LOSING YOUR RELIGION: Let’s dump all our religious preconceptions and focus on the high privilege of knowing Christ.  We need to deconstruct our religious baggage and proceed in life toward the calling that comes from Jesus.

OBEYING THE DEVIL:  We’re all born slaves to our sinful nature.  But God saved us by grace.  We can’t take credit for any of it.  Now we’re all set to do the joyous tasks he has earmarked for us as we are relieved from the drudgery of serving our egos.  Thanks be to God for this wonderful freedom.

NOT YET PERFECT: We will never be perfect.  Trusting Jesus to save us is the only way we are right with God.  Following rules doesn’t cut it.

THRIFTY AND GENEROUS:  The responsible followers of Jesus take care of their financial needs in such a way to not be dependent on others.  Make as much as you can, save as much as you can and give as much as you can.

God forgives and accepts losers, liars and lunatics.  Let's be like God.

THE CRAZY KING: God is ultimately in control of crazy leaders, and he will put them in their place.  He commands all leaders and followers to look after the needs of the down-and-out, which is the key to having a good life.

BODY CONFIDENT:  When we trust Jesus to save us, we are guaranteed a new, flawless body.  We will be reincarnated, but not in the pagan sense.  Let’s take comfort in the promise that we will be given new, recognizable and eternal bodies.

FRIEND OF GOD:  We’re Christ’s representatives in a ministry of reconciliation between humans and God.  We get to show people how to become friends of God.  And we need to show people how to get along with each other.

EASY LIVING: Paul’s teaching on how to live the best life is very clear in this passage.  The ironic thing is that it is easy.  Love extravagantly, hope unswervingly, trust steadily in God.

REVERSING DISSIPATION:  We have 1440 minutes a day to use at our discretion.  What is the best way to use them?