“Free… Part 3”

Free to be the Me that God Wants Me to be

Colossians 3:1-25

 

 

You are free to think like Christ.

 

Colossians 3:1-3 (NIV)

1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

 

  • Evaluate the world around you with the eyes of Christ. (3:17, 23)
  • Be thankful. (3:15, 16, 17) 

You are free to react like Christ.

 

Colossians 3:5-10 (NIV)

5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

 

  • Create a “trash-bucket list”. (3:5, 8, 9)
  • Be aware of the “Ooo-factor”.  (3:6) 

You are free to relate like Christ.

 

Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV)

12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

 

  • Let your character-mirror be Scripture.
  • Minimize the “yes-buts” of relationships.
  • Treat others like company.  

You are free to love like Christ.

 

Colossians 3:18-23 (NIV)

18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.  19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.  20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.  21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.  22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything and do, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.   23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. 

 

  • Demonstrate chesed in relationships. (3:18-25)
  • Follow Jesus’ lead.  (John 13:3-11)

 Freedom in Christ changes us to be like him.