We are focusing on Col 3:1-17 and thinking about what it looks like to live for Jesus. We are dead to sin and alive to Christ and so life can now be lived in a whole new way. Last week, we focused on the freedom we have in Jesus from sexual sin and to live a life of compassion. Today I would like to encourage you that you are free from making your desires your god, and instead you are free to minister to others.
You are free from Idolatry (v. 5)
In v. 5 the Lord tells us we are dead to greed which (meaning this greed) amounts to idolatry. This is great news. God explains that I can consider myself dead to all the things that I am tempted to believe will make me happy. “If only I had more money.” “If only my wife were like _______’s wife.” If only my husband were as kind and caring as __________’s husband.” “If only people recognized my great skills.” We are all dead to this kind of thinking. So let us encourage you … If you are struggling with thoughts like “if only I had _______ then I would be happy” then please let me encourage you that you already have all things in Christ. You are dead to the possessions of the Word and are now as wealthy as can be in the heavenly places. You truly are dead to idolatry.
You are free to minister to others (v. 13)
Not only are you free from making a god out of your own desires, but you are free to serve others. You have the privilege of “bearing with one another” and “forgiving each other” just as Christ forgave you. Where some people may be quick to separate, to ignore one another, or to attempt to hurt one another, we have the opportunity to bear with one another with the same kind of patience that God gives to us.
Are you struggling to forgive someone in your life? We believe the Bible teaches that you must always forgive–not because the injury was minor, but because you have been forgiven by Christ.
Freedom is something to be enjoyed and stewarded. You can consider yourself dead to idolatry and you are free to minister to others. Enjoy your freedom.
