Living in Holiness: Embracing Our Identity in Christ
Summary
In our journey through the book of Colossians, we are reminded of the profound call to live holy lives, not merely in appearance but in reality. The humorous story of the pastor and deacons walking on water serves as a metaphor for the superficial holiness we sometimes portray. True holiness, however, is rooted in our identity in Christ, as we are called to live as those made alive in Him. This call to holiness is not about adhering to human rules but about embracing a lifestyle that reflects our belonging to Jesus.
Reflecting on Isaiah's vision of God's holiness, we are reminded that God's primary attribute is His holiness. This holiness is not something to be taken lightly or approached casually. While Jesus, our mediator, allows us to approach God, we must do so with reverence and respect, acknowledging the purity and sinlessness of God. Our culture may have made God more approachable, but we must not lose sight of His holiness.
Colossians 3 calls us to live with an eternal mindset, setting our hearts and minds on things above. This mindset requires us to understand our past, present, and future in Christ. Our past, marked by sin, has been cleansed by Jesus' sacrifice. Our present is characterized by our life being hidden with Christ, allowing us to approach God with confidence. Our future is secure, as we will appear with Christ in glory.
This eternal perspective should transform our daily lives. We are called to put to death the sins of the flesh and speech, embracing a disciplined lifestyle that reflects our new identity in Christ. This transformation is not about legalism but about gratitude for what God has done, is doing, and will do for us. By participating in the process of putting on the new self, we honor God and become salt and light in the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Holiness and Reverence: God's holiness is emphasized in Scripture, and we must approach Him with reverence. While Jesus makes it possible for us to approach God, we should not treat this privilege casually. Our understanding of God's holiness should inspire a deeper respect and awe in our relationship with Him. [25:49]
2. Eternal Mindset: Living with an eternal mindset involves understanding our past, present, and future in Christ. Our past sins are forgiven, our present life is hidden with Christ, and our future is secure in Him. This perspective should guide our daily choices and actions, aligning them with God's will. [32:26]
3. Transformation and Discipline: We are called to put to death the sins of the flesh and speech, embracing a disciplined lifestyle. This transformation is not about following rules but about expressing gratitude for God's grace. By participating in the process of putting on the new self, we reflect our new identity in Christ. [47:09]
4. Accountability and Community: Change requires accountability and community. Engaging with fellow believers in smaller groups provides the support and encouragement needed to develop new habits and live a life that honors God. This accountability is essential for spiritual growth and transformation. [01:03:55]
5. Participating in the Process: Transformation is an active process that requires our participation. We must consciously choose to put on the new self, starting new habits and practicing them consistently. This process, supported by God's power and presence, leads to a life that glorifies Him. [01:03:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [23:26] - Isaiah's Vision of Holiness
- [25:49] - Reverence for God's Holiness
- [29:38] - Called to a Distinct Lifestyle
- [32:26] - Living with an Eternal Mindset
- [34:56] - Understanding Our Past
- [37:57] - Present Life in Christ
- [40:56] - Future Hope in Glory
- [43:16] - Transformation Through Christ
- [47:09] - Discipline in Lifestyle
- [50:07] - Putting Sins of the Flesh to Death
- [53:07] - God's Design for Sexuality
- [56:40] - Consequences of Living Outside God's Plan
- [59:37] - Greed and Eternal Perspective
- [01:01:42] - Sins of Speech and New Habits
- [01:03:55] - Accountability and Community
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 3:1-11
2. Isaiah 6:1-5
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Observation Questions:
1. In Colossians 3:1-4, what does Paul instruct believers to set their hearts and minds on, and why is this significant for their identity in Christ? [32:26]
2. How does Isaiah describe his vision of God's holiness in Isaiah 6:1-5, and what is his reaction to being in God's presence? [23:26]
3. According to the sermon, what humorous story was shared to illustrate the difference between superficial holiness and true holiness? [00:00]
4. What are some of the specific sins listed in Colossians 3:5-11 that believers are called to put to death, and how do these relate to living a holy life? [47:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3) provide believers with confidence in their relationship with God? [37:57]
2. In what ways does Isaiah's vision of God's holiness challenge contemporary views of God as merely approachable and friendly? [25:49]
3. How does the sermon suggest that an eternal mindset can transform daily choices and actions for believers? [32:26]
4. What role does community and accountability play in the process of transformation and living a disciplined lifestyle according to the sermon? [01:03:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current mindset. Are there specific areas where you struggle to set your heart and mind on things above? What practical steps can you take this week to shift your focus? [32:26]
2. How do you currently approach God in your personal life? Is there a need to cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe for His holiness? What changes can you make to foster this attitude? [25:49]
3. Identify one sin of the flesh or speech that you struggle with. What is one practical step you can take to begin putting it to death this week? [50:07]
4. Consider your past, present, and future in Christ. How does understanding these aspects of your identity influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [34:56]
5. How can you actively participate in the process of putting on the new self? What new habits can you start this week to reflect your identity in Christ? [01:03:55]
6. Think about your current community and accountability structures. Are there ways you can engage more deeply with fellow believers to support your spiritual growth? [01:03:55]
7. Reflect on the humorous story shared in the sermon. Are there areas in your life where you might be portraying superficial holiness? How can you work towards genuine transformation? [00:00]
Devotional
Day 1: Reverence in Approach
True holiness is not just about outward appearances but is deeply rooted in our identity in Christ. We are called to live as those made alive in Him, reflecting our belonging to Jesus. This call to holiness is not about following human rules but about embracing a lifestyle that honors God. Reflecting on Isaiah's vision of God's holiness, we are reminded that God's primary attribute is His holiness, which should not be taken lightly. While Jesus, our mediator, allows us to approach God, we must do so with reverence and respect, acknowledging His purity and sinlessness. Our culture may have made God more approachable, but we must not lose sight of His holiness. [25:49]
Isaiah 6:3-5 (ESV): "And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!' And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: 'Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!'"
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper sense of reverence and awe in your daily approach to God?
Day 2: Eternal Perspective
Living with an eternal mindset involves understanding our past, present, and future in Christ. Our past sins have been forgiven through Jesus' sacrifice, our present life is hidden with Christ, and our future is secure as we will appear with Him in glory. This eternal perspective should guide our daily choices and actions, aligning them with God's will. By setting our hearts and minds on things above, we can live a life that reflects our identity in Christ and honors God. [32:26]
Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: How can you intentionally set your mind on things above today, and what practical steps can you take to align your actions with this eternal perspective?
Day 3: Transformation Through Gratitude
We are called to put to death the sins of the flesh and speech, embracing a disciplined lifestyle that reflects our new identity in Christ. This transformation is not about legalism but about expressing gratitude for God's grace. By participating in the process of putting on the new self, we honor God and become salt and light in the world. This transformation requires us to actively choose to live in a way that reflects our gratitude for what God has done, is doing, and will do for us. [47:09]
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 is one specific area of your life where you can express gratitude to God by choosing to live in a way that reflects your new identity in Christ?
Day 4: Accountability in Community
Change requires accountability and community. Engaging with fellow believers in smaller groups provides the support and encouragement needed to develop new habits and live a life that honors God. This accountability is essential for spiritual growth and transformation. By being part of a community, we can encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and grow together in our faith. [01:03:55]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to for accountability and encouragement in your spiritual journey, and how can you support them in return?
Day 5: Active Participation in Transformation
Transformation is an active process that requires our participation. We must consciously choose to put on the new self, starting new habits and practicing them consistently. This process, supported by God's power and presence, leads to a life that glorifies Him. By actively participating in our transformation, we can experience the fullness of life that God has for us and become a reflection of His love and grace to the world. [01:03:55]
Philippians 2:12-13 (ESV): "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure."
Reflection: What is one new habit you can start today that will help you actively participate in your transformation and reflect your new identity in Christ?
Quotes
Sometimes we have the appearance of holiness without really having the reality in our lives. And today we're going to be looking at a passage in Colossians that deals with this idea of living holy lives. Now remember, if you were here last week, we talked about how we are free in Christ. In fact, if you look in your Bibles in Colossians 2 leading into Colossians 3, most Bibles have a heading for different sections of Scripture there. And in my Bible, in the section we looked at last week, it said freedom from human rules. Right? We talked about that. If you missed it, you could go back and catch that. In chapter 3, starting chapter 3, the section is labeled this way. Living as those made alive in Christ. [00:22:18] (49 seconds)
As I've taught on that passage before, one of the things that stuck out to me was that's the only place I can find in Scripture where there's an attribute of God that is repeated three times. Holy, holy, holy. Now in the Hebrew culture, if they wanted to emphasize something, they wouldn't write it in all caps. And they wouldn't put it in italics. And they wouldn't put exclamation points. They would use repetition for emphasis. Right? Verily, verily, I say unto you. Right? That repetition. Rejoice to the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice. It's a repetition for emphasis. [00:24:31] (46 seconds)
It is true that we can approach God, not because we've got our lives together and have everything worked out and we're perfectly following His will. We can approach God because He says Jesus Christ is our mediator that makes it possible through Him to come into the presence of the throne of God. But we have gone so far the other way that people don't have the same reverence and respect for the holiness of God. [00:26:24] (33 seconds)
And while we are not bound by a set of rules and legalism, we are under the authority of a holy God. And we have accountability to that holy God to live the lifestyle that He's calling us to by choice, not because that's the rule, not because we are legally obligated to do it, but because we recognize the privilege of being allowed into the presence of this holy God, into the life and the blessings of this holy God through the sacrifice that He made in Christ. [00:28:23] (40 seconds)
Our hearts and minds need to shift gears when we go through that experience of being buried with Christ in baptism and being raised with Christ to new life. Now, we need to think differently than we used to think about life. You know why that's a big deal? It's because the way you think always controls the way you act. That's why my life verse in Romans 12 says, Be transformed by the renewing of your minds. Your minds, that's where the thoughts start. That's where the decisions are made to put into practice the lifestyle that we're going to live. [00:32:10] (40 seconds)
Because when we have a deep appreciation for that, it will change now what choices we make with our lives. How we treat sin moving forward will be different in light of the fact that we know our sin cost the life of Jesus. It cost that suffering. It cost that sacrifice that he had to make for those sins. So we need to not live in the past, not dwell in the past, but we need to understand our past. We were dead in our sins, and God could have left us there had he chosen to do so. But he did not. [00:35:59] (42 seconds)
And we just take so casually our privilege of going directly to God himself and to the presence of a holy, holy, holy God. We need to have a heart shift and a mind shift to get back to a greater appreciation for the privilege we have in our present lives right now as the church that he welcomes us into his presence through his son Jesus. You see, we're still sinners and he welcomes us into his presence through the holiness, the imparted holiness of his son Jesus that he imparts to us and allows us to enter in. [00:39:22] (41 seconds)
So we need to know that our future is set not because we finally got it all right. it's set because we are going to appear with Him in glory and He is our advocate. He is the one who's paid the price. He's the one that covers us and we have His righteousness when we appear in the presence of God to dwell with Him forever. So our future is set in Christ. So our eternal mindset should be always understanding past, present, and future of what God has done. [00:45:12] (37 seconds)
And discipline is a word we have a hard time with, we struggle with, especially in our culture today. Discipline is very lacking in so many areas in our culture today that it's hard for us to imagine discipline as a good thing. But when you understand discipline properly, you understand how good discipline is for your life. Discipline is the idea of correction with the idea that you correct it to that which is better than where it was before. That's the purpose of discipline. [00:48:50] (35 seconds)
I've always hated the term I know people use it in a good way sometimes just let go and let God as if somehow magically God's just going to change all this for you now God's going to give you the power to do it the presence of the spirit is going to be there to help you with this but you have to choose to participate in the process. [01:05:14] (26 seconds)
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