This week Bro. Leo continues us on our study of the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Last we studied the Biblical purpose of our lives in Christ.

This purpose is two fold, 1) our daily walk in our present life (vs.12-14), 2) our eternal life (vs.20). In vs.12 the word “perfect” is translated from the Greek root word “telos” which means completeness, full maturity, to be full grown in faith and knowledge of the truth and character and virtue and understanding of the Scriptures. In vs.14 the word “high” is translated from the Greek word “anō” which means upward or above, heavenly or celestial, pertaining to things that above, heavenly and divine. In vs.14 the word “calling” is translated from the Greek word “klēsis” which means call towards or invite, go in a certain direction. Paul is telling us here that as Christians we have been called to live out a higher purpose of God in our present life through our personal life changing relationship with Jesus with an eye towards the future. Our perspective should always be a moving forward and a moving up. We should be seeking God’s purpose for our lives daily. We know that we are going to Heaven for eternity. Our lives have eternal consequences that effect ourselves and those around us (Pro.15:24, Psa.121:1, Psa.40:1-3, Matt.18:1-3, 5-8). The calling of God is that we set examples for those around us (Phil.3:17, Matt.5:13-16). We should put greater value on our relationship with Jesus than on our worldly possessions and statures and like Paul, we should be seeking for God to increase His knowledge and purpose in our lives (Phil.3:7-11, Phil.2:12-13, Matt.6:19-21, ).

This week look at the Biblical identification of every true born again Christian. Col.3:1-4 identifies Christian’s lives are covered by Christ’ life. Our life is no longer ours, it is now our life in Christ. Our self identity as my life in Christ gives me my self worth, self esteem and self purpose as long as it’s based on my life in Christ. We should identify as a born again, spirit indwelt child of God (John 3, Rom.8, Eph.2).

We are to take seriously our relationship with God. We must realize that God desires and is working in us and is for us and through us (Phil.2:12-13). God has a plan and purpose for our lives and we need to be seeking it out.

Three results from God working in us, on us and through us:
1) we will be blessed
2) God will be glorified
3) others will be ministered to

We live in the power of the faith of Jesus (Gal.2:20). It’s no longer I that lives but Christ living in me. We should be praying that Christ will increase in our lives daily (John 3:30-31). This mindset will empower us, free us, will help us with decision making and relationships and every area of our lives. The more our old self dies, the more Christ increases in our life.

Rom.8:1 explains that we are reconciled to God, because the sin barrier is removed. We now have a personal relationship with God.

Most folks lack a strong unwavering Christ centered, positive self worth. A lot of folks, both Christians and lost folks, self identify these four ways.
1) How others think or say about us.
2) Worldly achievements and failures.
3) Self glorification or notoriety.
4) Worldly possessions.

Scriptures used in today’s study:

Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Joh 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
Joh 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Joh 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

Joh 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
Joh 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

1Co 6:19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
1Co 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.