Living the New Life Message 3

Living the New Life

Message 3

Hidden in Christ

Colossians 3:3

1. Being married

40 years

a. We like a lot of the same things.

i. Not everything

1. I will say something like are you delusional?

2. Then she will point out the error of my ways.

ii. But a lot of things we like the same.

iii. Sometimes people will say a couple starts to look alike after they have been married many years. Not true for us.

Here’s a question?

i. Why do couples in long-term marriages often develop shared interest?

2. Here are some thoughts.

Shared Experiences

i. Over time, couples accumulate a history of shared experiences.

ii. Tina and I have had some amazing adventures together.

iii. But we have also faced a lot challenges.

Social Influence

i. People in close relationships often influence each other's attitudes, behaviors, and preferences.

ii. Food is a big one.

iii. This can lead to a convergence of interests as couples spend more time together and expose each other to their hobbies and interests.

Compatibility

i. Successful long-term couples often share fundamental values, goals, and outlooks on life.

ii. I love Jesus more than Tina. And she the same.

iii. I started riding a bicycle. We had to buy Tina one.

Communication and Compromise

i. In a healthy long-term relationship, couples communicate openly and compromise on various matters.

ii. You are not always right.

iii. We will find common ground.

Emotional Connection

i. The emotional connection between partners can lead to a greater understanding of each other's likes and dislikes.

ii. Over time, couples may naturally gravitate toward activities that bring them joy and strengthen their emotional bond.

iii. All you can eat fish.

Effort to Please Each Other

i. As relationships progress, individuals often make an effort to please their partners.

ii. Christmas tree.

When you live with someone.

i. Trust me it’s different than dating them.

ii. After some time you find that rhythm.

Mutual growth.

i. Couples who support each other's personal growth and development are likely to explore new interests together.

ii. As individuals evolve, so do their interests, and this can lead to shared hobbies and activities.

Hidden in Christ.

a. What does this mean?

i. Colossians 3:3 (NLT) — 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:3 NLT

3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

ii. Your Christian walk in many ways, is just like a couple that has been married for years.

iii. The same reasons a long-term couple are so much alike are the same realities of our life with and in Christ.

Shared Experiences

– When Jesus works in our lives in draws us closer.

Social influences

- We are told to have the same attitudes as Christ. Phil

Compatibility

- We share the same values as Jesus.

Communication and compromise

– When we listen to the will of God through prayer and bible study, we learned that His will is better than our will.

Emotional connection

- Worship is emotional.

An effort to please

- Being a blessing to our Lord and honoring God and glorifying God is our highest calling.

Christ lives in our hearts

- John 15:4 (GW) — 4 Live in me, and I will live in you.

John 15:4 GW

4 Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me. 

Spiritual Growth

– more we commune with God, the greater our walk becomes.

How does a marriage stay strong and healthy?

a. Here are a few as it relates to Christ.

Effective Communication

1. Openness to the leading the Holy Spirit

2. Active Listening – Give your undivided attention.

Appreciation

1. Express gratitude - Small gestures of gratitude can go a long way.

Shared Goals and Values

1. Make God’s values your values. Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus.

Intimacy and Affection

1. Jesus pursues a relationship that is real and personal.

Friendship

1. Tina is my best friend.

2. Except for Jesus who is my best best friend. I love you Jesus.

Get counseling!

1. Sometimes a marriage needs help.

2. Jesus is our present help in trouble.

3. Psalm 46:1 (ESV) — 1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1 ESV

1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

I enjoy doing things with Tina.

a. She would say the same.

i. It’s the kind of personal relationship I want with my Lord.

ii. Colossians 3:3 (NLT) — 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:3 NLT

3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

iii. Wrap your hand around your index finger.