DEFINING LIFE: Influences of Action

INTRO

Colossians 2:16–3:2 ESV

16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. 20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

1) Flee the Culture

What lost people think about God

There is no God, you are foolish.

Everyone should believe in whatever god they want to believe, we’ll all end up in the same heaven together.

God is ok to have as a part of your life.

We should have different parts of our lives: (compartmentalize)

The Work Part

The Fun Part

The Mindless Part

The Religious Part

Don’t mix those too much, especially the Religious Part

What Culture Christian people think about God

“Pick whichever flavor of tradition fits your tastebuds.”

If you’re church affirms you, then you’re in the right place for you.

“You can be ok with Jesus, but not like His Church.”

Me and Jesus are good, I just don’t like the hypocrite Church folks.

“If you’re going to follow Jesus, dress like this, show up to this, and do this.”

There is a difference in personal reverence and personal preference. We must teach reverence, not preference.

Religious practice for religious sake is just a shadow (skewed projection of reality). The reality of these things belong to Christ.

2) Follow Jesus

Religious Practice brings “an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but are of no value in stopping the indulgences of the flesh.” (vs. 23)

Following Jesus brings “growth that is from God.” (vs. 19)

Follow Jesus, not what people think about Jesus.

To do this, you have to take a personal responsibility in “seek[ing] the things that are above” (vs. 1) and “set[ting] your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth.” (vs. 2)

We must be active in filling ourselves with Jesus.

Something drives you and influences your decisions and actions on a daily basis: Is it Jesus or something else? If the answer is “something else” then it’s time for a change.

If it’s “Jesus sometimes, something else sometimes” then it’s time to start identifying specific areas and giving control over to Jesus.

IF with CHRIST you died to the elemental spirits of the world, WHY, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to its regulations? (vs. 20)

CLOSING

It’s a daily struggle, but a daily dedication.

It’s a daily reminder that we need Jesus every moment of every day.

Never settle for what people say about Jesus…pursue Jesus Himself.