Bible Study - Heart of Worship (5) - The Lifestyle of Worship - Colossians 2 and 3 - February 16, 2025

 

Bible Study – Heart of Worship (5) – The Lifestyle of Worship – February 16, 2025

Life is an act of worship when we know the truth. Life upon earth is the training ground for eternity.

Our focus scriptures are selected passages from Colossians 2 and 3.

The Apostle Paul was in Rome when he wrote this letter to the Christians in Colossae. Colossae was 1,300 miles away from him.

The Apostle Paul had not visited the church in Colossae.

Let’s read Colossians 2:1-5:

2 For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person. ² I want their hearts to be encouraged and joined together in love, so that they may have all the riches of complete understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery—Christ.^[a] 3 In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

There was no need for them to explore other religions or seek other paths to THE ONE TRUE GOD because JESUS THE CHRIST is a treasure trove of wisdom and knowledge, and JESUS is all you need. True then and true now.

The Jewish teacher Gamaliel educated the Apostle Paul. Paul knew the Law, but grace was revealed to him on the Road to Damascus through his faith in JESUS The CHRIST.

Christ versus the Colossian Heresy

⁴ I am saying this so that no one will deceive you with arguments that sound reasonable. ⁵ For I may be absent in body, but I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see how well ordered you are and the strength of your faith in Christ.

The Apostle Paul had not visited Colossae. But he had a heart for the Christians in Colossae. Why? Because they were brothers and sisters in JESUS through the miracle of Spiritual birth.

The Apostle Paul was in Rome when he wrote his letter to the church at Colossae, 1,300 miles away. Paul’s letter is GOD’S gift to Christians then and today.

The Apostle Paul knew that Satan would do all he could to get the Christians to compromise. The same battle takes place today. We must study GOD’S Word, The Holy Bible, and build our trust in JESUS based upon truth and not hearsay. It is up to every true Christian to know GOD’S Word and evaluate it against what is being taught by fellow Christians, teachers, pastors, etc.

Why? Because as we get close to the second coming of JESUS, the distortion of the TRUTH will get worse.

In Matthew 24: For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Spirit-born Christians are the elect.

The Apostle Paul was concerned with the Spiritual growth of all the Christians in Colossae being misled by corrupt teaching. The Apostle Paul then and to us today admonished Christians to focus upon the teachings of JESUS and not distortions of truth that sound good to the flesh.

As Spirit-born Christians how are you to do that? You need to know who you are in JESUS and not to look at the world for your teaching but to elevate your thinking to the things in the Heavenly realm, not the earthly realm. Why?

Because as a Spirit-born believer your citizenship is now in Heaven for eternity.

The Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse of this fact in Philippians 3:20:

²⁰ Our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly wait for a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5: ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he (she) is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has^[d] come! ¹⁸ Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. ¹⁹ That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

2 Corinthains 4:7 - ⁷ Now we have this treasure in clay jars, so that this extraordinary power may be from God and not from us.

²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” ²¹ He made the one who did not know sin (JEUS) to be sin^[e] for us, so that in him (JESUS) we might become the righteousness of God.

The Apostle Paul considered himself already in Heaven, he was witnessing, teaching, and waiting until HIS LORD JESUS was finished with the work GOD had for him upon earth.

While we are upon earth, GOD and JESUS have work for each Spirit-born person to accomplish for the Kingdom.

While you are still upon earth, always keep foremost in your mind, who you are in JESUS. You know the truth, don’t hide it because others need to know what you know, and GOD will give you opportunity to share the Gospel through your life and/or through your life as you encounter life each day.

Those who know the truth of salvation are the light of JESUS in a world of darkness.

Therefore, be prepared to share what you know, which is ----

Colossians 3:1-25:

The Life of the New Man (Or Woman)

3 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 mind on things above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your^[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (WOW!!!)

⁵ Therefore, put to death what belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry. ⁶ Because of these, God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient,^[b] 7 and you once walked in these things when you were living in them. ⁸ But now, put away all the following: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your^[c] Creator. ¹¹ In Christ there is not Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.

Notice, in verses 9 and 10, you are in control of what you put on and what you take off. These actions are acts of your will.

As a Spirit-born Christian your life is ever changing on an ascending scale because you are growing in the knowledge and application of truth through your faith in JESUS.

The Christian Life

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. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,^[d] 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.

Christ in Your Home

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and don’t be bitter toward them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they won’t become discouraged. ²² Slaves, obey your human masters in everything. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, ²⁴ knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. ²⁵ For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.

Relationships are vital when Christians serve their LORD JESUS, especially those who are married. Husband and wife relationships are vital to serving our LORD JESUS.

Why are husband and wife relationships vital?

1 Peter 3:7 - ⁷ Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker partner, showing them honor as coheirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

James 4:3 - When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

The bottom-line is what is in our hearts? Are we trying to deceive or con GOD? GOD knows our hearts, so be truthful with GOD when we approach HIM.

Keep in mind as recorded in John 3:16:

¹⁶ For God loved the world in this way:^[a] He gave^[b] his one and only Son (JESUS), so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. Notice: EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IN JESUS!

Everyone who places their faith in JESUS is, as recorded in 2 Corinthians 5:20:

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.”

Those who are born of the Holy Spirit are called to be GOD’S ambassador. That is a high calling to serve GOD. An Ambassador represents his/her country in a foreign land. Since Heaven is the home of all who are Spirit-born, they are in a foreign land. 

 

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Heart of Worship (4) - The Benefits of Worship - Psalm 63:1-11 - February 9, 2025

Bible Study – Heart of Worship (4) – The Benefits of Worship – Psalm 63:1-11 – February 9, 2025

We find all we need when we come to GOD in worship.

GOD reveals Himself when we earnestly seek HIM through JESUS. 

We, who live at this time, are blessed because we have the revelation of GOD on an ever-ascending scale. We have the Old and New Testaments that reveal the One True GOD, YAWH, the birth of HIS only SON, JESUS, which is confirmed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for all who place their faith in JESUS and HIS passion.

What is worship? We, as humans, can place our faith in many things, such as people, a rabbit’s foot, four-leaf clover, favorite item of clothing, a god, GOD, JESUS, etc.

In John 4:24: ²⁴ God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”

GOD knows a person’s heart, therefore, do not try to con GOD. Be honest with HIM because HE will be honest with you. Truth prevails in relationships, especially with GOD. Why? Because HE knows your true heart.

David wrote Psalm 63 when he was in the wilderness. A person can be in the wilderness because he/she chooses to be there or because circumstances place the person in the wilderness.

Alone time gives many of us time to pause and reflect. The question is, “What do we reflect upon?”

In our early years, my precious wife and I traveled to Europe and her aunt kept our children. We saw many beautiful sights but when we got into our hotel room, away from the things that occupied our minds, we thought of our children. We looked at their pictures.

David was in the wilderness as he penned Psalm 63. Let’s explore!

First, let’s consider the foundation upon which David had built his trust in GOD. We read 1 Samuel 17 when David was just a young person when he told King Saul that he would fight Goliath, the giant:

1 Samuel 17:33-37:

³³ But Saul replied, “You can’t go fight this, Philistine. You’re just a youth, and he’s been a warrior since he was young.”

³⁴ David answered Saul, “Your servant has been tending his father’s sheep. Whenever a lion or a bear came and carried off a lamb from the flock, ³⁵ I went after it, struck it down, and rescued the lamb from its mouth. If it reared up against me, I would grab it by its fur,^[g] strike it down, and kill it. ³⁶ Your servant has killed lions and bears; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” ³⁷ Then David said, “The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

Saul said to David, “Go, and may the Lord be with you.”

As a young lad, David experienced GOD’S power working through him as he shepherded the sheep. It built his trust in GOD, which equated to faith and confidence in GOD and GOD’S ability.

JESUS taught HIS disciples as recorded in Matthew 17:20:

“Because of your little faith,” he told them (HIS disciples). “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Of course, David lived before JESUS, but David had faith in GOD, he trusted GOD. The key is placing your faith in truth not just anything.

 

Since the time of King David, GOD has fulfilled HIS promise of sending HIS only SON, JESUS, to earth WHO was the promised Messiah. As such JESUS willingly gave HIS sinless to pay, in full, for all sin for those who place their faith in HIM and HIS passion – physical life, physical death, physical resurrection and physical ascension into Heaven to take HIS seat at the right-hand of GOD, HIS FATHER.

Let’s explore!!!

As you read, study, and mediate on this Psalm, what is GOD revealing to you?

Our scripture is Psalm 63:1-11.

Let’s read Psalm 63:1-5:

Psalm 63

Praise God Who Satisfies

A psalm of David. When he was in the Wilderness of Judah.

¹ God, you are my God; I eagerly seek you.
I thirst for you;
my body faints for you
in a land that is dry, desolate, and without water.
² So I gaze on you in the sanctuary
to see your strength and your glory.

³ My lips will glorify you
because your faithful love is better than life.
⁴ So I will bless you as long as I live;
at your name, I will lift up my hands.
⁵ You satisfy me as with rich food;^[a]
my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.

Have you ever been really thirsty?

Our young son and I walked on the Swamp Fox Trail in the Sumter Forest, SC. The trail map indicated that it was a 12-mile hike. We began after lunch and as the sun began to fade, we realized we had a problem. We got to camp about 9 PM, out of water and our muscles were screaming. As it turned out the map was wrong, it was 22 miles instead of 12 miles.

We wanted water, food, and rest. Our desire was to get water, food, and shelter.

David knew this desperate feeling and he equated it to his desire to being in right relationship with GOD because he was secure in GOD.

GOD allows HIS chosen to experience situations that don’t go according to plan. What do we do? Do we fret or stop and pray?

Stop and ask GOD to show you what you need to do.

Let’s read Psalm 63:6-8:

⁶ When I think of you as I lie on my bed,
I meditate on you during the night watches
⁷ because you are my helper;
I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.
⁸ I follow close to you;
your right hand holds on to me.

King David trusted GOD to watch over him when he slept and when he was standing a night watch. He was in partnership with GOD and as such GOD was his helper.

Why did David have this confidence in GOD? David lived so close to GOD that David walked and lived in GOD’S shadow.

When I was growing up, people referred to me as my dad’s shadow. I followed him wherever he went.

Since the Passion of JESUS, all who have placed their faith in JESUS had the joy of the presence of GOD in them in the person of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity. Awesome!!!

Let’s read Psalm 63:9-11:

⁹ But those who intend to destroy my life
will go into the depths of the earth.
¹⁰ They will be given over to the power of the sword;
they will become a meal for jackals.
¹¹ But the king will rejoice in God;
all who swear by him will boast,
for the mouths of liars will be shut.

Again, King David rejoices in the fact that GOD comes to his aid in times of need or trouble. David knew that GOD was his protector and that his enemies would be food for the jackals.

King David would rejoice because he knew GOD had him covered.

We know that David was not perfect, and neither are we.

This we do know, JESUS died for every person whoever has or will walk the face of earth. The key is that each person must place his/her faith in JESUS. All who do, will live, and walk in Heaven for eternity, as members of GOD’S chosen Family.

The Bible is replete with scripture encouraging people to seek the right relationship with GOD:

Luke 11:9 - ⁹ “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you.

Revelation 3:20 - See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.

The Holy Spirit knocks on the heart’s door of all humans. The latch is only on the inside and can only be opened by the person inside. GOD knocks but it is up to us whether or not we open the door of our hearts.

Do you know JESUS as your Savior? If not, ask JESUS, right now, verbally to forgive you for your sins and ask HIM to come into your heart and save you from eternal Hell and give you eternal life through faith in HIM. WOW!

That is exciting. If you prayed that prayer, you have become GOD’S Son or Daughter through the miracle of being born-again in your spirit – rejoice and thank HIM for your salvation. Your first birth is human and is subject to death. Whereas your second birth is Spiritual and is eternal. As a newborn, you need exercise by reading and studying GOD’S Word, The Holy Bible. You need to grow Spiritually by reading and studying GOD’S HOLY WORD. If you do not have a Bible, get one. Get a version you are comfortable reading. Talk to GOD and JESUS. Tell your family that you have prayed to receive JESUS as your SAVIOR. You are on an exciting journey.

Every person is a miracle. Life upon earth is a gift from GOD. I believe life upon earth is the training ground for eternity.

One of my favorite scriptures, when I ponder life upon earth, is recorded by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 1: ³ Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ. ⁴ For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him.^[c] 5 He predestined us to be adopted as sons/daughters through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.

⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses (sins), according to the riches of his grace ⁸ that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding.^[d] 9 He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ ¹⁰ as a plan for the right time^[e]—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him.

¹¹ In him we have also received an inheritance,^[f] because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, ¹² so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory.

¹³ In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. ¹⁴ The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

WOW!!! What a heritage. Eternity is just a heartbeat away.

Written in love for all who read and respond. Don’t ignore the knock on your heart’s door. Only you can open it from the inside.

Trust and obey for there are no other ways to be happy in JESUS but to trust an obey!

 

Blessings!!!