Beyond the Weekend

July 8 | Jesus

July 8, 2016

Colossians 1.15-20

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.  Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. ~Hebrews 4.14-15

As Jesus followers we’re a kingdom of priests (1 Peter 2.9) with Jesus as our High Priest.  We take our cues from him on how to speak and behave.

Of the 10 Commandments, number three seems to be the one many of us ignore, or just blow off, because abusing the name of God is taken for granted in our culture.  It’s also very hard to obey.  Words can shoot out of our mouths before we have a chance to think, especially if swearing was already a habit before we gave ourselves to Christ.

Hebrews 4 tells us Jesus was tempted in “every way” we are. That means he, too, struggled with expletives demeaning to God’s name. Just like we are.  That’s hard to imagine. Yet, he never sinned.

We are to carry God into the world with the same honor and respect that Jesus did. Yet many of us weren’t raised in homes where godly words and behavior were modeled.  Thankfully, Jesus is our example. As you meet with God today, read Matthew 4:1-11 and observe how Jesus dealt with temptation.  Ask God to impress on you what he said and did that will help you resist the temptation to abuse his name.

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