And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.  He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”  Colossians 2:13-15 ESV

When we are not walking in the truth of God in our daily lives, the lies are going to come either through the flesh, the world, or through Satan. They will come as the waves of the sea, one after another. And that's when we are susceptible to deception and prone to sin (our biggest error and greatest weakness is when we are not abiding in Christ). The worries of the past (fault) and the cares of the future (anxiety) anchor themselves in our hearts. Both become roots of sin because they are based on “my work” and founded in fear.

Lies quickly become idols, idols in the heart make us feel guilt, guilt produces remorse, remorse produces pride, and pride often displays itself with self-pity. How many times have you been like this, fighting in your own strength? Take time to read Colossians 2:13-15. Satan does not want you to know that God's truth makes us free and our life is sheltered with Christ in God, there is no room for discouragement, lies, pride, and self-pity. The secret of the Christian life is to be hidden in Christ.

What did Christ do on the cross?

• He gave me a new life in Him (I was dead in my sins and transgressions).
• God took the initiative to save a sinner like me (man can not save himself).
• He forgave ALL of my sins (without exception).
• He overturned the charges against me (sin does not have any legal power over me).
• He eliminated it, nailing it to the Cross (there are no charges against me).
• He disarmed Satan and his demons (disarmed them and completely exposed them)
• And he embarrassed them with his Victory on the Cross (he publicly exhibited them and He made them march in a triumphal procession, showing His power and glory over them).

The Cross of Christ condemns and discards our fears, and seals our identity and security in Christ.

Is Christ and His work on the cross the deep reality of your heart?  How should we respond after hearing this truth?

1. Confession and repentance, for not fully believing in God's character.

2. Thankfulness, for what Christ did on the cross, which is complete and for all eternity.

Amen.