theologian had this to say about our reading today from Romans 6: “It would not be possible, I think, to exaggerate the importance of this chapter for the doctrine of sanctification. It has rightly been called the Magna Carta of the soul and the Emancipation Proclamation of the Christian.” This important passage declares our complete freedom in Christ. Sin once held us captive before we were in Christ. We had no choice but to comply with its demands. Sanctification remained out of reach. No pleading or wrestling could have destroyed sin's power over us. Once and for all it had to die. And only One had the power to destroy it—the man, Jesus Christ, “raised from the dead through the glory of the Father” (v. 4): “death no longer has mastery over him” (v. 9). Because we are in Christ, sin is now unarmed. We have the choice and the power to escape sin's control. Sin has no authority over us! We can take great confidence for our sanctification in the finished work of Jesus Christ at the cross. His death and resurrection dealt the fatal wound to our sin nature. In Him we “died to sin” (v. 2). “We have been united with him . . . in his death” (v. 5). “Our old self was crucified with him” (v. 6). “We should no longer be slaves to sin” (v. 6). By identifying ourselves with Christ, we have freedom from sin's power and allure. Righteousness is our new master. Today's text concludes with an exhortation: “Do not offer the parts of your body to sin . . . but rather offer yourselves to God” (v. 13). Sin is defeated through Christ, but we don't sit passively. The victory is won, but the victory flag must be raised. This is the great mystery of sanctification, that while we are in fact dead to sin, we must daily choose to “count ourselves dead to sin” (v. 11).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Sometimes we resuscitate sin's power by choosing to live for what pleases us rather than what pleases God (v. 12).

Pray the prayer of A. W. Tozer from The Pursuit of God: “Father, I want to know Thee, but my cowardly heart fears to give up its toys. I cannot part with them without inward bleeding, and I do not try to hide from Thee the terror of the parting. I come trembling, but I do come.”

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: John 15:1-11
Every good tree bears good fruit. . . . Thus by their fruit you will recognize them. - Matthew 7:17a, 20
TODAY IN THE WORD
Have you ever opened a puzzle box, set to work furiously for days on a 25,000-piece puzzle, only to discover toward its completion that it's missing several pieces? An incomplete puzzle frustrates us. We need every piece to complete the picture.

We're piecing together a puzzle this month in our study of sanctification. Our first pieces illustrate how our sanctification depends on the grace of Jesus Christ (cf. 1 Cor. 1:4). Yesterday we learned that Jesus defeated the grip of sin and delivered us to a new master. Our passage today looks at the grace available to us because of the abiding presence of Christ through His Holy Spirit.

John 15 gives us both a rule to follow and a result to expect in sanctification. The rule is as simple as one word: abide. First, Jesus asks that we remain in His love and His commandments (vv. 9-10). To abide in Jesus means making obedience our number one priority. It means taking steps to avoid temptation and to build our spiritual character.

But remember this is all because of and possible through grace! We aren't given the arduous task of the Gardener—our loving Father does that. Our assignment is to abide, the natural growth of the branch properly connected to the vine. Oak trees don't bear almond blossoms. Pear trees don't make apples. Healthy Christians cannot bear bad fruit. One way to make sure that our connection to Christ stays healthy is to let the word of Christ abide in us (v. 7).

What place do the written Word of God and the quiet voice of the Spirit have in our lives? We can't have a vital connection to Christ if we don't allow Him to speak to us through His Word, the Bible. Our spiritual health depends on a daily intake of Scripture, reading, studying, meditating, and memorizing it. We're never too busy to make this a priority.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The result of sanctification is blessing: first, bearing much fruit (v. 5), like the fruit of good character (cf. Gal. 5:22, 23). It will become less and less difficult to love our enemies, to have peace in trials, to be patient in waiting. And finally, we can know a deep, abiding joy, infinitely greater than the world's momentary pleasures (v. 11). Don't you want the blessings of sanctification? Our personal holiness is not a burdensome responsibility to bear but a gift from the Father to enjoy!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 John 2:28-3:3
We know that when he appears, we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is. - 1 John 3:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
At the age of 12, Doris Duke inherited a fortune of $80 million. Her father, James Buchanan Duke, controlled two successful companies and was the benefactor of Duke University. He died in 1925, leaving his only daughter with an unimaginable inheritance and the description of “the richest girl in the world.”

Today's text focuses on our future inheritance in Christ. It's easiest to think of our future sanctification, often called glorification, as a trust promised for the children of God (3:1, 2). The will was drawn up at the death of Christ. When Christ died and rose, His rights and privileges as Son become available to those who believed in Him (cf. John 1:12). The Father guarantees full payment, and He's already paid a deposit (cf. Eph. 1:14). At the second coming of Christ, He will pay in full (3:2).

Like Christ, we will then enjoy all the benefits of being in God's family. We will walk with God as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. Temptations, fears, and doubt will cease to plague us. Relationships will no longer suffer because of our own sin. We won't be subject to the approval of others, but will be fully approved by God. These are some of the ultimate gifts of our sanctification we can anticipate.

While God guarantees this for our future, we still strive for personal holiness today. The apostle John hasn't forgotten the lesson Jesus taught him (see yesterday's reading): “continue in him” (2:28). Stay close to Christ, acknowledge His presence, and let His words dwell in you. Our sanctification depends on our identification with Jesus. We began in Him for salvation and now we must “continue in Him” for sanctification. It's because “he is righteous . . . that everyone who does what is right has been born of him” (v. 29).

Our hope in Christ for the future leads us to personal purity for today (3:3). It's not a “have-to” but a “want-to” attitude.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God rewards those who long for His return (cf. 2 Tim. 4:! Many things keep us from focusing on our future hope in Christ: the cares of today, the prominence of what's visible over the invisible, the attacks of the Enemy against our faith. Pray for God to strengthen your eagerness for Jesus' return. And not surprisingly, when you hope for Christ's return, you will more readily share the good news with others who don't know Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Corinthians 1:20-31
You are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us . . . righteousness, holiness and redemption. - 1 Corinthians 1:30
TODAY IN THE WORD
Deism is a philosophical worldview that declares that God is ultimately uninvolved in His creation today. Like a divine watchmaker, God has put the pieces of the world together, wound it up, and set it down. He watches as history unfolds and plays no greater part than that of an observer.

Obviously, Deism is not a biblical faith. As Christians, we believe that God is intimately involved with every aspect of the world. He made us, He made a way to redeem us, and He has made a plan to sanctify us.

As we've already explored the grace that God has provided for our sanctification, now we'll examine another aspect of His active work in our lives: His call. God is taking the initiative with His people. He is the coach off the bench, gesturing to His team. He has the playbook, and He's calling the shots, both in salvation and in sanctification. Paul was “called to be an apostle” (v. 1). The church has been “called to be holy” (v. 2). God calls us to fellowship (v. 9). “God chose . . . God chose . . . He chose” (vv. 27, 28). God is going after the people He has made, calling them to holiness, and calling them to fellowship, transforming them through His Son, Jesus.

One extraordinary aspect of God's call is that, unlike the way we usually think things should be done, God's team isn't comprised of All-Stars. He chose “the foolish . . . the weak . . . the lowly . . . the despised” (vv. 27-28). The reason for this line-up is clear—“so that no one may boast before him” (v. 29).

These next few days we'll take a journey through Scripture and explore what it means to be “called” by God. To what is He calling us? Why is He calling me? How can I answer the call? We'll aim to have these questions answered after the next week of our study.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In coming to Christ, did a friend explain the gospel to you? Were your parents faithful to bring you to church as a child? Did you read and understand the Bible's message for yourself? However you came to Christ, remember that your story is a story of God's grace at work. God supernaturally arranged the circumstances and people of your life to plant seeds of faith in your heart. Praise Him for His love, “that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).