Giving God Our Best August 25, 2024 - Killen Global Methodist Church

12 min read

Colosians 3:14-25 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. 22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.❓ What’s one thing you could do that would better yourself? What motivates you to do your best❓👉 ****) “Doing your best is more important than being the best” (*****👈

➢ How many remember growing up and hearing from parents:

My mom cleaning the house when people were coming, or talking about how bad their house looks when someone drops in unexpectedly.
Be on your best behavior when going places
First impressions are important

⭐ From these verses we see that it is important for us to do our best! v23) 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

💥 One of our problems in the Christian life is that we have been taught so heavily that salvation is by grace that it’s almost a sin to strive to do and be our best.

It is not of works! Because we would only boast about ourselves. So we are almost afraid of trying to do and be our best.
Some even taught that after we pray the prayer of salvation, it doesn’t matter how we live or behave.
- I beg to differ in that; I believe we are taught God doesn’t want people who simply believe in him, BUT follow Him.

Results of not doing and being our best:1. v16) The Word of God loses its effect in our life. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

2. v18- 22 ) It affects our family relationships in the home. A. Disharmony between the husband and wife. v18) Husband and wives argue over what is best for the families. ( rightfully so) B. Husbands and wives become bitter toward each other. v19) C. Children don’t obey. (v20)D. Parents make it harder for children to obey. v21)E. We become people pleasers and do things to make ourselves look good to others.

We are different people at home than we are out in public.
Out in public we become people pleasers; at home we become self pleasers.

💥💥 According to these verses, it is IMPORTANT to do our best! Benefits of doing our best.1. The peace of God will rule our hearts. v15)15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.2. We develop an attitude of thankfulness. Discontent unthankful) vs Being thankful and satisfied) v17 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

3. The Word of God becomes powerful and is able to transform and change us into becoming more and more Christlike. v16) 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

4. Our homes become pleasing to God. v18-19) 18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. The relationships in our homes can improve and become better. Even if others don’t fall in line, you will be doing your best.

Marriage 18-19)
Parents and children

5. We become genuine and sincere. (God fearing people) v22) not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.

We become trustworthy, honest people that others look up to regardless of our status or positions in life.
Work well with others v22)

6. God blesses our life!!! v24) 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

What does this teach?I. PUT ON CHRIST. v15) 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. We must let God rule our heart. I must know God.

II. I MUST LOVE GOD. vs 14) 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Put on love!!

My motivation to do my best goes to what I love the most.
When I love, it changes what I do….How I live….. How I treat God and others. I want to do my best.
Even our enemies.

III. Use the right standard. v16) 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Teaches me how to do good and be good. v17)

IV. Live it in the home! Best place to do good, be good and treat others well. v18-20) Not as people pleasers, but sincere and honest. Because you do care.

Result:

A. God perfects us v14)

B. God’s peace will rule our heart v15)

C. We become people that are more thankful and less needy v15)

D. The Word becomes a powerful life changing source in our life. v16)

E. Our homes become a haven of blessings and a place of peace.18-21)

F. We become God pleasers and not people pleasers.v22)

G. We receive the rewards and blessings of God while here on this earth. Life is better when we do our best!

“Doing your best is more important than being the best”

Comments