He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Colossians 2: 14-15 New International Version (NIV)
Our transformation to holiness is always a RESPONSE to God’s immense love and ultimate victory
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in Victory.
Colossians 3: 1-4 (NIV)
When my career and family life is at its most hectic, I can still be at peace. Not just by inviting God to walk with ME into my daily priorities, but by setting my mind and heart on HIM and choosing HIS priorities
Where are you setting your heart and mind?
Are there areas where you are getting fixed on your priorities, rather than God’s priorities?
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in the knowledge in the image of its Creator.
Colossians 3: 5-10 (NIV)
Greatest Commandment : Part 1
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
Colossians 3: 5 (NIV)
Greatest Commandment : Part 2
The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other…
Colossians 3: 8(NIV)
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues, put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3: 12-14 (NIV)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.
Colossians 3: 15 (NIV)
Living holy is not a negative consequence of knowing God.
Turmoil & Division (Eliminate)
Immorality
Evil Desires
Greed
Anger
Rage
Malice
Filthy Language & Lies
Peace (Put on)
Compassion
Kindness
Humility
Gentleness
Patience
Forgiveness
Love
We cannot always control our circumstances, but we can decide what kind of environment we are going to create in our lives by where we fix our hearts and minds.
How’s your “boat” today?
Holiness isn’t a one-time decision. It’s not a special event.
It is daily lining our lives up with God’s purposes