Embracing Transformation: Living with Open Hands
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we are concluding our series called "Welcome," where we've been focusing on welcoming God into our hearts, minds, and now, our hands. When we welcome God into our lives, everything can change. We can rid ourselves of things that have been holding us back and prepare for something new that only He can provide. This series is designed to prepare us for our month of prayer and fasting in September, where we seek God's provision, favor, and direction.
Today's focus is on opening our hands. We began by revisiting Colossians 3:1-14, which emphasizes setting our hearts and minds on things above and letting go of our earthly nature. To live with open hands, we must first let go of the things that trap us, much like a monkey trap or a child stuck in a vase. These traps represent the worldly things we cling to, which prevent us from experiencing the freedom God offers.
Next, we must clean up. Just as children are told to wash up before dinner, we need to cleanse ourselves from the dirt of the world. This involves asking for forgiveness and letting go of our sins. Clean hands allow us to receive what God has for us, as seen in James 4:8 and Psalm 24:3-5.
Finally, we must put on the new self, as described in Colossians 3:10-13. This means imitating our Heavenly Father by clothing ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. We must also put on love, which binds all these virtues together in perfect unity.
When we welcome God with open hearts, minds, and hands, we become new creations, reflecting His image. Our task is to go into the world and share this transformation with others, living as Christ's ambassadors. We declare that God is welcome to use us, guide us, and sustain us, and we commit to living with open hands, ready to serve Him and others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Letting Go of Worldly Traps: Just as a monkey trap or a child stuck in a vase illustrates, we often hold onto things that seem valuable but ultimately trap us. Letting go of these worldly attachments allows us to experience the freedom and newness that God offers. [32:07]
2. Cleansing Ourselves: Like children washing up before dinner, we need to cleanse ourselves from the dirt of the world. This involves asking for forgiveness and letting go of our sins. Clean hands allow us to receive God's blessings and experience His presence. [37:40]
3. Imitating Our Heavenly Father: We are called to put on the new self, imitating our Heavenly Father by clothing ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. This transformation allows us to reflect God's image and live as His ambassadors. [43:36]
4. Putting on Love: Love is the final piece that binds all virtues together in perfect unity. When we put on love, we complete the transformation and become new creations, ready to serve God and others. [49:19]
5. Living as Christ's Ambassadors: Our task is to go into the world and share the transformation we've experienced. By living with open hearts, minds, and hands, we become Christ's ambassadors, showing His love and grace to others. [51:02]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:40] - Introduction to Week Three
[28:40] - Revisiting Colossians 3
[29:35] - Letting Go of Earthly Nature
[31:01] - The Monkey Trap Illustration
[32:07] - Letting Go for Freedom
[33:01] - Identifying What to Let Go
[34:28] - 1 John 2:15-17
[35:05] - The World's Traps
[35:49] - Changing Our Perspective
[36:29] - Cleaning Up
[37:40] - Cleansing Ourselves
[38:07] - Drawing Near to God
[39:15] - Old Testament Cleanliness
[40:04] - Psalm 24:3-5
[40:30] - Receiving God's Blessings
[41:23] - Putting on the New Self
[43:36] - Imitating Our Heavenly Father
[44:19] - Clothe Yourselves
[45:14] - Forgiveness and Compassion
[46:07] - Offering Forgiveness to Others
[47:26] - Open Hands for Giving
[48:06] - Recap of the Series
[49:19] - Putting on Love
[50:15] - New Life in Christ
[51:02] - Living as Christ's Ambassadors
[52:25] - Our Task as Believers
[53:02] - Open Hands for God's Use
[54:10] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 3:1-14: "Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
2. James 4:8: "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
3. Psalm 24:3-5: "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god. They will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God their Savior."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Colossians 3:1-14 instruct us to set our hearts and minds on, and what are we to put to death? ([28:40])
2. According to James 4:8, what happens when we draw near to God, and what are we instructed to do with our hands and hearts? ([38:31])
3. In Psalm 24:3-5, who is described as being able to ascend the mountain of the Lord and stand in His holy place? ([40:04])
4. What virtues are we instructed to clothe ourselves with in Colossians 3:12-14, and what binds them all together? ([49:03])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to set our hearts and minds on things above, as mentioned in Colossians 3:1-2? How does this shift in focus impact our daily lives? ([28:40])
2. What does it mean to "put to death" our earthly nature according to Colossians 3:5-8? How can this be practically applied in our lives? ([29:35])
3. How does the act of cleansing our hands and purifying our hearts, as described in James 4:8, relate to our relationship with God? ([38:31])
4. In what ways does putting on love, as described in Colossians 3:14, complete the transformation into a new self? ([49:19])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: What are some "worldly traps" that you need to let go of to experience the freedom God offers? ([32:07])
2. How can you make a habit of "cleansing your hands" and seeking forgiveness regularly? What steps will you take this week to draw nearer to God? ([37:40])
3. Think of a situation where you need to offer forgiveness. How can you take the first step in forgiving someone as the Lord forgave you? ([46:07])
4. Identify one virtue from Colossians 3:12-14 (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience) that you struggle with. What specific actions can you take to cultivate this virtue in your interactions with others? ([45:14])
5. How can you put on love in your daily life to bind all virtues together in perfect unity? Share a practical example of how you can show love to someone this week. ([49:19])
6. As Christ's ambassadors, how can you share the transformation you've experienced with others? Think of one person you can reach out to and share your story with this week. ([51:02])
7. Reflect on the idea of living with open hands. What does it mean for you to be ready to serve God and others? How can you demonstrate this readiness in your daily life? ([53:02])
Devotional
Day 1: Letting Go of Worldly Traps
When we cling to worldly things, we often find ourselves trapped, unable to move forward in our spiritual journey. These attachments can be likened to a monkey trap or a child stuck in a vase, where the very act of holding on prevents freedom. To experience the newness and freedom that God offers, we must let go of these earthly attachments. This act of letting go is not just about physical possessions but also about releasing our grip on pride, anger, and other sins that entangle us. By doing so, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God. [32:07]
1 John 2:15-17 (ESV): "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever."
Reflection: What is one worldly attachment you find difficult to let go of? How can you begin to release it today to experience the freedom God offers?
Day 2: Cleansing Ourselves
Just as children are told to wash up before dinner, we need to cleanse ourselves from the dirt of the world. This involves asking for forgiveness and letting go of our sins. Clean hands allow us to receive God's blessings and experience His presence. When we draw near to God with a pure heart, we are better positioned to receive His guidance and provision. Cleansing ourselves is an ongoing process that requires daily reflection and repentance. [37:40]
James 4:8 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What specific sins do you need to ask forgiveness for today? How can you make cleansing yourself a daily habit?
Day 3: Imitating Our Heavenly Father
We are called to put on the new self, imitating our Heavenly Father by clothing ourselves in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. This transformation allows us to reflect God's image and live as His ambassadors. By adopting these virtues, we not only improve our own lives but also become a living testimony of God's love and grace to those around us. This process of transformation is ongoing and requires intentional effort and reliance on God's strength. [43:36]
Colossians 3:12-13 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Which of these virtues do you find most challenging to embody? How can you take a practical step today to grow in this area?
Day 4: Putting on Love
Love is the final piece that binds all virtues together in perfect unity. When we put on love, we complete the transformation and become new creations, ready to serve God and others. Love is the glue that holds all other virtues together, making them effective and genuine. Without love, our actions and virtues can become hollow and self-serving. By putting on love, we ensure that our transformation is holistic and deeply rooted in God's character. [49:19]
Colossians 3:14 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: How can you show love in a practical way to someone in your life today? What steps can you take to ensure that love is the foundation of all your actions?
Day 5: Living as Christ's Ambassadors
Our task is to go into the world and share the transformation we've experienced. By living with open hearts, minds, and hands, we become Christ's ambassadors, showing His love and grace to others. This means being intentional about our actions and words, ensuring they reflect Christ's teachings. As ambassadors, we are representatives of God's kingdom, tasked with the mission of spreading His love and truth. This role requires us to be vigilant, compassionate, and proactive in our daily lives. [51:02]
2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
Reflection: In what ways can you be an ambassador for Christ in your community today? How can you intentionally share God's love and grace with those around you?
Quotes
1. "What we realize when we welcome God in is this, everything can change. Everything can change when we welcome God into our hearts and into our minds." [27:40] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If we want to live with open hearts and minds and hands, we have to let go. But here's what I want you to realize in that is that we can't get something new until we're ready to release what's holding us back." [32:07] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So often we stay in toxic relationships because we fear loneliness. We hold on to these bad friendships because we're afraid there's nobody to hang out with. We cling to the past because it's easier to live in self-pity than to confront the issues of life. We hold on to possessions because they make us feel good about ourselves." [33:01] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When we welcome him into our lives, we can experience that freedom. It's time to open up our hands. And let go. And when we do that, when we open up our hands, we let go of the things of this world, all of a sudden, our perspective changes. Our perspective is no longer things of this world. It's things in heaven. We start to see things differently." [35:49] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Washing our hands after playing outside is the same as asking forgiveness after playing in the world. God's saying, Hey, I have this thing prepared. It's for you. You're going to love it. It's this fresh thing. I want you to experience this meal that I have for you." [37:40] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Once our hands are clean, we can receive what God has for us. The hindrance of sin is gone. But if we're in the world and we still have that one thing, what happens? We try to walk and we try to approach God and say, hey, God can take care of this, but there's a sin in our life and what we do is we try to cover it up. We close our hand." [40:30] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Every morning, my son wanted to imitate me and dress like me and it made me think, as a child of God, what does it look like for me to dress like my father? When I wake up in the morning, what does my father put on that I can peek around the corner and say, okay, I want to look like you today. What do I need to put on? How can I imitate my father?" [43:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Imitating the Father is not just looking like him, but imitating the Father is also acting like him. Matthew 6, 14, through 15 says this. If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins." [47:06] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When we welcome God with open hearts, we can let go of our past. When we welcome God with open hearts, we can change our priorities. When we welcome God with open hearts, we can delete destructive behaviors. That's what we talked about in week one. When we welcome God with open minds, we can serve in eviction notice. And when we welcome God with open minds, we can sit at the table daily." [48:20] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "This is the gospel. This is the good news of Jesus. This is the dangerous message that results in life change. This is the message that we can have in our life if we welcome Him in. So, once we put on love, we have one job and one job alone to live our lives with open hands so that He can lead us, He can guide us, He can sustain us, and He can direct us towards others that need to experience the same thing." [51:39] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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