December 15, 2020 – I'm Following Jesus

King James Bible Study – “And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” – Mark 8:34

Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Chapters: Books of Colossians & Philemon
Message: Giving Jesus First Place

Hello My Friend,

When you think about the Church you often associate it with your church, but the church goes beyond that, in fact, it is not just a group of people gathering in a building, it is a family of brothers and sisters all over the world with one thing in common, they all received Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Now, just like family, we love, we protect, we fight, we argue, we forgive, but in the end we are still family, and nothing can change that fact, [Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: 17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.]

The Book of Colossians was written by Paul in approximately 64 AD, when he was imprisoned in Rome. The epistle (letter) was written to the church of Colosse, who were instructed to share it with other churches. The purpose of the letter was to address doctrinal issues within the church. What we are to learn from the book is that Christ, who is the Head of the Church, and God in the flesh, is the only hope of man’s redemption, in whom we are complete. When Paul got word of the Colossians and their faith in Christ he was ecstatic, but some false doctrine was being used, he cautions them against the devices of judaizing teachers, carnal wisdom, human inventions, and traditions being brought in, as these were not consistent with the full assurance on Christ. He begins his letter by reminding them, and all of us, that all things were created by and for Christ.

[Colossians 1:16-22 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:]

[that in all things he might have the preeminence.] Preeminence; First place. Jesus wants first place in our lives, and let me tell you, if He gets it then the possibilities are endless as to what He will do for us. No, He does not require perfection, and yes, we mess up more often than we care to admit, what He requires is faithfulness, and our willingness to allow Him to take precedence in our lives. While we are definitely not under the Law, we ought to be living our lives in a way that reflects Him. Why? We were dead in our sins, but now alive in Him.

[Colossians 2:6-8,12-14 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;]

[nailing it to his cross;] Jesus took every sin ever committed and those not even committed yet to the cross with Him, nailing each and every one of them on the tree. Saved, born again Christians are not subject to harsh laws that even God would never suggest. We all sin and come short of the glory of God, therefore, each and everyone of us are saved by the grace of God through our faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by the works of man. We have no idea what people are dealing with, and what they are struggling with, so, stop forcing them to live the life you want them to live, and let them follow what God wants them to do. If they mess up, God will handle it, and if they ask you for help, then be there with open arms in the way that Jesus would. Now, with that said, since we are saved by grace, being dead to sin, we ought to do whatever we can to remove sin from our lives. As Paul continues his letter, he reminds them, and all of us, that since we are saved by grace, we are so much better than that, and we should not be using our salvation as means to satisfy every lust of the flesh.

[Colossians 3:12-16,23-24 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 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. 23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.]

[And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,] Since we are the body of Christ, and He is the Head of us, what better form of gratitude can we give then to live our lives in the newness that He made us. By the way, man means mankind, so God is talking about men, women, and children. Do you realize the state you were in before you knew Jesus as your Saviour? I sure do mine, and I never want to go back there. Of course, we are not always going to get along as brothers and sisters in Christ, but that is where the love of Jesus comes in.

[Colossians 4:2-9 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; 3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: 4 That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. 7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 8 Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; 9 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.]

While Paul wrote these letters in prison and identifies himself as a prisoner of Christ, he never wondered where God was through all the pain and suffering. In the Book of Philemon, Paul speaks of Onesimus also, he was actually a slave of Philemon’s who had robbed his master and fled to Rome where he met Paul and converted. Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon with this letter as a testimony on his faith.

[Philemon 1:8-11 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient, 9 Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: 11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:]

[but now profitable to thee and to me:] Before we got saved we were unprofitable, servants to the world, and even if we did serve in the Church, it would count for nothing. Jesus only recognizes us if we have accepted Him as our Saviour, [Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.]

Today’s Prayer: God, In the midst of all my struggles, failures, and doubts I remain confident that You will complete the work You began in me. You accepted me as I was, and since then You lovingly began reshaping my life into an image of Your Son. Not only are You continuing the good work You began, but You are perfecting those things that weaken my faith and my testimony. I thank You that You will fulfill Your purpose in me, no matter what people believe, and I thank You for Your grace that abounds so much. Lord, lead me and guide me, teach me, and show me how to be more than a conqueror by my faith and faithfulness to You. Let me not get caught up in ordinances to please man, rather live to please You, and fill me with Your wisdom so that I can be ready to answer those who are trying to discourage me. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,

Christina

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