Colossians 3 – The Listening Plan

Before we get into the devotion today, I want to thank you for your patience last week as I sorted out some technical difficulties with our email system. I think we’re back up and running. In fact, if you’re reading this, we are! And to make up for the three days that didn’t come through last week, here’s an extra long devotion.

Devotional

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

– Colossians 3:12

I’m grateful to see that nearly 2,000 people a day receive The Listening Plan delivered to their inbox. That’s not to mention the additional subscribers via Apple iTunes or the Google Play podcast store. What that means is that a lot of people are taking the time to take in the Scriptures daily. That’s a really good thing! But perhaps you’re looking for something more than just listening to a chapter a day. I hope that you are. If so, I want to share with you a simply, and effective method for devotional Bible study. It’s called. T.I.P.S for devotional Bible study.

T.I.P.S stands for:

Truths to believe or obey.
I examine myself in light of those truths and commands.
Pray and Plan to obey.
Step out to obey, with the Spirit’s help

That might sound like a lot, but it’s actually really simple. So lets run through it with the above verse from Colossians 3.

Step 1

What are the truths to believe? Simple! I am chosen (elect) by God, holy and beloved. God chose you. He loves you. And because of the finished work of Jesus on the cross, you’re holy.

What are the truths to obey? As a holy, beloved and chosen child of God I am to put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

Step 2

I examine myself in light of these truths and commands, with some very simple questions. Do I believe that I am chosen, holy, and beloved? Do I respond to people with mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience?

Step 3

After I’ve examined myself in light of God’s word, I need to pray. Perhaps I need to confess to the Lord that I have not believed these truths, or that I have not been kind and patient. If that’s the case, then I need to pray, asking for God’s help to enable me to be patient and kind the next time, by the Holy Spirit’s help.

Step 4

Finally I need to step out to believe and obey God’s word, by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit. This is where we put God’s word into practice. We must aim at not merely being hearers of God’s word, but as James writes, we need to be doers also.

Read Pastor Miles latest article — “Acts As if God Exists” — at CalvaryChapel.com