Christ told us in His word, if any man wishes to follow Him [as His disciple], he must deny himself, and take up his cross walking daily and following Him [believing in Him, conforming to His example in living, because of faith in Him. (Luke 9:23) He is God Almighty; Walk [habitually] before Him [with integrity, knowing that you are always in His presence], and be blameless and complete [in obedience to Him]. (Genesis 17:1)
When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) Keys to our life purpose is to fear God, to live in awe-filled reverence, worship and devotion to Him, walk with Him daily, seek Him to know and love Him, and to keep His commandments. In Him, for Him, by Him, and through Him, we live. For by Him all things were created in heaven and on earth, [things] visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [that is, by His activity] and for Him. He Himself existed and is before all things, and in Him, all things hold together. [His is the controlling, cohesive force of the universe]. (Colossians 1:16-17)
And in Him, you have been made complete [achieving spiritual stature through Christ], and He is the head over all rule and authority [of every angelic and earthly power. (Colossians 2:10) We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we walk in the newness of life.
We died [to this world], and our [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3) Christ-centered, living a moral life, and growing in obedience to God, His will, His word, and His way. We do not imitate what is evil, but [imitate] what is good. The one who practices good [exhibiting godly character, moral courage and personal integrity] is of God; the one who practices [or permits or tolerates] evil has not seen God [he has no personal experience with Him and does not know Him at all. (3John 1:11)
We do not conform to this world, but we steadily transform and are progressively changed [maturing spiritually] by the daily renewing of our mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes] [in His plan and purpose for us]. (Romans 12:2) We are steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing our best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that our labor in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose]. (1 Corinthians 15:58) God strengthens, equips, and empowers us to walk steadily with Him. Steadfast is to have our minds fixed on a direction or purpose; being unwavering.
We keep our mind focused habitually on the things above [the heavenly things], not on things that are of this world [which have only temporal value]. (Colossians 3:2)
We keep our minds on whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; we think continually on these things [centering our mind on them, and implanting them in our heart]. (Philippians 4:8) Christ, our Lord, God and King, is steadfast. Therefore, we are steadfast in Him walking steadily.
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