A life that reflects Christ - In the hands of the potter
Jonatán Toledo
(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY: The speaker exhorts the congregation to present lives that reflect Christ both inside and outside the church. They highlight three steps to reflect Christ from Ephesians 4:22-32: putting off the old man, renewing the spirit of the mind, and putting on the new man created according to God. The speaker also reflects on the importance of respecting the place where we worship God by dressing respectfully. They confess their own struggles with this and ask for forgiveness for wanting to be accepted by the world instead of standing out as a Christian.
The author reflects on Paul's exhortation to the Ephesians to live a different life as Christians, with three main points: speak the truth in love, do not let anger last long, and do not steal. They explain the practical implications of these points, such as being a person of integrity at work, controlling anger in relationships, and not wasting time during work hours. The author also emphasizes that these changes should come from a transformation of the heart and mind, not just outward appearances.
The Bible verse "Thou shalt not steal" has broader implications beyond just physical stealing. It includes stealing time and resources from work or others. Employers who do not pay their employees fairly or overwork them are also stealing from them. Additionally, Christians should be mindful of the words they speak, making sure they are always uplifting and not corrupted or unhealthy. Our words should be seasoned with salt, causing others to thirst for God. We must be careful with our conversations, avoiding gossip or negative talk, and treating our problems with others instead of spreading them around.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of using our words wisely and not speaking corrupt or harmful things. He shares the three filters of Socrates - truth, goodness, and usefulness - and encourages us to apply them before sharing anything. He warns against criticizing church leaders or ministries, as it does not build up and can even be considered blasphemy. The speaker urges us to get rid of bitterness and forgive each other, and to avoid all anger, shouting, slander, and malice. He believes that God is calling us to reflect Christ in our words and actions.
The author reflects on Paul's exhortation to the Ephesians to live a different life as Christians, with three main points: speak the truth in love, do not let anger last long, and do not steal. They explain the practical implications of these points, such as being a person of integrity at work, controlling anger in relationships, and not wasting time during work hours. The author also emphasizes that these changes should come from a transformation of the heart and mind, not just outward appearances.
The Bible verse "Thou shalt not steal" has broader implications beyond just physical stealing. It includes stealing time and resources from work or others. Employers who do not pay their employees fairly or overwork them are also stealing from them. Additionally, Christians should be mindful of the words they speak, making sure they are always uplifting and not corrupted or unhealthy. Our words should be seasoned with salt, causing others to thirst for God. We must be careful with our conversations, avoiding gossip or negative talk, and treating our problems with others instead of spreading them around.
The speaker emphasizes the importance of using our words wisely and not speaking corrupt or harmful things. He shares the three filters of Socrates - truth, goodness, and usefulness - and encourages us to apply them before sharing anything. He warns against criticizing church leaders or ministries, as it does not build up and can even be considered blasphemy. The speaker urges us to get rid of bitterness and forgive each other, and to avoid all anger, shouting, slander, and malice. He believes that God is calling us to reflect Christ in our words and actions.
I hope that this word is a blessing for each of us and I have titled this message "A life that reflects Christ in the hands of the potter." I want to exhort the congregation that we try to present lives that reflect Christ inside and outside the church and that we are willing to put ourselves in the hands of the potter so that the Lord breaks us and molds us again to be able to be vessels of honor in his hands.
The first passage that I want to share with you is in Ephesians 4, from 22 to 32 and the Bible says:
The first passage that I want to share with you is in Ephesians 4, from 22 to 32 and the Bible says:
