Rise With Christ And Put Off The Old Man

As those in Christ, our sights are set on Him and not this world. We seek the Lord’s will in all things because we love God and desire to obey Him. As Paul said, 1“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.” (Colossians 3:1,2) When we do as Paul said and begin praying more and reading the Bible often, our desires become different. This happens as we allow the Lord to kill off every evil part of our old life, that we may walk a new. And these wicked parts of us, we willingly give it over to God in prayer. Such things are mentioned by Paul in the following verses… 1“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.” (Colossians 3:5-7) He also mentioned a few more things that that we once did apart from Christ. He said, 1“put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.” Each one of those things are common in worldly and sinful lifestyles, but when we decide to follow Jesus, we put it all at His feet. This way, He may cleanse us through His blood. You may resonate with one of the things mentioned above now, but for Christ’s safe, it is time now to repent and become right with Him.

If there is one person that can help us live any differently, while being in this wicked world, it is the Lord God. Our willingness to serve Him, also brings in the Holy Spirit to guide us. This happens as we 1“put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” (Colossians 3:8) Through the Spirit we are born again and our body and soul is renewed. Now, as followers of Jesus, we 1“put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (Colossians 3:12-15) How amazing it is when the characteristics of our Lord come upon us also. Our belief in Him is what helps us become Christlike to everyone around us. We walk in His light, and therefore sin does not abound. There is humility in our lives as we freely learn from God and others in the faith. Because He is moving in our lives, there is love and kindness shown to everyone we are around. We don’t keep grudges, but forgive one another as God has forgiven us. His peace is what keeps us doing what is right. We are able to do these things His Words, from the Bible and prayer, are in our hearts. So 1“let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom.” (Colossians 3:16) May the Lord bless you as you walk in the light of Jesus.

Let us pray:
Gracious Lord, I love You. You are my God and I honor You. Thank You for hearing my prayers and having mercy upon my soul. I cried out to You in all my brokenness, and You comforted me. I was lonely and You put Your arms around me and helped me know that things will get better. I may have lost hope because of the sins in my life, but You still took me in. I was not cast aside like others have done to me, but You lifted me up and had compassion for my soul. What a great God you are to see me in my sorrowful state and wipe away my tears. I may have had plans to improve my life, but this became a reality when You started to lead me. I could only do so much for a time, until I fell back into my sins once again. So to have the Holy Spirit lead me and help me overcome my addictions is what I needed. Thank You Lord. If it wasn’t for Your hand in my life, I would still be living in my old flesh and continuing to stumble. I would be walking in uncleanness, lusts, covetousness, among other things. But now, just the thought of being disobedient to You is terrible. I would not be a true believer if I just did the opposite of what You’ve said. Therefore, I come to You daily, in order to be filled up in the Spirit. Put upon me Your characteristics of goodness and love. I wish to bless others as You have blessed me. I wish to forgive the same as You forgive me when I sin. So humble me, that I may be used for Your kingdom. Temptation is strong, but Your will is stronger. Give me ways to escape the enemy, that I might live in Your light. I love You Lord, and for this reason do I obey You. Your words are a lamp unto my feet and I can never learn enough from You. Lead me and guide me Lord. I trust in You. Amen.

Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.

1Colossians 3:1-17 (KJV)
1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:
6 For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

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