A Time To Refocus

Pastor Keith Hassell

Foundation Scripture;   Colossians 3:1-17    If you are risen with Christ

I.       Seek those things which are above (NLT  “set your sights on the realities of heaven”)

          A.      Where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God

II.      Set your mind on things above (NLT  “Let heaven fill your thoughts”)

          A.      Why?  You died to sin

          B.      Your life is hidden with Christ in God

C.      When Christ (who is your real life) appears you will appear (share) with Him in glory

III.    Put to death your members which are on earth (NLT  “Put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.”)

          A.      Fornication (Sexual sin)

          B.      Uncleanness (impurity)

          C.      Passion (lust)

          D.      Evil desire (shameful desires)

E.      Covetousness (NLT  “Don’t be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry)

IV.     Put off all these:

          A.      Anger

          B.      Wrath (anger that boils over in destructive outbursts)

C.      Malice (behavior that is malicious, intended to hurt or damage)

          D.      Blasphemy (slander, spreading lies)

          E.      Filthy language (dirty language)

V.      Put off the old man with his deeds (NLT  “old evil nature and all of its wicked deeds.”)

VI.     Put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him

A.      The holy of God (set apart by God for Himself through faith in Christ)

          B.      The elect of God (loved and chosen by God through faith in Christ)

VII.   Put on

          A.      Tender mercies (responding with mercy rather than judgment)

          B.      Kindness (treating others with love and consideration)

          C.      Humility (thinking of yourself as God thinks of you)

          D.      Meekness (strength under control, NLT  “gentleness”)

          E.      Longsuffering (patience)

1.       Bearing with one another (NLT  “you must make allowances for each other’s faults”)

2.       Forgiving one another even as Christ forgave you (NLT “you must forgive the person who offends you.”)

F.      Love which is the bond of perfection  (NLT  “Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony”)

VII.   Let the peace of God rule in your hearts  (NLT  “And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.  For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace.  And always be thankful.”)

VIII.  Let the Word of Christ dwell in your richly (NLT  “Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise.  Use his words to teach and counsel each other.”)

IX.     Do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him  (NLT  “And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.”)