Bible Discussion Thread

 
  • Richard H Priday - 1 year ago
    Colossians 3:2 "Set your affections on things above, not on things of the earth."

    This verse reminds us that our lives are as it were ..."seated in heavenly places.".. ( Eph. 2:6). That considers who is our advocate "ever interceding for us" ( Heb. 7:25). As I have pointed out in previous posts; the sheer magnitude of the physical splendor of heaven as great as it is is dwarfed by its Creator. Surely Satan would want to covet all of heaven's grandeur for himself; as indicated in descriptions of his exalted place as worship leader in Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14. As great as the pattern in heaven that God Himself mandated to be followed in the earthly temple or representation of the heavenly tabernacle; it is His presence which is always preeminent. This is why although Jesus Himself was God in the flesh He was not possessing beauty in the way man would desire Him ( Isaiah 4:2). This is why such a bloody sacrifice could be something that actually pleased the Father ( Isaiah 53:10). So we need to both die to our old ways and all the things that attract the five senses above our desire to glorify God.

    Much of the Kingdom of God has to do with obedience out of love ( John 14:15). Learning to love the ways of another is much like a woman who was betrothed and prepares for the marriage as scriptural parables as well as in some ways the Song of Solomon may indicate at a deeper level. We don't learn to love someone by cheating (such as illicit relations before marriage); or by focusing on vain actions that promote our own agenda. Service now certainly is a good way to get to know God's ways as well as prepare for heaven. This is utterly devoid of meaning to the unregenerate. Dying to ourselves is complete once we pass from this life; it is up to us to conform to His image or cling on to our old ways; the former brings great reward and is proclaimed and known by others; the latter brings great loss for us and eternal rewards as well. Let us do it now!
  • GiGi - In Reply - 1 year ago
    So well said, Richard.

    Jesus told us to store up our treasures in heaven where they cannot be spoiled or destroyed. ( Mt. 6:19-21)

    So, heaven is our eternal home with Jesus, the Father, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Hebrews tells us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus the Author and Finisher (perfector) of our faith.( Heb. 12:2)

    And here in Colossians Paul says to set our hearts on things above. We are to be heavenly minded in this earthly life.

    Jesus said He goes to the Father to prepare a place for us so that where He is we will also be. ( john 14:2)

    How good it is to know that our life in eternity will be so perfect!

    How precious is all that we have in Christ. Our inheritance is beyond what we could ever ask of think!

    So we press on to the upward calling of God in Christ Jesus.



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