What Defines You? Part 3

Colossians 3:1–10 NKJV

1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. 8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

This is the 3rd of a 3 part series. What defines you? This goes deep. Self-reflection. This is a wake-up call. What is at the heart of who you are? Have you been cavalier about your relationship with the Lord? Those days are behind us and a day of sifting has begun. If all the masks and all your material possessions were stripped away, what would be left? A wanna be, a 1/2 started project, or a golden vessel?

The focus today is verses 8-9

Colossians 3:8–9 NKJV

8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

anger - state of fury

wrath - rage; intense desire

malice - hateful feeling

blasphemy - defamation or slander

filthy language - dirty or obscene language

lie to one other - speak falsely

These are all things we struggle with our emotions or our tongue. They get us into trouble and definitely does not bring any glory to God.

James 3:3 NKJV

3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body.

Here is my bridle for my horse. This is a twisted wire snaffle with a rope nose band. It could be a harsh bit in the wrong hands. I use it to teach her to give to pressure but with a very light hand. But what about for us? What keeps us under control?

James 3:5 NKJV

5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

Our words can be very destructive, but we have to deal with the issue. The things we listen to the things we watch. It fills our minds and our thoughts and points our heart in directions which do not honor God. We have to make a decision. Do we want to live in this world or do we really want to live apart from it and live in God’s world.

When I was in high school I struggled with all the words I heard and how it kept cropping up in my mind, Now that is considered tame compared to what schools are today, but the same thing will help you as what helped me. Guess what, the power of God never changes from generation to generation.

Romans 12:1–2 NKJV

1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Galatians 5:22–23 NKJV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

Matthew 13:30 NKJV

30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” ’ ”

There is going to be a separation between the unbeliever and the believer. Between those playing church and the true Christian.

Malachi 3:16 NKJV

16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name.

Is there anything besides your name? This is not about works, but a vessel refined doing great things for the Lord out of a grateful and humble heart. What defines you?

1 Corinthians 3:13 NKJV

13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is.

This is not a salvation issue; look at verse 15

1 Corinthians 3:15 NKJV

15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

What defines you? Would it not be awful to have our works revealed by fire as being built by the things of this world instead of being built on the rock of Jesus Christ?

What defines you?

2 Corinthians 6:2 NKJV

2 For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, And in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

Conclusion:

Look at verses 8-9 again

Colossians 3:8–9 NKJV

8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

Do you struggle with any of these things? As a Christian, these are things we need to be aware of. These are things we need to deal with. We must root them out. This is not about condemnation, but a wake up call. Revival must happen in the house of God first. Revival must happen in us first.

1 Peter 4:17 NKJV

17 For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?