The Foundation of Change - Colossians 3:1-4
In this passage of Scripture the apostle Paul is dealing with the character of the new man that is being formed in every Christian who has come to know the Lord Jesus Christ and His saving power. Paul is making a transition from theological statements to practical precepts in Christ. He has laid a strong doctrinal foundation in the preceding chapters on Who Christ is and now his attention turns to how Christians should live their lives.
In these verses Paul lays the foundation for effective change in our lives. Because our lives have been raised with Christ, our lives are to be different. They are to reflect a new pattern of life.
Click on the links below for the complete outlines
A New Pattern for Living Study
Putting Off the Old Nature
PDF -
Word
Putting On the New Nature
PDF -
Word |
Colossians 3:1-2 (NLT) Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power. Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.
The operative word here is “Set.” We are set our mind and affections on things that are above – the realities of heaven. If we are to see true and lasting change in our lives, it means setting all of our affection on Christ and His kingdom. The person who has been raised with Christ sees things from the eternal perspective, which should result in having their whole pattern of life on earth being dominated by this perspective.
Conversion is designed to involve
a define break with the corruption caused by sin. When we
come to know God through Christ, we not only escape the
corruption of sin, but also are renewed and restored to
the divine image.
