IT'S SETTLED! IT'S SPIRITUAL!

COLOSSIANS 3:9-17

Pastor Rick Jackson

Last week we saw that when a person trusts Christ that they are quite a few things that become settled. Since certain thins are settled, certain changes should be made, certain things should be done, certain truths should be accepted. these things are largely of a spiritual nature... it's settled, it's spiritual!

I. WHAT WAS DONE [V. 9-11]

1. The "old man" was dethroned [v. 9] "rendered inoperative"

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

Wuest says, "Lie" is a present imperative in a prohibition, forbidding the continuance of an action already going on. It is, "Stop lying to one another."

About what? About who they were, who they are, and in whom they are! Read verses 10-11 for the general idea and then we'll go back for a little more instruction.

2. The enlightened new man has been enthroned [v. 10]

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

2 Corinthians 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

Ephesians 4: 20 But ye have not so learned Christ;
21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:
22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

3. The new man has an All powerful, Awe-inspiring Allied-commander [v. 10b-11]

II. WHAT SHOULD BE DONE [V. 12-14]

1. This is who we are [v. 12a]

The Word elect means chosen of God. -W.W.Wiersbe (We are chosen of God in Christ- Eph. 1:4)

There is a great deal of discussion about this matter of election. the fact of the matter is that if you have trusted Christ, you have on this new garment, and you are one of the elect. -J. Vernon McGee

2. This is what we should "wear" [v. 12b-13]

--bowels of mercies-- heart of compassion

--kindness-- a profitable gentleness

--humbleness of mind-- Humility is not thinking poorly of one's self. Rather, it is having the proper estimation of one's self in the will of God. -W.W.W.

--meekness--

--long-suffering -- as opposed to being short fused. It is good to be able to get angry, for this is a sign of holy character. But it is wrong to get angry quickly at the wrong things for the wrong reasons. W.W.W.

--forbearing one another-- God is forbearing toward sinners in that He holds back His judgement. W.W.W.

--forgiving one another--

3. This is what ties it all together [v. 14]

A man's belt does many things. It holds up his pants, keeps his shirt tucked in, gives stability, holds phones, tools, etc. it's multifunctional and helps other items of clothing to do their job well. So it is with agape love.

III. HOW IT SHOULD BE DONE [V. 15-17]

1. Let the peace of God rule in your heart. [v. 15]

Psalm 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

2. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you righly [v. 16]

3. Do everything in the name of Christ [v. 17]