Colossians Week 7 - Change | Sunday Service 10:30am

Our identity in Jesus is distinct and living into that identity means to live contrary to the values, principles, and practices of the world. Among the list of things we are to reject, there is no one who could say that these don’t apply to them. Paul is clear about the equality of these sins and their association with everyone who does not belong to Jesus. All of these are in the past for those who are in Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit living within, a Christian behaves differently.  

While we will continue to battle with our old nature, our new nature will grow in influence and impact more and more as we submit to Jesus’ rule in our lives. Sexual integrity, a right attitude towards material things and love for all people will become markers of our personalities. These things carry a different difficulty for each of us. Do you struggle with sexual immorality? Are greed and covetousness hard for you to overcome? Do you love as the world loves, being selective in who you give honor and behaving hatefully towards others? The first step in victory is honesty.  

As you review Paul’s list of named sins, ask the Lord to open your eyes to anything you are practicing, to give you understanding as to how grievous it is, and to empower you to live into His Grace and to be renewed by His love. May we all have the courage to rid ourselves of perspectives and practices that compete with Jesus’ nature within us. 

Prepare for this week's teaching by reading Colossians 3:5-11