YOU HAVE BEEN RAISED TO LIFE WITH CHRIST. The result of a definite act (Colossians 2:12). In their baptism they were "buried with Christ," and "raised with Christ." SET YOUR HEARTS. The Christian is a citizen of the heavenly world. See Philippians 3:20; Ephesians 4:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
KEEP YOUR MINDS FIXED ON THINGS THERE. To keep your values and motives correct, and to keep from losing sight of your goal - which is union with God in Eternity.... [ Continue Reading ]
YOUR LIFE IS HIDDEN. People hide money and jewels to keep them safe. The Christian's life is safe with God, and will be given to them in the Resurrection.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHEN HE APPEARS. A tree in winter is not dead even though the life is hidden. In the Second Coming of Christ, the Christian's real life will show itself. Compare 1 John 3:2; Romans 8:19.... [ Continue Reading ]
YOU MUST PUT TO DEATH. Those vicious appetites and passions that are common to humanity. IMMORALITY. Any sex act with another person - _other than_ between husband and wife. See Romans 1:26-27. INDECENCY. Antisocial behavior. [Peeping-Tom; indecent exposure; etc.] LUST. Here it means homosexuality ... [ Continue Reading ]
BECAUSE OF SUCH THINGS. In the past, God destroyed nations and cities for such sins. In the Judgment, God's wrath will come on those who do such things (Romans 1:18).... [ Continue Reading ]
AND YOU YOURSELVES AT ONE TIME. This was the way they used to live before they knew Christ. See 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. The whole Gentile world was living this way (see 1 Peter 4:3-5).... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT NOW. Get rid of all the sins mentioned, and the ones which follow. In their baptism they got rid of the "old man," and in their union with Christ, took on his qualities as a "new man" (2 Corinthians 5:17).... [ Continue Reading ]
DO NOT LIE. Lying would be proof that they had not rid themselves of the "old man." See Romans 6:6 [Holy living is a battle (1 Corinthians 9:25-27).]... [ Continue Reading ]
THIS IS THE NEW MAN. Those born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5) become _new_ in Christ and "march to a different drummer" (Ephesians 4:24). CONSTANTLY RENEWING. Growing, maturing (see Hebrews 6:1-3;Ephesians 4:12-16).... [ Continue Reading ]
AS A RESULT. Differences of race, national origin, social status, etc., loose their meaning in the one who dies to the world and becomes united with Christ. No one is excluded from the blessings that come by being a "new man" in Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
YOU ARE THE PEOPLE OF GOD. It is a paradox that the Christian is the one who chooses God, only to find that God has chosen him. Everyone without exception has the option to choose God (John 6:45). SO THEN. One who chooses God must be holy in his life and actions.... [ Continue Reading ]
BE HELPFUL. FORGIVE. Whether rich or poor, every Christian can follow the example of Christ. When we are helpful and forgiving, we bless ourselves. God will forgive us in the same way we forgive others (Matthew 6:12).... [ Continue Reading ]
AND TO ALL THESE ADD. As you would put on a coat to keep out the cold wind. LOVE. AGAPE. This kind of love is not an emotion, but a deliberate act of decision. Love makes it easy to be helpful and to forgive.... [ Continue Reading ]
THE PEACE THAT CHRIST GIVES. This is not "freedom from problems," but the "hope of happiness." God calls both Jew and Gentile into _one body -_ the church of Christ [the messianic community] and gives them _hope._ Compare Galatians 5:22-26.... [ Continue Reading ]
CHRIST'S MESSAGE. The gospel which Paul had preached to them. TEACH AND INSTRUCT. Those who immerse themselves in God's word to learn his message, will be able to teach others this Truth. SING. Christianity is uniquely a singing religion. Songs are used to praise God, to teach and to instruct. _Psal... [ Continue Reading ]
EVERYTHING YOU DO OR SAY. Honor God with your whole life! See Romans 12:1-2. "In the name of Jesus" mean to use his principles to guide your life.... [ Continue Reading ]
WIVES. Wives are to cooperate with their own husbands, whether Christian or not. [See 1 Corinthians 7:12-16.] The apostle commands wives to obey their [own] husbands, and husbands to love their [own] wives. It seems these are the greatest areas of need, due to the differing psychology between men an... [ Continue Reading ]
HUSBANDS. Love your wives as Christ loves his church (Ephesians 5:25).... [ Continue Reading ]
CHILDREN. It is normal for children to rebel against their parents, yet they must obey them, since they need to be guided and helped to take their place in life. Tests have shown that even very poor training is much better than none at all. [This does not mean to _sin_ when asked.]... [ Continue Reading ]
PARENTS. It is easy to be harsh and punish children more severely than ought to be done. This may make them bitter and cause them to hate.... [ Continue Reading ]
SLAVES. Half the world were slaves in the first century. Christianity took the sting out of slavery, and finally brought an end to it. Both the slave and the servant had the same duties. It was their Christian obligation to do their work well, since this would honor their high calling in Christ.... [ Continue Reading ]
WHATEVER YOU DO. Christ gives dignity to human work and toil. We should fulfill our obligations to honor God.... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR CHRIST IS THE REAL MASTER YOU SERVE. Every man is to us _"Christ by proxy_." See Matthew 25:31-46. [Note that these have done either good or bad to Christ by proxy.]... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THE WRONGDOER. There is no excuse for failing to do your part. [But God expects _love_ to be your motive (1 John 4:18).]... [ Continue Reading ]