Evidence of the New Life in Christ

Introduction:

I like new stuff . . . There is something about the smell of a new car. In fact, i love smelling new babies. When something is new we tend to know it is new by its appearance. Very seldom would we need ask if something is new because the newness is evident.

So it is as Christians, when we have made the decision to become saved we are no longer the same and our lives begin fresh and new.

DT: When we choose to follow Christ, we begin new and different lives.

Aim: We will commit to changes in our lives that please God.

Transition: Paul explains three observations that describe the new life of the Christian.

You Have A New Character (v.21)

“And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,”

Paul uses a word in this text that is kinda scary when you think about it. This word alienated, means to be estranged. Paul, reminds them that they were once indifferent to what God says. Their lives were indifferent to what God commanded before they knew God.

There is a change now in their character. Where they would once live willfully sinful and wicked now they are different.

Thinking changes

Actions change

Application: Live your life intentionally to do what pleases God.

Transition: The second observation to describe the new life of the Christian is You are in a New Condition

You Are in a New Condition (v.22)

“22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,”

Paul says the the church at Colossae, you were once an enemy of God but now you are reconciled with him. Remember in verse 20 Paul states that they were reconciled to God through Jesus. Well here he reiterates that point but also stresses the value of this reconciliation.

Paul stresses that there is a change in the condition of those who accept Christ. They are presented to God as holy and blameless and above reproach before God.

Illustration: In court when you stand before a judge the judge will look at evidence presented to him and all the evidence points to your guilt and based upon the evidence he will decide your penalty. But here Paul says, that God is the judge and when your case is presented by Jesus the docket is clean. The case is dismissed.

That is what the death of Jesus has done. It has changed your condition from guilty sinner to a saved saint!

Transition: Oh what a difference Christ makes in our lives.

Application: If you have not accepted Christ and made Jesus your personal savior you are in a bad condition. All is not lost though because you still have an opportunity to choose Christ. You still may have some difficulties in life but one thing is for sure, you will not be alone and you will be saved. You may not hav money but you will be saved.

Transition: Lastly, the third observation to describe the New Life of the Christian is You have a New Commitment

You Have A New Commitment (v.23)

“23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.”

Paul challenges the people of the Church in Colossae to be faithful and remain firm in their new life. One of the ways this is to be exhibited is by sharing the Gospel and the hope it provides.

Paul says, do not shift from what we believe of about the Gospel:

It is our hope (salvation comes from the Gospel)

It is for all (All can receive this hope. It is not some exclusive club but inclusive)

Application: Commit to sharing the gospel story. Your job as a Christian is to share the story of Jesus with other people. Let me ask you this question? How many people have you led to Christ? How many have you led this year? How many this month? How many this week? You get the point? If this is our hope why are we not committed to it? Why does everything else in our lives get more attention than the one thing that matters most in our lives?

Christ is our hope!