How does accepting Jesus as Lord influence our decisions and actions? Key Verse: Colossians 2:6 “Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him.” Receiving Christ as Lord—More Than a Moment - “Received” pictures a decisive act: we welcomed Jesus’ rule into our lives. - “Lord” means Master, the One who now calls the shots (Luke 6:46). - “Continue to walk” turns that single reception into a lifelong lifestyle. New Roots, New Fruit Colossians 2:7 continues, “having been rooted and built up in Him.” Once rooted in Christ: • Our decisions draw nourishment from His truth, not shifting feelings (Psalm 1:2-3). • The Holy Spirit produces observable fruit—love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23). • Choices that once seemed natural now feel foreign; sin no longer fits new roots (2 Corinthians 5:17). Renewed Thinking Guides Daily Choices Romans 12:1-2 shows the flow: 1. Present your bodies—offer daily obedience. 2. Be transformed by renewing your mind—Scripture reshapes priorities. 3. Discern God’s will—decisions align with “good, pleasing, perfect” purposes. When Jesus is Lord, entertainment, spending, relationships, even calendar slots run through this Romans grid: “Does this reflect a renewed mind?” Obedience Becomes the Love Language Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23). Accepting His Lordship means: - We take His commands literally—sexual purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3), honesty (Ephesians 4:25), forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32). - We obey promptly, even when inconvenient (Matthew 7:24-25). - Obedience moves from duty to delight because it expresses love. Walking by the Spirit, Not the Flesh Galatians 5:16: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Practical outworking: • Before speaking, we pause—“Spirit, guide my tongue.” • Tempted online? We choose purity because the Lord is present. • Faced with anger? We submit feelings to the Spirit and respond with gentleness. Mission-Driven Living 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us we are “a chosen people…that you may proclaim the virtues of Him.” Accepting Jesus as Lord redirects life purpose: - Job choices: “Where can I best shine Christ’s light?” - Finances: Stewardship replaces selfish accumulation (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). - Time: We carve space for fellowship, service, and evangelism (Hebrews 10:24-25). Enduring Strength in Storms Walking in Christ equips us to stand firm: • John 15:4-5—abiding sustains fruitfulness. • Colossians 2:8—rooted believers resist deceptive philosophies. • Philippians 4:6-7—prayerful trust replaces anxiety. Putting It All Together Receiving Jesus as Lord turns a one-time profession into an everyday procession. His Lordship infiltrates thoughts, reorders desires, and steers actions. As we “continue to walk in Him,” every decision—big or small—echoes a simple, settled conviction: Jesus is in charge, and that changes everything. |
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