If you are interested in having a  daily Bible study through the book of Colossians, consider using my Bible Journal as a daily resource.  It’s a great resource if all you want is to do is read through Colossians.

Excerpt: Colossians 4:2-6Colossians 4:2-6
English: World English Bible - WEB
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; ³ praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; ⁴ that I may reveal it as I ought to speak. ⁵ Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

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The Story: Paul is famous for his style of writing.  He first teaches doctrine, that often takes the first half of the book, and then he tells you how to apply the doctrine.  In this passage it’s good to be reminded why we should do what he’s telling us.  “If you want Christ to be Lord of your life, then you need to do the following.”  That’s the subliminal thought here.

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Colossians 3:1Colossians 3:1
English: World English Bible - WEB
3 ¹ If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.

WP-Bible plugin says, “Set your heart on things above.”  Right.  Those happen to be the people we look at with just a little bit of disdain. “Too heavenly minded for earthly gain.” Isn’t that somewhere in the Bible?  At least we use it as though it was.

“Things above” even sounds futuristic.  Next thing I know they’ll want us to put on some sci-fi costume and join a Star Wars fan club.  Things above seems so far out there and certainly does not relate to my life down here.  I already know that I’m going to heaven.  Perhaps just knowing that fact is what Paul’s getting at.

And that would be the understanding of a few “christians” that I’ve met (small “c” is not a spelling mistake).

There is a problem with a cheap and easy gospel that says all you need to do to get to heaven is pray the sinners prayer.  Everything beyond that is little more than an option for the “heaven-goer”.  It’s like accessorising a fashion.  Live like the world, have the same ambitions, embrace today’s culture as if it belonged to the Christian in the first place.

There’s something drastic with that picture.

Colossians 3 articulates quite well the true believers in Christ. When surrender to Christ happens and we intentionally make him Lord of our life, we will actually have a slightly-natural desire toward a completely new life.  It’s called our new nature.  You will actually have a disdain for the old-self.  Why?  because they are complete opposites.

What’s my Point: Christ is returning with wrath because of those that embrace the old-nature (Colossians 3:6Colossians 3:6
English: World English Bible - WEB
6 for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

WP-Bible plugin).  Those are the ones that have not embrace Christ as their Lord.

Okay, try and give me a reason why we should be living like the world.  What’s attractive about it?

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Colossians 1:3-8Colossians 1:3-8
English: World English Bible - WEB
3 We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, ⁴ having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have toward all the saints, ⁵ because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel, ⁶ which has come to you; even as it is in all the world and is bearing fruit and growing, as it does in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; ⁷ even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, ⁸ who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

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The Apostle Paul had lots to be grumpy about. He’s currently imprisoned in Rome and the voyage there from Caesarea was less than pleasant. Lost at sea for fourteen days in the midst of a storm is enough to make the most seasoned sailor grumpy.

I bet you have a few things that bring the grumpy feeling alive in you.

Paul writes a letter to the Church in Collose where there is a serious issue he wants to address. He starts the letter by telling them that every time he prays for them that his thoughts go directly to the things he’s thankful for.  Paul doesn’t start the letter off this way because he needs to “butter them up” before he gives them bad news.  I really think that it comes from a choice to think of reasons to give thanks to God.

Why does he do this?  Yes, because the Bible says so (1 Thessalonians 5:161 Thessalonians 5:16
English: World English Bible - WEB
16 Rejoice always.

WP-Bible plugin) but I think it came from something even deeper.  His desire is to worship God with all his life.  God loves our thankfulness.  It’s like a sweet aroma to him.  The Old Testament Offerings are described as sending God a fragrant offering and Paul continues the analogy numerous times in the New Testament.

When we choose thankfulness over bitterness we actually send God a sacrificial fragrant offering of worship.

But it doesn’t stop there.  By choosing thankfulness, God’s gift in return is to help us see our life circumstances in a completely different perspective.

Here’s My Point:  I have learned that when I choose thankfulness over bitterness because of my MS, it literally changes my life perspective.  I see how God is blessing me and how my life is still of great value to Him. In the end, thankfulness invariably helps me see God and love him more.  It’s a great experience to send God your sacrificial fragrant offering.

Don’t send God your sour grapes!

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Read Colossians 1:3-5Colossians 1:3-5
English: World English Bible - WEB
3 We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, ⁴ having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have toward all the saints, ⁵ because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel,

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We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you.

Near Cross Station in London, England, there is a cemetery containing a unique grave, that of the agnostic Lady Ann Grimston. On her marble tombstone is sarcastically inscribed, “I shall live again as surely as a tree will grow from my body.” And guess what, a tree did grow from her grave, cracked the marble and even tore the metal railing at her grave.

There is life and power in a tiny seed. There is life and power in a faith that is centered upon Jesus Christ. And we shall live with him.

Is there enough evidence in your life to bring thankfulness?

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Faith in a person’s life is of utmost importance. Tragedy, many Christians do not live by faith, as result, discouragement and defeat in their Christian lives. Today, the subject, How to live by faith.

A. Why is faith important?

1. You cannot please God without it.
2. You cannot be saved without it.
3. You cannot have peace with God without it.
4. You cannot have joy without faith.
5. You cannot pray without faith.
6. You cannot fight the evil one without it.

B. What is faith?

1. Faith is a firm conviction
2. A Personal Surrender.
3. A conduct inspired by your surrender.

Colossians 2:5-7Colossians 2:5-7
English: World English Bible - WEB
5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. ⁶ As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.

WP-Bible plugin “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (NIV)

How did you receive Christ Jesus as Lord?

1. By faith.
2. Continue to live in him… There is no standing still in the faith. Living by faith is not sitting, nor is it running, it is walking.
3. Rooted… not a tumbleweed Christian. We must become firmly anchored in the substance of our faith. Roots draw up moisture. Bring nourishment.
4. Built up… Being constantly built up. Here’s where many Christians fail. We must continue to build upon the root / foundation. Don’t stop learning.
5. Strengthened in the faith… Become established by the Word of God.
6. And be thankful… It is one of the signs of a faith living Christian.

Faith living people are overflowing with thankfulness.

Faith becomes our life walk. We live faith. We talk faith. We have a vision of what faith can do. Nothing is more exciting than living by faith. Weather man on ITV – He lives it. Bill Matheson.

In the same we ought to live our faith. Trouble is we live, not by faith, but by our own strengths. Living by faith enables the believer to press on steadfastly whatever the future holds for him. He knows that God can be relied on. The process brings an overflowing of joy.

C. Examples Of Faith

Heb. 11 – Those who walked by faith. Here are some of the examples.

1. Noah (7) – Noah experienced rejection because he was different from his neighbors. God commanded Noah to build a huge boat in the middle of dry ground. Did it seem foolish to Noah? Yes. He obeyed. Don’t be surprised if others will look at you as “different.” In fact, they may get agitated, simply because your obedience will make their disobedience stand out. Was it a hard job? Incredible. Be reminded that God will give you strength & wisdom. Just live by faith.
2. Abraham (8) – was asked to pack up and leave all, God would make him into a great nation. Why not do it in Ur? Needed to learn to depend upon God. And so, while God’s request was still in his ears, he packed.

   Did he know where he was going? Just the direction.
   Did everyone around him understand? No! Abram, you’re 75 yrs old!
   Abraham followed God, & God blessed.

3. People crossed the Red Sea (29) – They are being pursued by Egypt. Moses says, okay, we’re going through! God will make a dry path. By faith the sea was as dry land.
4. Rahab (31) – Only woman credit for faith in this list. She was a prostitute. Her life changed. She dedicated & risked her life to work for the Lord. When the walls collapsed at Jericho, she was the only survivor.

We were invited to the home of a millionaire for breakfast (Wed). “Troubles me that we don’t live by faith. Everything has to make sense. The numbers have to add up before we begin.” As a result, we miss out!

D. How do we live by faith?

Col.2:5-7

1. Become orderly. (Get with the program)
2. Become rooted. Don’t be a tumbleweed Christian.
3. Be constantly building yourself up. Be discipled. Disciple others.
4. Be strengthened in the faith. What is it that God would have you do? Take steps forward. Do something.
5. Be thankful. Nothing quenches the spirit like whining, divisiveness
6. Let your thankfulness overflow. Don’t become a preacher. Rather, live your faith. Is God doing good things? Let others know! What’s exciting to you? Tell others! The Holy Spirit is at work by touching hearts to respond.

What difference did faith make in my life this week?

(Mtt.6:28) – Worries about clothes – Tanya’s trip – $100 – Guest with a millionaire believer to talk about faith.

E. How does our Church live by faith?

1. Help people become rooted.
2. Help people in building themselves up in the faith. Tell them how you’re trusting God & the difference He makes in your life if only we trust Him.
3. Be thankful. We need to be a rejoicing group. This is a refuge.

What does the Lord’s work need in your town? What would please the Lord? Well, put feet to your faith.

Some think a built in vacuum system would be nice in our building. Start praying. Start believing God for it. Start shopping for one. Start talking… see what God can do. Some would like windows. Start praying. Visit window shops. Talk to them about your need.

Some would like to see individuals come to Christ. Start living your faith. Start praying. Make your company those who can pray with you. Tell this person what Jesus Christ means to you.

Do you think carpet in our building would be a good idea? Start praying!

Our Denomination is building a Church in Lavington this spring. One boy decided that the Church needed a Bell. He prayed about it. Told others that God would do it. Encouraged the drawing to show a bell.  There was an elderly man in Vancouver that had this huge Church bell in his basement. Somehow he heard of the Church in Lavington and that they were building. He called them up and asked by chance they could use a bell.

Walking by faith is better than having resources a mile long! It’s better than be on a first name basis with those who can do the job. It’s better than being skilled. I’d rather build a Church with 3 elderly ladies that were living by faith, than 50 men that were wealthy, generous, skilled carpenters that ignored God. You can’t compare the joy, nor the beauty of the finished job.

Be known as an individual that not only talks faith, but lives it.

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