Relationship with Christ Demands Change (2)

Colossians 3

Introduction: Certain relationships demand change

Thesis: Because your relationship with Christ supremely satisfies, you must change all your other relationships.

Directional Relationships V.1-4

Because Christ has provided for you a living relationship with Him you must change your goals.

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in concentration and exertion. V.1-3

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in what you apply your energies to. V.1

Apply yourself to consistently obey Christ’s Gospel Proclamation Commission. Matthew 28:19-20

Apply yourself diligently to study God’s Word in order that you may handle it correctly. 2 Timothy 2:15

Apply yourself to seeking God in prayer. I Thessalonians 5:17

Apply yourself to holiness. I Peter 1:15-16

What did you apply your energies to today?

What value do those things have?

What quality do those things have?

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in what you think about (Change your point of view). V.2

Thinking right thoughts takes effort. (Set implies will)

If we esteem anything of value it must be the cross. Galatians 6:14

Where is your attention right now?

What is your conception of this time?

Have you prepared yourself to receive the Word from God tonight?

Your relationship with Christ demands these changes because your former relationship has changed. V.3 (*Panda*)

You have a dead relationship with sin.

You have a living relationship with God through Christ.

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in hope. V.4

You hope in a resurrection received from Christ. I Corinthians 15:20-24

You hope in His promise to transform us in His image and a superior spiritual body. I John 3:2, I Corinthians 15:51-53

Relationship in Action V.5-17

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in the way you act daily.

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in doing wrong. V.5-9

Your relationship with Christ demands you put to death immediately the judgment incurring sins of the flesh. V.5-7

You relationship with Christ demands that you must immediately put to death (Greek demands decisive action). . .

Immorality of all types

Impurity (a wider perversion; the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living)

Lust (uncontrollable passion; you have a passion for evil things)

Evil desire (forbidden cravings, desire to do something forbidden)

Greed (covetousness; which amounts to idolatry)

Your relationship with Christ demands you put off those former deeds which incurs God’s wrath.

Your relationship with Christ demands you put off sinful actions, attitudes, and words. V.8-9

Your relationship with Christ demands a removal of the old man and his deeds.

Your relationship with Christ demands that you put off. .

Anger (violent outburst)

Wrath (chronic attitude of anger)

Malice (desire to do one harm)

Blasphemy (speak injuriously about another)

Filthy communication out of your mouth (shameful or harsh speech)

Lying

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in doing right. V.10-17

Your relationship with Christ demands you put on the new man. V.10-16

Your relationship with Christ demands a renewed mind after the knowledge of Christ (a mind reformed after the similitude of Christ).

Your relationship with Christ demands a relationship with God’s Word.

Your relationship with Christ demands a transformation into the image of God.

Your relationship with Christ demands unity that transcends any national, religious, cultural, or social distinctions.

Your relationship with Christ demands a change of man.

Your relationship with Christ demands putting on. . .

Bowels of mercies (compassion; tender sympathy of heartfelt compassion)

Kindness (benevolence in action)

Humbleness of mind (little self, Big God)

Meekness (gentleness and mildness)

Longsuffering

Forbearing one another (put up with each other)

Forgiving one another

If any has a quarrel with anyone

In same manner Christ forgave

Put on love which holds everything together

Peace of God rule in hearts-be at peace with others

Be thankful

Let Christ’s Words dwell in you richly in all wisdom (Study Meditation Application: SMA)

Resultant from previous point: Teaching admonishing others in. . .

Psalms

Hymns (songs of praise)

Spiritual songs (as opposed to secular odes)

Singing unto the Lord with grace in your hearts (joyful singing meant to please God)

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in why you minister. V.17

Your relationship with Christ demands that you must be able to speak or act in the Name of the Lord.

Your relationship with Christ demands gratitude for whatever result God gives in ministry.

Relationships with Family and Work V.18-25

Your relationship with Christ demands you change the way you act with family and work.

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in reacting to family. V.18-21

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in how you relate to your spouse. V.18-19

Your relationship with Christ demands that, women, you submit to your husband’s godly leadership.

Your relationship with Christ demands that, men, you compassionately care for your wives.

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in how you relate to your parents. V.20

Your relationship with Christ demands that, children, you obey your parents in all things.

Your relationship with Christ demands that you obey in order to please the Lord.

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in how you relate to your children. V.21

Your relationship with Christ demands that, father, you don’t intentionally irritate your children with unreasonable demands.

Your relationship with Christ demands that as fathers you praise your children for doing well and discipline in love. (Hebrews 12:7- If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?)

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in reacting to employers. V.22-25

Your relationship with Christ demands genuine obedience to employers even when they aren’t watching. V.22

Your relationship with Christ demands a change in why you work. V.23-25

Conclusion: Your relationship with Christ demands change because you’re alive to God. What relationships need to change today? Do you know Christ? What are you giving your efforts to? What is your view of life? Is there any sin that needs confessing? Husband do you love your wife and compassionately care for her? Wife are you submitting to your husband’s leadership? Children are you obeying your parents? Are we submitting to our employer’s leadership even when he is not looking? Have you put on the new man which looks like God? Are you risen with Christ?