2. The Changing Gospel Colossians 3

3. John 3:3-5 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

4. Titus 3:5 …he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,

5. Romans 12:1-2 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

6. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

7. Ephesians 4:22-24 22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

8. Colossians 3:1-4 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

9. Three Directives for Change 3:5- Put to death what is earthly in you Sexual Immorality Impurity Passion Evil desire Covetousness Anger Wrath Malice Slander Obscene talk Lying

10. Why “put these to death” ? Col. 3:6 - On account of these the wrath of God is coming. Col. 3:7 – In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.

11. This “putting to death”, contrary to the death in verse 3, is ongoing.

12. Three Directives for Change 3:5- Put to death what is earthly in you 3:9-10- Put off old self, put on new self Compassion Kindness Humility Meekness Patience Bearing with & Forgiving one another And loving

13. A renewal based on Gk.- epignosis A full knowledge, factual knowledge 3:10-11- … and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

14. Genesis 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Ephesians 4:24 …and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

15. This “putting on” is also ongoing.

16. Three Directives for Change 3:5- Put to death what is earthly in you 3:9-10- Put off old self, put on new self 3:15- Let the peace of Christ rule in heart Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

17. How can I let peace rule? 1. V. 15, 16, 17 – be thankful Who would NOT be thankful? Complainers Fault finders Negative Envious Grudge bearers Those with malice Self-absorbed, etc.

18. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

19. Ephesians 5:20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Philippians 4:6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

20. How can I let peace rule? 1. V. 15, 16, 17 – be thankful 2. V. 16- let the word dwell within Leading motivation Inspiring important decisions Not an occasional visit but a permanent resident

21. How can I let peace rule? 1. V. 15, 16, 17 – be thankful 2. V. 16- let the word dwell within 3. V. 17- Do all in name of / by authority of Jesus Christ

22. Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

23. How can I let peace rule? 1. V. 15, 16, 17 – be thankful 2. V. 16- let the word dwell within 3. V. 17- Do all in name of / by authority of Jesus Christ To rule… to act as an umpire, to step in and decide.

24. How Shall We Transform Ourselves, Our Lives? Put what is earthly to death Fight to put off and put on Let the peace of Christ “rule” in our hearts Where are you?