May 21, 2020
As we continue to consider the thought of “REDEMPTION” and all the blessings we have because of it, let’s take a look this morning at the Epistle that Paul wrote to the church at Colossae. As he begins this letter, he reminds the believers there in that city to walk worthy of the Lord.
(Colossians 1:10) That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
This same command applies to every person in our day who has been redeemed. We should be walking worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. That sounds pretty much like a full-time job to me. These 3 questions are certainly food for thought this morning.
- Is our walk pleasing to the Lord?
- Are our works for the Lord bearing any fruit?
- Are we increasing in knowledge concerning the things of God?
If you look down just a few more verses, Paul gives us the reason why we should be walking worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing.
(Colossians 1:14) In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
If you read a little further, Paul indicates that since “we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins” that the Lord Jesus Christ should have the “preeminence” in our lives.
(Colossians 1:16) 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:
(Colossians 1:17) And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
(Colossians 1:18) And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all thingshe might have the preeminence.
Paul instructs the believers in v. 17 that Jesus is before all things, and by him all things consist. He continues in v. 18 by saying that Jesus is the head of the church and that in all things he might have the preeminence. This brings up some more thoughtful questions for us to ask ourselves this morning during our devotional time.
- Does Jesus come before all things in our lives?
- Do we allow Him to be the head of Central Baptist Church?
- Does Jesus have the preeminence (first place) in all things pertaining to our life?
A Christian will never have the peace and joy they desire in life until the time when they remove “themselves” from the throne and place the “Lord Jesus Christ” on the throne of their life. Since He paid for our “redemption” and forgave us of our sins, He certainly has the right to demand first place in our lives.
I challenge each of us during our quiet time alone with God to seriously consider the questions above and answer them honestly. I’m so glad that I John 1:9 is still available to us as Christians. But, let’s not stop at v. 9, continue reading in v. 10 as well. Instead of “Amen” this morning, it’s “Oh Me!!”.
(1 John 1:9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
(1 John 1:10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Bro. Rick
