The Weekly Word: Clothed In Christ
The weekly verse
“Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.
Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ...”
Romans 13:10-14 (NLT)
the weekly question
Are you exercising godly discernment?
Much in the same way a bride takes the name of her husband, the Bride of Christ (His people) takes on Jesus’ name. Taking on Christ’s name redefines the way we live, and it imparts new measures of responsibility & authority. The Apostle Paul recognized the need for God’s people to be judicious regarding these matters, which led him to share the following revelation in his letter to the Corinthian church:
“When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in…[the same habitual lifestyle of sin]…
It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:9-13
Although every Christ-follower falls short in their conduct & remains in constant need of God’s grace, the Lord calls His people to live a life of holiness. When it comes to our fellowship with other believers, we’re to promote & protect this same level of purity. We unyoke ourselves from those who lead us to pursue an immoral & compromised path, and instead, we lock arms with those who are pursuing Jesus Christ. And by listening & living according to the Spirit’s leading, we grow in our God-given ability to judge without hypocrisy or ungodly compromise.
“Don’t you realize that someday we believers will judge the world? And since you are going to judge the world, can’t you decide even these little things among yourselves? Don’t you realize that we will judge angels? So you should surely be able to resolve ordinary disputes in this life.”
1 Corinthians 6:2-3 (NLT)
the weekly Consideration
It’s incredibly difficult, and ultimately impossible, to find true peace in an ever-changing world. Which is why you have to look beyond your circumstances. You have to choose to cling to that which is unchangeable.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”
Revelations 1:8 (NLT)
When you look to the Lord, you find that “God is your refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble“ (Psalm 46:1). When you trust His character, you can embrace any change God calls you to make. And you can grow into a confidence that recognizes the goodness of God in everything, at all times.
Instead of fearing change, you can embrace the opportunity it affords. And though what you’re called to do may change, you can rest in the assurance that He who calls you never does. Because ultimately, true peace resides in the unchanging, unfailing Presence of Jesus Christ.
the weekly challenge
Even today, people still eat from “the tree of knowledge of good and evil”. Do you know what the primary fruit of this tree is? Fear. This fruit has elements of truth attached to it, therefore, “it appears good for eating” (Genesis 3:6). However, we have to recognize the spiritual consequences of what we choose to feed on. Ultimately—
What we consume will consume us.
When we allow fear to embed itself within us, we begin to see the Lord through a fear-fogged lens. At some point, it becomes impossible to commune, worship, and intimately know the Lord when the eyes of our heart are fashioned by fear instead of His love. Just look at the way Adam & Eve hid from the Lord once their “eyes were opened” (Genesis 3:7). When we’re truly operating in the love of the Lord, we’re always drawn to Him & never driven away. In fact—
“Perfect love casts out all fear”.
1 John 4:18
It’s time to prioritize the Lord, His Kingdom, and the boundaries He has established for our minds & for our life. We’re not called to be dominated by fear, but to actually rise above it & take authority over it. Let God’s Spirit show you any places you’ve given fear unwarranted territory in your life. Ask Jesus to forgive you & lead you to reclaim authority in this area. Don’t be overcome by fear another moment—
Boldly embrace your true identity as an Overcomer in the Resurrected Christ.
we pray this week’s edition of “the weekly word” blesses you & the lives of those around you!
be a blessing
If any of our posts have been a blessing to you, please share as the Lord leads you!
Every post shared creates the opportunity for someone to be impacted by a Christ-inspired message. Thank you for partnering with us to advance His Kingdom.
*direct link to this week’s post: Clothed in Christ
Prayerfully consider partnering with ThinkOne9
Our Mission is:
To help Believers grow stronger & deeper in their relationship with Jesus.
To advance His Kingdom by encouraging & edifying the Church.
To share the Good News with people who don't know Jesus as their Lord & Savior.
Thank you for partnering with us to move this mission forward. Whether you choose to donate one-time or become a reoccurring donor, thank you for any support you’re led to give!
You can support our ministry using Donorbox or GiveSendGo (see below).
*Our ministry (LiveOne9) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Donorbox
Select an amount (or write your own)
Choose to give onc-time, weekly, monthly, or annually
Click the green “Next” button
Finalize your donation details to support ThinkOne9!
Give Send Go:
Visit our campaign website here
Click the red “Give” button
Enter your amount & donor details
Click the red “Continue” button
Finalize your donation details to support ThinkOne9!
Keep growing in your walk with Jesus
On your phone, text the keyword THINK to the number 77222.
Each week we publish a new Christ-centered message, you’ll receive one free text message with a direct link to the post.
Prefer Email updates?
Enter your email address in the form below & you’ll be able to read each new message from the convenience of your inbox.