“The New Self” in the Real World Spiritual Authority “The New Self” in the Real World

Our Authority 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

Authentic Spirituality Is: “Putting ASIDE” Col. 3:5-11 “Put ON” Col. 3:12-17 John 10:10 (NASB-U) "I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

“Put On” WHAT? “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor. 13:13 (NIV) For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall LOVE your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 (NASB-U) “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:8 (NASB-U)

“Put On” WHAT? Love Relationships! “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor. 13:13 (NIV) For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, "You shall LOVE your neighbor as yourself.“ Galatians 5:14 (NASB-U) “The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:8 (NASB-U)

Authentic Spirituality Is: A Love Relationship with God Begins with receiving Christ: “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him” – Col. 2:6 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you… Col. 3:16 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.’ - Rev. 3:20 (NASB-U)

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” - Hebrews 13:5 (NIV) 2nd Half = SUCH A ROCK! Esp when combined w/ 1st Half: it’s $$ that can get me worried / uptight -> Make me discontent! Cool promise: I can be content – because He is with me all the way, through thick & thin!

“In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid! What can man do to me?” Psalm 56:11 (NASB-U) Ever feel intimidated? Threatened? Scared? I do. People bum you out? Here’s a great promise!

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus Romans 8:1 (NLT) No Condemnation: NONE, Nada. PERIOD. No caveats, no exceptions, no “if, and’s or buts”. What a great thing to know when you’ve blown it, and your thoughts are telling you God is disgusted with you…

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) Now, there’s the kind of plans I can live with! Compare that to the outcome of your plans! I don’t know about you, but MY plans have definitely HARMED me, screwed up my FUTURE! HIS Plans – that sounds like what I’ve been looking for all my life!

“But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.” 1 Cor. 10:13 (NLT) Nice to know that! “I am not able to get through this!”

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philip. 4:19 (NIV) Ever feel needy? Do you Complain? WHY? Why not take your needs to HIM? He’ll RICHLY supply you!

“He has given us his very great and precious promises, 2 Peter 1:4 (NIV) “He has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” Ie, Become more like God! How? BY THIS GREAT & PRECIOUS PROMISES!

Authentic Spirituality Is: Col. 3:1 (NASB-U) “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” A Love Relationship with God Begins with receiving Christ: Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him Col. 2:6 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs... Col. 3:16

Authentic Spirituality Is: A Love Relationship with God Begins with receiving Christ: Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him Col. 2:6 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs... Col. 3:16 singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God 3:16 …giving thanks through Him to God the Father. 3:17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…and be thankful 3:15 Romans 1:21 (NASB-U) For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Authentic Spirituality Is: “Bitterness is where you get back at someone else by hurting yourself.” James 5:16 (NASB-U) Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A Love Relationship with God Love Relationships with Each Other: So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. [14] Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. [15] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body - Col. 3:12-15

"...for God is love.” 1 John 4:8