Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Is there any men or women in this room who can say, “you can not believe the difference in me since I surrendered my life to Jesus”?
1. My attitude is different
2. My relationships are different
3. My entire life is different since I made Jesus the Lord of my life.
Have you ever wanted to look up someone who knew the old you and say, “I’m sorry.” I was a different person them. I am better person than that now?
Colossians 3:12-25 tells us how to live our lives now that we are a new man in Christ.
1. This is the attitude of a new man in Christ.
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.
Colossians 3:12-14
A. Tender Mercies
B. Kindness
C. Humility and Meekness
D. Longsuffering
E. Bearing with one another
F. Forgiving one another
G. Learn how to handle a complainer
2. This is the heart of a new man in Christ.
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:14
A. Love your way through issues
B. Put on love – it’s an action, not a feeling.
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
A. Speaking peace – (Jesus calmed the storm by speaking peace into it.)
B. Peace has to rule your heart before you speak.
C. Called to one body – that means – promote and protect unity.
1. Don’t get caught in divisive tactics – home, work, church, extended family
D. Peace makers – the key word here is the word “maker.”
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God.
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:26-27
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Romans 12:17-19
A. This may be one of the hardest verses in the entire Bible to obey.
B. Let’s be honest. Don’t you just want to call them on the phone and give them a piece of your mind.
C. How many imaginary conversations have you had to make yourself fill better?
3. This is the discipline of a new man in Christ.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:16-17
A. Fill yourself with the Word of God.
B. Teach your children the Word of God. ( Macy video)
C. If you want to have a spiritual home fill it with spiritual music
1. Pastor Mac and Donna McDonald – Hillsong Instrumental CD – Plays 24/7
D. Thanksgiving – everyday.
4. This is the family of a new man in Christ.
The Christian Home
18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.
22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men- pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.
A. The relationship of a Christian home spills over into your work life.
B. You spend 8-10 hours a day a work. You spend 2-3 hours with your family. This becomes the attitude of how you live your life.
1. I want to be an honorable man.
5. This is the motive of a new man in Christ.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
Colossians 3:23-25