Devotional for the Week — 26 January 2009

Devotional For The Week – 26 January 2009

Sermon Title: Continue In Christ
Scripture Text: Colossians 2:6-7

Jesus once said to Peter: "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31) We have heard of many Christians, including leaders of the faith, being tempted; some have even fallen from grace. The Christian is not free from temptations and obstacles.

What then can we do to stay strong in our walk with God? The key is to continue abiding in Christ.

How do we continue to abide in Christ? Colossians 2:6-7 offer us four main images to help us understand the act of abiding.

1. A Tree–A strong tree stays rooted to the ground and is nourished by the soil. We are to be rooted in Christ. We are to stay connected to the Vine. More than that, we should draw our sustenance from the soil. The soil is Christ. We feed on the bread of Christ. Christ influences our decisions, our life, our entire being.

2. A Building–Like a solid building, our foundation rests on Christ. We rest our full weight on Him. Our values and decisions are to be built on Christ. Proverbs 3:5 says: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Many a time, we struggle with logic, philosophy or leadership. We lean on our own understanding, rationale and science, but Paul says ‘No’ in Colossians. We are to fully rely on Christ. Let us exercise faith, trusting in God in everyday matters. Let us come before Him with open and willing hearts to be transformed by God.

3. People–We are to be like a people strengthened in our faith in God. Jesus has given us so many promises but many of us do not receive them in faith. We are just like the person who, when given a cheque, does not cash it out. We need to apply what is deposited in us by God.

4. A Bowl–Like a bowl filled with water to the brim, let us overflow with thankfulness, spilling over with the abundant grace of God. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says: “…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer Response:

Dearest God, there will be good times and bad. But through it all, I want to continue to be faithful. I desire to be rooted and built up in Christ, strengthened in the faith as I have been taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. In Jesus’ precious name I pray, Amen.

Devotional based on a message by Rev Lim Jen Huat

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