Living the New Life Message 5

Living the New Life

Message 5

Colossians 3:5-7

Mortification

Colossians 3:5–7 (NCV) — 5 So put all evil things out of your life: sexual sinning, doing evil, letting evil thoughts control you, wanting things that are evil, and greed. This is really serving a false god. 6These things make God angry. 7 In your past, evil life you also did these things.

Colossians 3:5–7 NCV

5 So put all evil things out of your life: sexual sinning, doing evil, letting evil thoughts control you, wanting things that are evil, and greed. This is really serving a false god. 6 These things make God angry. 7 In your past, evil life you also did these things.

Toothache

a. There isn’t anything worse.

i. Here are some home remedies

ii. You can try to get rid of a toothache in 5 minutes by rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, salt water, or wheatgrass. Next, you can apply clove oil, vanilla extract, or garlic paste to the affected area. Finally, apply a cold compress or ice pack. If the pain doesn’t resolve or if it’s severe, talk with your dentist.

iii. We get over the counter medicine.

b. The ultimate cure

i. Pull the tooth.

ii. Root canal maybe.

iii. Neither of the things are pleasant.

iv. But it sure beats the alternative.

Put to death!

i. “So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.” (NLT)

ii. Like a decaying tooth that we would pull out God wants us to remove sin from our lives.

The Prison of Sin

a. Top 10 Addictions

i. Substance Abuse

ii. Nicotine Addiction

iii. Gambling Addiction

iv. Internet and Technology Addiction

v. Food Addiction

vi. Workaholism

vii. Sexual Addiction

viii. Shopping Addiction

ix. Exercise Addiction

x. Gaming Addiction

The sins that enslave us.

i. "Sexual immorality, impurity, lust"

1. “Sexual sinning, doing evil”

2. This this sin has plagued humanity from the beginning of time.

"Evil desires and greed"

1. “letting evil thoughts control you, wanting things that are evil, and greed”

2. These sins are rooted in selfishness.

3. A misplaced focus on worldly desires.

4. Quote: Greed, in particular, is equated with idolatry, emphasizing the seriousness of prioritizing material wealth over God.

iii. Here’s the point – sin is a prison.

iv. Colossians 3:6 (NLT) — 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.

Colossians 3:6 NLT

6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.

v. But God has given us the power to overcome its grip.

Three powerful realities

Our New Identity in Christ.

i. Paul's command to put to death the old self implies a radical transformation.

ii. This happens when accept Christ as our savior.

iii. We are no longer slaves to sin but are now children of God.

iv. It is the gospel.

v. Your identity is not your past failures.

The Power of the Cross

i. The cross is not just a symbol.

ii. It is the power that removes the stain of our sins.

iii. It’s the place where we are introduced to God’s amazing grace.

Live as a Resurrected People

i. Colossians 3:1 (NLT) — 1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

Colossians 3:1 NLT

1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

ii. The power of the resurrection has the power over sin.

Make it practical.

Regular self-examination.

i. Take the time and reflect: Am I living as God would have me live?

ii. What has come between you and God?

iii. Self-examination, confession and repentance is the key to spiritual growth.

Pursue holiness in relationships.

i. Sexual purity is not just an individual matter but extends to our relationships.

ii. How we treat others and honor God in our relationships is a reflection of our commitment to holiness.

iii. I long ago stop guilting people.

Guard against greed.

i. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) — 23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

Proverbs 4:23 NLT

23 Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.

ii. In a world obsessed with material gain, believers are called to a different standard.

iii. Contentment, generosity, and stewardship are key principles in overcoming the grip of greed.

A toothache

a. It’s no fun

i. Neither is the prison of sin.

ii. Tear off.

iii. So put all evil things out of your life