Paul says we are to “put on the new man” which means putting to death our old sinful ways. (Col 3:5-11)

And, you know “old sinful ways” sounds like not such a big deal, but when we go as far as to name the sins that we need to kill in our lives, it’s much more sobering.

And Paul names some of them—“fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (Col 3:5)….”anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds”, (Col 3:8-9)

The truth is, we are no longer mastered by the enemy of our souls— we have put off the old man—as Christians, we serve the King of Kings.

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him”. (Col 3:12-17)

THAT is powerful instruction about how to live free, and joyfully, and in a way to impact others for the cause of Christ!

But notice how it starts>>>

It starts with your identity in Christ—“elect of God, holy and beloved”

Christian, THIS is who you are and how Christ sees you.

All day long, the enemy of your soul lies and tries to convince you otherwise.

But the truth is, you ARE a new creation! (2 Cor 5:17) You are not who you used to be so don’t let the evil one tell you that you are. Wear that new identity you’ve been given!

How? By feeding your mind with truth.

Below is some truth compiled by Freedom in Christ Ministries (https://www.ficm.org)—

“I renounce the lie that I am rejected, unloved, or shameful. In Christ I am accepted.

God says:

I am God’s child (see John 1:12)
I am Christ’s friend (see John 15:15)
I have been justified (see Romans 5:1)
I am united with the Lord, and I am one spirit with Him (see 1 Corinthians 6:17)
I have been bought with a price: I belong to God. (see 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
I am a member of Christ’s Body (see 1 Corinthians 12:27)
I am a saint, a holy one (see Ephesians 1:1)
I have been adopted as God’s child (see Ephesians 1:5)
I have direct access to God through the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 2:18)
I have been forgiven of all my sins (see Colossians 1:14)
I am complete in Christ (see Colossians 2:10)
I renounce the lie that I am guilty, unprotected, alone, or abandoned. In Christ I am secure.

God says:

I am free from condemnation (see Romans 8:1-2)
I am assured that all things work together for good (see Romans 8:28)
I am free from all condemning charges against me (see Romans 8:31-34)
I cannot be separated from the love of God (see Romans 8:35-39)
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God (see 2 Corinthians 1:21-22)
I am confident that the good work God has begun in me will be perfected (see Philippians 1:6)
I am a citizen of heaven (see Philippians 3:20)
I am hidden with Christ in God (see Colossians 3:3)
I have not been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-control (see 2 Timothy 1:7)
I can find grace and mercy to help in time of need (see Hebrews 4:16)
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me (see 1 John 5:18)”

Let’s remember this and remind each other of this!

What a Savior!

readColossians

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