AIM: Christ the clothing of Spiritual Maturity
“pajamas working till noon, but feeling lazy. We have no room for “spiritual pajamas”
A) Col 3:5-17 Repentance
(5) Put to death your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry
- World’s lost what sin is
- Conviction must lead to repentance
- Our part kill it, get rid of it
(6-7) because wrath of God is coming, we did these thing
(8-9) also rid yourselves of anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, don’t lie, YOU HAVE TAKEN OFF OLD SELF
- Speak never ‘about’ but always ‘to’
- lying is a gateway sin, leads to more
(10) AND PUT ON NEW SELF, being renewed in knowledge in the image of its CREATOR
(11) Here, we are all at the same level (barbarian, slave, free, ruler, halves and have nots) but Christ is all and is in all.
(12-14) Therefore, God’s chosen people, holy, loved CLOTHE YOURSELF w/compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, bear w/each other, forgive as Lord forgave you - af all virtures, PUT ON LOVE - it’s the binder!
(15) LET peace of Christ rule in your heart, one body, called to peace - BE THANKFUL
(16) LET message of Christ dwell among you teach, admonish, with wisdom, through psalms, songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts
(17) WHATEVER you do, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus, GIVING THANKS to God the Father through him.
Application: How do I maturely, thankful receive convictions from others? What are my excuses for bad behavior and attitudes?
Principal: Spiritual maturity thrives when you love Jesus more than sin and self.
B) Col 3:18-4:1 - Home and Work
(18) Wives, submit to husband's fitting to the Lord
(19) Husbands, love wives - do not be harsh with them
- Marriage needs a witness!
(20) Children obey parents in everything, pleases the Lord
- “say yes mother and then do it” - Marion Lorence
(21) Fathers, do not embitter children, they will become discouraged
- Redemptive discipline, preventative discipline
(22) Slaves (under a boss), obey masters (boss) in everything - sincerely, heart, reverence for the Lord, not favor
- Mike Duke, Board of Directors BSF - CEO Walmart (2009-present)
(23) WHATEVER you do, work at it with all your heart
(24) Because you know you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving
(25) Anyone who does wrong, repaid for wrongs, no favoritism
(4:1) Masters (boss), provide for your slaves (under a boss), right and fair - we have a master in heaven
Principal: Spiritual maturity grows in and through home and work.
Application:
C) Col 4: 2-18 Ministry Community
(2) DEVOTE yourselves to prayer, watchful, thankful
(3-4) Pray for fellow workers in Christ, God may open a door for our message, proclaim mystery of Christ,I may proclaim it clearly
(5-6) Be wise to outsiders, make the most of every opportunity, LET conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, know how to answer everyone. (sharing the gospel)
- Not all we invest in will become spiritually fit
Principal: Spiritual maturity flourishes in a ministry community
- Grace filled community
Special thanks to BSF staff for training at the leaders retreat in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Feb 11-13). https://www.bsfinternational.org