Colossians 3:1-17
Introduction: We left off Chapter 2 of Colossians by verse 8, Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers1 of this world, rather than from Christ; (NLT) and 2:16, So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. (NLT)
Colossal Truths from Colossians Chapter 3
Truth #1 – Living in ‘New’ Life is Mandatory plus has major advantages – 3:1-10.
New Life in Christ
2 Corinthians 5:17, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (NKJ)
Hebrews 12:1, Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us’. (NLT)
Ephesians 4:22-24, ‘throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God — truly righteous and holy’. (NLT)
Romans 12:1-2, And so, dear brothers and sisters,1 I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice — the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.’ (Rom 12:1 NLT)
Advantages of ‘New’ Life
- Changes and puts us in proper mindset.
- Alleviates pressures & demands of impossible demands (law).
- Deals with the condemnation and shame of previous mistakes.
- Dealing with Devils lies.
- Dealing with Others self-righteousness.
- Woman caught in Adultery – ‘Neither do I condemn you…’’go and sin no more.’
- John 9, ‘Who sinned this man or his parents…’
Application: Please know thatbecause we don’t live in condemnation and shame it doesn’t give us license of sin or accept/justify and embrace sinful behavior as excuse to not have a standard….which leads us to truth #2.
Transition: Truth #2
Truth #2 – Getting Rid of / Dealing with ‘Old’ Life is Essential – 3:5-17.
New Clothes – verses 12 – ‘Put on,’ ‘Clothe yourself.’
Application / Illustration: My old boot.
- Tenderhearted mercy
- Kindness
- Humility
- Patience
‘And Above all clothes yourself with Love!’
Transition:
Truth #3 – As Christians, We Represent Christ in Everything
‘And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father’. (NLT)
Do (poieo)= to make or do: accomplish, act, become, bring to pass, bring forth, commit, composes, establish and execute.

But The Greatest of These
1 Corinthians 13 Introduction: Valentines Weekend. There is nothing wrong with dinners, chocolates, cards or flowers. When it come to Love, there are all kinds of things uses and pointed to as objects or illustrations: • Books – Romeo & Juliet; Gone with the Wind, etc. • Music / Songs – ‘Endless Love’, Diana Ross…

Champions
1 Corinthians 1:25-26 Introduction: Superbowl Sunday. Champion – noun– a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition or series of competitions, so as to hold first place: the heavyweight boxing champion. Anything that takes first place in competition. One definition that I found that I like about what it means to be a…

Flood or The Blood
Psalm 32:1-7 Psalm 32:6, ‘Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment’. (Psa. 32:6 NLT) Introduction: Let’s look at a ‘communion text’ as we are contemplating the beauty of celebrating around the Lords Table. NKJ Psalm 32:1 <A Psalm of…

God In The House
NKJ – Psalm 127:1 <A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.> Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. The Psalms of Ascent are a collection of psalms in the Bible, Psalms 120–134, that were sung by Jewish pilgrims…

But Others – When All Else Seems to Fail
Introduction: I started the year with Immanuel, God with us, then last week, ‘Getting Rid of Stuff’, and now I will spend the next two weeks to speak to you about the role of Faith in our lives. 11:1-2, ‘Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen: it gives us assurance…

Presence and Activity of Faith
Hebrews 11:1-2, 33-35 Introduction: I started the year with Immanuel, God with us, then last week, ‘Getting Rid of Stuff’, and now I will spend the next two weeks to speak to you about the role of Faith in our lives. 11:1-2, ‘Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen: it…

Getting Rid of Stuff
Introduction: ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by…

It’s All Good
Romans 8:31-39 Introduction: Last Sunday we gathered around this altar as we called on Immanuel. 8:31, ‘What can we say about such wonderful things as these? God works all things together for good—both His good and our good. As God is glorified, His people benefit. In Romans 8, Paul contrasts a life lived in selfish…

Christmas Presence
Matthew 1:18-24Introduction: Emmanuel – God with Us Jesus = ‘for he will save his people from their sins.’ List / describe some of the diverse people whom He saved: Application: What Jesus’ presence can do? Inner peace: Experiencing Jesus’ presence can bring a deep sense of calm and serenity even amidst turmoil. Healing power: Believers…