Today’s Bible reading is Colossians chapter 3
(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)
Paul said, “You are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3) As believers we have been raised to new life in Christ. Therefore, we must put to death the old way of life. John Piper said, “If you walk away from the covenant of your daily death, you will cease to bear fruit.” Since Christ is our life, anything in our life that doesn’t resemble Christ must be done away with, and everything that is of Christ must be fully embraced. Someone once asked a sculptor how he was able to make a statue of a horse. The sculptor said, “I simply chisel away anything that doesn’t resemble a horse.” Christ followers must rid from themselves anything that doesn’t resemble Christ. Paul said. “Put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.” (Colossians 3:5 NLT) He also said, “But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” (Colossians 3:8-10 NLT) Not only must we put to death the old life, but we must be faithful to put on the new life, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:12-14)
Prayer: “Father, You have raised us to new life in Christ. May we walk in this new life today. In Jesus name. Amen.”
Randy J. McPheron
T.H.E.M. 