Living Abundantly: Embracing God's Transformative Power
Summary
In the exploration of Colossians chapter 3, the focus is on the transformative power of living a life that is fully surrendered to God. The message begins with an emphasis on the distinction between living according to the flesh and walking in the Spirit. The text of Colossians provides a clear contrast between these two ways of life, highlighting the attitudes and activities that characterize each. The aim is not merely to ensure a place in heaven but to experience a life of abundance as promised in John 10:10. This abundant life, however, is not attainable by conforming to the ways of the world. God offers His power, faith, and resources generously, but they are not forced upon anyone. It is a volitional act to set one's mind on things above, to live with a mission-oriented focus, and to embrace the life that Christ offers.
The message delves into the concept of dying to the old self and the importance of living in a way that reflects that the old man is dead. The preacher challenges the congregation to consider whether Christ is truly their life, as evidenced by their speech and actions. The future glorification of believers is also discussed, with the assurance that those in Christ are already glorified in God's eyes, and there is a future glorification to come.
The preacher then addresses the need to put to death earthly members such as fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is equated with idolatry. These are not just sins to be tamed or controlled; they must be actively killed. The culture's acceptance of sexual immorality and perversion is rebuked, and the call is for believers to embrace righteousness as God defines it, not as culture or personal desires dictate.
The message further emphasizes the importance of truth-speaking and living. The preacher warns against embracing cultural dictates that are contrary to God's design, such as the acceptance of homosexuality and transgenderism. There is a call to be truth speakers, truth embracers, and truth livers, not just in word but in action. The preacher asserts that without embracing God's righteousness, one cannot walk in His power or have God "on them."
The message concludes with a reminder that believers were once living in sin but are now called to put off anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language, and lying. The transformation from the old self to the new self is marked by a change in speech and behavior. The preacher encourages the congregation to remember their past bondage to sin and to have compassion for those still ensnared, emphasizing that the war on sin begins in one's own life, not in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- Living a life with God "on you" requires a conscious decision to focus on heavenly things and to actively reject the ways of the world. This choice is not about escaping judgment but about embracing the fullness of life that God offers through a relationship with Christ. It is a daily commitment to seek the things above and to align one's life with God's mission. [03:30]
- The evidence of Christ being our life is manifest in our speech and actions. When our conversations and behaviors consistently reflect the values and priorities of Jesus, it becomes clear that He is the center of our existence. This is not about perfection but about the direction of our heart's affections and the overflow of our lives. [08:22]
- The future glorification of believers is a powerful motivator for living a godly life. The assurance that we are already glorified in God's eyes and the promise of a future glorification provide hope and perspective, especially during challenging times. This hope is not a passive waiting but an active living in the light of what is to come. [09:13]
- Sin, especially sexual immorality, must be dealt with decisively. It is not enough to recognize sin; it must be put to death in our lives. This requires a rejection of cultural norms that contradict God's design and an aggressive stance against any form of sin that seeks to entangle us. The power to overcome sin comes from creating an appetite for that which is good and nourishing to the soul. [15:32]
- Truth-speaking is essential in a culture that often blurs the lines between right and wrong. As believers, we are called not only to speak the truth but to live it out authentically. This may come at a cost, as standing for truth can lead to opposition, but the price of silence and compromise is far greater. We must be willing to embrace and proclaim God's truth, even when it is countercultural. [23:00]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 3:1-17
- John 10:10
- Romans 8:30
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two ways of life contrasted in Colossians 3, and what attitudes and activities characterize each? ([01:17])
2. According to Colossians 3:5-9, what specific sins are believers instructed to put to death? ([04:16])
3. How does the preacher describe the evidence of Christ being our life in our speech and actions? ([08:22])
4. What future hope is given to believers in Colossians 3:4, and how does this relate to their current life? ([09:13])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "set your mind on things above" as instructed in Colossians 3:2, and how can this be a volitional act? ([06:23])
2. How does the preacher explain the concept of dying to the old self and living in a way that reflects that the old man is dead? ([07:07])
3. Why is it important for believers to actively put to death sins like fornication, uncleanness, and covetousness, rather than just trying to control them? ([15:32])
4. How does the preacher address the cultural acceptance of sexual immorality and perversion, and what is the call for believers in response to this? ([22:15])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life: Are there specific areas where you need to set your mind on things above? What practical steps can you take to focus more on heavenly things this week? ([06:23])
2. Consider your speech and actions: Do they consistently reflect the values and priorities of Jesus? Identify one area where you can improve and make a plan to address it. ([08:22])
3. The preacher emphasizes the need to put to death specific sins. Are there any sins in your life that you have been trying to control rather than actively putting to death? What steps can you take to decisively deal with these sins? ([15:32])
4. How can you create an appetite for that which is good and nourishing to your soul? Identify one positive habit or practice you can start this week to replace a negative one. ([25:07])
5. In what ways can you be a truth speaker, truth embracer, and truth liver in your daily interactions? Think of a recent situation where you compromised on truth and how you can handle it differently next time. ([23:00])
6. Reflect on the future glorification promised to believers. How does this hope influence your perspective during challenging times? Share a recent challenge and how this hope can provide comfort and motivation. ([09:13])
7. The preacher calls for compassion towards those still ensnared in sin. How can you show compassion to someone struggling with sin this week? Think of a specific person and plan a way to reach out to them. ([29:40])
Devotional
Day 1: Choosing Heavenly Focus Over Worldly Distractions
Living a life with God "on you" is about making a daily, conscious decision to set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. This choice involves a deliberate rejection of the world's values and a commitment to pursue the heavenly perspective in every aspect of life. It's about recognizing that the fullness of life God offers is found in a relationship with Christ and aligning one's life with God's mission. This isn't about escaping judgment but about embracing the abundant life promised in John 10:10, which is marked by peace, purpose, and joy that transcends circumstances. It's a journey that requires daily recommitment, as the world's distractions are persistent and pervasive. By focusing on heavenly things, believers can experience the transformative power of God's presence in their lives, leading to a deeper sense of fulfillment and mission-oriented living. [03:30]
Colossians 3:2 (ESV)
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What worldly distractions are currently hindering your focus on God, and how can you actively work to minimize their impact starting today?
Day 2: Authentic Living as Evidence of Christ in Us
The evidence of Christ being our life is most clearly seen in our speech and actions. When our conversations and behaviors consistently reflect the values and priorities of Jesus, it becomes evident that He is the center of our existence. This authenticity is not about achieving perfection but about the direction of our heart's affections and the overflow of our lives into the world around us. It's about living out the transformation that comes from a genuine relationship with Christ, allowing His love and grace to shape our interactions and decisions. As we grow in Christ, our lives should increasingly mirror His character, demonstrating to others the reality of our faith and the power of the gospel to change lives. This transformation is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit within us, guiding us toward a life that honors God and serves others. [08:22]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)
"Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: How does your daily speech and behavior reflect the presence of Christ in your life, and what specific change can you make to better align with His character?
Day 3: Hope in Future Glorification as a Motivator
The future glorification of believers is not just a distant promise but a powerful motivator for living a godly life today. The assurance that we are already glorified in God's eyes and the anticipation of a future glorification provide hope and perspective, especially during challenging times. This hope is not a passive waiting but an active living in the light of what is to come. It encourages believers to persevere in their faith, to strive for holiness, and to engage in the world as representatives of Christ's kingdom. The knowledge of our future glorification should inspire us to live lives that are worthy of the calling we have received, lives that reflect the glory of God and point others toward the hope found in Christ. [09:13]
Romans 5:2 (ESV)
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."
Reflection: How does the hope of your future glorification influence your current attitudes and actions, and what can you do to live more intentionally in light of this hope?
Day 4: Decisive Action Against Sin
Sin, particularly sexual immorality, must be confronted and decisively dealt with in the believer's life. It is not enough to merely recognize sin; it must be actively put to death. This requires a firm rejection of cultural norms that contradict God's design and a resolute stance against any form of sin that seeks to entangle us. Overcoming sin involves creating an appetite for that which is good, true, and nourishing to the soul. By feeding on the Word of God and cultivating spiritual disciplines, believers can strengthen their resolve to live in purity and righteousness. The power to overcome sin comes from God, who provides the strength and wisdom needed to choose holiness over temptation. [15:32]
1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 (ESV)
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,"
Reflection: What specific sin do you need to decisively put to death in your life, and what practical steps can you take to overcome it through the power of the Holy Spirit?
Day 5: Truth-Speaking in a Culture of Confusion
In a culture that often blurs the lines between right and wrong, truth-speaking is essential. Believers are called not only to speak the truth but to live it out authentically. This may come at a cost, as standing for truth can lead to opposition, but the price of silence and compromise is far greater. We must be willing to embrace and proclaim God's truth, even when it is countercultural. Living out the truth involves integrity in our words and actions, a commitment to biblical principles, and a willingness to be a light in the darkness. By doing so, we uphold the standard of God's righteousness and offer a beacon of hope to those who are searching for truth in a confused and broken world. [23:00]
James 1:22 (ESV)
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: In what ways can you be a more effective truth-speaker and truth-liver in your community, and what is one action you can take today to stand for God's truth in a loving and gracious way?
Quotes
1) "It's not going to be falsehoods that set us free, it's not going be fables that set us free, it's not going to be the Winds of culture that set us free, it's the truth." [33:13] (Download)
2) "We can't embrace cultures dictates and have God on us. We can't do it." [24:19] (Download)
3) "You've got to create an appetite for that which is good. That's the only counteractive measure to that you've got to create an act appetite for that which is good." [25:07] (Download)
4) "It's one thing to say it, it's a whole another to live it, but we can't hardly even get folks to say it anymore." [23:00] (Download)
5) "You can't control sin, you've got to declare war upon it. That's why he uses the language of 'put to death your members which are on the Earth.'" [15:32] (Download)
6) "When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. What a future, what a picture of what is coming for us." [11:17] (Download)
7) "God doesn't give his power as a toy to be played with in a service... He gives us power so that we would live free so that we would live free of the power of sin and we'd live free in the power of His grace." [12:00] (Download)
8) "I want to live and impact this world, then I can die be forgotten and be gone. I want to make a difference and that won't happen without the power of God on my life." [12:40] (Download)
9) "It's really easy to tell what someone's life is about. It's coming out their pie hole. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." [08:22] (Download)
10) "If you're engaging in fornication, you don't have God on you. You can't walk in the power of God and then give yourself into a life of fornication." [19:08] (Download)
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