Read Colossians 3:5-11
A little boy delights in playing in the mud with his toy cars and trucks. What fun it is! But mum soon calls him in, telling him that it’s time to get washed up and dressed for the wedding. Being the page boy, he has to look his best. How inappropriate for that boy to be washed, to get dressed and then to return to playing in the mud.
As believers we have been washed by Jesus’ work at Calvary. We have been invited to the wedding of the Lamb. We aren’t page boys or flower girls! We are
But being washed and staying clean is not a ‘To Do’ list that we trudge through on a day by day basis. It’s an outflow of the love that Christ has for us. The word ‘therefore’ in verse 5 draws us back to the love of Christ spelt out in vs 1-4. We put to death everything that causes us to sin because we have been raised with Christ and because our life will appear when Jesus appears.
What then are we to put to death? Some of the items in the list are self explanatory while others may need expounding. Sexual immorality refers to all immorality that is not strictly speaking adultery. It includes all pornography (hard and soft). It includes flirting with someone other than your spouse and all sexual thoughts and desires that are inappropriate.
Greed: All forms of greed are placed on par with idolatry - one of the worst sins throughout the Bible. Idolatry - the worship of something other than God - is a de-godding of God! It lessens God and elevates something or someone else. God will not tolerate idolatry among His people. But how can I tell if I am being greedy/idolatrous? The basic test is to ask yourself, Am I willing to part with this? If the answer is ’No’ then it’s probably greed. We are told in verse 6 that these things bring the wrath of God. Not only will God punish those who practice these things, but He will also chastise and punish His children who continue to walk in these paths. Better to repent now than to be chastised or punished by the Lord!
Another list follows in verse 7. The word ‘put to death’ is not used. This time it’s the word ‘cast off’. The image is of something being hurled away as far as possible. Again most of the items in the list are self explanatory but notice verse 9. We are told not to lie to each other. Half truths, deceptions and deliberately withholding necessary information are all forms of lying. The rationale is given in vs 9-10. We have taken off the clothes we wore while playing in the mud. We have been dressed in wedding clothes and we are headed to the Lamb’s wedding. How inappropriate to bring any of that mud with us.
Prayer:
Using today’s Bible reading and notes spend time praying.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
à Spend time praying for the families/people that God convicted you to contact on Monday. Pray that they would come to church when invited and that they would listen to the Gospel and find salvation in Christ.
à Ask the Lord to provide for the poor and needy this Christmas through the generosity of your church.
As you read the Word engage with God and keep a dialogue going with Him as you read. Ask Him questions like How does it apply to me? Where is this relevant in my life? Show me Lord where this is happening?
Get the picture?
1. Is withholding the tithe of our giving to the Lord an issue of greed? Defend your answer!
2. Is giving God only 1 hour each Sonday an issue of greed? Defend your answer!
3. How can we fight against greed in the Christian church?
Intro: A beautiful bride walks down the aisle and as she strides towards her husband to be, you notice a spot of mud on her dress. Oh no! Christians are like that bride. God wants us to be holy and perfect because one day, when Jesus returns we will be at the wedding supper of the Lamb.
Discuss the things that tempt you to be unholy or muddy?
What should we do if we are given over to temptation?
What can we be doing to fight against temptation?
Read 1 Peter 1:13-15.
What is God’s standard for us?
What are we encouraged to be doing?
Pray together that God’s Spirit will give you a growing desire to be holy.
Intro: Imagine getting the car of your dreams. A Porsche? A Maserati? Perhaps a Ferrari? As you climb out of the car in your driveway you are going to want to clean it and make it look as shiny as possible. That’s what God wants for us. Sin in our lives is like a big ugly scratch down the side of your dream car.
Discuss the things that tempt you to be unholy or muddy?
What should we do if we are given over to temptation?
What can we be doing to fight against temptation?
Read 1 Peter 1:13-15.
What is God’s standard for us?
What are we encouraged to be doing?
Pray together that God’s Spirit will give you a growing desire to be holy.
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