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Godly Recipe For Family & Society

July 7, 2024 Speaker: Dr. Abimbola Afolabi Series: Building Strong Faith

Verse: Colossians 3:18– 4:1

 

Day 1: Setting Our Hearts on Things Above
Devotional
In Colossians 3:17-4:1, Paul urges us to set our hearts and minds on things above. This means holding the things of this world loosely and focusing on heavenly values. By doing so, we align our lives with God's divine purpose. This alignment requires us to intentionally reject sinful behaviors such as anger and malice and instead embrace virtues like gentleness, patience, and love. When we focus on heavenly values, we can transform our personal lives and contribute to a more peaceful society.

Bible Verse: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. - Colossians 3:17

Reflection Question: What are some worldly things you need to hold loosely in order to focus more on heavenly values?

Quote: We need to set our heart or our minds on things above simply put, means that we should hold the things of this world loosely.


Prayer:
Lord, help me to set my heart and mind on things above. Guide me to reject sinful behaviors and embrace the virtues that align with Your divine purpose. Amen.

Day 2: Killing Sinful Behaviors
Devotional
Paul's message in Colossians 3:17-4:1 also emphasizes the need to 'kill' sinful behaviors in our lives. These behaviors, such as anger and malice, need to remain dead. We ought to be morticians when it comes to these things, ensuring they do not resurface. By marking these behaviors with a 'Do Not Resuscitate' sign, we can focus on living a life that pleases the Lord and brings harmony to our relationships.

Bible Verse: Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. - Colossians 3:5

Reflection Question: What sinful behaviors do you need to 'kill' in your life to live more harmoniously?

Quote:  For those ugly things that we are trying to keep dead, we need to mark them with a DNR. Do not resuscitate.


Prayer: 
Father, give me the strength to put to death the sinful behaviors in my life. Help me to keep these behaviors dead and focus on living a life that pleases You. Amen.

Day 3: Transforming Through God's Word
Devotional
The only thing that brings true transformation is the Word of God. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can renew our minds and align our lives with God's will. This transformation is essential for cultivating harmonious relationships and living a godly lifestyle. As we study and apply God's Word, we become more like Christ and can better reflect His love and grace in our interactions with others.

Bible Verse: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. - Philippians 4:8

Reflection Question How can you immerse yourself more in God's Word to experience true transformation?

Quote The only thing that brings transformation is the word of God.


Prayer
Lord, help me to immerse myself in Your Word and experience true transformation. Renew my mind and align my life with Your will. Amen.

Day 4: Harmonious Relationships in the Home
Devotional
For true harmony in our homes, we need to get our relationship with God right and take on board the teachings of Paul. This includes submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ, loving sacrificially, and obeying God's commands. Marriage, for instance, is not just about romance but about drastic transformation in individuals. By following these principles, we can create a home environment that pleases the Lord and fosters peace.

Bible Verse: Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. - Ephesians 5:21

Reflection Question: What steps can you take to improve harmony in your home by aligning your relationships with God's teachings?

Quote: If you want harmony in your home, and I mean real harmony, if you want there to be peace in your home, then you need to get your relationship with God right and you need to take on board the things that Paul is recommending.


Prayer
Father, help me to improve harmony in my home by aligning my relationships with Your teachings. Guide me to submit, love sacrificially, and obey Your commands. Amen.

Day 5: Fair Treatment in All Relationships
Devotional
Paul's teachings extend beyond the family to societal roles, advocating for fair treatment and respect for all. Masters are to treat their bond servants justly and fairly, recognizing that they too have a Master in heaven.

This principle applies to modern-day employers and employees as well. By reflecting the grace and love of Christ in our leadership and interactions, we can create a more just and equitable society.

Bible Verse: Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven. - Colossians 4:1

Reflection Question:  How can you reflect the grace and love of Christ in your leadership and interactions with others?

Quote: Masters, treat your bond servants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a master in heaven.


Prayer:
Lord, help me to treat others justly and fairly, reflecting Your grace and love in all my interactions. Guide me to be a leader who honors You. Amen.

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