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 a ‘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 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 the proper mindset.
- Alleviates pressures & demands of impossible demands (law).
- Deals with the condemnation and shame of previous mistakes.
- Dealing with devil’s lies.
- Dealing with Other’s 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 that because we don’t live in condemnation and shame it doesn’t give us license of sin or accept/justify and embrace sinful behavior as an 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, compose, establish, and execute.
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