Transformative Power of Belonging in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! Today, we explored the transformative power of Jesus Christ as described in Colossians 3. We began by celebrating the multi-generational and diverse nature of our church community, emphasizing the importance of giving and serving as part of our spiritual formation. We then delved into the theme of belonging, sharing personal anecdotes to illustrate how Jesus assures us that we belong in Him, regardless of our past or present actions.
In Colossians 3, Paul reminds us that our status is now hidden in Christ. This means we no longer need to fight for status or feel insecure because we belong to Jesus. Paul urges us to set our hearts and minds on things above, focusing on the character of Jesus. This involves meditating on His sacrifice, His love, and His teachings. We discussed the importance of hiding God's Word in our hearts and the practice of memorizing scripture to keep our minds aligned with Christ.
Paul also addresses the need to put to death our earthly nature, listing vices such as sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed. These sins are like cancer that must be cut off to prevent them from infecting our entire being. We talked about the practical steps of identifying and cutting off the lifelines of sin in our lives, whether it be certain media, relationships, or habits.
Furthermore, Paul emphasizes the importance of truth and the dangers of anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. He calls us to live out our new identity in Christ, which transcends all earthly distinctions and prejudices. In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free; we are all one in Him.
Finally, we reflected on the profound mystery of our lives being hidden in Christ. This means that Jesus is always thinking about us, and we are always on His mind. This truth should transform how we live daily, knowing that we are deeply loved and constantly pursued by Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Belonging in Christ: Jesus assures us that we belong in Him, regardless of our past or present actions. This sense of belonging eliminates the need to fight for status or feel insecure. Our identity is secure in Christ, and we are sons and daughters of the Most High God. [45:04]
2. Meditating on Jesus' Character: Paul urges us to set our hearts and minds on things above by concentrating on the character of Jesus. This involves daily meditation on His sacrifice, love, and teachings. Hiding God's Word in our hearts helps us stay aligned with Christ and resist sin. [47:46]
3. Cutting Off Sin: Paul lists vices like sexual immorality, impurity, and greed, which must be put to death. These sins are like cancer that can infect our entire being. Identifying and cutting off the lifelines of sin, such as certain media or relationships, is crucial for spiritual growth. [58:09]
4. Living in Truth and Love: Truth is often inconvenient or embarrassing, but it is essential for authentic Christian living. Paul warns against anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. We must remember that everyone we interact with is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with love and respect. [03:46]
5. Unity in Christ: In Christ, all earthly distinctions and prejudices are broken down. Our primary identity is as followers of Jesus, transcending all other labels. This unity in Christ calls us to live out our new identity, reflecting His love and grace to the world. [09:13]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:41] - Online and In-Person Community
[39:51] - Encouragement to Serve
[40:57] - Introduction to Colossians 3
[41:30] - Jesus is Triumphant
[42:05] - The Fight to Belong
[43:16] - You Belong in Jesus
[44:30] - Assurance of Belonging
[45:37] - Hidden in Christ
[46:12] - Setting Minds on Things Above
[47:46] - Meditating on Jesus' Character
[50:03] - Bringing Our Brokenness to Jesus
[51:33] - Our Status in Christ
[52:46] - Dying to Our Flesh
[54:37] - Living in Him
[57:41] - Putting to Death Earthly Nature
[01:00:00] - Cutting Off Sin's Lifelines
[01:02:35] - The Wrath of God and Sin
[01:03:46] - Truth and Love
[01:05:02] - Christian Code of Ethics
[01:06:25] - Unity in Christ
[01:10:04] - Final Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 3:1-11 (NIV)
> "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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says our lives are "hidden with Christ in God"? ([45:37])
2. According to Colossians 3, what are some of the vices Paul urges believers to put to death? ([57:41])
3. How does Paul describe the new identity of believers in Christ? ([46:46])
4. What does Paul say about earthly distinctions and prejudices in Christ? ([06:25])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize setting our hearts and minds on things above? How does this impact our daily lives? ([46:12])
2. How can meditating on the character of Jesus help us resist sin and align our lives with Christ? ([47:46])
3. What practical steps can believers take to "cut off the lifelines of sin" in their lives? ([01:00:28])
4. How does understanding that our lives are hidden in Christ change our perspective on belonging and identity? ([45:37])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you didn't belong. How does knowing that you belong in Christ change your perspective on that experience? ([42:05])
2. What are some practical ways you can set your heart and mind on things above this week? Consider specific actions or habits you can adopt. ([46:12])
3. Identify one vice from Paul's list in Colossians 3 that you struggle with. What steps can you take to cut off its lifeline in your life? ([57:41])
4. How can you practice meditating on the character of Jesus daily? Share a specific plan or routine you can follow. ([47:46])
5. Think about a relationship or habit that might be a lifeline for sin in your life. What changes can you make to cut off that lifeline? ([01:00:28])
6. How can you contribute to breaking down earthly distinctions and prejudices within your church community? Share a specific action you can take. ([06:25])
7. Reflect on the truth that Jesus is always thinking about you. How does this knowledge affect your daily decisions and interactions? ([56:10])
Devotional
Day 1: Secure Identity in Christ
Belonging in Christ means that our identity is secure, regardless of our past or present actions. This sense of belonging eliminates the need to fight for status or feel insecure. In Colossians 3, Paul reminds us that our status is now hidden in Christ. This means we no longer need to fight for status or feel insecure because we belong to Jesus. Our identity is secure in Christ, and we are sons and daughters of the Most High God. This assurance of belonging should transform how we live daily, knowing that we are deeply loved and constantly pursued by Jesus. [45:04]
Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt insecure or unworthy. How does knowing that your identity is secure in Christ change your perspective on that situation?
Day 2: Focus on Jesus' Character
Paul urges us to set our hearts and minds on things above by concentrating on the character of Jesus. This involves daily meditation on His sacrifice, love, and teachings. Hiding God's Word in our hearts helps us stay aligned with Christ and resist sin. By focusing on Jesus' character, we can better reflect His love and grace in our daily lives. This practice of meditating on Jesus' character is essential for spiritual growth and helps us to live out our new identity in Christ. [47:46]
Colossians 3:2 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What specific aspect of Jesus' character can you meditate on today to help you align your heart and mind with Him?
Day 3: Cutting Off Sin
Paul lists vices like sexual immorality, impurity, and greed, which must be put to death. These sins are like cancer that can infect our entire being. Identifying and cutting off the lifelines of sin, such as certain media or relationships, is crucial for spiritual growth. By taking practical steps to remove these influences from our lives, we can prevent sin from taking root and hindering our relationship with Christ. This process requires intentionality and a commitment to living a life that honors God. [58:09]
Colossians 3:5 (ESV): "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where sin has a foothold. What practical steps can you take today to cut off its lifeline?
Day 4: Living in Truth and Love
Truth is often inconvenient or embarrassing, but it is essential for authentic Christian living. Paul warns against anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. We must remember that everyone we interact with is made in the image of God and deserves to be treated with love and respect. Living in truth and love means being honest with ourselves and others, even when it is difficult. It also means extending grace and compassion to those around us, reflecting the love of Christ in our interactions. [03:46]
Colossians 3:8-9 (ESV): "But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices."
Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you struggled to live in truth and love. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future?
Day 5: Unity in Christ
In Christ, all earthly distinctions and prejudices are broken down. Our primary identity is as followers of Jesus, transcending all other labels. This unity in Christ calls us to live out our new identity, reflecting His love and grace to the world. By embracing this unity, we can build a diverse and inclusive community that honors God and demonstrates His love to others. This means actively working to break down barriers and prejudices, and seeking to understand and appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences of others. [09:13]
Colossians 3:11 (ESV): "Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all."
Reflection: How can you actively promote unity and break down prejudices within your community today?
Quotes
1. "And so my encouragement to you is one, continue to give because that's why this is possible. And two, if you've been going here for a really long time, if you've invested in this place with your friends, your time or your treasure more specifically, but you haven't started serving yet, my encouragement to you would be sit one and serve one. You see all the babies that we have in this place. Kids needs help. And so I encourage you to serve, whether that's working on a door or that's being an usher in here to get people seated or that's over there serving in kids." [39:51] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We're not just asking you to serve because we need help. We're also asking you to serve because more importantly, we think it's a part of your spiritual formation that you would give up your time to serve within the body of Christ. And so we would encourage you to do that. Amen? Amen." [40:30] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And so my encouragement to you is one, continue to give because that's why this is possible. And two, if you've been going here for a really long time, if you've invested in this place with your friends, your time or your treasure more specifically, but you haven't started serving yet, my encouragement to you would be sit one and serve one. You see all the babies that we have in this place. Kids needs help. And so I encourage you to serve, whether that's working on a door or that's being an usher in here to get people seated or that's over there serving in kids." [39:51] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so my encouragement to you is one, continue to give because that's why this is possible. And two, if you've been going here for a really long time, if you've invested in this place with your friends, your time or your treasure more specifically, but you haven't started serving yet, my encouragement to you would be sit one and serve one. You see all the babies that we have in this place. Kids needs help. And so I encourage you to serve, whether that's working on a door or that's being an usher in here to get people seated or that's over there serving in kids." [39:51] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And so my encouragement to you is one, continue to give because that's why this is possible. And two, if you've been going here for a really long time, if you've invested in this place with your friends, your time or your treasure more specifically, but you haven't started serving yet, my encouragement to you would be sit one and serve one. You see all the babies that we have in this place. Kids needs help. And so I encourage you to serve, whether that's working on a door or that's being an usher in here to get people seated or that's over there serving in kids." [39:51] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "And so my encouragement to you is one, continue to give because that's why this is possible. And two, if you've been going here for a really long time, if you've invested in this place with your friends, your time or your treasure more specifically, but you haven't started serving yet, my encouragement to you would be sit one and serve one. You see all the babies that we have in this place. Kids needs help. And so I encourage you to serve, whether that's working on a door or that's being an usher in here to get people seated or that's over there serving in kids." [39:51] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "And so my encouragement to you is one, continue to give because that's why this is possible. And two, if you've been going here for a really long time, if you've invested in this place with your friends, your time or your treasure more specifically, but you haven't started serving yet, my encouragement to you would be sit one and serve one. You see all the babies that we have in this place. Kids needs help. And so I encourage you to serve, whether that's working on a door or that's being an usher in here to get people seated or that's over there serving in kids." [39:51] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And so my encouragement to you is one, continue to give because that's why this is possible. And two, if you've been going here for a really long time, if you've invested in this place with your friends, your time or your treasure more specifically, but you haven't started serving yet, my encouragement to you would be sit one and serve one. You see all the babies that we have in this place. Kids needs help. And so I encourage you to serve, whether that's working on a door or that's being an usher in here to get people seated or that's over there serving in kids." [39:51] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And so my encouragement to you is one, continue to give because that's why this is possible. And two, if you've been going here for a really long time, if you've invested in this place with your friends, your time or your treasure more specifically, but you haven't started serving yet, my encouragement to you would be sit one and serve one. You see all the babies that we have in this place. Kids needs help. And so I encourage you to serve, whether that's working on a door or that's being an usher in here to get people seated or that's over there serving in kids." [39:51] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And so my encouragement to you is one, continue to give because that's why this is possible. And two, if you've been going here for a really long time, if you've invested in this place with your friends, your time or your treasure more specifically, but you haven't started serving yet, my encouragement to you would be sit one and serve one. You see all the babies that we have in this place. Kids needs help. And so I encourage you to serve, whether that's working on a door or that's being an usher in here to get people seated or that's over there serving in kids." [39:51] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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