Colossians 3:1-5
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. 3 For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…”
In this week’s message, Pastor McKinney closes out the study of the book of Colossians. We see the Apostle Paul concludes his writings in this book with a series of success stories, highlighting the servants influenced by the Gospel of Christ.
In the first three chapters of Colossians we see the miraculous work Christ has done to secure our salvation and our destiny. As free-will agents, we realize our part to accept and walk in all that He has secured for us.
In Chapter one we see the PRAYER of Christ.
Chapter two we see our POSITION in Christ.
Chapter three outlines the PERSON Christ challenges us to be.
Chapter four declares the PROMOTION we have in Christ.
This message reminds us that we are in the world but not of the world. We do have a part to put off old things that hinder our walk. Col 3:5 “…Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. V 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another.
So, God makes the great exchange for whatever we pull off, He gives us to take on something even better. Col 3:12-16 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.
Each person mentioned in Chapter 4 had a tremendous testimony and tremendous odds stacked against them, yet, they pulled through as servants of influence. Servants that were influenced by Christ and Servants that now influence others. Like them, we can come out successful EVERYTIME! Stay the course. Keep the faith. Keep the Hope. Remain in Prayer. Keep pursuing God.
This article is adapted from the Sermon Notes for Dr. McKinney’s message:” In Him – The Servant’s Influence” which was ministered Sunday, November 26th, 2017
