SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES 06-10-2019

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY “Warning against false teaching and worship”: Believers in Christ should beware of false teachers and their errors; we should not embrace ordinances that have been abolished. We are cautioned never to accept any form of worship that is perverse and idolatrous, denies the Sonship of Christ or elevates an object or any personality above Him. Ministers should be relentless in their effort to feed the flock of God to enable them resist present-day falsehood and continue abiding in the faith.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 763: THE BELIEVER’S RISEN LIFE MEMORY VERSE: …… “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). TEXT: Colossians 3:1-25

INTRODUCTION The risen life is a glorious life of triumph over sin and the works of the flesh. It is a life that constantly seeks higher spiritual attainments that glorify God. It is a life that sets its affection on and is pre-occupied with the spiritual more than the mundane. This is a life of spiritual and holy service with eternity in view. It is a Christlike, rapturable life with a constantly rising hope of meeting the Lord in heaven. QUESTION 1: What is the risen life? – Colossians 3:1,2; Ephesians 5:27

SCRIPTURAL PRECEPTS FOR GODLINESS Colossians 3:1-11; Philippians 3:19,20 Living for God’s glory is the priority of every heaven-bound pilgrim. His passion and pre-occupation are directed at fulfilling God’s plan. Therefore, he glorifies God with his body. The resurrection power that lifted Jesus from the grave is the same power that translates the believer from darkness to light. Being crucified with Christ, we become dead to sin, pride, the allurements and fashions of the world and worldly ambition. We are to separate from sinful practices by mortifying our body and keeping it in subjection to the Spirit. The risen life shines forth as light and dispels every work of darkness.

SCRIPTURAL PRECEPTS FOR GODLINESS Colossians 3:1-11; Philippians 3:19,20 QUESTION 2: Why must believers set their affection on things above? – Colossians 3:2,3; Galatians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 6:19,20 QUESTION 3: How can a believer mortify [i.e. put to death] his [body] members? – Colossians 3:5,8-10

SPIRITUAL GARMENT FOR THE NEW MAN Colossians 3:12-17; 1:28; Galatians 5:22,23 Being born again makes us a new creature. This gracious translation from darkness to light demands that we no longer continue with the works of darkness. We must make progress by putting on the life of Jesus Christ and showing the beauty and elegance of the Christian life (Col. 3:12,13). These noble virtues, known as the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22,23), spread grace and godliness in the body of Christ. QUESTION 4: Why are Christians commanded to put on charity above all things? – Mark 12:30,31; John 13:35; Colossians 3:14

SOLEMN CHARGE FOR CHRISTIAN HOMES Colossians 3:18-25; Ephesians 5:22-28; Ephesians 6:1-4 The Christian life is not lived in isolation. Practical demonstration of God’s grace and goodness in the family is proof of true Christian profession. Christian wives are to submit to their husbands according to the Scriptures. The husband’s love for the wife must be selfless and sacrificial. Children are commanded to obey their parents in everything which is not contrary to the will of God. Servants are to obey their masters in all things that agree with Scripture. QUESTION 5: How can believers live the risen life in the family? – Colossians 3:18,19,20-22

CONCLUSION The risen life triumphs over sin and the works of the flesh. It is a life of spiritual and holy service with eternity in view. We must cease from the works of the flesh and put on the character of Christ. Love is the virtue that should mark us. Our Christianity should be visible also at home. Wives are to submit to their husbands while children should obey their parents in line with the Scriptures. The husband’s love for the wife must be selfless and sacrificial.