Continuing my online study of the book of Colossians
Chapter 3
– The theme of chapter 3 affirms the believer’s new position in Christ & how to life a life as a Christian.
* Paul teaches that we most focus our hearts and our minds on Jesus Christ.
* Our heart shapes our passion and our thoughts shape our priorities.
* We can strengthen our hearts through: constant prayer, reading scripture, fellowship with believers, worship, focusing on the eternal not the temporal, etc.
* We must see ourselves and both “dead and alive”.
* When we accept Christ as our Savior, our life is “in Christ” and God sees us through Him… our new life. That’s because Christ died for us; the penalty that we should have paid, so our old life is “hidden” through Christ.
* Our earthly nature is selfish temptation. We must remember what Christ has done for us to overcome that nature.
* Our motivation is not trying to follow rules, but simply to have faith in Jesus and let Him lead us.
* Sin can tempt us, but it cannot force our behavior.
* We can not stop the temptation, but we can put to death the decision to do these temptations. This is a day by day experience of faith.
* It is not our willpower that overcomes temptation; but God’s power. Trust Him.
* Are we growing in Christ? Look to see if we’re putting off the old (way of thinking) and thinking in the new way (the way of Christ).
* We must put on the love of Christ: compassion, kindness.
* Loving like Christ helps us to avoid temptation. Instead of spending time saying “no” to temptation (we’ll eventually fail doing that), we’re saying “yes” to serving & loving.
* In order to love others, we must recognize that we are loved.
* Instead of wanting revenge, we must pursue a commitment to love. When it’s hard to do this we must remember to forgive because we are forgiven.
* Who has the final say in your life? Let Christ be the “umpire” in our hearts.
* We should study God’s word like explorer’s would explore unknown territory.
* Our singing skills have nothing to do with whether or not we should sing in church. If we’re not singing, we’re missing out on a chance for fellowship with our Lord.
* To do something in the name of Christ means we’re looking for His purpose and His power.
* Submission 1) doesn’t cancel our equality, 2) is something all believers do with each other (not just wives), 3) means unselfish actions, 4) it is not something that is not imposed; it is a choice.
* True spiritual leadership in marriage involves service and mutual respect.
* God hates slavery, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t give instructions for how slaves and masters should behave.
* The power that makes (all) relationships work in unselfishness. The perfect example of unselfish behavior is Jesus Christ.
