A New Hope, A New You Colossians 3:1–11 How can my messed up life become this new reality? 1. The New Reality with Christ (3:1) where Christ (3:1) with Christ (3:3) when Christ (3:4) with Him (3:4) This new life is real and powerful, but so is remaining sin. Though it no longer is our master, it can still overpower us if we are not presenting ourselves to God as servants of righteousness. 2. The New Focus 1. Seeking the things above (3:1) 2. Setting the mind on things above (3:2) 3. The New Motivations 1. Died to Sin 2. Future appearance of Jesus 3. Life hidden with God 4. The New Approach to Sin “put to death,” v. 5 “rid yourselves,” v. 8 “do not lie,” v. 9 Kill You Take you off and throw you away Get Honest - Stop lying about how you are doing doing and what you are doing “Sexual immorality “Impurity” “lust" “greed” “idolatry” Why are they so bad? First, they are sins that incur “the wrath of God Second, they characterize your old life. “anger,” “rage” “malice” “Slander” “filthy language” “Stop lying.” 5. The New Focus New Life How Can I start? Repent and Confess 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Watchfulness / Prayerfulness Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Radical Obedience Matthew 5:29–30