Transforming into Truth: Embracing the New Self in Christ

In our exploration of Colossians 3:5-10, we delve into the transformative journey of becoming a new person in Christ, a person of truth. The passage challenges us to put to death the old self, characterized by practices such as sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. These practices are rooted in a life governed by self and bodily desires rather than truth. Similarly, we are called to put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk, which are also manifestations of the old self. The essence of these behaviors is a life not governed by truth but by personal desires and impulses.

The new self, however, is marked by a renewal in knowledge after the image of its Creator. This renewal signifies a profound transformation where truth becomes the central reality of our lives. As believers, we are called to be radically truthful, reflecting the image of God, who is the ultimate Touchstone of Truth. This transformation is not something we achieve on our own; it is a reality that happens to us through faith and baptism, where we are buried with Christ and raised to new life.

The significance of truth in the Christian life is further emphasized by the gospel, which is described as the word of truth. Our journey as Christians is built on this foundation of truth, and it is crucial for us to love and embrace it. In contrast, the absence of a love for truth leads to deception and ultimately, spiritual peril. The end times, as described in 2 Thessalonians 2, highlight the danger of rejecting truth, where the lawless one, empowered by Satan, deceives those who do not welcome a love for the truth.

In conclusion, the call to put off the old self and embrace the new self is a call to live a life governed by truth. It is a call to align ourselves with the image of our Creator, to be renewed in knowledge, and to be people of integrity and truthfulness.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The old self is characterized by practices driven by personal desires and impulses, such as sexual immorality and anger. These practices are rooted in a life not governed by truth but by self-centeredness. As believers, we are called to put these practices to death and embrace a life governed by truth. [03:45]
• 2. The new self is marked by a renewal in knowledge after the image of its Creator. This renewal signifies a transformation where truth becomes the central reality of our lives, reflecting the image of God, who is the ultimate Touchstone of Truth. [06:37]
• 3. The gospel is described as the word of truth, emphasizing the significance of truth in the Christian life. Our journey as Christians is built on this foundation, and it is crucial for us to love and embrace truth. [08:16]
• 4. The absence of a love for truth leads to deception and spiritual peril. In the end times, the lawless one, empowered by Satan, deceives those who do not welcome a love for the truth, highlighting the danger of rejecting truth. [10:09]
• 5. Embracing the new self is a call to live a life governed by truth, aligning ourselves with the image of our Creator. It is a call to be renewed in knowledge and to be people of integrity and truthfulness. [11:47]
  ** [11:47]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:20] - Introduction to Colossians 3:5-10
• [00:36] - Putting to Death the Old Self
• [01:10] - Practices to Put Away
• [01:46] - The Shift from Falsehood to Truth
• [02:06] - The New Self in Christ
• [02:51] - Conversion and Baptism
• [03:27] - The Practices of the Old Self
• [04:05] - Lying and Bodily Desires
• [05:13] - Alternatives to Truth
• [06:06] - The Essence of the Old Self
• [06:37] - Renewal in Knowledge
• [08:16] - The Gospel as the Word of Truth
• [09:37] - The End Times and Truth
• [11:47] - Embracing the New Self

1. What are the specific practices of the "old self" that Paul instructs us to put to death in Colossians 3:5-10? How are these practices described in the sermon? [00:36]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "new self" being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator? [02:06]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between lying and other sins like sexual immorality and anger? [03:45]
4. What role does truth play in the life of a believer, as emphasized in the sermon? [08:16]

1. How does the concept of putting off the old self and putting on the new self relate to the process of conversion and baptism mentioned in the sermon? [03:10]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that personal desires and impulses can act as alternatives to truth? How does this affect a believer's life? [05:13]
3. The sermon highlights the danger of rejecting truth, especially in the context of the end times. How does this relate to the passage in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12? [10:09]
4. What does it mean to be "radically truthful" as a believer, according to the sermon? How does this align with the image of God as the ultimate Touchstone of Truth? [06:37]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any practices of the "old self" that you struggle to put to death? What steps can you take this week to address these? [00:36]
2. The sermon emphasizes the renewal of the new self in knowledge. How can you actively seek to grow in your knowledge of truth this month? [06:37]
3. Consider a situation where you might be tempted to lie or deceive. How can you choose truthfulness in that situation, and what impact might that have on your relationships? [03:45]
4. The sermon warns about the spiritual peril of not loving the truth. How can you cultivate a deeper love for truth in your daily walk with Christ? [10:09]
5. Think of a time when personal desires or impulses led you away from truth. How can you realign your priorities to ensure that truth governs your actions? [05:13]
6. How can you encourage others in your community to embrace the new self and live a life governed by truth? What role can you play in supporting them? [11:47]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to be more aligned with the image of your Creator. What practical steps can you take to reflect God's truth more clearly in that area? [06:37]