Devotional

Reading time - 7.5 minutes

Read: Colossians 3:1-4

1 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.

Devo: 

Michael titled the sermon Know and Grow. In the opening four verses, we were challenged to Know and Grow in our new identity. This new identity completely identifies with Christ, which means that what happened to Christ happened to us. This doctrine unveils the intimate relationship between believers and Jesus. It's a mystery that surpasses human understanding, yet it forms the bedrock of our Christian faith. The Bible teaches that when we place our faith in Jesus for everlasting life, we are spiritually united with Him.  We become partakers of his divine nature, a privilege beyond measure. Below is a list of references that show where Paul mentions this in our text. 

Here are four ways believers identify with Christ:

1) When Jesus died on the cross, we were dying with him. Paul already said, 'We died with Christ' (Colossians 2:20). 

2) When Jesus was raised from the dead, we were raised with him. We have been 'raised with Christ' (Colossians 3:1). 

3) As Jesus has now ascended to the right hand of God, we, too, are seated with him. Our lives are 'hidden with Christ' (Colossians 3:3) even as he is seated at the right hand of God. 'We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms' (Ephesians 2:7). 

4) When Christ comes again, there we will be coming with him. Paul is explicit about this: 'When Christ appears (in his Second Coming) we will appear with him' (Colossians 3:4). 

Because of our identification with Christ, we now have a new nature. We now have the ability to "seek things above" and to "set your mind on things above." In the original language, Paul uses grammar to describe this as an ongoing act. We should continually set our minds on the things of Christ. Romans 12:2 shares this same sentiment when Paul writes, "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." We are called to renew our minds and set them on Christ so He may hold the rightful place in our lives. Because of our union with Christ, renewal of our minds is possible and should happen often.

Encouraging thoughts to think of throughout the day:

• One of the most encouraging thoughts I came across while studying Colossians 3:1-4 and our union with Christ is that it is not something we can achieve or attain through our efforts. No amount of work or daily obedience can make it happen because it has already been done. It is not we who join ourselves to Jesus; rather, God's Spirit joins us to Jesus (1 Cor 12:13). Let this truth bring grace to you today!
• Let us view ourselves as conductors of God's love and power, imperfect as we are. May our lives serve as a testament to this, that those around us may sense the difference in our behavior. We are seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, giving us immense power and authority. So be confident and act accordingly, knowing we are seated with Christ.
• Lastly, do you live in light of our great hope? For now, we are "hidden with Christ in God," but there will be a day when "Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." What a great truth that should guide our perspective here for a short time!

Questions to think of throughout the day:

• How can you focus your mind on the things above today?
• What is one thing you can do to prioritize your relationship with Christ today?
• When life's stresses arise today, how can the truths of your identity in Christ help you overcome them?

Prayer Prompts:

• Pray for a renewed focus on the things above as you go about your day.
• Ask God to help you prioritize your relationship with Christ above all other things.
• Pray for the Holy Spirit to bring verses from today's devo to your mind throughout the day.
• Pray that you can not just know these verses, but grow in the truth of them.

Reading time - 9 minutes

Read: Colossians 3:5-7

5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

Devo: 

As a pastor's kid, I heard the phrase, "When you see a 'therefore,' you need to know what it's there for" countless times. Despite its repetition, it remains wise advice. For instance, consider verse 5. Paul uses the word "therefore" to signal that he is about to give specific instructions in light of what he has just said. He emphasizes the importance of understanding who Jesus is and what He has done for us before mentioning what we should do for Jesus. This truth sets the foundation for you to live for Christ!

From verse 5, Paul instructs us to eliminate certain behaviors the old us exhibited. The first set of behaviors that Paul addresses are of a sensual nature, which include engaging in sexual activities before or outside of the marriage covenant, as well as having excessive and impure sexual desires and cravings. He even mentions that these thoughts can become idols, consuming one's mind. It's no surprise that Paul's first list is about sensuality. Throughout history, every culture has had to deal with this issue. It must've been pervasive in and around Colossae since Paul mentions it first here. The same can be said of our current day and age. Although it may seem like it has reached unprecedented levels, we shouldn't be deceived. If mass media existed in Paul's time, the headlines would be similar to today's! King Solomon was right when he said, "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 1:9). In fact, the first word Paul uses, fornication, is the word we get pornography from. Paul used the word to convey any sexual conduct outside of the marriage covenant. I wonder if you view pornography as serious as any other acts outside of the marriage covenant. Here are some statistics on how people perceive pornography. 

• 90% of teens and 96% of young adults are either encouraging, accepting, or neutral when they talk about porn with their friends.
• Just 55% of adults 25 and older believe porn is wrong.
• Teens and young adults 13-24 believe not recycling is worse than viewing pornography.
• 55% of married men say they watch porn at least once a month, compared to 70% of unmarried men.  
• 25% of married women say they watch porn at least once a month, compared to 16% of unmarried women.
• I got these statistics from Covenant Eyes, a Christian organization that fights pornography addiction. Click on the link after this sentence to see these stats, plus many others. Covenant Eyes Pornography Statistics. I'd also advise you to download the guide on this page, especially if you're a parent. Knowledge is power.

It's not just fornication (porneia) on this list. Paul goes on with characteristics describing lustful impurity, minds excited from sexual immorality, and even evil - self-indulgent cravings. Statistics would say that at least one of these behaviors traps you from time to time. Which one is it? 

Let's pause here for a moment to pray. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. I want you to remember what we learned yesterday. You're hidden and seated with Christ in the Heavenly realm (Colossians 3:3, Ephesians 2:7). Imagine what it's like there right now. Look at Jesus and ask Him to help your mind be renewed in the area of sex. 

He knows the mistakes, the pains, and the shame you carry, but imagine Him telling you that He loves you so much that He died for all those wrongs. Wrongs done to you and wrongs you've done to yourself. Think of these verses from Colossians 2:13-14. 

"13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 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."

Thank Him for His forgiveness, for giving His perfect life for your sinful one, and for this new nature we experience, even through our failings.

Now, get accountability! Get into a cord of three strands at church. Get into a life group. Get into a Bible study. Build relationships with other believers so encouragement and accountability can take place! And if you're already in those things and still struggling with sexual sin, pray for the courage to open up to two other believers of the same gender for the sake of accountability. Don't do the same things you've always done and expect different results. For sexual misconduct, there are consequences.

Verse 6-7 of the passage confronts us with the truth that those who engage in sexual behaviors outside of the marriage covenant will face God's wrath. But why does God's wrath come upon those who indulge in such sensual sins? It is an act of disobedience to God's intended way of life. Paul calls this group the sons of disobedience. All parents would agree that disobedience requires discipline. God, being the Great Father, disciplines His children accordingly. It's hard to like discipline and correction, but we can all agree it's needed. Be a follower of Jesus who walks rightly in your new identity and honors God's desire for healthy sex in the marriage covenant only.

Questions to think of throughout the day:

• Maybe you don't struggle with sensual sin; if that's the case, who are you meeting with regularly for accountability in areas you do struggle with? 
• Maybe you do struggle with sensual sin; if that's the case, who are you meeting with regularly for accountability?
• How do verses 6-7 make you feel towards God and His discipline? Is God justified in his discipline for disobedience?
• If you have a strong struggle with sexual sin, maybe even an addiction, have you thought about seeking therapy from a Christian counselor? Our staff can refer you to Christian counselors. Please email us to get it started.

Prayer Prompts:

• Begin by thanking God through praying the verses from Colossians 2:13-14 to Him. 
  • Pray - God, thank you for making me alive together with You, having forgiven all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against me, which was contrary to me. And thank you that You have taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross."
• Just like yesterday, pray that God continues to renew your mind and help you focus on the things above.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to other brothers or sisters in Christ so you can experience encouragement and accountability. 
• Lastly, as you go about your day, if those sensual characteristics and behaviors try to creep up, close your eyes and think again of being hidden with Christ in God, seated in the Heavenly Realm. Allow your identity and placement in Christ to strengthen you!

Reading time - 8 minutes

Read: Colossians 3:8-9. 

8 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

Devo:

Yesterday, we saw a list of sensual behaviors we are to "put to death." (Colossians 3:5-7) Today, we see a list of social behaviors we are to "put off". As I was studying for Sunday's sermon and looking at Colossians 3:3-9, I wondered why Paul was telling us to put to death (or put off) behaviors associated with our old (dead) nature. How and why should we kill what's already dead? 

While searching for answers, I found a couple of articles sharing a story about a man who killed a poisonous snake. Shortly after killing it, his dogs came running towards him. He didn't want the dogs to bite the snake because he feared they'd somehow get the venom in them. When he reached down to grab his second dog, the most unlikely thing happened. The decapitated snake opened its mouth and bit the man's hand! After getting interviewed about the incident, this man stated something that I believe Paul is trying to convey in Colossians 3. The man bitten said it dawned on him that the thing he killed was now trying to kill him. 

I believe this is the essence of what Paul is getting at. Followers of Christ need to kill what's already dead. Even though we died with Christ, it's as if the old us and its habits lie in wait, waiting for the moment to strike. 

As I read multiple stories about decapitated venomous snakes biting people (You should Google search: beheaded snakes biting people), I came across how they can strike after death. Look at this screenshot and read the highlights.

A venomous snake is pre-programmed to bite after it's beheaded! And what makes it bite after being beheaded? Movement around it or someone touching it. Our old nature, which is pre-programmed towards sinful behavior, remains dormant until we feel weak, worthless, or inadequate. It knows that we will likely return to our old patterns and habits in such moments. Therefore, it waits patiently, hoping that we will not focus our minds on Christ and our new identity in Christ.

Always remember that when you stumble or fall, it's because you're not walking with Christ or relying on the strength and power of the new nature that Christ has given you. Therefore, it's important to remain vigilant and stay connected to Christ. As Paul would say, kill what's dead.

Now we can understand why Paul's instruction to put off these behaviors is not just a command but a powerful invitation to embrace your new nature.

Let's see these behaviors, which we are urged to put off from Colossians 3:8-9. The first two, anger and wrath, are not just harmful to others but also to ourselves. They lead us to attack people verbally, causing emotional wounds that are hard to heal. These outbursts often lead us to say things we later regret, causing irreparable harm to our relationships and our spiritual walk.

As we continue down the list, we encounter the behaviors of malice and blasphemy. Malice is not merely about speech—it's a malevolence of the mind. It's an attitude that plots evil and takes pleasure in the misfortune of others. Blasphemy are abusive words used to damage a person's character. Lastly, the list includes filthy language and lying. Filthy language refers to perverse language, swearing, 'foolish talk and coarse language' (Ephesians 5:4). Paul ends this list with lying. Lying is speaking untruths or half-truths, intending to mislead people. By highlighting these behaviors, Paul reminds us of our responsibility to uphold moral conduct in our interactions, fostering healthier relationships and a more righteous and unified community. 

This list has the potential to damage relationships greatly. We know this from experience. Misusing our words by speaking in anger, malice, blasphemy, filthy language, or lying can devastate trust, distance people, destroy intimacy, and disrupt unity. We must see our old selves and their sins as a dead snake waiting to strike. Even though it may seem dead, it is waiting for the moment we reach down to it so it can come back to life. Instead, we must keep putting it to death. We need to continue to kill what is dead so that the image of Jesus can be better reflected in our lives. This is a call to action and a personal responsibility we all must shoulder.

Questions and thoughts to think about throughout the day:

• Which of these six behaviors would be the snake for you? Meaning, which one typically bites you?
• When you get bitten, who else does the venom reach? 
• Remember how Jesus fought off the devil's temptations after fasting for 40 days? He used scripture! Some scriptures I have found helpful in my speech are Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt. I advise you to write one or both of these verses on a Post-it note or make them the background of your phone. Read the verses when you feel the behaviors from Paul's list creep up. Think about who the venom will reach beside yourself. Challenge yourself to represent Christ in that moment. Then pray!

Prayer prompts:

• God, help me to put off the old self and its destructive behaviors of anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language, and lying. Renew my mind and transform me into the likeness of Christ.
• Holy Spirit, teach me to love and respect others and to speak words that build up and encourage. Let the fruit of your Spirit be evident in my life, and may I positively influence those around me.
• Jesus, help my words never damage my witness for You. Give me the courage to resist the devil's schemes and to walk in the victory that is mine in Jesus.

Reading time - 8.5 minutes

Read: Colossians 3:10-14

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. 12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Devo:

First, let's take a moment to appreciate our journey these four days, especially as we've looked intently at the negative behaviors associated with our old nature. The good news is that we have a new nature, and it's full of Christ's resurrection power! For the rest of our devotionals, we will explore how to live out our powerful new nature in Christ.

In verse 10, Paul underscores the profound transformation we've undergone. We've shed our old self, devoid of Christ, and donned a new self, united with Him through our faith. We went from grave clothes to grace clothes! This change is not a future event but a present reality. We've 'put on the new self' (Colossians 3:10), a testament to the power of Christ's resurrection in us.

Now, our new self is being renewed after the image of its Creator. We are progressively (albeit slowly and with many setbacks) being transformed to reflect God, the Creator who made us in His image.

Our renewal is not a passive process but an active one. It's a renewal in knowledge that unfolds as we delve deeper into the Word of God, actively seeking to understand it. Paul recognizes the power of the mind and emphasizes our role in engaging it. At no point are we to switch off our minds; rather, we are to actively and intellectually consider how the gospel shapes our sexuality, speech, and relationships. 

Before Paul lists the grace clothes we should 'put on', He reminds us how God views us: He says we are 'God's chosen ones, holy and beloved' (Colossians 3:12). Understanding what this means should motivate us to want to put on and keep on God's grace clothes.

How does God view us?

• Firstly, we are His chosen ones. This echoes something Jesus said: 'You did not choose me, but I chose you' (John 15:16). God initiated the relationship with us, even when we showed no interest in relating to Him. He did not choose us because there was something special and attractive about us but simply because He is the God of grace.                                                                                                                                      
• Paul affirms that God also designates us as holy. The term 'holy' can be defined as 'to take into one's possession for some special use.' God has chosen and set us apart for his special purposes. God's choice of us is not based on our merit but solely on his grace. Nevertheless, despite our lack of inherent worthiness, he has taken us into his special possession, making us ready for his special use.                                                               
• Lastly, God has declared us His beloved. He loves us not because we are lovable but because love is a part of His nature. As His children in His forever family, we have unique access to His heart and enjoy His total commitment. While it is true that God loves all people and sent His Son to die for everyone (John 3:16), not everyone has received His love and become His child. It is a great privilege to be loved by God and called His beloved.

Given these truths, we should be motivated to 'put on' certain Godly characteristics. Paul mentions them in Colossians 3:12-14.

Grace clothes characteristics:

- Tender Mercies: having a compassionate heart

- Kindness: being considerate and gentle

- Humility: avoiding self-exaltation

- Meekness: being gentle and mild while maintaining self-control

- Longsuffering: having enduring trust in God to endure all circumstances

- Bearing with one another: enduring something unpleasant for someone else's sake

- Forgiveness: refusing to hold onto bitterness.

Paul stresses the importance of forgiveness. Just like Christ forgave us, we must forgive others quickly and completely. It's natural for us to struggle to love and show mercy to others on our own, but when we reflect on God's love for us, we can learn to extend that same love and forgiveness to others.

Colossians 3:14 concludes with Paul's instruction to put on love, which he describes as the garment that binds everything together in perfect harmony. He mentions seven practical expressions but emphasizes prioritizing love as the basic and all-encompassing garment. Love acts like a belt that holds everything together. In essence, if we were to encapsulate the kind of people we are becoming, the type of community we are cultivating, and the kind of God we are reflecting to the world, it would be through the word love. 

Questions to think about throughout the day:

• This Sunday at Church, how can you actively pursue unity among believers by putting on the new self, as instructed in Colossians 3:10-11?
• What practical ways can you demonstrate the list of qualities from Colossians 3:12 today? 
• Is someone coming to mind that you need to forgive? Why have you not forgiven them yet? Does thinking that Christ has forgiven you change your thinking about you forgiving them?
• Ask yourself this question throughout the day. How am I reflecting Christ in my interactions with others today? Take an honest assessment and think of ways you could reflect Him better. Remember, we are to set our minds on Christ continually!

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

I come to you today with a heart full of gratitude, thanking you for the transformation you have brought into my life through your Son, Jesus Christ. I acknowledge that it is only through your grace and power that I am renewed in knowledge, according to the image of our Creator.

Please help me actively pursue unity among fellow believers by putting on the new self. Help me exhibit tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, and forgiveness, bearing with one another and forgiving one another quickly and completely, just as You forgave me. Help me wear the grace clothes of love, as it points to you in all ways.

Give me guidance and strength as I live out my new nature in Christ. Help me to be transformed day by day to reflect Your image more closely. I pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, and my King.

Amen.

Read Colossians 3:15—Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Devo: Notice the opening word "and." Paul is still speaking about what we are to "put on" from Colossians 3:12. He has listed several "grace clothing" attributes - tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, bearing with one another, forgiveness, and love. Reflecting on this Scripture, CS Lewis writes in Mere Christianity: "Putting on Christ is not one among many jobs a Christian has to do; and it is not a sort of special exercise for the top class. It is the whole of Christianity." This profound statement reminds us that Christlikeness is not a mere imitation but a transformative process that can elevate our entire being. "We are in Christ, and Christ is in us" (Colossians 3:11). Without our vital connection to Him, we cannot become like Him. "And" now we see another area where we would all benefit from emulating Christ: His peace.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body." If you look back over the previous 14 verses, Paul has commanded us to seek, set, put to death, put off, and put on (three times!). These actions require work and movement on our part. However, in verse 15, the action is to "let" it happen. What are we to let happen? We are to let God's peace rule in our hearts. This act of 'letting' is not a strenuous task but a gentle surrender.

I may be the only person thinking this, but surrendering is the last thing I think of when I need peace. Is that just me?

The opposite of peace is conflict. Conflicts are always around us. Remember, we live in a broken world! When we get caught up in conflicts, we worry. When worry becomes consistent and overwhelming, it turns into anxiety. When anxiety takes over, we have given something foreign to our new nature a stronghold. This stronghold affects more people than any other mental illness in the US. Just under 20% of the population (40 million adults) are affected with anxiety disorders. When anxiety takes over, it rules and reigns in your body. But Paul says, "We should let the peace of Christ 'rule' in our hearts." We can't have both ruling at the same time, it's either one or the other. How do we make sure peace rules over conflicts? Let's look at the word, rule.

"Rule" comes from the Greek word "brabeuo", which means "umpire" or "referee". The word described the person who moderated and judged the ancient athletic competitions. Paul uses this word to illustrate that the peace of God can function like an umpire or referee in our hearts, minds, and emotions. Whenever we feel harmful emotions trying to take control or throw us into an emotional frenzy, we can prevent it by letting God's peace rise from deep within us and moderate our emotions, just like an umpire or referee would moderate a game. By doing this, we will be kept under the control of that divine peace as it rules in our hearts. When this divine umpire called "peace" steps into the game, He begins to call the shots and make all the decisions instead of fretfulness, anxiety, and worry.

Jesus knew we would need His peace. Listen to what He said in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

Jesus Christ left us with His peace. We all experience anxiety, stress, and conflict at some point in our lives. However, we are called to allow peace to reign in our hearts instead of letting our troubled hearts control us. Paul emphasizes this, urging us to let the peace of God rule in our hearts.

Charles Swindoll sums up Christ's peace in these ways. 

1. An inner quietness in the midst of swirling chaos.
2. A calm sense of tranquility in the center of tribulation.
3. A feeling of harmony amid the world's blaring discord.
4. An experience of ease and rest in our hearts and minds. 

Wouldn't it be great to let this type of peace umpire our hearts daily? For visual learners, this picture of peace will help you understand the kind of peace Christ gives us. 

"This is called "Peace in the Midst of the Storm" by Jack E. Dawson. It is one of my favorite paintings because it describes God's peace. Although everything in the picture appears chaotic, peace is present in the storm. It is found in the bird nestled comfortably in its nest on the cleft of the rock. Zoom in and look closely at the bottom portion of the rock to see it!

The bird is free from anxiety, restlessness, worry, and doubt. Despite the chaos around it, the bird remains safe. God offers us the same peace right now. All we need to do is allow it to rule our hearts. So, when conflicts arise and you feel anxious, worried, or afraid, let God's peace, which is accessible through our new nature, rule in your heart.

Questions to think of throughout the day:

1. Do you ever struggle with negative emotions that steal your peace
2. Have you asked God for help?
3. What would a typical day look like if you let the peace of God rule in your heart? Would people notice a change in you?
4. What Bible verses can you turn to for peace in times of conflict?

Prayer Prompts:

Today's prayer is simple: 

1. Ask God to help you let the peace of God rule in your heart. 
2. Ask God to help you realize when His peace isn't ruling in your heart.
3. Ask God to help you put off (and keep off) anything that rules your heart other than His peace

Reading time 6.5 minutes

Read: Colossians 3:16 

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 

Devo: Today's devotion is simple. In a nutshell, get into God's word with God's family! As we seek to follow Christ, we are called to immerse ourselves in His word, to let it shape our thoughts, words, and actions. For God's word to "dwell in you" describes it as feeling at home. Does God's word feel at home in your life? If we were honest, I wonder how many of us would say that God's word dwells in your house (because the average American household has 3 Bibles), but God's word doesn't dwell richly in you. If you want to walk in the fullness of Christ you must be in God's word.

The Bible is not just a book of stories and teachings; it is God's living and active word with the power to transform our lives.

In Psalm 119:105, the psalmist writes, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." God's word illuminates our path and guides us in how we should go. It provides wisdom and direction for our lives and reveals God's character and nature to us.

Hebrews 4:12 tells us that "the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." God's word can convict us of sin, reveal our hearts' true condition, and transform us from the inside out. 

Finally, in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we read, "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." God's word is not just informative, but it is transformative. It can equip us for every good work and help us live out our faith in practical ways.

We should immerse ourselves in God's Word, letting it dwell in us richly as it shapes our thoughts, words, and actions. I believe that once you begin reading God's Word, your mind starts to be renewed. Once your mind begins to be renewed, you begin to think about life differently. 

I call this the overflow - The worship-filled lifestyle produced by "letting the word of Christ dwell in you richly." 

In Colossians 3:16, Paul instructs us to teach and admonish (urge) one another with God's Word. This doesn't just apply to pastors and Bible study teachers but to all believers. Our spiritual growth qualifies us to help others grow in their faith. Therefore, we all have a ministry to help others find and follow Jesus. If you're in a life group, consider asking the leaders if you can teach at one of the upcoming meetings. Who else could you teach and encourage?

Are you married? Do you have kids? Start a daily time in God's Word. Pick a couple verses and teach them to your family throughout the week.

Are you single? Do you have roommates or best friends? Start a weekly or monthly Bible study with them. We should know and grow in scripture and then teach it! But the overflow continues beyond there.

Paul says in verse 16 that we should teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in our hearts to the Lord. This phrase 'singing with grace in our hearts' is not just about the act of singing, but it's a posture of gratitude and worship. Whether you're singing in the shower, the car, or at church, you should be singing to God because of His grace to us! Truthfully, if we did that, Sunday services would a lot longer because God's grace is never ending!

You know we're writing this devotion because we want the Word of Christ to dwell in you. We care so deeply about you spending time in God's Word that we wanted to do this for you! We have a couple of days left, but we hope it's been encouraging and life-giving these past five days. The question is, will you continue to renew yourself in the knowledge of scripture, even after these devotions are done?

Discussion Questions:

1. Why is it important to let the Word of Christ dwell richly within you?
2. How can we encourage one another in our faith through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs?
3. What practical steps can you take to immerse yourselves in God's Word and grow your faith, dailty?
4. Who will you teach God's word to? Is the Holy Spirit putting someone or a group of people in your mind? Pray about it and get after it!

Prayer Prompts:

1. Ask God to help you let the Word of Christ dwell richly within you and shape your thoughts, words, and actions.
2. Pray for the Holy Spirit to help you teach and encourage one another in your faith through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
3. Ask God to give you a heart of thankfulness for all you do and help you grow in your faith as you immerse yourself in His Word.

Reading time 5 minutes

Read: Colossians 3:17 

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Devo: Receiving eternal life by believing in Jesus is the ultimate gift. There is nothing greater! There is one close to it, but it can only happen after you receive the first one. What is the second greatest gift? Getting the chance to walk with Christ every day! Jesus, Paul, and your pastors pray you would have this desire as nothing else on this earth can fill you up as Christ can. Nothing else was made to! So, as we walk with Christ, we must follow Paul's word from verse 17. Every action, thought, or word we express should align with Christlike behavior and our new nature.

To live a pleasing life to God requires effort. Consider Jesus' three years of ministry. Do you think He lived casually, just wandering around idly? Absolutely not. He worked so hard that He could sleep in a boat, on the sea, in the middle of a terrible storm! That's called complete exhaustion! He is our ultimate example of what it means to live a fully devoted life to God. As 1 John 2:6 says, "Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did." This means we must be mindful of our actions and their impact on those around us. We must be willing to put others first and serve them humbly and compassionately, just as Jesus did.

When we live in this way, we can say that we are doing everything "in the name of the Lord Jesus." As Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Therefore, let us strive to live Christ-like lives and reflect His love to those around us, doing everything we do in His name.

Paul challenges us to do everything in the name of the Lord. After he invites us to this challenge, he motivates us to actually accept it. He tells us to "give thanks to God the Father, through Christ." Thankfulness or gratitude comes from recognizing how God has been good to us, especially through the gospel and the many other blessings He's given us. You've probably heard of grace. It's defined as unmerited favor. God's grace gives us so much to be grateful for. Are you grateful for God's unmerited favor in your life?

God's grace has always been and will always be a constant presence in your life!

Let gratitude from God's grace guide every aspect of our lives. Doing so will help us find joy in even the smallest moments. With a heart full of gratitude, we can sing praises with true emotion and serve others with humility. Through the power of gratitude, we can fully appreciate all the blessings God gives us.

Are you going to accept Paul's challenge? Here it is one last time. "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Discussion Questions:

1. What are some ways that you can walk hand in hand with Christ in your daily life? 
2. What area of your life needs to be done "in His name" rather than in your old nature? Do you have the courage to share this with somebody for accountability and encouragement?
3. What are three ways you've seen God's grace in your life?

Prayer Prompts:

1. Ask the Lord to help you do everything in Jesus's name. Take the answer from question 2 and ask Him to help you focus on it this week.
2. Ask God to guide all of your actions and words so that you can bring his name glory. 
3. Lastly, in all sincerity, ask Jesus to help everything you do to reflect His character.