Strengthening our Hands: Rise up and Build

We are Blessed to Bless!

Colossians 3:23–24 NASB95

23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

This passage is a command given by the Apostle Paul to the believers in Colossae.

Paul reminded the believers about their roles and duties as followers of the Living God.

The people of God must live in a way that is opposite to the World.

To live not for self but for God and His glory.

Paul also reminded them of their blessedness in Christ and those who are in Christ must make themselves a channel of blessing for others.

Colossians 3:18–22 NASB95

18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. 20 Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart. 22 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

In verse 18 - how can a wife becomes a blessing? by being subject to the husband

In verse 19 - how can a husband becomes a blessing? - by being loving to the wife

In verse 20, how can children become a blessing? by being obedient to parents.

In verse 22 - how can a slave / worker become a blessing? by being obedient to masters.

The command is based on the words “as is fitting in the Lord” , well-pleasing to the Lord, fearing the Lord, as for the Lord...

You see, Everything revolves and exists before God.

Everything finds its purpose and meaning in God.

What is the meaning of the Word Blessed?

The word blessed means happy or favored when used on people.

Matthew 5:3 NASB95

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:9 NASB95

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

What does it mean to be blessed?

When we hear the word blessed, we usually think about material blessing.

but as we have read in Matthew 5, it does not talk about material things.

Does it mean good fortune? (swerte)

Does it mean more food on the table?

Does it mean that you will not be sick?

Does it mean that you will not problems (financial, emotional, spiritual)?

NO!

It means that God will take care of you - when you get sick,

it means that God will provide your need, not wants.

it means that God will strengthen you as you encounter problems so that you will persevere.

True Blessedness speaks of our inner-state of well being. When we rejoice despite of trials and problems because we know that God will not leave us nor forsake us. True blessedness means unhindered fellowship with God the Father through Jesus Christ.

What’s should we do with the blessed gifts we received from the Lord?

Colossians 3:23 NASB95

23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,

Whatever you do (singing, dancing, drawing, declamation, oration, good at science, english, math, etc)

DO -you got to do something about it - use it!

DO your work HEARTILY - with all your heart.

it implies giving your absolute best, your whole being must be involved.

it is when we do our absolute best that we get the result we want to see.

If you are a farmer, you plant the best seed but fail to cultivate it, you will not get the best harvest.

the same way with talents and gifts from the Lord, God has given you gifts and blessings, remember to cultivate it, to get the maximum result.

As FOR the LORD - the goal of the doing is for God’s glory.

APPLICATION:

1. Use your gifts to GLORIFY God (vertical relationship)

using the gifts as an act of worship to God

using gifts as service to Christ.

When you sing - sing for the Lord

When you dance - dance for the Lord

When you draw - draw for the Lord

As if the Lord is your audience.

2. Use your gifts to EDIFY others (horizontal relationship)

using the gifts to bring people to Christ

using the gifts to encourage others to live for Christ.

When you sing - it must remind people about the love of Christ, and the goodness of God.

When you dance - it must promote dignity and wholesomeness

When you draw - it must declare the wonders of God.