Out With the Old, In With the New!
Colossians 3:5-17
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised,barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Out With the Old, In With the New!
Changes only God Can Make!
"...you have taken off your old self with its practices
and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." Colossians 3:9-10
I've talked to many people over the years who are constantly trying to change themselves in order to be acceptable to God. Why do we think God wants us to change those things that only he can transform? God does not expect you to bring about what he intends to do in and through you. He really hopes you will chose to offer yourself to him completely so you can discover the joy that will overflow into your life and fill you up!
This Sunday we will see how Jesus displaces the old with something new and beautiful in each of our lives.
Looking forward to growing closer to Jesus with you!
Grateful,
Pastor John
Study Notes:
Out with the Old, In with the New!
READ: Colossians 3:5-17
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual
immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because
of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in
the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such
things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your
lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its
practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in
knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew,
circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is
all, and is in all.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Renewing the mind is a little like refinishing furniture.
It is a two-stage process. It involves taking off the old
and replacing it with the new.
The old is the lies you have learned to tell or were taught
by those around you; it is the attitudes and ideas
That have become a part of your thinking but do not reflect reality.
The new is the truth.
To renew your mind is to involve yourself in the process of allowing God
to bring to the surface the lies you have mistakenly accepted
and replace them with truth.
To the degree that you do this, your behavior will be transformed.
-Charles Stanley
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience.
What steps do you take to put these attributes on each day?
13 Bear with each other and forgive
one another if any of you has a
grievance against someone. Forgive
as the Lord forgave you.
Before we receive the gift of Jesus sacrifice for us, is there anything you are holding over another that He is calling you to release into his hands? Ask Him to give you strength to let go of those wounds, betrayal, and hurts that another has done to you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
The decision to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind IS the most sacred of all commitments we make in this life. The overflow of that resolve is the gift of loving others in sacrificial ways that bring you joy as your eyes were opened to the mystery of why it is more blessed to give than to receive. Where is this attribute most evident in your life at this time?
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body
you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Peace comes when our trust is secure in Jesus. How is your dependence and hope in Jesus giving you greater peace that causes you to become more thankful to him?
16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you
teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through
psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God
with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do,
whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
How are these actions part of your everyday life?
RESPONDING TO GOD
Our Confession Together:
O Lord Jesus Christ,
We confess that we have sinned against you
in our thoughts, words, and deeds.
We have had anxieties about the future,
even though we proclaim you as Lord.
We have failed to love our neighbors,
and we have disobeyed your commands.
Have mercy upon us, Lord Jesus, Forgive us our sins
and cleanse us of all unrighteousness
That we may walk in your ways
and serve you in grace and love.
This we ask in your holy Name. Amen.
The Lord’s Supper
QUESTIONS: Who has been one of the most encouraging people in our life?
When did you first hear about Jesus?
What is one thing you are most thankful for today?