Colossians 3:2-17

Verse 2, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

The whole Christian life can be summed up in these five things that we should know without having to be exhorted, rebuked, or threatened in any way.

I.      A CHRISTIAN SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE TOLD TO LOVE GOD!

In our text, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”

The Bible says in Romans 8:9, “If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” 

In 1 Corinthians 2:16, “We have the mind of Christ.”

In John 14:23, “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

Deuteronomy 6:5, “And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

Deuteronomy 11:1, “Therefore thou shalt love the LORD thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway.”

Matthew 22:37, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”

Mark 12:30, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.”

Luke 10:27, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.”

Some carnal Christian might say, “Do you force yourself to love God?” No! Loving God for the Christian ought to be as natural as flowing water.

II.     A CHRISTIAN SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE TOLD TO FEAR GOD!

Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

If your life is going to be well balanced, it must be in the fear of God. The law of the harvest is sowing and reaping, and we need to understand that we will reap what we sow. This is where the fear of the Lord takes over, and we begin to discipline ourselves. The fear of God teaches us that godly living draws us closer to God Himself. Fearing God is the foundation that will help us to have the right attitude towards God and others.

Proverbs 28:14, “Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.”

III.   WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE TOLD TO WORSHIP GOD!

Jesus said in John 4:23-24, “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

God commands us to worship Him, and He will be worshipped. The host of heaven worships Him, and we who are blood-bought ought to be the first to crown Him King of Kings. Even the thief on the cross said, “Lord, remember me…” He called Him Lord.

It does not fit our lifestyle to worship God in so many cases, but the command is in the Bible. The question comes down to this: “Is He preeminent in your life?”

Where and how does He fit into your schedule? The answer will determine how happy you will be this year. God cannot do for you what He would like if you do not worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

David said in Psalm 103:1-2, “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:”

That is exactly what worship is: praising Him for Who He is and what He has done.

IV.    CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE TOLD TO SERVE GOD!

It seems almost senseless to say it because it ought to be second nature for us, like breathing and eating. Realize you are bought with a price; that is, His precious blood. Is this not enough reason to want to serve Him?

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Think about this, how many of the one hundred sixty-eight hours per week do you serve God?

A part of our service is telling people that Jesus loves them, that He died for them, and then encouraging them to come to Sunday school and church to learn the Bible. Isn’t it time you got started on some of these things?

V.     CHRISTIANS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE TOLD TO OBEY GOD!

There is not much excitement in this statement. Peter said it is “better to obey God than men.” Now, it is important to obey man, but how much more important to obey God?

Now, here is our quiz for each of us:

Do you believe God is right in commanding these five things? If so:

  1. Have you been saved and baptized?
  2. Do you pray?
  3. Do you read the Bible?
  4. Do you give your tithe and offerings?
  5. Do you witness for Christ?

When we get to Heaven, we are going to be measured by our obedience to God.

Jesus said of Himself, “I do always those things that please the Father.” God is seeking such to worship Him!

May I encourage you to take this message and discipline your life in the light of these eternal truths? Are you thirsty? Come to the living water for refreshment in following the help in this message!

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Hans Nikoley, GSBC Staff

Bro. Nikoley emigrated from Germany to the United States with his family at age 13. He served full time in the Nevada Air National Guard for six years. At age 32, He was saved, and in 1977, he graduated from Bible College. He pastored for over 31 years, 27 of them at Pomerado Road Baptist Church in Poway, California. Bro. Nikoley has served at Golden State Baptist College in the Bible Department and also as the Student Employment Director since 2007. He and his wife Mary have two children and have been married for 58 years.