Living Like Jesus: Embracing Godly Characteristics
Summary
### Summary
Today, we continued our series "Like Jesus" by focusing on what it means to live like Jesus. We explored Colossians 3:12-17, which provides a foundational guide for embodying Christ-like characteristics. The passage emphasizes three key commands: putting on godly characteristics, letting the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, and allowing the Word of Christ to dwell richly within us.
First, we are called to put on godly characteristics such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. These traits are not just ideals but practical ways to reflect Jesus in our daily lives. Jesus exemplified these characteristics in various biblical accounts, such as showing compassion to the blind men in Matthew 20 and demonstrating kindness to Zacchaeus in Luke 19.
Second, we must let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. This peace is not merely the absence of anxiety but a deep-seated tranquility that comes from Christ being the center of our lives. When Christ rules our hearts, we experience unity and thankfulness, even amidst life's challenges.
Lastly, we are to let the Word of Christ dwell richly in us. This means allowing Scripture to take up residence in our hearts, guiding our actions and decisions. When God's Word inhabits us, it provides wisdom, teaches us, and admonishes us, helping us to live in a manner that glorifies God.
These commands are not just theoretical but practical steps to start living like Jesus. By putting on godly characteristics, letting Christ's peace rule in our hearts, and allowing His Word to dwell in us, we can begin to reflect Jesus more accurately in our daily lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Put on Godly Characteristics: To live like Jesus, we must embody traits such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. These characteristics are not just ideals but practical ways to reflect Jesus in our daily interactions. Jesus demonstrated these traits in various biblical accounts, such as showing compassion to the blind men in Matthew 20 and kindness to Zacchaeus in Luke 19. [39:47]
2. Let the Peace of Christ Rule in Your Heart: True peace comes from Christ being the center of our lives. This peace is not merely the absence of anxiety but a deep-seated tranquility that arises when Christ has His rightful place in our hearts. When Christ rules our hearts, we experience unity and thankfulness, even amidst life's challenges. [55:25]
3. Allow the Word of Christ to Dwell Richly in You: Letting Scripture take up residence in our hearts is crucial for living like Jesus. When God's Word inhabits us, it provides wisdom, teaches us, and admonishes us, guiding our actions and decisions. This dwelling of the Word leads to a life that glorifies God and aligns with His will. [01:04:05]
4. Examine What Rules Your Heart: Reflect on what occupies the number one seat in your heart. If it's not the peace of God, something needs to change. Whether it's money, relationships, or other pursuits, nothing should take precedence over Christ's peace ruling in your heart. [01:15:20]
5. Identify and Cultivate Missing Characteristics: Assess which godly characteristics are missing or need improvement in your life. Start by praying and asking God to help you develop these traits. See people through God's eyes, not your own, and strive to embody the compassion, kindness, and love that Jesus demonstrated. [01:13:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:41] - Introduction and VBS Acknowledgment
[34:36] - Living Like Jesus: An Overwhelming Task
[35:37] - Characteristics of Jesus
[37:33] - Colossians 3:12-17: The Baseline
[38:45] - Three Commands for Living Like Jesus
[39:47] - Command 1: Put on Godly Characteristics
[55:25] - Command 2: Let the Peace of Christ Rule
[01:04:05] - Command 3: Let the Word of Christ Dwell
[01:11:48] - Practical Application: Three Questions
[01:19:17] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 3:12-17
- Matthew 20:29-34
- Luke 19:1-10
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the godly characteristics listed in Colossians 3:12-14 that we are called to put on? [37:33]
2. How did Jesus demonstrate compassion in Matthew 20:29-34? [40:56]
3. What was the reaction of the crowd when Jesus showed kindness to Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10? [43:56]
4. According to Colossians 3:15, what should rule in our hearts and what should be our response? [55:25]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes putting on godly characteristics in Colossians 3:12-14? How do these traits help us live like Jesus? [37:33]
2. In what ways does the peace of Christ differ from the world's understanding of peace? How does this peace impact our daily lives? [55:25]
3. How does letting the Word of Christ dwell richly within us influence our actions and decisions according to Colossians 3:16? [01:04:05]
4. Reflect on the story of Zacchaeus. What does Jesus' interaction with him teach us about kindness and acceptance? [43:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Putting on Godly Characteristics: Which of the godly characteristics listed in Colossians 3:12-14 do you find most challenging to embody? What steps can you take to develop this trait in your daily life? [37:33]
2. Experiencing Christ's Peace: What is currently ruling your heart? If it’s not the peace of Christ, what changes can you make to allow His peace to take precedence? [55:25]
3. Dwelling in the Word: How can you make Scripture a more integral part of your daily routine? What specific practices can help you let the Word of Christ dwell richly in you? [01:04:05]
4. Compassion in Action: Think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to show compassion but didn’t. How can you respond differently next time? [40:56]
5. Kindness and Acceptance: Reflect on someone in your life who might feel like an outsider, similar to Zacchaeus. How can you show them kindness and acceptance this week? [43:56]
6. Forgiveness: Is there someone you need to forgive? What steps can you take to offer forgiveness and reconcile with that person? [53:52]
7. Self-Examination: Take a moment to assess which godly characteristics are missing or need improvement in your life. How can you start praying and working towards embodying these traits more fully? [01:13:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Embodying Godly Characteristics
To live like Jesus, we must embody traits such as compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. These characteristics are not just ideals but practical ways to reflect Jesus in our daily interactions. Jesus demonstrated these traits in various biblical accounts, such as showing compassion to the blind men in Matthew 20 and kindness to Zacchaeus in Luke 19. By putting on these godly characteristics, we can begin to reflect Jesus more accurately in our daily lives. This is not just about adopting a set of behaviors but about allowing these traits to transform our hearts and actions.
When we embody these characteristics, we become living testimonies of Jesus' love and grace. Compassion allows us to see and respond to the needs of others, kindness opens doors for meaningful connections, humility keeps us grounded, gentleness fosters peace, patience helps us endure, forgiveness breaks chains of resentment, and love binds all these traits together in perfect harmony. Reflect on how you can incorporate these traits into your daily interactions and relationships. [39:47]
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: Think of a recent interaction where you could have shown more compassion, kindness, or patience. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future to better reflect Jesus' character?
Day 2: Letting the Peace of Christ Rule
True peace comes from Christ being the center of our lives. This peace is not merely the absence of anxiety but a deep-seated tranquility that arises when Christ has His rightful place in our hearts. When Christ rules our hearts, we experience unity and thankfulness, even amidst life's challenges. This peace surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Allowing the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts means surrendering our worries, fears, and anxieties to Him. It means trusting that He is in control and that His plans for us are good. This peace brings a sense of unity within the body of Christ, as we are all called to one body and to be thankful. Reflect on what occupies the number one seat in your heart. If it's not the peace of God, something needs to change. [55:25]
Colossians 3:15 (ESV): "And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: What is currently occupying the number one seat in your heart? How can you make room for the peace of Christ to rule in your heart today?
Day 3: Allowing the Word of Christ to Dwell Richly
Letting Scripture take up residence in our hearts is crucial for living like Jesus. When God's Word inhabits us, it provides wisdom, teaches us, and admonishes us, guiding our actions and decisions. This dwelling of the Word leads to a life that glorifies God and aligns with His will. The Word of Christ should not just be something we read occasionally but something that permeates every aspect of our lives.
When we allow the Word of Christ to dwell richly in us, it transforms our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. It becomes the lens through which we view the world and make decisions. This rich indwelling of the Word equips us to teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in our hearts to God. Reflect on how you can make Scripture a more integral part of your daily life. [01:04:05]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more Scripture into your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to let the Word of Christ dwell richly in you?
Day 4: Examining What Rules Your Heart
Reflect on what occupies the number one seat in your heart. If it's not the peace of God, something needs to change. Whether it's money, relationships, or other pursuits, nothing should take precedence over Christ's peace ruling in your heart. This examination requires honesty and a willingness to make necessary changes to align your heart with God's will.
Identifying what rules your heart is a crucial step in spiritual growth. It involves recognizing the idols or distractions that may be taking precedence over your relationship with Christ. Once identified, you can take intentional steps to dethrone these idols and invite Christ to take His rightful place. This process may involve prayer, accountability, and practical changes in your daily habits. Reflect on what rules your heart and how you can make Christ the center of your life. [01:15:20]
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: What is currently ruling your heart? What practical steps can you take to ensure that Christ's peace is the primary ruler of your heart?
Day 5: Identifying and Cultivating Missing Characteristics
Assess which godly characteristics are missing or need improvement in your life. Start by praying and asking God to help you develop these traits. See people through God's eyes, not your own, and strive to embody the compassion, kindness, and love that Jesus demonstrated. This process of self-examination and growth is ongoing and requires intentional effort and reliance on God's grace.
Identifying and cultivating missing characteristics involves a willingness to be honest with yourself and to seek God's help in areas where you fall short. It may involve seeking forgiveness, making amends, or taking steps to develop new habits. By seeing people through God's eyes, you can begin to respond to them with the same love and compassion that Jesus demonstrated. Reflect on which characteristics you need to cultivate and how you can take practical steps to grow in these areas. [01:13:36]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which godly characteristics are missing or need improvement in your life? How can you begin to cultivate these traits today with God's help?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What characteristics did Jesus have in his life that he demonstrated day in and day out with those that he came in contact with that I also need to have in my life so that when I come in contact with people, they see those things and see Jesus because of it, right?" [35:37] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If we're going to live like Christ, it requires putting on godly characteristics. If you were to go back up to the beginning of this chapter, what you would find is that there's a discussion on putting off and putting on." [38:45] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Aren't you glad that Jesus showed you and I patience so that we could have eternal life? I got news for you, church. Without that extraordinary patience, you and I don't have anything to live for today." [52:08] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you want to live like Christ, you need to put on godly characteristics. If you want to live like Christ, you need, you have to have the grace of God rule in your heart. If you want to live like Christ, we've got to let the word of Christ dwell in us." [01:11:48] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You and I need to see people the way Jesus sees them. The second question that I would ask you to deal with is this. What is ruling your heart? Church, I got news for you. As you sit here this morning, as I stand here this morning, there is something ruling our hearts." [01:13:36] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "This morning, we're going to look at Colossians chapter 3. Colossians chapter 3, starting in verse 12. Here's what God's Word says. It says, As God's chosen ones, holy and dearly beloved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if anyone has a grievance against you, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive." [37:33] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The first command that He gives us is to put on godly characteristics. If we're going to live like Christ, it requires putting on godly characteristics. If you were to go back up to the beginning of this chapter, what you would find is that there's a discussion on putting off and putting on." [38:45] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The second command that He gives us is that we are to let the peace of God rule in our hearts. If we're going to live like Jesus, it requires that the peace of God rule in our hearts. You find this in verse 15. If you want to go back and follow along with me, God's word says, and let the peace of Christ in which you are also called in one body rule your hearts and be thankful." [55:25] (-1013 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The third and final command that He gives us in this passage of Scripture is that we should let the word of Christ dwell in us. Look at verse 16. It says, Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." [01:04:05] (-1507 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you want to know what Jesus' design for your life is, read God's word. If you want to know the things that you should be doing and the things that you shouldn't be doing, read God's word. If you want to know what his mission is for you day in and day out, read God's word. It should dwell. It should inhabit. It should take up residence in our hearts." [01:08:07] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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