Living the New Life Message 2

Living the New Life

Message 2

Colossians 3:1-4

1. I love to ride my bicycle.

a. On a whim.

i. When to a bicycle shop.

ii. I bought this bicycle.

b. Long ride home.

i. I didn’t give up.

c. I began to ride the bike trail.

ii. I set my mind to it.

iii. I tried to do a 100 miles.

iv. From Karnak to Harrisburg and back.

v. I got 80

d. Then winter came and interest was lost.

i. I still have the desire but…

ii. I haven’t set my mind to it.

e. One problem

i. Colossians 3:2 (NLT) — 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

Colossians 3:2 NLT

2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.

ii. It’s all fine and good to set your mind on the things of this earth but in the end it really doesn’t matter.

iii. Here’s what’s important.

Things of heaven.

a. What they are not.

i. There are traps being set.

ii. Watch how God lays these out.

Things of the flesh

i. Romans 8:5–6 (NIV) — 5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

Romans 8:5–6 NIV

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.

The pattern of the world

i. Romans 12:2 (NIV) — 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2 NIV

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Those evil thoughts

i. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NASB 2020) — 5 We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

2 Corinthians 10:5 NASB 2020

5 We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,

ii. We are to take these thoughts captive and give them to the savior.

iii. Maybe God is reminding you of the evil that lurks in our body.

Deceitful desires

i. Ephesians 4:22–24 (NIV) — 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22–24 NIV

22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Set your mind.

a. Colossians 3:1–4 (NIV)

Colossians 3:1–4 NIV

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

ii. Do you see it?

iii. “Set your mind.”

b. The Greek word definition.

i. Setting one’s mind means to…

ii. to keep on giving serious consideration to something

iii. to ponder

iv. to let one’s mind dwell on

v. to keep thinking about

vi. to fix one’s attention on.

vii. Let it become an obsession.

Like riding a bicycle.

i. When I started, I learned I couldn’t ride 10 miles.

ii. So, I started with 5.

iii. Your Christian walk will be the same.

iv. The more you know and learn the more you grow.

v. Scripture is powerful and it changes us.

vi. But if our minds are set to the wrong things…

Some benefits to “setting our mind on things above”.

Renewed Mindset

i. You'll be encouraged to change your thoughts patterns and perspective.

ii. You’ll have a more positive outlook.

Holiness and Righteousness

i. A renewed Christian mindset often emphasizes the pursuit of holiness and righteousness.

ii. You will want to live a life that is morally upright.

iii. You will want to live according to God’s will and not your own.

A Christ likeness

i. You will want to become more like Christ in your character, attitude and actions.

ii. Philippians 2:5 (NIV)

Philippians 2:5 NIV

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Transformation

i. A renewed Christian seeks transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Renewed Faith

i. A renewed Believer deepens their faith in God, trusting in His guidance and provision.

ii. Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) — 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31 NKJV

31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Resilience

i. A renewed Believer develops resilience, trusting in God's strength to overcome challenges and adversity.

ii. They face trials with courage, knowing that God's power is made perfect in weakness.

iii. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) — 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

Living on Purpose.

i. I’m on a mission.

ii. You will use their talents and abilities to serve others, spreading the message of love, hope, and salvation.

iii. Romans 10:14–15 (NIV) — 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Romans 10:14–15 NIV

14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

A renewed mind.

a. What one person can do.

i. One person can change with their mind set on the things above can have a powerful impact.

ii. Will you be that one?

iii. What thought is God bringing to your mind that needs to be held captive?

iv. It is probably an area of life that needs attention.