IF YOU ARE RISEN WITH CHRIST 2
TEXT- COLOSSIANS 3:10-25, ROMANS 7:18-24
INTRODUCTION
Believer's begin a new life when they are born again by the Spirit. Regeneration places believers on the road of faith whereby they become new creations and enjoy a divine life in Christ. Inspite of that reality, the believers wrestle with the old nature. They must seek to always put on the new man and follow Christ - 1John 2:8,1Peter 1:3, Romans 6:4.
A) THE NEW MAN IN CHRIST - Colossians 3:10, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 3:1-2
If there is the new man, it means there is (was) the old man/nature - Romans 6:6, Ephesians 4:22-24. The old man is our old evil nature. It comprises of evil and wickedness with no relationship with God - Jeremiah 17:9 while the new man refers to a lifestyle consistent with being in Christ and Truth. A new creation is made in Christ immediately we become born again and the new man is raised and reigns with Christ. Christ in us begins the existence of the new man - 2 Corinthians 4:16. The old man has no place in God's Kingdom.
B) THE MANIFESTATION OF THE NEW MAN - Colossians 3:12-17
Apostle Paul by revelation and spiritual understanding revealed that the new man is continually renewed into knowledge after the image of Christ who created him(the new man);
1) The new man doesn't segregate but believes that Christ is in all - Colossians 3:11, Matthew 12:25, 1Corinthians 1:13, John 17:21
2) He is merciful - Luke 6:36, Matthew 5:7
3) He is kind - Ephesians 4:32
4) He is humble - Philippians 2:8, James 4:6
5) He is gentle/Meek - Titus 3:2, Matthew 5:5
6) He is patient - Proverbs 14:29
7) He forbears - Ephesians 4:2
8) He forgives - Matthew 6:14
9) He is full of love- "the bond of perfectness" - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
10) Filled with God's word, grows and rejoices in it - 2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 1:22
11) Full of thanks and peaceful - Colossians 3:15, Psalm 34:1
C) INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHRISTIAN FAMILY RELATIONSHIP - Colossians 3:18-25
Apostle Paul knew the importance of good relationship in their homes, churches and even businesses because without good relationship, there will not be the right fellowship among themselves. He pointed out the following:
1) Wives should submit to their husbands - Ephesians 5:22, Colossians 3:18
2) Husbands must love their wives - Ephesians 5:22, Colossians 3:19
3) Children should obey their Parents - Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20
4) Parents should not break the spirit of their children - Ephesians 6:4, Colossians 3:21
5) Employees should serve their employers well without eye service and employers should be free and fair - Ephesians 6:5-9, Colossians 3:22
CONCLUSION
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things - Colossians 3:2
