Embracing True Change: A New Life in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: True Change Comes from Within

True transformation requires altering our thoughts, actions, and behaviors to align more closely with Christ. External changes like new jobs or possessions won't make a lasting difference unless we change ourselves. This year, let's focus on taking the "new you" into the new year by changing our thoughts, actions, and behaviors. True change comes from within, and it starts with our relationship with Christ. As we approach the end of another year, it's a time for reflection and renewal. Just as we once believed that new shoes could make us run faster or a new bat could make us hit better, we often think that new external things will change our lives. However, true change comes from within. This year, let's focus on taking the "new you" into the new year by changing our thoughts, actions, and behaviors. [02:03]

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

Reflection: What specific thoughts, actions, or behaviors do you need to change to align more closely with Christ? How can you start making those changes today?

Day 2: Rooted in Christ and Community

Being deeply rooted in Christ provides stability during life's storms. Additionally, being rooted together as a church community offers mutual support and strength, much like the interconnected roots of redwood trees. We've been exploring Christian growth through the book of Colossians. The first part emphasized being rooted in Christ, drawing strength and stability from Him. The second part highlighted the importance of being rooted together as a church community, supporting each other through life's storms. Today, we focus on change and the new life we have in Christ. [03:52]

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."

Reflection: How can you deepen your roots in Christ and your church community? What steps can you take this week to strengthen these connections?

Day 3: Freedom in Christ

Paul emphasizes that our faith in Christ frees us from old rituals and traditions. We should focus on the realities of heaven and our new life in Christ, rather than getting caught up in external religious practices. Paul's message to the Colossians is particularly relevant as we think about New Year's resolutions. He advises against getting caught up in external rituals and traditions, emphasizing that our faith in Christ frees us from these old constraints. Instead, we should focus on the realities of heaven and our new life in Christ. This new life means putting to death our old sinful ways and embracing a life that reflects our faith. [11:06]

Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."

Reflection: Are there any old rituals or traditions that you are holding onto that may be hindering your spiritual growth? How can you focus more on the realities of heaven and your new life in Christ?

Day 4: Inclusivity in Christ

In Christ, it doesn't matter who we are or where we come from. What matters is that Christ lives in all of us. This inclusivity is the essence of the gospel and should inspire us to live more Christ-centered lives. Paul also addresses the diversity within the church, reminding us that in Christ, it doesn't matter who we are or where we come from. What matters is that Christ lives in all of us. This inclusivity is the good news of the gospel, and it should inspire us to live better, more Christ-centered lives in the coming year. [25:07]

Colossians 3:11 (ESV): "Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all."

Reflection: How can you embrace and celebrate the diversity within your church community? What steps can you take to ensure that everyone feels included and valued?

Day 5: Commit to Spiritual Growth

As we enter the new year, let's commit to praying more fervently, studying the Bible more diligently, and living out our faith more authentically. Spiritual growth and transformation should be our primary resolutions. As we enter 2024, let's commit to praying more fervently for our unsaved loved ones, studying the Bible more diligently, and living out our faith more authentically. Let's make this year our best year yet by focusing on spiritual growth and transformation. [26:29]

2 Peter 3:18 (ESV): "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take to grow spiritually this year? How can you incorporate more prayer, Bible study, and authentic living into your daily routine?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

As we approach the end of another year, it's a time for reflection and renewal. Just as we once believed that new shoes could make us run faster or a new bat could make us hit better, we often think that new external things will change our lives. However, true change comes from within. This year, let's focus on taking the "new you" into the new year by changing our thoughts, actions, and behaviors.

We've been exploring Christian growth through the book of Colossians. The first part emphasized being rooted in Christ, drawing strength and stability from Him. The second part highlighted the importance of being rooted together as a church community, supporting each other through life's storms. Today, we focus on change and the new life we have in Christ.

Paul's message to the Colossians is particularly relevant as we think about New Year's resolutions. He advises against getting caught up in external rituals and traditions, emphasizing that our faith in Christ frees us from these old constraints. Instead, we should focus on the realities of heaven and our new life in Christ. This new life means putting to death our old sinful ways and embracing a life that reflects our faith.

Paul also addresses the diversity within the church, reminding us that in Christ, it doesn't matter who we are or where we come from. What matters is that Christ lives in all of us. This inclusivity is the good news of the gospel, and it should inspire us to live better, more Christ-centered lives in the coming year.

As we enter 2024, let's commit to praying more fervently for our unsaved loved ones, studying the Bible more diligently, and living out our faith more authentically. Let's make this year our best year yet by focusing on spiritual growth and transformation.

###

Key Takeaways

1. centered lives. [25:07]
5. Commit to Spiritual Growth: As we enter the new year, let's commit to praying more fervently, studying the Bible more diligently, and living out our faith more authentically. Spiritual growth and transformation should be our primary resolutions.

### [25:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - The Illusion of External Change
[02:03] - True Change Comes from Within
[03:03] - Recap of Christian Growth Series
[03:52] - Rooted in Christ and Community
[05:53] - New Year's Resolutions and Spiritual Growth
[07:41] - Practical Steps for Spiritual Growth
[08:22] - Context of Colossians
[09:20] - Freedom from Old Traditions
[11:06] - Freedom in Christ
[12:01] - The Reality of Christ
[13:44] - Connected Through Christ
[15:02] - The New Life in Christ
[16:03] - Age and Perspective
[17:47] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[19:17] - Focus on Heavenly Realities
[20:28] - Overcoming Sinful Desires
[21:42] - Celebrate Recovery
[22:55] - Struggles vs. Lifestyle of Sin
[24:00] - God's Love Through Struggles
[25:07] - Learning to Know God
[26:29] - Inclusivity in Christ
[27:38] - Invitation for Prayer and Baptism

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Colossians 2:7 say about the importance of being rooted in Christ? How does this provide stability during life's storms? [03:52]
According to Colossians 2:12, what does baptism symbolize in the life of a believer? [04:52]
In Colossians 3:1-4, what are believers encouraged to focus on, and why is this significant for their new life in Christ? [17:47]
How does Paul address the diversity within the church in Colossians 3:11, and what is the key message about inclusivity? [25:07]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize the need to be rooted in Christ and not just in external rituals or traditions? How does this relate to true spiritual growth? [11:06]
How does the concept of being "raised to new life with Christ" (Colossians 3:1) challenge believers to change their focus and priorities? [19:17]
What does it mean to "put to death the sinful earthly things lurking within you" as mentioned in Colossians 3:5? How can this be practically applied in daily life? [20:28]
How does the inclusivity mentioned in Colossians 3:11 reflect the essence of the gospel, and why is this important for the church community? [25:07]

Application Questions

Reflect on your own life: Are there external changes you have been relying on to bring about transformation? How can you shift your focus to internal change and spiritual growth? [02:03]
In what ways can you deepen your roots in Christ this year? Consider specific actions such as prayer, Bible study, or community involvement. [03:52]
How can you support and be supported by your church community in times of personal storms? Share a time when the church community helped you or when you helped someone else. [04:52]
What old rituals or traditions might you need to let go of to fully embrace the freedom you have in Christ? How can you focus more on the realities of heaven? [11:06]
Think about the diversity within your own church. How can you contribute to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and loved in Christ? [25:07]
As we enter the new year, what specific steps will you take to pray more fervently for your unsaved loved ones? How can you make this a consistent part of your spiritual practice? [06:39]
Identify one area of your life where you need to put to death sinful behaviors or thoughts. What practical steps can you take to overcome these struggles and live a more Christ-centered life? [20:28]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "We like to think like this and it doesn't change as we get older. We like to say, if I can get that brand new car, that brand new home, or even a better job, my life is going to be different. It will look different if I have all of these things. The problem with these things, though, is when you get a brand new pair of shoes or you got a brand new bat, new car, a new house, or a new job, you put your old self into the new things. And so it will never get better. It will never get better unless you change you. So only you can get better when you put yourself into a new situation." [00:58] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The only way that we can change anything in our lives is by changing ourselves, by the way we think, by the way we act, and by the way we do. And this year, the slogan that I want you to take into the new year is take the new you into the new year." [02:03] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "One thing I'd like to challenge everybody this year is to pray for your unsaved family members and friends. Pray hard for them, not just pray for them, but pray hard for them. Because their life depends on your prayer. And I really believe that. So take that time this year and say, you know what? I'm going to pray harder. I'm going to pray harder for my unsaved family members, my unsaved friends." [06:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So for born-again Christians, if you've accepted Christ and you've committed not only to believe in Christ, but you've committed to follow him. Then this applies for you. This also applies for today. If you have never accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior. Today's a good day to start. It's the beginning of a new year. You'll never forget that you stepped into a relationship with Jesus Christ on a New Year's Eve day." [17:47] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "It doesn't matter if you're a Jew or a Gentile. Circumcised or uncircumcised barbaric uncivilized a slave or free Christ is all that matters and he lives in all of us as Paul is saying. It doesn't matter who you are. You can come to Christ and that is enough. You don't have you can have a penny in your pocket or a million dollars in your bank account. You're good enough for Christ." [25:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "So when we take our roots and we let them grow down into Christ, when those storms of our lives come and things don't go as planned, we were rooted to Christ. And it keeps us with that firm foundation that we can grow on. That's the first part of Christian growth is to be rooted into Christ. Then the second part, second sermon, we talked about being rooted together. How the church is rooted together. How as a community and a body that our roots grow together." [03:52] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Paul's saying, if you're a Christian, this is for Christians. These are the ones that decided to follow Christ. He says, You have died with Christ, and he has set you free from the spiritual powers of this world. So why do you keep on following the rules of the world? Such as, don't handle, don't taste, don't touch. Such rules are mere human teachings about things that deteriorate. They, as we use them, these rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion and pious self-denial and severe bodily discipline, but they provide no help in conquering a person's evil desires." [15:02] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So put to death the sinful earthly things lurking within you have nothing to do with the sexual immortality the impurity the lust the evil desires. Don't be greedy for a greedy person is an idolater worshiping the things of this world and I'm going to add to this. I'm going to I'm going to tell you something and yeah, it's me kind of. Talking about celebrate recovery when I say celebrate recovery. Everybody says oh that's not about me. I don't have a drinking problem. I don't have a drug problem celebrate recovery is not for me. And I just want to tell you this celebrate recovery is not just about recovering from drugs and alcohol. It's about recovering from sin and we all have it and we're all recovering from it." [21:42] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So Paul tells us in the book of Galatians that if you live a lifestyle of these sins, then you will not inherit the kingdom of God. He didn't say if you struggle with these sins, you won't inherit the kingdom of God. He says if you choose to live a lifestyle of these sins, what's the lifestyle lifestyle to me is I'm just going to deliver the way I want to live it. And I don't care how God feels about it. That's living a lifestyle of it. I think the struggles we're going to have those struggles were and no struggles help help us because if I had no struggles, I wouldn't need to pray. If you had no struggles, you wouldn't need to pray." [24:00] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So today if you've never accepted Christ don't wait any longer make today that that day if you've accepted Christ and you've never been baptized. We have a saying. And it was side the water is always warm. If you want prayer just because of your hurts habits and hang-ups that you have will have elders that will pray with you. If you just want to come up and talk to somebody. I asked that you do that during this last song." [27:38] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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