A New Year, A New You

Revelation 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Colossians 3:1–11

How can my hope become reality?

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.

The New Focus

1. Seeking the things above (3:1)
2. Setting the mind on things above (3:2)
The New Motivations
1. Died to Sin
2. Life hidden with God

The New Approach to Sin

“put to death,” v. 5
“rid yourselves,” v. 8
“do not lie,” v. 9

“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.”

The New Focus

New Life

How Can I start?

Repent and Confess
1 John 1:9
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
41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Self-Discipline
Matthew 5:29–30
29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.
30 And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.