1. Being raised with Christ changes our focus vs1,2 “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
A. Since you are raised with Christ, now with new life we are to substitute earthly affections for heavenly affections, to seek a Christ centered life rather than a self-centered life.
B. Paul moves from the fullness of Christ to the fullness of Christian living. Simply put we are to put into practice the reality of our position (your new identity – be what you are).
2. Since you are in Christ face the facts. (Verses 3-4) “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
A. Did you die? Remember we have died and have a new life in Christ with a whole new set of values.
B. The missing element in some peoples idea of Christianity. We know Christ dies for us but don’t seem to remember we are to die as well. We are to put off our grave clothes.
3. Put to death these past failures. (Verses 5-6) “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.”
A. Since we're considered dead, we need to consider our bodies as dead to the idolatrous pursuit of immoral pleasure and money.
B. We are to be proactive in putting sin to death.
4. Rid yourself of these failings. (Verses 7-9) “You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices”
A. Verse 5-6 dealt with sins of the flesh now we are to deal with sinful attitudes and actions.
B. This is the pattern for living in the newness of your life in Christ.