Our Prayer

Our Prayer

Heavenly Father, I know that I have sinned against You and that my sins separate me from You. I am truly sorry. I now want to turn away from my sinful past and turn to You for forgiveness. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that Your Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, that He was raised from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become my Savior and the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send Your Holy Spirit to help me obey You and to convict me when I sin. I pledge to grow in grace and knowledge of You. My greatest purpose in life is to follow Your example and do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Class Lesson May 16, 2021

 




Question 1:

Which companies do you appreciate for

genuinely living out their values?


THE POINT

How we live reflects on the message we share.




THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE

Most businesses in America are known simply for what they sell. We don’t often give thought to the values behind those goods and services. It’s rare—but refreshing—when we hear of businesses that are as well known for their values as for what they sell. One of the most well-known corporations with strong values and practices is Hobby Lobby®. 

The CEO of Hobby Lobby, David Green, is unashamed of his faith. He has built a “Christian culture” in which he leads others to lean on God in prayer. He depends on the Bible to guide his business decisions. But this is not merely a face he puts on for the public. He sees management as the servants of the employees, and he seeks to live that out with his employees.

  • Employees are paid well above the minimum wage.
  • Stores close early enough to allow parents to tuck their kids into bed.
  • Employees don’t work on Sundays.1

Our lives must match what we say in public. As we tell others about Jesus, it’s equally important that they see Jesus in us.



WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Colossians 3:1-3

1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the things of this world. Our culture influences everything from clothing and lifestyles to the definition and value of relationships. Long-term commitment to anything is on the decline. Our culture now experiences a consistent influx of change. Technology adds another dynamic to our ever-changing world. Our cell phones can feel outdated within the first six months of purchasing because the next “best thing” has already come along.

With so much change in our world, it’s not wise to try to constantly keep up with trends. What’s in today can be out tomorrow, and we find ourselves running to catch up again. People who pursue life with this focus never find fulfillment. Driven by a need for something new, something different, or something better, satisfaction is fleeting. Fortunately, Jesus Christ isn’t like the world. He never changes, but He’s never outdated. He’s the one perfect constant we can always turn to.

Paul wrote of the confidence we find in Jesus and warned us against seeking the things of this world. As we identify with Christ, we let go of the world’s priorities and allow Him access and authority over our lives. By doing so, we demonstrate to others that we are under His authority.

When we make a profession of faith in Jesus as Lord, we are identifying with His personhood and character. We are joined with Him in death, dying to our old life, and our new resurrected life in Christ is revealed, displaying a new way of walking that glorifies Him. Instead of allowing our sinful nature to run things, we can live humble, Christ-like lives in submission to God the Father. 


Question 2:

What are some challenges we

face in trying to live an authentic Christian life?


Having a Christ-like character requires dying to self and submitting to the authority and lordship of Jesus. To identify ourselves as followers of Jesus without exemplifying His character leads others to view us as hypocrites, inauthentic, and outright fake. If we’re not different from the world, they see no need to follow Jesus. We are called to be “the real deal,” living in authentic relationship to Him and reflecting Him to the world.



Colossians 3:12-15

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. 14 Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. 

What exactly is involved in maintaining a godly character? Paul identified several godly traits we are to “put on” and wear. As God’s chosen ones, loved and set apart for His glory, we are to display the same traits and behavior that Jesus Himself did. For the world to see Jesus reflected through us, we must be willing to clothe ourselves with Him.

When trying to decide what to wear for the day, I regularly check the weather forecast. Weather conditions can vary greatly in the Pacific Northwest. But the “clothes” of a godly character we are to put on are always appropriate regardless of the spiritual climate around us. We should set aside the old clothes of “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language” when we have “put off the old self” (Col. 3:8-9), clothing ourselves instead with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (v. 12). When we dress this way, the presence of Christ prevails in us.

Question 3:

What are some practical steps

believers can take to put on the character of Christ?


Paul provided specific instructions on dealing with conflict through “bearing with one another” (v. 13) through patience and longsuffering. We also need forgiveness to help us avoid the dangers of an unforgiving heart. As we acknowledge our own need for forgiveness from Christ, it’s easier to forgive others who have harmed or offended us.



CLOTHED IN CHRIST

Choose one of the following images that best represents being clothed in Christ to you.



Describe how this image reflects being clothed in Christ.






“The Christian life is one of spiritual courage

and determination lived out in our flesh.”

OSWALD CHAMBERS



God’s desire is for us to be one with Him and with each other—and nothing brings us together in unity like love! In His love, God provides His peace which rules and reigns as we trust Him. Covering ourselves in God’s love protects us and it draws others to the Christ they see in us. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Finally, we can maintain a godly character by being thankful for all that God has done for us.

Consistently displaying godly character enables Jesus to be at the forefront of our lives, and this ensures that people will encounter Him through us. Without a consistent mindset of “Christ first,” it’s easy to conform to the patterns of this world instead of being transformed by Him. Donning a wardrobe of godly character ensures others will see, hear, and feel the presence of Jesus when they see us. We dress for kingdom success when we wear the character of Christ.



Colossians 3:16-17

16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

The best way to learn more about God is through His Word, and the believer’s life is the most common way people encounter Jesus. Therefore, when believers allow the Word of God to take up residence and dwell in them, we can’t help but reveal Christ.

This is one of the reasons Paul encouraged believers to “let the word of Christ dwell richly among” them. To dwell means to abide for a time. The Word of God needs to dwell in us to transform us from worldly people to Spirit-led believers. In fact, Paul admonished us to let the Word dwell in us richly permeating every aspect of our beings. The Word of God needs to consume our lives, pushing aside anything that doesn’t reflect God’s glory. 

As we allow the Word to take up residence within us, the result is a flood of wisdom that overflows to others. The rich truths of God’s Word can be taught through various forms of music. While the terms have some overlap between their meanings, Paul identified:

  • Psalms. The sacred poems and songs from the Old Testament Book of Psalms.
  • Hymns. Festive songs of praise; songs that tell of our faith and God’s faithfulness.
  • Spiritual songs. A variety of musical compositions.




Question 4:

How has music helped shape your

knowledge and understanding of God?



We are to sing all forms of music and songs to the Lord with a heart of thankfulness. We should maintain an “attitude of gratitude,” looking at life from a position of all we have instead of what we don’t have. To possess a heart of gratitude is to view life from a perspective of contentment instead of dissatisfaction.

We are not to give thanks only during a time of singing. No matter what we do, we are to express thanks to God and “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 17). In other words, every word and every action are to be done with a conscious recognition of Christ’s lordship, authority, and reputation. He is Lord over all we do, and we offer Him thanks for all He does. Christ has given us the privilege of upholding His reputation and making Him known so that He is glorified.
 
I hope you see how important it is to demonstrate our faith to others through our character and our actions. A verbal witness of God’s love and salvation is backed up by the lives we lead. People may want to debate theology and religion, but they can’t argue with a life centered in and transformed by Christ. The lives we lead in Christ speak volumes.


Question 5:

What role does our group play

in helping one another grow in Christlikeness?











LIVE IT OUT

How will you ensure your actions align with the message you share? Choose one of the following applications:

  • Confess. Are there any areas of your life that don’t align with the message of Christ? Pray and ask God to reveal any sins or habits. Confess those and repent.                                                                                                                                                                        
  • Accept correction. Give a trusted friend permission to point out times when you are thinking more like the world and not like Christ.                                                                                                     
  • Share. As God gives you opportunities to share your faith, be willing to admit your own sin and failure. It’s important to be transparent, but keep the focus on Christ who has forgiven and transformed you.
A company that stands for Christ can do much good in making His name known. But so can an individual believer. When others see Jesus in us, they may be drawn to start a relationship with Him as well.

Teacher Notes:






Click Play to Watch

HOW TO SHARE CHRIST

 

Live the Message

The Point: How we live reflects on the message we share.

The Passage: Colossians 3:1-3,12-17

 

The Bible Meets Life

Most businesses in America are known simply for what they sell. We don’t often give thought to the values behind those goods and services. It’s rare—but refreshing—when we hear of businesses that are as well known for their values as for what they sell. One of the most well-known corporations with strong values and practices is Hobby Lobby®. The CEO of Hobby Lobby, David Green, is unashamed of his faith. He has built a “Christian culture” in which he leads others to lean on God in prayer. He depends on the Bible to guide his business decisions. But this is not merely a face he puts on for the public. He sees management as the servants of the employees, and he seeks to live that out with his employees. Employees are paid well above the minimum wage. Stores close early enough to allow parents to tuck their kids into bed. Employees don’t work on Sundays.1

Which companies do you appreciate for genuinely living out their values? 

 

Our lives must match what we say in public. As we tell others about Jesus, it’s equally important that they see Jesus in us.


Colossians 3:1-3

So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

 

What are some examples of “things above”?

What are some examples of “earthly things”?

 

1.   Seek the things of Christ, not the things of the world.

 

IT’S EASY TO GET CAUGHT up in the things of this world. Our culture influences everything from clothing and lifestyles to the definition and value of relationships. Long-term commitment to anything is on the decline. Our culture now experiences a consistent influx of change. Technology adds another dynamic to our ever-changing world. Our cell phones can feel outdated within the first six months of purchasing because the next “best thing” has already come along.

 

With so much change in our world, it’s not wise to try to constantly keep up with trends. What’s in today can be out tomorrow, and we find ourselves running to catch up again. People who pursue life with this focus never find fulfillment. Driven by a need for something new, something different, or something better, satisfaction is fleeting. Fortunately, Jesus Christ isn’t like the world. He never changes, and He’s never outdated. He’s the one perfect constant we can always turn to.

 

Having a Christ-like character requires dying to self and submitting to the authority and lordship of Jesus. To identify ourselves as followers of Jesus without exemplifying His character leads others to view us as hypocrites, inauthentic, and outright fake. If we’re not different from the world, they see no need to follow Jesus. We are called to be “the real deal,” living in authentic relationship to Him and reflecting Him to the world.

 

Colossians 3:12-15

Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful.

 

Do you find it easy or difficult to forgive those who wrong you?

When have you seen the damage caused by Christians who say one thing and live another?

 

2.   Put on and wear the character of Christ.

 

What exactly is involved in maintaining a godly character? Paul identified several godly traits we are to “put on” and wear. As God’s chosen ones, loved and set apart for His glory, we are to display the same traits and behavior that Jesus Himself did. For the world to see Jesus reflected through us, we must be willing to clothe ourselves with Him.

 

Consider what it means to be clothed in Christ.

 

Consistently displaying godly character enables Jesus to be at the forefront of our lives, and this ensures that people will encounter Him through us. Without a consistent mindset of “Christ first,” it’s easy to conform to the patterns of this world instead of being transformed by Him. Donning a wardrobe of godly character ensures others will see, hear, and feel the presence of Jesus when they see us. We dress for kingdom success when we wear the character of Christ.

 

Colossians 3:16-17

Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

 

When have you had opportunities to obey these commands in the past week?

What role does our Bible study group play in helping one another grow in Christlikeness?

 

3.   Let everything in your life point to Christ with gratitude and thanks.

 

As we allow the Word to take up residence within us, the result is a flood of wisdom that overflows to others. The rich truths of God’s Word can be taught through various forms of music. While the terms have some overlap between their meanings, Paul identified:

How has music helped shape your knowledge and understanding of God?

We are not to give thanks only during a time of singing. No matter what we do, we are to express thanks to God and “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 17). In other words, every word and every action are to be done with a conscious recognition of Christ’s lordship, authority, and reputation. He is Lord over all we do, and we offer Him thanks for all He does. Christ has given us the privilege of upholding His reputation and making Him known so that He is glorified.

 

 

Conclusion: The body of Christ does not have a great witness because we are not seeking where Christ abides and setting our minds on things above. God's kingdom and His will must be our focus so that our lives will then become what we behold.

 

What does it mean to set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:2)?

 

ANSWER: Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things,” or, as the NET puts it, “Keep thinking about things above, not things on the earth.” To set one’s mind on something is to choose to think about it, influencing one’s goals and guiding one’s course of action. The first part of the chapter is worth quoting in full to give the proper context:

 

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

 

“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

 

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:1–17).

 

Paul describes the “below” culture in a number of words and concepts: anger, rage, malice, slander, filthy language, lying. The “above” culture, in contrast, is characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, peace, singing, worship, and gratitude.

 

How are we to cultivate the values that are from above while living below? It takes a concentrated effort. We must “set our minds” to it. We are inundated with messages that promote the “below” behavior. If we listen to the radio, overhear conversations at work, read billboards, watch the news, read the newspaper, flip through a magazine at the doctor’s office, watch TV programs or movies, etc., we will be constantly directed to embrace values that are clearly from below. Even if the messages we receive are not overtly immoral, the perspective is one that excludes God and prioritizes things as though life on earth is all that matters—our happiness and fulfillment (the “right” to be happy) are top priority. If we want to be directed “from above,” we must make an effort to counteract the messages that are omnipresent in our culture. To set our minds on things above, we must read and meditate on Scripture, attend church, listen to uplifting music, and read things that turn our hearts toward God. This is a recurring theme in Scripture:

 

Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

 

Matthew 6:19–20, 33: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. . . . Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

 

1 Timothy 6:17: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”

 

The only way that a person can live according to the above dictates is if he or she is taking directions from somewhere other than the secular culture. Thinking on “things above” (the truths of God’s Word) not only guides us in what we should do but gives the reasons we should do it (grace, our position in Christ, our eternal reward, etc.). As we believe the truth “from above” more than the lies “from below,” we will start to act like creatures born from above, who have been raised with Christ (Colossians 3:1) and seated with Him at the right hand of the Father (Ephesians 2:6).

 

  

Rick Warren:

One day a man asked Jesus which, of all the commandments, was the most important. Jesus answered him like this: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength” (Mark 12:30 NLT).

 

That’s what it all comes down to. God didn’t put you on this planet to mark things off your to-do list. He put you here to learn to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. But what does that really mean, and how do you do it?

Loving God with all your heart often happens when you’re talking — it’s how you share the gift of communication with the world.

 

Loving God with your soul happens when you’re feeling — when you’re sharing compassion.

 

You love God with your mind as you’re thinking — when you’re giving consideration to people or ideas.

 

And, finally, loving God with your strength happens as you’re doing — when you’re making a contribution to the world.

 

Another way to say it is that you can love God with all your talk, all your feelings, all your thinking, and all your acting.

God calls each person to love Him in all four of these ways. The world needs communication, compassion, consideration, and contribution from every follower of Jesus.

But the reality is that your personality causes you to tend more naturally toward either the heart, soul, mind, or strength.

How to Really Live for Christ

For I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me. (Philippians 1:19-26)

What does it mean to really live for Christ? How do we know if we are truly living for him?

In the book of Philippians, Paul was imprisoned in Rome, awaiting a potential death sentence for his gospel ministry. In this specific text, he says one of the most quoted passages in the Bible. He says, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (v.21). This verse is the major theme of this passage. What does it mean to say, “To live is Christ.”

 

I remember when I was a basketball player in high school and college, I owned a t-shirt that said, “Life is basketball and the rest is details.” The idea behind the phrase on the shirt was that basketball was the primary focus of life and everything else really didn’t matter. At that point in my life, I could relate to that shirt and that is why I bought it. For me basketball was one of the greatest priorities in my life. Sadly, that also was a reflection of my relationship with God. For a large portion of my Christian life, God was really just a part of my life; he was not everything. I think that is the idea behind Paul’s phrase, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Paul was saying that Christ was everything to him.

For many Christians, they know this verse by heart, but they don’t know it by practice. Like myself as a young Christian, Christ is not their life. Life is school. Life is family. Life is career, or life is some hobby or entertainment. One author said, “Life is what we are alive to.”1 It is what really gets us excited. For many, their passions lie outside of their relationship with Christ.

What does it mean to really live for Christ? Jesus said this was the very reason that he came to the earth. He came that we might have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). He came so we could truly be alive to God—that he would be our passion and joy. Paul had found this life, and he constantly proclaimed it. In Galatians 2:20 he said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Paul saw himself as no longer alive—he left his past life behind, and now Christ was his life and Christ alone. His life began when he was blinded on his way to Damascus, and he became a follower of Christ. Later in Philippians 3, he recounts all the former things he took pride in—his Jewish upbringing, following the law, and being a Pharisee, and yet, he says he counted it all dung—all nothing for the sake of gaining Christ (v. 7-8). Christ was the beginning of his life and getting to know him more was the continuation of his life. And, one day dying would be gain because that would mean dwelling in the unhindered presence of Christ.

Is Christ your life? Is he your daily passion? Is he your hope for the future? In Philippians, we get the opportunity to watch and study a mature Christian—Paul. He is somebody we should be modeling. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” We can be sure that what we see here in Paul is not just descriptive of his emotions and experiences while in prison, but it is also prescriptive. It is a challenge to us to grow into spiritual maturity. Paul says this later in Philippians: “Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you” (Philippians 3:17). He taught them to follow his example, and that example was a life truly lived for Christ and Christ alone. 















































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