Intro: In Colossians 3, Paul shifts from the great doctrinal truths of the first two chapters to a look at what impact this theology should have on the lives of believers. In Colossians 3:5-17, we unpack some practical and pointed truths about living the Christ life.

Text: Colossians 3:5-17

1. The Bible takes sin very seriously. So should we.

• John Owen: “Be killing sin or it will be killing you.” (Mortification of sin in believers) 

a). Sexual immorality: anything outside of marriage

b). Idolatry: worshipping created things over the Creator

c). Wrath of God:

“Would a God who took as much pleasure in evil as He did in good be a good God? Would a God who did not react adversely to evil in His world be morally perfect? Surely not. But it is precisely this adverse reaction to evil, which is a necessary part of moral perfection, that the Bible has in view when it speaks of wrath.” –Packer, Knowing God 

d). The Cross: the wrath absorbing work of Christ

• propitiation / sacrifice of atonement
• repent and believe

2. Christ is all—the means and the goal.

a). The means: Imputed Righteousness: how are we going to do this?

• 2 Corinthians 5:21
• Titus 2:11-12
• Colossians 3:4—Christ is our life!

b). The goal: Cultural Christianity (pragmatic functionalism) vs. Jesus as the Supreme Treasure

3. We are live from life versus to life

a). What makes Paul’s list different from the end of chapter 2?

• "Legalists, of whatever variety, typically argue ‘to’ life. That is to say, they identify the good one must pursue and the bad one must avoid as a means to gain favor with God or as a condition on which he may be disposed to grant life. Paul, on the other hand, together with other New Testament writers, argues ‘from’ life. Holiness is portrayed as the fruit of acceptance with God, not the root. We already are the favored and beloved of God, made such by sovereign grace alone, and it is on the basis of this glorious truth that we are inwardly impelled (rather than outwardly compelled) to express life, not earn it." –Sam Storms

b). The grounds for this confidence is God’s electing love.

• Chosen, holy, beloved
• Romans 8:29
• Ephesians 1:3-10
• Confidence not Controversy

c). Objection: Isn’t this a terrible strategy to motivate someone? NO!!!!

• Analogy: A loving father and his son

4. Holiness is a community project.

a). Doing life together is the incubator in which our souls are formed into the image of Christ.

• v.9-don’t lie to one another
• v.13-bear with one another
• v.13-forgive each other as the Lord has forgiven you.
• v.15-called in one body
• v.16-teach and admonish one another

b). admonish: to express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner

2: to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement to

5. Everything means everything. Following Jesus calls for nothing short of our entire lives.