HOW HAVE I SINNED?

Colossians 3:12-17
Sean Blomquist, Shelter (Concord)

The first word is “therefore,” which means, as pastors often explain, you need to know what it is there for. Verses 1-11 set up the context for verses 12-17.  Paul has laid out a way we can “work out our salvation in fear and trembling” (as he says in Phil. 1:12).  Whether new or established Jesus-followers, we all have to continue to work out our relationship with Jesus.  In Col. 3 we see the vision, intention and means Paul has laid out for this process.¼br /> VISION:  What is God’s vision for us? Check out verses1,4, 10, and 12.  See God’s great vision for who we are suppose to become!
INTENTION:  Do we really intend to become this person? If Col. 3 is simply a list of dos and don’ts and our motives don’t resonate from the great vision of the kingdom of God, then true change is impossible.  In verses 1-2, Paul lets us know where our intentions begin. This takes great effort on our part because as we know our thoughts and feelings are quite contrary to Gods perspective.
MEANS:  How do we participate in change?  In verses 9, 10, and 12, Paul has a simple, yet profound means for transformation.  Take any area of your life that you struggle with and use the tool below.  Remember we are “working out our salvation” in cooperation with God, “who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.”

• Resist – (take off). We can’t begin to change without an intent to stop/resist what we are doing, which we know is bringing death to us and others.  Is there an area in your life you know needs to be resisted? 
• Replace – (put on—clothe yourself). We must replace the old with the new. For example, my judgmentalism needs to be replaced with kindness, humility, and gentleness. Those are hard for me, and that’s why traditionally they are called disciplines, because they don’t come naturally.  What might you need to replace so you’re not just saying ‘no’?
  
• Embrace – (take off) When we take off something, there is a nakedness. We are exposed. Often our sins are old clothes hiding shame and other deeper areas of our life. We need to own this in ourselves.  Do you see any of these areas in your life?
• Engage – (put on—clothe yourself)f.  As you reflect on verses 12-17 how often is “one another” is used?  We need to engage in this journey with each other.  Who might you engage with about this in your life?

Prayer
Lord, sustain your godly vision for my life, help me want to follow you, and give me the handles I need to grab hold of your changes you want to make in me.