God’s Truth for Trying Times - 5/11/20

We need God’s truth in trying times. Read the Scripture passage, think about what it is saying, then pray; by yourself or with your household. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16).

READ: Col. 3:5-10

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 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 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Colossians‬ ‭3:5-10‬)

CONSIDER: These are pretty strong words regarding putting to death the deeds of the body. Putting aside all that is harmful and hurtful so that you can be ready to do what is good, is necessary. God’s wrath comes upon the ones who live outside of Christ. When you come to Christ for refuge, forgiveness and mercy now mark what used to be an otherwise God-opposed life. When you come to know Christ, you are no longer under the wrath of God, because all the wrath that your sins deserved went on Christ. And you’ll notice that the new self is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Jesus is the author and perfector of our faith. Praise God.

THINK: What does this declare about God? What are God’s people being called to do? What assurance is given? How does the Word of God transform our hearts and lives and relationships?

PRAY:‬‬ Pray these verses to God as a prayer. Pour out your heart in praise to God. Pray for others. Present needs to Him.