June 27, 2017: SOAP #2763: 1Kings 20-21; 2Chronicles 17; Colossians 3

Scripture: Colossians (NIV) 3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. … 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

Observation: In these verses we see two facts. First: I have died to my old way of life and now I am alive with Christ! (verse 3) What a change. It requires a whole new way of thinking. Second: I am to “put to death” the things of the sinful nature that hang on to me. The life of Christ within me stops some actions and starts others.

Application: For several months after we were settled into our present home, I often missed the turn going home because my mind had been trained to go to WheatState Camp where we stayed with my parents our first month in Kansas. I knew where we lived. I could give you the address. But when my mind was not “set” on going home, it seemed “programmed” to go to the camp. I had died to living with my parents; I now had a new address. I had to “put to death” the old thinking and way of getting home. But when I was driving, I sometimes drove as though I still lived at the camp.

The same is true in my spiritual life. Sometimes I still live as though the old worldly man is still alive!

Prayer: Holy Spirit, remind me that I have “died” and help me “put to death” thoughts and actions that displease my Heavenly Father. I know I cannot succeed without you living in me. I need your life power and wisdom. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!