Living for Christ: Dying to Self and Embracing God's Priorities
Notes
Transcript
Good morning and welcome to CCC
I also want to say Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there
You have a very important God given job......leading your family as Christ leads you
The world continues to attack Godly fathers and just involved fathers in general
stand strong and lead anyway
Thank you to all those who went to Jason Crabb what a time of fellowship and worship Praise King Jesus for such a wonderful gift!!!!!
We actually had three new ones added to our family here at CCC from that concert. The Washburns sponsored a little one from Bolivia, Natalie Foreman sponsored a little one from Mozambaque, and Melody and I became sponsors for little one in the Philippines. By sponsoring these children we allow them to go to school to learn as well as get fed. I say that not to bring us glory but God glory because this was His work not ours.
Keep Nolan and Sheryl and Michael in your prayers...what a blessing to have Michael back with us this morning
It is also a blessing to have my beautiful bride back with us this morning as she enjoyed a week with her mom visiting family in iowa
Let’s pray
Colossians chapter 3 is a what to do as a Christian in terms of how to live life
Christ living in you changes your behavior and allows you to die to the world and sin and self and only live from Jesus!
Colossians 3:1-4
Colossians 3:1-4
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If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
The first thing we need to take from this section of scripture is that you need to
Die to your priorities and put God’s priorities into action
Die to your priorities and put God’s priorities into action
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look at verse 1 again
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God
seek those things above
seek God’s priorities
remember God’s heart is none should perish but all come to repentance so therefore top priority is spreading the Gospel so those who are lost may find repentance that leads to salvation in Jesus
The other top priority is keeping Jesus commandments....growth....discipleship.....if you are not being discipled by Christ and discipling others you are not growing....you are stagnant....chances are you are still on the milk of salvation
Church God is serious about this
pastor josh I dont have time....make time
I am trying to model that for you in my life.....I was way overcommitted.....I was doing way to much.......you are going to begin to see things around here go undone that are not what I am called to do
I have realized I struggle with pride and used to think
he with the busiest schedule wins
the win in this case is a heart attack or illness or failure
there are many things that I do that need to be done but they are not mine to do so I am going to stop doing them so I can focus on God’s priorities
Jr Sr High Bible study is an example of this. I love kids.....I love coaching kids....I love our kids and I love teaching God’s Word to kids but youth is not my calling and it was taking away from my calling and I felt God say son you are not the one.....I laid it down and someone else came and said I feel that is my crank turner....my IT.....so we are praying and looking for God’s direction as to what that looks like in the fall when it starts back up
Monday nights with the men are another example.......I love men’s ministry and discipleship and tried to combine Bible study and discipleship and it is not what I felt God lay on my heart so I am praying about what that is and how to carry out what God did lay on my heart in terms of discipleship
In addition to that Logan now is coaching and will be coaching on some Monday nights and my nephew Gus will be playing on Monday nights and I want to be able to be Dad and uncle to both of them by being present so Lord willing Gary Kurtz is going to take Monday nights over as soon as Tammy is ready for him to do so.....by the way Tammy’s surgery to remove her kidney went very well....the surgeon did not see any indication of it spreading past the kidney but they are still waiting on pathology for conformation and a plan of treatment going forward...Praise God!!!!
What I am learning in this season of life and ministry is to truly be a pastor and do more than just preach from the pulpit i need to have time available to be present in lives......that is the example Jesus set.....pour into a few....disciple a few and they then turn and disciple others and you pour into a few more and before long discipleship is running rampant and people are flocking to Jesus because of the changed lives they see
Die to your priorities and put God’s priorities into action
Jesus talks about this in
Matthew 6:25-34
Matthew 6:25-34
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Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
How many of you waste so much time worrying about these things?
How many of you put these things ahead of God
you worry about them
you think about them
you work longer hours to make more money to spend on them
the problem is you are trying to provide them
God is your provider
God is your protector
God knows exactly what you need
SEEK HIM and all those things will be added unto you
Now many today preach and believe in the prosperity gospel.....believe in Jesus and you will be rich
give lots of money to the church and the celebrity pastor and you will have good health and be wealthy
that is not what Jesus is talking about
No Jesus is saying die to you priorities and put God’s priorities into action then I got you......most of the time we are doing service to God to get something in return instead of out of awe and respect and gratitude for what HE already did for us on the cross!!!!!!
Are you truly seeking God’s Kingdom first?
or are you seeking your kingdom and worldly things....food....shelter...clothing....stuff....money...power...presitge...standing etc
What does your fruit say about that
If God is your first and only priority that will dominate your life and schedule and thoughts
The next application of this section of scripture is in
Colossians 3:2
Colossians 3:2
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Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Find direction only from God.....never the world
Find direction only from God.....never the world
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set your affection comes from a Greek word meaning to exercise the mind....entertain or have a sentiment or opinion......be of the same
Wow you are to exercise your mind on the things above.....the things of home......remember once you are saved your home is no longer this world but heaven above
exercise your mind thinking about worshiping Jesus face to face
exercise your mind thinking about God Himself wiping away every tear from your eye
entertain.....have a sentiment or opinion about what God says about heaven in His Word
be of the same mind as Christ...
Philippians 4:7-8
Philippians 4:7-8
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And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
If you are not thinking on these things listed in that section of scripture you forfeit the peace of God which passeth all understanding
how many of you lost sleep over
had anxiety about
worried about
the “protests” around the country yesterday and in previous days and weeks
if that lost sleep or anxiety or worry was about safety and cost you your peace you were in you not in Christ
We must control what we think about and dwell upon
when you are thinking about things of the world
when you are thinking about you
when you are thinking about sinful things
you are filled with anxiety
worry
depression
chaos
where there is chaos there is satan
where there is peace there is Jesus because Jesus is peace
when you think on the things in Philippians you have peace
how do you have Christ in your heart and minds
you think on these things
so many people.....Christians....you and me...want to take parts of scripture and memorize them and pull them out of context....so many quote verse 7 without doing verse 8 and then wonder why they dont have peace
I believe through an experience I had this past week that God is going to be bringing many more addicted lost souls to us
He is going to be bringing the demon possessed to us
Why because we have the answer JESUS!!!!!!!!
There are so many walking around this town looking for Jesus but not finding Him because you and I are not looking for them
we are too busy with our agendas
we are too busy with our to do lists
we are so focused on us and our wants and desires
we are so focused on our families
we are so focused on so many other things that we miss the forest for the trees
we have set our affection on the things of this world no the things of God
we miss the people God placed in our path that day because we are not looking for them
every single day your top priority is to talk about Jesus
to shine His light into the darkness
to plant the seeds of the Gospel into someone’s or several someone’s lives
is that happening
is that your priority
are you seeking them out
are you talking to your brothers and sisters in Christ about God’s Word
shame on you if you are not
we are playing church
we are playing Christianity
we are not living as God’s ambassadors
how do I know....look around.......there are so many lost and dying and headed to hell in our little community and yet they are not here
if we would live out the Gospel in every interaction we have this place would be bursting at the seems but it is not
again not for our glory as a church or my glory as a pastor or to help our bottom line
no sir because God’s heart is that all come to repentance
that is why you and I live out the Gospel
that is why we invite people to church
that is why we are eager to do life together
is that your heart
is that our heart
Some of you it is absolutely your heart and your fruit shows it
for the rest of us it is time to get on board and do what God put us on this earth to do
seek Him and be His ambassador to the sinful
lost
broken
hurting world
God’s priorities must be your priorities and put into action
The only direction you follow is God’s not the worlds
Does God’s Word truly drive your life
your thinking
your decision making
the next application and truth is this
You are completely safe in Christ
You are completely safe in Christ
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Colossians 3:3
Colossians 3:3
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
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You are hidden in Christ.....what does that mean
physically hidden.....nope
spiritually hidden
spiritually safe in Christ
Romans 6:2
Romans 6:2
God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
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If you are a Christian and try to live in sin your life will be filled with conviction
how do you respond to conviction
confession and repentance
you agree with God that you are wrong and He is right and you turn away from that and walk in God’s ways
In Christ you are safe to do that even if....check that even when it costs you something
money
job
friends
family
prestige
freedom
maybe even your life
you are hidden spiritually
you are safe spiritually so you are free to die to sin and this world
II Corinthians 5:14
II Corinthians 5:14
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
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Christ died for you because He loves you...we looked at that last week
because He died for us then we are to die to the world and ourselves and sin and our sinful nature and desires and lusts
What does die to you mean......change allegiance from you at best and satan at worst to Christ
because you are hid in Christ.....spiritually hidden and safe in Christ that means you are worry free and live life with freedom because no matter what happens here you are safe and hidden in Christ spiritually....that makes you free to serve God 100%
do you truly believe that this morning
are you living your life as if you are truly hidden and safe from the world in Christ
most of you will shake your head yes but
you are lying
you are living scared
what if i get fired
what if they reject me
what if i dont know an answer to their questions
what if
what if
what if
Stop selling God short
Stop living in disbelief and step over the gun rail and walk on the water with Jesus
you were not saved to be a coward
you were not saved to be shy
you were not saved to live scared
you were saved and impowered with the Holy Spirit to do great things
where are those great things????
John 14:12-14
John 14:12-14
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Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
where are your works
where are my works
Jesus wasn’t just blowing smoke here
this is what He expects because He is going to do it through you and me
are we casting out demons
are we healing the sick
are we believing in the power of Jesus enough to touch the hem of His robe and be healed
Jesus and the Holy Spirit will do those things through us but when was the last time you stopped and thought about.....let alone attempted to do greater works than these
shame on us
shame on me
it is time to live out our faith in the world so that the world sees Jesus!
The last application I want to take from Colossians 3:1-4 is in
Colossians 3:4
Colossians 3:4
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When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Christ is returning....are you ready?
Christ is returning....are you ready?
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Everything you do should be preparing for Christ’s return
Romans 6:6
Romans 6:6
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Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
That is how you prepare.....you stop serving sin
you start living the Gospel
I mentioned an experience I had this past week and that was with two from the church who were ministering to one of their long time friends
in that conversation the friend said I always seek you guys out because I always feel peace when I am with you
It wasnt the two from the church she was seeking and feeling it was Jesus in them
why
because they have Jesus and they have peace in the midst of chaos
they live it out
they put God’s priorities first and then in turn are filled with His peace...His Son...Jesus!!!!
Is that you
Do people see Jesus when they see you??????
That is how you prepare you live out the gospel while you still have time to do so!!!!!!!!
So what does this look and sound like
Colossians 3:5-7
Colossians 3:5-7
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Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
Here is a list, not an all inclusive list but a list of what we are to mortify
Mortify comes from a Greek word meaning...to subdue...be dead
Again God is serious about this.....you are to kill these things
you are to be dead to these things
these things should make you ill
you should feel an urge to repel these things
members comes from a Greek word meaning a limb or part of the body
you are to subdue....be dead to the following in your body
Fornication comes from a Greek word meaning harlotry...also sex outside of marriage....sex before marriage.....adultery in marriage
sex is only for marriage
how many of you watched a movie with sex in it this past week....fornication
how many of you watched porn this past week....fornication
how many of you thought about sex outside of marriage this week....fornication
you must take this seriously because God takes this seriously
Uncleanness comes from a Greek word that means impure both physically and spiritually
is what you listen too and watch pure
is it gloryfing God
would you watch it with Jesus
inordinate affection comes from a Greek word that means passion....lust
many of you are passionate about so many things but for worldly sinful reasons
our passion must be God and God alone
Evil comes from a Greek word that means depraved, injurious, bad, harm, ill, wicked
Concupisence comes from a Greek word that means longing especially for what is forbidden, desire, lust...usually of the sexual nature
covetousness comes from a Greek word that means avarice, fraud, extortion, greediness
avarice from Websters 1828 means inordinate desire of gaining and possessing wealth, insatiable desire for gain
this is the american dream......gain wealth and possessions
are you living worldly or spiritually......do you have an inordinate desire for gaining things and wealth
Idolatry comes from a Greek word meaning image worship literally or figuratively
Wrath comes from a Greek word meaning violent passion, by implication punishment, anger, indignation, vengeance
look no further that Sodom and Gomorrah for Gods wrath on display
Of disobedience comes from Greek word meaning disobedience, unbelief
God’s wrath will be poured out on the children of disobedience
if you do not have Jesus as your Lord and Savior you are a child of disobedience and will face God wrath with zero protection
If you are saved a Child of God you will face judgement but not punishment....Praise the Lord
Colossians 3:7
Colossians 3:7
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In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
All are born children of disobedience
all have walked as a child of disobedience
all have lived in the sin that accompanies children of disobedience
Church I cannot be more clear
you are not safe without Jesus
you will face God’s wrath and eternal torment without Jesus
it goes beyond that however....because you will not face the punishment you deserve you change
you mortify.....kill the evil that is within you....in your nature
you have to choose just as Joshua did
Joshua 24:15
Joshua 24:15
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And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
who do you choose to serve today
who will you choose to serve tomorrow
how will you know.....by how you live your life
if you need Jesus come
if you want to become part of this body through membership come
if you need to get with God and confess and repent come...feel free to put that on the cross
if you need prayer come
whatever you need come!
invitation
