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But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all. Colossians 3:8-11 NKJV
It's easy to point out others' sin, isn't? Did you know when you point out others' sin you're really pointing out your sin that you see in them? That's why it's so easy to spot. You know it well, because you deal with it yourself. I heard a pastor teaching one time say "You want to point out someone's flaws? Go ahead. Just remember, when you point at them, you've got three fingers pointing back at you." That's good to remember.
Jesus taught us to deal with our own issues before trying to help others in Matthew 7:3-5 "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, "Let me remove the speck from your eye"; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
How can we possibly give advice about something, if we ourselves have never go through it ourselves? You can, but most likely people won’t listen because you’re not creditable. Jesus taught us to consider first our own state. He reminds us to remember where we came from, to keep us humble. When advice is given humbly, the receiving person is much more likely to hear the message. If you have been there and can share your experience of how God helped you, then you bring hope to the other person’s situation.
Paul is saying something similar in today's verse. When he said "you yourselves are to put off all these", I think he was referring to your own personal conduct. We can only control our own bodies, mind and tongue, not other peoples'. Notice the action in the saying? It's deliberate. A choice one must make. A conscience effort to put away all that would lead to death.
Once we've put off the old man, we then put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to Him who created him. In other words, the new man is a spirit-led individual who receives knowledge from God. Romans 12:2 says we are to be renewed in the mind by allowing God to change the way we think. We do that when we choose to walk by the spirit and not be the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16).
In conclusion, we must remember that Christ is all and in all. That means that it is by His power that I am able to do all things (Philippians 4:13).
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 NKVJ
Jesus told us in Matthew 6:33 seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and you will have everything you need. Where is your priority? Jesus made it clear that God's kingdom should be our first priority. Paul is confirming it in today's verse also.
Looking at our thought life is one indicator of our priorities. Where do we focus our thoughts? Are you thinking about the office politics and how to get ahead? Are you wondering how you're going to pay your bills? Are you worried you won't fit in a school? Jesus said no one can ever add a cubit to their height by worrying, so why bother? Read more about what Jesus said in Matthew 6:25-32.
Time is another indicator. The first church is a good example of where to spend time. Look at Acts 2:42 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." Where do we spend out time? Do we make time for God every day? Do we read His Word? Do we talk with Him throughout the day in prayer? How
much time do you spend watching television? Or reading a book? What about serving others? Or community work? If you're willing to spend time on something, then that something is priority in your life.
Another way to determine priority is by your checkbook. Again look at the first church in Acts 2:44-45 "Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need." Where do you spend your money? Do you tithe? Giving back to God what's rightfully His before you pay your bills,
is certainly sign that your priorities on God. What about the money you have left after you tithe and pay your bills? Where does it go?
We must be cautious, not to do these things for the sake of doing them or just to be seen by men. Jesus has a strong warning for us in Matthew 7:21-23 ""Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?"23 And then I will declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!""
If we're in properly relationship with our Lord, then our motives will be properly aligned with His will and our thoughts, time and money will reflect His priorities too. Examine yourself today. Are you aligned with Him? Check you're priorities. Are you focused on God's kingdom? If not why?
Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations-- 21 "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,"22 which all concern things which perish with the using according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh. Colossians 2:20-23 NKJV
When we became Christians by allowing Jesus to rescue us from the penalty of our sins, we became new creations in Christ. The old is gone and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). Then being now new creations, why do we still operate out of our old ways? Could it be that we really don't believe it? That's what our actions would indicate.
We have a liberty in Christ which frees us from all bondage to rules and regulations. I'm not saying we're above the law in a smug kind of way. As we operate out of Christ's Spirit in His, we live out of love. As we live out of love, we fulfill the law as Galatians 5:14 says: "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself.""
Our minds and hearts need to be focused on the things that matter in eternity, not the things that have not lasting value. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
What are the things that are not seen? Motive, Character, Trust, Belief are just a few.
Motive is what the Lord looks at. 1 Samuel 16:7 "But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart"" Why we chose to do or not do that? Was it for selfish gain or to be seen as good before men? Or did you do or not do something in order to bring glory and honor to God? Why we do something is more important than the actual doing to God.
While you can see the results of someone's character you can not see the character itself. God's in the business of improving our character. In every way He is shaping us, molding us and developing Christ-like character in us. Romans 5:3-5 "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us."
Trust is what allowed Abraham to tie up his son Isaac and offer him to the Lord in Genesis 22. In order to give your own flesh and blood you have to trust that the Lord knows what he's doing. God promised Abraham's seed would be more numerous than the sands of the shores and that this promise would come through Isaac. Therefore, if the Lord was now asking for Isaac as a burnt offering, then the Lord would raise him from the dead to fulfill the promise. That took faith.
Faith is based on trust. Did you ever stop to think about trust? It is not something you just have. It has to be built. It takes time to learn to trust. That's why I like keeping a prayer journal. In it I journal out my prayers and God's answers my prayers. If ever I seem to be waning in my faith, reviewing that journal re-energizes it! To see in black & white, all the times where God came through for me, is so amazing to me. Try it and see for yourself!
Belief or faith itself is unseen, but you can see the results of it. Hebrews 11:1 says: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." The entire chapter of Hebrews 11 describes various ordinary people from the Old Testament who had faith. From Abel to Noah and Abraham and Sarah, they all live out of faith. In every story you'll find ordinary people asked to something that seemed strange by the world's standards, and yet carried it out by faith.
It's all about perspective. Who's perspective are you going to live by? Yours or the Lords?
So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God. Colossians 2:16-19 NKJV
Judge not and you won't be judged is what Jesus said in Matthew 7:1. The bible says a lot about judging. Here's a few verses to think about regarding judging:
Look at today's verse again. It says "let no one judge you". How can we control what others think about us? I don't think that's what Paul's trying to say. I see two possible scenarios:
1. Let your own behavior be such, that you can not be accused of wrong doing.
2. After examining ourselves to ensure we are following Christ in all we do, say and think, when others judge us, we should let their criticisms fall to the floor. Do not take their judgment into our being and let affect us.
We are judged by a higher standard than mere man's opinion of us. God is the only righteous One who can judge justly. No one knows our motives better than God. So it's best to leave it up to God to judge appropriately.
In the rest of today's verse, Paul talks about false humility, busy-bodies, proud people who may try to appear godly but actually deny Christ inwardly. This has been going on for centuries. 2 Peter 2:1 "But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction." Sadly, it is still true today.
There are people who say they are Christian, but after looking for fruit of the Spirit in their lives, you can find none. While we are not to judge others, we are asked to be fruit inspectors. Look at what Luke 6:44 says: "For every tree is known by its own fruit." By checking out the fruit, we will have a better idea whether someone is authenticate or not. Remember, it's not us who determines who is a "real" Christian or not. That's God's job.
Paul simply encouraging the Colossians to be wise among these types of people and instructing them not listen to their advice or criticism for that matter, for the truth is not in them as evidenced by lack of spiritual fruit in their lives.
So rather than judge someone regarding the lack of fruit in their lives, why not make it an opportunity to pray for them to receive knowledge, understanding and insight of God's marvelous love for them, that they may receive it and experience the joy of the Lord, which will compel them to begin walking by the Spirit and not by the flesh.
The last phrase of today's verse says "grows with the increase that is from God", it's God who does the growing in us. We are mere the servants who plant the seed, or water it (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). It's God who makes the seed (Word of God) grow in someone's life.
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the un-circumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:11-15 NKJV
In the Old Testament, believers were circumcised to represent the covenant God made with them. And God said to Abraham: Genesis 17:11 "and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you." The cutting away of flesh represented that they could not save themselves, but rather they must rely on God. So
circumcision, itself, was not a bad thing. But over time, some forgot why they were performing the circumcision to begin with and there's where the problem is. Judges 3:7 "So the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. They forgot the LORD their God, and served the Baals and Asherahs."
In the New Testament, God has given us a new sign of His promise -- Jesus Christ. Matthew 26:28 "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." When we believe in Jesus Christ, we are circumcised in the heart. God said in Ezekiel 11:19 "Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh". To demonstrate this change, believers are baptized. Acts 2:41 "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized".
Baptism is a symbol of what Jesus has done for us. When we are put under the water, we die to ourselves, as Jesus died on the cross to pay for sins. When we are raised out of the water, it symbolizes our new life we have in Christ. Just as Christ was raised from the dead, so too are we made alive by Him.
Do you carry a burden of guilt around with? Christ came to free you from that burden. Cast your cares upon Him, for He cares about you (1 Peter 5:7). When He died for your sins, the penalty for your sins was satisfied. You are no longer guilty of sin! He has forgiven you of all your wrong-doing and made you right with God. There is no more record containing every bad thing you and I ever did -- it's gone, wiped out, forgiven. Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." Now that is something to get excited about!
In taking out of the way all the wrong and nailing it to the cross, Christ, took away satan's power over us. Fear of death has no hold on us anymore. For we know, when we die we go to be with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8) as forgiven souls, righteous in His sight because of what Christ did for us. What can satan do to us now? He can't take away God's love for us. It is written in Romans 8:34-36 "nothing can separate us from God's love". If God is for us, who can be against us?
To the Christian, who is walking by faith and not by sight, believing in God's Word and living out of those promises, they have victory! Where do you stand today?
Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according
to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and
not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead
bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and
power. Colossians 2:8-10 NKJV
There are many ways we can be deceived. In Colossians 2:4 it says we can be
deceived with persuasive words. Have you ever supported someone because of
the things they said and only later realized they said those things, just to
get your support? Frustrating, isn�t, like being betrayed, suckered, or
made the fool.
In today�s verse, Paul tells us we can be deceived through philosophy, empty
deceit, such as flattery, traditions of men and basic worldly principles.
With philosophy, some people spend so much time trying to figure out life,
they come up with half cocked ideas with a sprinkling of truth that may
sound good, but really leads to death. Proverbs 14:12 �There is a path
before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.�
Many have been deceived by the traditions of men. It�s easy to fall into
this category. There is nothing wrong with traditions, as long as they lead
you closer to Christ. However, people have this insatiable desire to earn
their way. If they use traditions, to prove their worthiness to be accepted
by God, they are deceived. No one deserves God�s love. Romans 3:23 �all
have sinned and fallen short of the glory�. No one deserves to go to heaven
based on their own good works. Ephesians 2:8-9 �For by grace you have been
saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9
not of works, lest anyone should boast.� It�s a gift God�s given to us, to
understand our sin condition, agree with God that we deserve death and to
accept Jesus� death on the cross as a substitute for us. Romans 6:23 �For
the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ
Jesus our Lord.�
Basic principles of the world can lead us astray also. The motto �He who
dies with the most toys win� puts the priority on acquiring material
possessions. A young ruler came to Jesus one day in Matthew 19:16-22. He
wanted to know what he needed to do to get to heaven. While he had
�supposedly� keep the law his whole life, he was still searching for
something more. Jesus told him sell all you have, give to the poor and
follow me. The rich ruler went away sorrowful because he had many
possessions. A classic story of how possessions had stolen the young
ruler�s heart. While having material possessions are good, they can easily
turn into a hindrance when you get sucked into believing the only thing that
matters is getting a bigger and better things.
The saying �as long as your good, everything will work out� is also a big
fat lie. This one is tricky. It sounds like a good proposition. If I�m
good, then good will come to me. This is also a crooked way of getting us
to believe we can earn our way, which is false thinking. First off, no one
is good according to the bible. Psalm 53:3 �Every one of them has turned
aside;They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No,
not one.� Even Jesus said no one is good, but God in Mark 10:18 �So Jesus
said to him, �Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is,
God.� Even if we were good, no one ever experiences all good through his/her
life. There will always be times of disappointment, sorrow, pain, fear, and
trials.
By wise therefore and follow Christ. Study what Jesus taught. Live by His
standards and you�ll find life to the fullest. Learn to walk by the Spirit
and not after the flesh and these things will have less of a pull on you
(Galatians 5:16).
For in Him, Jesus, dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And the very
good news is He dwells within you (2 Corinthians 1:21-23). That means we
have the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form living inside of us. He is
right there with us every moment! All we need to do is turn to Him, allow
Him to work through us, changing us into His image.
John�s motto from John 3:30 �I must decrease and Him increase�, therefore,
should be our motto too. Jesus should be increasing in us, as we, ourselves
are decreasing. Christ is the head of all principality and power.
Everything that exists, even the spiritual realm we can�t see, was created
by Him for His pleasure. He thought it all up, knowing everything about us
before we were even created. He knew exactly what we would need to get
along in this life.
Did you know you have everything you need to live out a godly life until
Christ returns? You do according to 2 Peter 1:3. We are complete in Him.
We need nothing more, because absolutely everything that�s required has
already been given to us.
Stand firm, cling to Christ and do not be deceived.
In Christ's Love,
Elizabeth Marks
Add http://emarks19thinkonit.spaces.live.com/ to your My MSN content.
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Join me to save a child from poverty. Ask me how or go to
www.worldvision.com
Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:4-7 NKJV
Have you ever been deceived with persuasive words? How do you become deceived? Someone tells you something that sounds like the truth and may have some truth in it, but ultimately it is not the whole truth and you believe it. We know where these lies come from, don't we? Jesus said this about satan in John 8:43-45 "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it."
If you were a carpenter you would not take someone's word that the cut is straight or measure correctly, you would measure and cut it yourself to make sure it is exactly right otherwise the item you're building could come out all wrong and would be wasteful of all that time and material.
How do you know you're being deceived by some who teaches the Word of God? You find out for yourself. Search the scriptures to know if it's true, like the Bereans did ( Acts 17:11 ) when they heard the gospel. I would expect you'd do the same with this article. Look up the verses for yourself, to make sure they are not twisted out of context.
We need not fear though. John 8:31-32 "Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." We also have the Holy Spirit guiding us in all truth ( John 16-13 ).
"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving." Did you notice the process outlined here? First you receive Christ Jesus the Lord, then you walk in Him. Next your become rooted, grounded and built up in Him, which establishes your faith and ultimately brings thanksgiving.
How do you walk in Him? Follow His examples and obey His commands. Galatians 5:16 "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." How do you become rooted and built up in Him? Read His Word and be transformed in your thinking ( Romans 12:2 ). Keep your focus on Him and His ways and be watchful of His activities in your life. How about being established in faith? Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."
There are many practical ways to do the things outlined above. Read your bible daily. Join a bible study. Talk about what you learn with other believers. Keep a prayer journal, noting when the answers come. Start thanking God for who He is. Keep your thoughts focused on things that are lovely, pure, true, praise worthy, excellent and of good repute ( Philippians 4:8-9 ).
Let me leave you with Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path."
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In Christ's Love,
Elizabeth Marks
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For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:1-3 NKJV
There is a conflict within those who are called. I'm not sure conflict is the right word. I mean there is burden within that causes one to act. Paul had this burden in his heart for all people. It caused him to reach out and encourage people everywhere.
Paul's desire is the people's hearts may be encouraged. Everyone needs encouragement at one time or another. Acts 27:36 "Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves." Encouragement enables someone to continue on. Isn't that what we need, to continue on in our faith, no matter what may come?
Paul wanted believers to be knitted to together or united in love. For Jesus taught us in John 13:33-35 "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Allowing love to reign in our lives, sets us up for receiving the full assurance of understanding and knowledge of God. If we are not allowing love to temper our thoughts, attitudes, actions and behaviors, we not be able to grasp God's business in our lives and in the lives of others. Hebrews 10:22 "let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."
Where do we get this knowledge of God? It comes from God's Word as the psalmist said in Psalm 119:66 "Teach me good judgment and knowledge, For I believe Your commandments." Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction."
So my prayer for all who read this is Hebrews 6:11 "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end".
