Living the New Life in Christ. Embracing Transformation and Purpose.
Colossians 3
Good Morning
Stand with me and lift your bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
Today, we’re opening our Bibles to Colossians chapter 3, where the Apostle Paul delivers a message that resonates across time: when we meet Jesus, our lives are changed forever.
Through Christ, we are not only saved, but we’re also made new.
Colossians 3 is a call to recognize this new identity, to leave behind the old ways, and to live each day filled with purpose and hope.
Paul begins by encouraging us to “set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.”
This is a shift in focus, from the earthly to the eternal, from the temporary to the lasting, and from what is humanly possible to what is divinely possible. If we truly set our hearts on the things of heaven, imagine how radically that would change our lives.
A Life Transformed: Putting Off the Old and Putting On the New
(Colossians 3:1-14)
In this chapter, Paul calls us to live as people who belong to the kingdom of God.
He tells us to “put to death” the things that are part of our old nature, such as anger, bitterness, greed, and sexual immorality. These are the attitudes and behaviors that erode our souls and hurt our relationships.
But let’s remember that Paul’s call to “put to death” is not a command to change ourselves through sheer willpower. Rather, it’s an invitation to let the Holy Spirit work in us to create something new.
Imagine taking off old, tattered clothes — clothes that have been through the struggles, the sins, and the baggage of our past.
God invites us to take off those worn-out garments and to put on new ones: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
These virtues are like the wardrobe of heaven. When we “put on” these Christlike qualities, we reflect His heart and show the world what it means to live for God.
Paul goes a step further, saying, “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”
Love is the anchor, the common thread that holds all other virtues in place. When we choose love, we’re choosing to live like Jesus, to serve, to forgive, and to care.
It’s in love that we find the power to overcome the challenges of this life and to live out our faith with integrity and impact.
Story of Encouragement: David’s Journey from Bondage to Freedom
Let me tell you about a man named David. David’s life was marked by struggle. He battled addiction for years — a battle that left him feeling defeated and hopeless. He tried countless times to break free, but every time he thought he’d made progress, he found himself slipping back. One night, in desperation, he picked up his Bible and came across Colossians 3. As he read about putting off the old self and embracing the new, he felt God stirring something deep within his heart.
David knelt down and prayed a simple but powerful prayer of surrender, asking Jesus to transform him from the inside out. And little by little, David saw changes in his life. It wasn’t instant, and it wasn’t easy, but as he leaned on Jesus, his anger and addictions lost their grip. Today, David is a transformed man. He leads a recovery ministry in his church, helping others find the same freedom he’s found. He no longer identifies with the brokenness of his past but with the new life he has in Christ.
David’s story is a powerful reminder that God can redeem anything. When we surrender to Him, our past doesn’t define us — His love does. And that love has the power to take even the most shattered life and make it whole.
Living in Peace, Unity, and Gratitude (Colossians 3:15-17)
As Paul continues, he urges us to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
Think about what it means to have Jesus’ peace ruling in your life. When Christ’s peace reigns, we’re no longer controlled by fear, worry, or anxiety. Instead, our lives are centered in Him, and we can stand firm in any storm, knowing we’re anchored by His love.
Paul also encourages us to let “the word of Christ dwell richly” in us.
God’s Word isn’t something we just read; it’s something we let take root in our hearts. It’s His living voice speaking to us, guiding us, and shaping us into His likeness.
And when we’re filled with God’s Word, it overflows into every part of our lives, transforming the way we speak, act, and think.
Lastly, Paul calls us to gratitude, saying, “whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
A heart of gratitude transforms every part of our lives, turning even the smallest tasks into acts of worship.
When we live in gratitude, we’re not just going through the motions; we’re living every moment as an offering to God, acknowledging His presence in every step we take.
Responding to God’s Invitation
As we come to the end of this message, I want to invite each of you to consider: what is God asking you to surrender today?
Perhaps there are things in your life — habits, fears, hurts, or doubts — that God is asking you to release. Maybe you’ve been trying to change on your own, but you’ve realized that real transformation can only come through surrender to Jesus.
Today, God is extending an invitation to you to put off the old self and to embrace the new. It’s an invitation to freedom, to peace, and to purpose. Imagine if David had held on to his past and given up on the hope of change. He would have missed out on a life of purpose and transformation. But because he surrendered, God’s power worked through him, not only changing his life but impacting countless others.
If you feel God stirring your heart, I encourage you to come forward. This is your moment to say, “Yes, Lord, I want the new life You offer. I want to leave the past behind and live fully for You.” Jesus is here, ready to forgive, to heal, and to make you whole.
Let us pray together. Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, grateful for Your love and mercy. Thank You for the invitation to be made new in Christ. Lord, we ask that You help us to let go of anything that separates us from You. May Your Spirit empower us to put off the old self, to let go of past hurts, fears, and failures, and to embrace the new life You offer. We want to be clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We ask that Your love and peace fill our hearts and guide our lives.
For those here today who feel You calling them, Lord, give them the courage to respond. May they experience the joy of Your forgiveness and the peace of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
As we leave today, remember that you are a new creation in Christ. The past no longer defines you — His love does. Walk in the peace, unity, and gratitude that God has called you to, and let your life be a testimony to His power to transform, heal, and renew. Let us live this new life fully, joyfully, and purposefully, knowing that each of us is part of God’s greater story. Amen.
