Tag: raised with Christ
In Christ alone!
Scripture reading for October 6th: Colossians 2:8-23
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8) Paul’s straight-forward warning to these believers is also for us today. Our western world is full of hollow and deceptive philosophy, often taught in the church! Examples might include ‘positive thinking’, ‘God wants you rich’, ‘keep these rules’, or ‘there are many ways to be saved’.
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In Him, you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:9-12) Believers have all they need in Christ alone! In Him we have been given fullness of salvation. Christ is head over all power and authority in heaven and on earth. He circumcised us internally as we placed our faith in His sacrifice through the cross.
The false teachers were trying to get these believers to keep certain religious festivals and go through certain rituals like circumcision. They were being told that what they ate or didn’t eat made them holy. These were probably the Jewish dietary laws. Paul told them that these were only a shadow of the reality that they had in Christ Himself. (Colossians 2:17) These have the appearance of wisdom but are of no value in restraining sensual indulgence! (Colossians 2:20-23)
Another aspect of these false teachers was supernatural visions and contact with angels. They used these visions to distract the believers from Christ and take them another direction. I believe that the church today must be discerning about those who claim to be prophets and use supernatural experiences to attract a crowd. Not all who come in the name of Christ are really of Him. In Christ alone and His holy word do we have safety and salvation. Test everything by the Spirit and Word. Pray for a knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and discernment! Don’t worry, God will keep you safe!
Christ’s life in me!
Scripture reading for October 7th: Colossians 3:1-17
True Christian thinking involves identification with Christ in His resurrection. Not only have we died with Christ, been buried with Christ, but we are raised up with Christ! (Galatians 2:20) Christ also ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father and we have been raised to identify with Christ in glory! The Holy Spirit is the Gift of the Father who enables us to identify with Christ and be transformed to be like Him. (Ephesians 1:13-14)
“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 glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4) Christ is also coming again. When He appears, we will also appear with Him! This is how we should now think as new creations in Christ. We have the fullness of Christ given to us and can expect and think on the eternal but very real truths that Christ taught. (Colossians 2:9-10)
As we change our focus from this life to Christ’s life, we begin to put off the things of our earthly nature that displease God and cause trouble with others. Our focus is now on pleasing Christ and preparing to meet Him instead of ourselves and our fleshly desires. All the old ways of immorality, lust, greed and idolatry were put to death on the cross so we put them out of our lives. In their place, we put on the new self, “which is being renewed in the knowledge and image of the Creator.” (Colossians 3:10) Christ becomes our new identity.
“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 have have against one another. . .Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of on body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. . .” (Colossians 3:12-16a) Christ’s life produces identity and purpose in our lives. We have a calling to live in Christ’s peace of forgiven sins. What a gift to thank God for every day!
In Christ alone!
Scripture reading for October 6th: Colossians 2:8-23
“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8) Paul’s straight-forward warning to these believers is also for us today. Our western world is full of hollow and deceptive philosophy, often taught in the church! Examples might include ‘positive thinking’, ‘God wants you rich’, ‘keep these rules’, or ‘there are many ways to be saved’.
“For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. In Him, you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:9-12) Believers have all they need in Christ alone! In Him we have been given fullness of salvation. Christ is head over all power and authority in heaven and on earth. He circumcised us internally as we placed our faith in His sacrifice through the cross.
The false teachers were trying to get these believers to keep certain religious festivals and go through certain rituals like circumcision. They were being told that what they ate or didn’t eat made them holy. These were probably the Jewish dietary laws. Paul told them that these were only a shadow of the reality that they had in Christ Himself. (Colossians 2:17) These have the appearance of wisdom but are of no value in restraining sensual indulgence! (Colossians 2:20-23)
Another aspect of these false teachers was supernatural visions and contact with angels. They used these visions to distract the believers from Christ and take them another direction. I believe that the church today must be discerning about those who claim to be prophets and use supernatural experiences to attract a crowd. Not all who come in the name of Christ are really of Him. In Christ alone and His holy word do we have safety and salvation. Test everything by the Spirit and Word. Pray for a knowledge of God’s will in all wisdom and discernment! Don’t worry, God will keep you safe!