Monday October 4, 2010

Read Colossians 2:16-17

I often wonder how well people know (ie, in saying ‘know’ I don’t refer solely to a mental acknowledgement but to a personal comprehension and appropriation) the work that was done on the cross by Christ Jesus. As we read last week, He defeated satan and annulled any accusation or blemish that could be thrown at us. Jesus cancelled the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. He wore the weight of the covenantal  curses (See Deuteronomy 28ff) so that we can wear the covenantal blessings.

What is the fruit of Jesus’ victory in my life? What effect does it have in my daily existence? This is what Paul turns to in chapter 2.  As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ we are free. But notice vs 16 carefully. The verse starts with the word ‘therefore’.  We are freed because of the work that Jesus did on the cross. We are free because Jesus fulfilled the demands and the debt of the law. We are not to be judged according to what we eat or drink or to Sabbaths and so on. But please don’t read into this as a licence for immorality, sinfulness or a ‘what-pleases-me’ attitude. In 1 Corinthians 8-10 Paul shows that we are not to eat food sacrificed to idols (see 1 Cor 10:28-29).  We are free from judgement & condemnation. Our freedom doesn’t mean we can work on the Sabbath and increase our profits. It doesn’t mean we can engage in ungodly practices and still stand before God on Sonday. We are free from the guilt of the law and the condemnation of the law. We are free from accusation. We are free to serve God and each other.

This is made clearer in Galatians 5:13

You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

Let me encourage you to serve one another & to serve God in your freedom. Let me exhort you to turn from indulging the sinful nature to indulge the Spirit that dwells in you so that Christ is glorified.

Prayer:-

ÿ Pray that the Word of God proclaimed this Sonday will be powerful and effective to turn people from their sins, to comfort believers in their salvation and to strengthen them to fight the good fight.

ÿ Pray that David and Kristy Richards will have all they need materially and financially to settle into New Zealand. Pray that their transition is smooth. Ask God to guide them and lead them in their daily life so they can settle quickly and be used effectively for His kingdom.

Think of 2 Christians you would like to bless with service. Jot down their names and what you will do to bless them.

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