The only safe way to live the Christian life is to be centered on Jesus and overflowing with gratitude. Those are two big safeguards in the Christian life; two ways to test ourselves, to see how safe we are against the world.
Open with me, if you will, to Colossians Chapter 2. It’s good to be with the people of God. I’m very thankful for those songs that we were singing, they were all very Christ centered – centered on the person of God. And that’s one thing we will talk about this morning, Lord willing.
When I was in Peru, several years ago, we had a guide with us when we were going through the jungle. His job was to point out places that we weren’t supposed to step. And I took it for granited in the beginning, but about 20 steps in I realized, “We better listen to this guy.” because this is a very dangerous place. And so this little harmless patch of mud, he’d say, “Do not step near that mud.” and I found out quick sand is a real thing – it actually is. And so I stayed away from the mud. And he would say, “stay away from this cliff.” And as you got closer you would realize it’s a sheer face that actually comes back in, so that edge looks like it would support you, but it wouldn’t support you. His whole job was to safeguard us from dangers, and that is what I want to talk about this morning. Is safeguards against dangers in the Christian life.
Lets read here from Colossians chapter 2, starting in verse 4, Paul says this:
I say this in order that no one may delude you with persuasive argument. For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude. See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
Let’s pray.
(Rest of transcript may come at a later date.)
Mason Vann pastors in Kirksville, Missouri at http://lakeroadchapel.org
