What practical steps can we take to live in obedience to God? Anchor Verse “Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.” – Colossians 3:6 Recognize What Provokes God’s Wrath • Colossians 3:5 names the very behaviors that trigger verse 6: “sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry.” • Seeing sin the way God sees it is the starting point for obedience (Psalm 97:10). Practical Steps to Put Sin to Death • Daily confession and repentance (1 John 1:9). • Pray for the Spirit’s power to mortify the flesh (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16). • Remove access points: unsubscribe, delete, block, or walk away (Matthew 5:29-30). • Replace idle moments with Scripture memorization (Psalm 119:11). • Keep short accounts—deal with compromises immediately (1 Corinthians 10:12-13). Renew the Mind • Immerse in God’s Word: read, meditate, journal (Romans 12:2). • Sing Christ-centered songs that reinforce truth (Colossians 3:16). • Limit media that normalizes what God condemns (Ephesians 5:15-16). Clothe Yourself with Christlike Virtues • “Clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12 • Practice forgiveness and love as deliberate daily choices (Colossians 3:13-14). • Serve someone in need each week to cultivate compassion (Philippians 2:4). Walk in Community • Meet consistently with believers for encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Invite one trusted friend to ask hard questions about your walk. • Celebrate victories together, giving God the glory (Psalm 34:3). Live with Heaven in View • “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2 • Begin each day remembering your life is “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3-4). • Let the certainty of His return motivate holy living (2 Peter 3:11-14). Stay Alert to the Little Foxes • Regularly audit attitudes, speech, and habits (Psalm 139:23-24). • Replace grumbling with gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Guard the tongue—slander, coarse joking, and half-truths grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:29-30). Persist in Hope • Obedience is a lifelong pursuit; stumble? confess, rise, and press on (Proverbs 24:16). • Remember His promise: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). |
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