Transformative Faith: Embracing the New Life in Christ
Summary
In the discourse from Crescent Valley Baptist Church, the focus is on the transformative power of faith and the pursuit of a life aligned with spiritual principles. The message begins with an exhortation to shed negative behaviors and attitudes, such as anger, malice, and deceit, which are remnants of one's former self. This shedding is likened to putting off the "old man" and embracing a "new man" who is renewed in knowledge and reflects the image of the Creator. This new existence transcends cultural and social distinctions, emphasizing that in this spiritual renewal, Christ is central and all-encompassing.
The emphasis is placed on the active pursuit of a life dedicated to spiritual matters, with a call to seek the things above where Christ resides. This pursuit is not a passive or occasional endeavor but a vigorous and intentional effort that should permeate every aspect of life, from weekend activities to workplace behavior. The pursuit of the divine is presented as a transformative force that changes priorities and actions, aligning them with the advancement of the kingdom of God.
The message also addresses the concept of legalism, mysticism, and asceticism, which are seen as inadequate paths to experiencing divine power. Legalism, with its rigid adherence to rules, is criticized for creating a false standard of righteousness that cannot earn divine pleasure. Mysticism, with its pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, is deemed insufficient as it often leads to a sense of spiritual superiority and detachment from practical faith. Asceticism, the practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, is also dismissed as a means to gain divine favor. Instead, the focus is on trusting in Christ alone for salvation and living a life fully invested in Him.
The discourse further explores the concept of baptism as a public declaration of one's faith and the death of the old self. Baptism is described as a powerful statement to the world that one has been transformed and no longer lives according to previous ways. This act of obedience is linked to the experience of divine power in one's life, suggesting that without such a public declaration, one may not fully walk in the anointing of the Spirit.
The narrative includes a personal story about two young women who, after embracing faith, declined an invitation to a party by stating they had died to their old lives. This anecdote illustrates the profound change that faith can bring about in a person's life, leading to a complete reorientation of one's actions and priorities.
The message concludes with a call to focus on spiritual matters and to live a life controlled by the Spirit. It is suggested that being filled with the Spirit leads to a life that is not only pleasing to God but also beneficial to oneself and others. The life of a believer is to be marked by a noticeable change, with the old self put to death and a new life in Christ taking precedence.
Key Takeaways:
- The process of spiritual transformation involves a deliberate and vigorous pursuit of divine matters, which requires shedding negative behaviors and attitudes. This pursuit is not merely a personal endeavor but one that should influence all aspects of life, leading to a reorientation of priorities and actions. [32:21]
- Legalism, mysticism, and asceticism are inadequate paths to experiencing divine power. True spiritual power is accessed through a complete and exclusive trust in Christ, rather than through self-imposed standards, esoteric knowledge, or self-punishment. [23:48]
- Baptism serves as a public declaration of faith and the death of the old self. It is an essential step in the believer's journey, signifying a break from the past and a commitment to a new life in Christ. This act of obedience is closely linked to the experience of divine power. [45:30]
- A life filled with the Spirit is marked by control and empowerment, leading to positive changes in personal relationships and societal interactions. Being under the Spirit's influence results in a life that is victorious and impactful, demonstrating the reality of faith to a watching world. [19:23]
- The believer's focus must be steadfastly set on spiritual realities, undistracted by the challenges and fluctuations of life. This intentional focus is crucial for maintaining a mission-oriented life that resists the distractions of the enemy and remains aligned with the purpose of advancing the kingdom of God. [37:37]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 3:1-11 (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. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the specific behaviors and attitudes that Paul instructs believers to "put to death" in Colossians 3:5-8?
2. According to Colossians 3:1-2, where should believers set their minds and why?
3. How does Paul describe the transformation from the "old self" to the "new self" in Colossians 3:9-10?
4. What does the sermon say about the inadequacy of legalism, mysticism, and asceticism in experiencing divine power? [20:04]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the need to "seek the things that are above" and "set your minds on things above" in Colossians 3:1-2? How does this align with the sermon's call to focus on spiritual matters? [28:55]
2. How does the concept of putting off the "old self" and putting on the "new self" in Colossians 3:9-10 relate to the sermon's message about the transformative power of faith? [29:37]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that legalism, mysticism, and asceticism fall short of true spiritual transformation? [20:04]
4. How does the act of baptism serve as a public declaration of faith and the death of the old self, according to the sermon? [44:10]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any negative behaviors or attitudes that you need to "put to death" as Paul instructs in Colossians 3:5-8? How can you begin this process?
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of setting our minds on spiritual matters. Is there a specific distraction in your life preventing you from focusing on Jesus that you want to change? How can you minimize that distraction this week? [34:16]
3. The sermon mentions that a life filled with the Spirit leads to positive changes in personal relationships and societal interactions. Can you identify a relationship in your life that needs improvement? What steps can you take to allow the Spirit to guide you in this relationship? [19:23]
4. Have you experienced the struggle of trying to earn God's favor through legalism, mysticism, or asceticism? How can you shift your focus to trusting in Christ alone for your spiritual growth? [20:04]
5. Baptism is described as a public declaration of faith and the death of the old self. If you have been baptized, how did this experience impact your faith journey? If you have not been baptized, what steps can you take to make this public declaration? [44:10]
6. The sermon includes a story about two young women who declined a party invitation by stating they had died to their old lives. Have you had a similar experience where your faith led you to make a significant change in your actions or priorities? How did it affect you? [39:27]
7. The sermon calls for a life controlled by the Spirit, leading to a victorious and impactful life. What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to the Spirit's control? How can you start this process today? [19:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Spiritual Renewal
Spiritual transformation requires shedding past negative behaviors and attitudes to pursue divine matters with vigor. This active process is not confined to personal growth but extends to influence every aspect of life, leading to a reorientation of priorities and actions that reflect the image of the Creator. [32:21]
Colossians 3:9-10 - "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."
Reflection: What old behaviors or attitudes do you need to shed in order to embrace the new self that reflects the image of your Creator?
Day 2: Rejecting Inadequate Spiritual Paths
Legalism, mysticism, and asceticism are revealed as insufficient for experiencing divine power. True spiritual empowerment comes from an exclusive trust in Christ, rather than through self-imposed standards, esoteric knowledge, or self-denial. [23:48]
Galatians 2:21 - "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!"
Reflection: Have you ever relied on legalistic practices or personal disciplines as a measure of your spirituality? How can you shift your focus to trust solely in Christ's grace?
Day 3: Proclaiming Faith Through Baptism
Baptism is a public declaration of faith and signifies the death of the old self and the embrace of a new life in Christ. This act of obedience is an essential step in the believer's journey, signifying a break from the past and a commitment to divine power. [45:30]
Romans 6:4 - "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Reflection: How does your baptism reflect the transformation you've experienced in Christ, and how can you continue to live out this new life daily?
Day 4: Living a Spirit-Controlled Life
A life filled with the Spirit is marked by control and empowerment, leading to positive changes in personal relationships and societal interactions. Being under the Spirit's influence results in a life that is victorious and impactful. [19:23]
Ephesians 5:18-20 - "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord."
Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to take more control of your life, and how might this change your interactions with others?
Day 5: Focusing on Spiritual Realities
The believer's focus must be steadfastly set on spiritual realities, undistracted by life's challenges and fluctuations. This intentional focus is crucial for maintaining a mission-oriented life that resists distractions and aligns with God's kingdom purposes. [37:37]
Colossians 3:1-2 - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Reflection: What distractions are currently pulling your focus away from spiritual matters, and what practical steps can you take to redirect your attention to God's kingdom purposes?
Quotes
1) "Your life now since you've been saved is your attention and your effort has got to be given towards running hard after the things of God." [31:46] (Download)
2) "If you don't intentionally make a decision that I'm setting my face toward Jesus, everything that comes along is going to distract you." [37:37] (Download)
3) "When we come to faith in Christ there ought to be a notice to the whole world, hey I ain't living like I used to live." [44:10] (Download)
4) "You'll never experience the power of God on your life why because you're not walking in obedience." [44:56] (Download)
5) "This is the secret sauce to finding Victory is walking in yielding yourself to the power and the anointing of the spirit of God." [46:08] (Download)
6) "Jesus is better than legalism, mysticism, and asceticism. The answer to all of it is he's saying you can trust him who he is and what he's done." [27:27] (Download)
7) "The only people I can find in my Bible that walked in his power are those that came and yielded life to them and so such a way life now is all about him." [33:38] (Download)
8) "Being filled with the Spirit leads to a life that is victorious and impactful, demonstrating the reality of faith to a watching world." [19:23] (Download)
9) "The spirit of God not just comes and dwells within us but the Bible is expressly clear that there's also a filling of the believer in his life as that life is yielded unto the Lord." [17:28] (Download)
10) "The aim of my life is I want to advance his kingdom. God's not giving out his anointing and renting out his power to those that just flat out aren't interested in it." [32:21] (Download)
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