WEBVTT 00:00:00.360 --> 00:00:04.740 Well, good morning everybody. Oh, let me just get rid of all this stuff. My name is Alistair. 00:00:04.879 --> 00:00:11.500 I have the privilege of being on staff here at the church and the privilege of opening God's Word to us this morning. 00:00:11.620 --> 00:00:16.559 So if you have a Bible in front of you, it would be great if you turn to Colossians chapter 3 00:00:16.559 --> 00:00:24.240 and that we're going to be reading the first 11 verses and that is on page 1184 of the church Bibles. 00:00:24.800 --> 00:00:28.120 But before we actually get to reading God's Word, I want to ask you a question. 00:00:28.120 --> 00:00:33.780 How many of you have seen a make-up show? Like a make-over show? 00:00:33.880 --> 00:00:37.560 You know those shows where someone comes in and then they get make-up on, new clothes? 00:00:37.600 --> 00:00:39.620 How many of you have seen those? Can I get a show of hands? 00:00:40.179 --> 00:00:43.859 Okay, and now let me ask another question. Keep your hands in the air. 00:00:44.620 --> 00:00:47.820 How many of you love those shows? Absolutely love them. 00:00:48.079 --> 00:00:50.480 I'm going to put my hand up. I love them. I'm not ashamed. 00:00:51.120 --> 00:00:56.280 And the reason I love them is because when the show starts, you see this before picture. 00:00:56.280 --> 00:01:03.000 So you usually see someone with bad teeth, someone with unkept hair or hair that's all over the place, 00:01:03.460 --> 00:01:07.079 someone with a kind of really bad fashion sense. 00:01:08.740 --> 00:01:13.939 And so I can't help it because I see the before picture and I'm dying to know what the after picture is like. 00:01:14.340 --> 00:01:16.299 I just can't help myself. 00:01:17.480 --> 00:01:19.939 But am I the only one? I know you're all the same. 00:01:20.260 --> 00:01:21.159 I know you're all the same. 00:01:21.159 --> 00:01:27.280 And throughout the whole show, which could actually be about two minutes, but it lasts about half an hour, 00:01:27.840 --> 00:01:33.179 you feel this tension building as you see smaller changes here and there to the person's appearance. 00:01:33.899 --> 00:01:36.899 And then finally, the person is revealed. 00:01:37.259 --> 00:01:38.519 There's so much excitement. 00:01:38.699 --> 00:01:42.599 And as that person stands before the mirror, they usually say something like, 00:01:42.659 --> 00:01:44.039 I'm a completely different person. 00:01:44.040 --> 00:01:46.859 There's so much excitement. 00:01:48.260 --> 00:01:51.000 But is that all it takes to be a new person? 00:01:52.440 --> 00:01:56.540 A few external changes, a bit of makeup and a pair of new clothes. 00:01:56.680 --> 00:01:58.000 Is that really all it takes? 00:01:59.300 --> 00:02:03.340 Well, no, because all of those changes only happen on the outside. 00:02:03.340 --> 00:02:12.280 But the passage that we're going to look at this morning speaks of a significant change that happens from the inside out. 00:02:13.180 --> 00:02:16.800 So whether you're a Christian or not this morning, as we look at the Bible together, 00:02:16.800 --> 00:02:19.640 I want you to have this question in the back of your minds. 00:02:20.020 --> 00:02:22.560 What change does Jesus make? 00:02:23.539 --> 00:02:29.259 So we're going to be in Colossians chapter 3, focusing on verses 5 to 11, 00:02:29.259 --> 00:02:32.759 but I'll read from verse 1 just to give us a bit of the context. 00:02:33.340 --> 00:02:36.240 So Colossians 3 verse 1 says this. 00:02:37.020 --> 00:02:41.560 Since then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, 00:02:41.840 --> 00:02:45.379 where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 00:02:46.199 --> 00:02:50.740 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things, for you died, 00:02:51.140 --> 00:02:54.240 and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 00:02:54.560 --> 00:03:00.920 And when Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 00:03:00.919 --> 00:03:06.359 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature, 00:03:06.919 --> 00:03:12.839 sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 00:03:13.799 --> 00:03:16.679 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. 00:03:17.759 --> 00:03:21.079 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived, 00:03:21.080 --> 00:03:25.400 but now you must also rid yourself of all such things as these, 00:03:25.900 --> 00:03:30.220 anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. 00:03:30.860 --> 00:03:36.740 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 00:03:36.740 --> 00:03:43.720 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator. 00:03:43.719 --> 00:03:53.300 Here, there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, 00:03:53.400 --> 00:03:57.419 but Christ is all and is in all. 00:03:59.060 --> 00:04:04.599 So coming back to that question again, what change does Jesus make? 00:04:05.599 --> 00:04:09.960 Well, verses 1 to 4 that we looked at last week tell us the fundamental change, 00:04:09.960 --> 00:04:12.760 which is that Jesus changes our whole identity. 00:04:14.320 --> 00:04:18.120 And Paul is telling the Colossians that they have died with Christ, 00:04:18.579 --> 00:04:23.500 meaning that they've died to their old self and they have been raised with him. 00:04:24.400 --> 00:04:29.019 So the fundamental change that Jesus makes is that he changes our identity. 00:04:29.800 --> 00:04:37.019 And then in verses 5 to 11, we see how this change of identity should impact our day-to-day lives. 00:04:37.019 --> 00:04:41.859 And the first thing that we see is that the old has gone. 00:04:43.000 --> 00:04:49.219 So Paul bases this whole discussion on the Christian's new identity that you see in verses 1 to 4. 00:04:49.959 --> 00:04:54.779 Because if we change our actions because we want to reach a new moral standard, 00:04:54.899 --> 00:04:56.060 then we're teaching moralism. 00:04:57.079 --> 00:05:03.399 If we change our actions because we want to stick to religious rules that will hopefully get us into heaven, 00:05:03.399 --> 00:05:05.799 then we're teaching moralism and we're wrong. 00:05:07.019 --> 00:05:13.000 But if we change our actions because of our new identity in Jesus, 00:05:13.000 --> 00:05:17.599 and we want to serve him and worship him and make him the focus of our lives, 00:05:17.639 --> 00:05:18.560 then we've got it right. 00:05:20.579 --> 00:05:24.019 So as a people who have been changed by Jesus, what are we to do? 00:05:24.959 --> 00:05:28.799 Hannah, as a person who has been changed by Jesus, 00:05:29.000 --> 00:05:30.779 how do you live out your faith? 00:05:32.159 --> 00:05:33.699 Well, Paul says the old has gone. 00:05:33.699 --> 00:05:38.139 For the Christian, our old identity died with Jesus on the cross. 00:05:38.219 --> 00:05:39.839 Therefore, verse 5, he says, 00:05:40.240 --> 00:05:44.120 put to death what belongs to your earthly nature. 00:05:45.259 --> 00:05:47.539 Now, what is this earthly nature? 00:05:48.539 --> 00:05:51.180 Well, elements of it are seen there in verse 5. 00:05:52.079 --> 00:05:57.120 Sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed. 00:05:57.120 --> 00:06:01.780 But notice the word that Paul uses to describe all of these things. 00:06:02.519 --> 00:06:05.740 They are, at their very foundation, idolatry. 00:06:07.100 --> 00:06:10.840 A well-known theologian called John Calvin from many, many years ago 00:06:10.840 --> 00:06:14.959 described the human heart as an idol-making factory. 00:06:14.959 --> 00:06:22.219 Now, that isn't the usual story that we read on billboards or read in magazines, is it? 00:06:22.699 --> 00:06:25.779 I don't think Sabina, my wife, would be too impressed if I said, 00:06:25.859 --> 00:06:28.659 I love you with all of my idol-factory-making heart. 00:06:29.560 --> 00:06:31.679 It doesn't quite sound the same, does it? 00:06:32.679 --> 00:06:36.139 But friends, that is exactly what our hearts are like. 00:06:36.199 --> 00:06:40.939 Not just mine, not just yours, but every single heart in this world. 00:06:40.939 --> 00:06:46.420 Every heart is corrupt and seeks to serve only itself. 00:06:48.339 --> 00:06:53.120 But did you notice how all of these things in verse 5 are geared towards 00:06:53.120 --> 00:06:55.500 and are for the pleasure of the individual? 00:06:56.500 --> 00:06:58.060 They are all selfish acts. 00:06:59.279 --> 00:07:03.899 And in our polite British fashion, we might not think that we're guilty of any of these sins. 00:07:04.500 --> 00:07:06.540 Because these are outrageous, aren't they? 00:07:06.540 --> 00:07:12.460 They're just wrong and only bad people, we say, do these things. 00:07:13.280 --> 00:07:14.720 Well, sadly, that's just not true. 00:07:16.200 --> 00:07:22.340 Sexual immorality is anything that goes outside of God's wonderful design for sex and marriage. 00:07:23.700 --> 00:07:28.879 Sex is a gift from God to the world to be enjoyed between one man and one woman 00:07:28.879 --> 00:07:31.460 in the covenant relationship of marriage. 00:07:32.340 --> 00:07:36.180 And I know this goes completely against what society tells us. 00:07:37.220 --> 00:07:42.640 But who better to look to, to know how to use this wonderful gift 00:07:42.640 --> 00:07:44.500 than the giver of the gift himself? 00:07:45.720 --> 00:07:48.379 I wouldn't go and buy a brand new fitness watch, 00:07:48.740 --> 00:07:53.100 pull it out the box, then run to McDonald's and ask the guy who's frying the chips how to use it, would I? 00:07:54.360 --> 00:07:54.759 No. 00:07:55.620 --> 00:07:59.379 I'd open the box, I'd pick up the instruction manual and I'd start reading. 00:07:59.920 --> 00:08:03.900 I'd read the terms and conditions, I'd listen to the do's and don'ts. 00:08:03.899 --> 00:08:06.500 I wouldn't ignore them because I don't like them. 00:08:07.259 --> 00:08:10.239 But I would listen to them because the manufacturer wrote them. 00:08:11.459 --> 00:08:14.659 They know how best to use the watch. 00:08:14.739 --> 00:08:15.939 They know what it was made for. 00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:22.319 And when it comes to sex, we have the privilege of being able to go to the giver of that great gift 00:08:22.319 --> 00:08:26.939 and see his intention and desire for how it should be used in the Bible. 00:08:28.779 --> 00:08:30.779 Or what about impurity and lust? 00:08:31.540 --> 00:08:35.720 Remember that time you walked past someone on the street and you undressed them with your eyes? 00:08:36.580 --> 00:08:39.559 Or that time you clicked on that website you know you shouldn't have? 00:08:41.500 --> 00:08:42.980 Evil desires and greed. 00:08:42.980 --> 00:08:49.320 You know that feeling when you can have as much money in your bank account as you can have 00:08:49.320 --> 00:08:51.899 and it really doesn't matter because it's never enough. 00:08:53.060 --> 00:08:58.100 Or that time you wished that someone at work would mess up their interview so that you could get the job instead. 00:08:59.740 --> 00:09:05.920 All of these things that Paul is speaking about at their very foundation are idolatry. 00:09:05.919 --> 00:09:10.719 Because with each of these things we are removing God from the focus of our heart and saying, 00:09:10.819 --> 00:09:12.079 No God, I don't want you. 00:09:13.139 --> 00:09:15.039 I don't want what you think is best. 00:09:15.139 --> 00:09:16.799 I want what I want. 00:09:17.459 --> 00:09:19.339 I want the desires of my heart. 00:09:21.219 --> 00:09:22.860 Now this list might be scary. 00:09:24.379 --> 00:09:30.539 But my response should be that I want to worship Jesus with everything including my whole body. 00:09:30.539 --> 00:09:36.620 And all the sins that distract me from him I need to put to death. 00:09:38.219 --> 00:09:42.059 We are to set our minds and hearts on the things that are above. 00:09:42.159 --> 00:09:44.719 Meaning that we set our minds on Jesus. 00:09:46.759 --> 00:09:51.019 So Paul says in verse 5, Christians put these things to death. 00:09:52.379 --> 00:09:55.039 Now he doesn't say this is easy. 00:09:55.620 --> 00:09:58.179 But he also doesn't say casually flirt with them. 00:09:58.179 --> 00:10:02.439 He doesn't say walk away from or he doesn't even say flee from them. 00:10:02.579 --> 00:10:04.319 But he says put them to death. 00:10:05.899 --> 00:10:10.599 This is not an easy task that we can do from one day to the next. 00:10:11.599 --> 00:10:16.279 But this putting to death is a process that Christians should constantly be doing. 00:10:16.559 --> 00:10:18.620 And constantly growing in. 00:10:19.620 --> 00:10:23.919 And it should be the result of our new identity in Jesus Christ. 00:10:24.539 --> 00:10:27.779 And Hannah's baptism is a perfect example of this. 00:10:28.179 --> 00:10:33.899 When Hannah became a Christian she repented of her sins, of her wrongdoings against God. 00:10:34.899 --> 00:10:42.659 And today has made a public declaration that she has died to her old self and be raised to life in Jesus. 00:10:43.779 --> 00:10:47.099 This change has happened from the inside out. 00:10:47.239 --> 00:10:50.079 And so if you know Hannah you will have seen a change in her. 00:10:50.080 --> 00:10:55.660 The way she views and thinks about big issues. 00:10:56.259 --> 00:11:01.759 Her whole world view has changed because her fundamental identity has changed. 00:11:02.960 --> 00:11:07.740 She has died to herself and been raised to life in Jesus. 00:11:08.460 --> 00:11:12.080 And she is putting to death the things of her earthly nature. 00:11:12.080 --> 00:11:15.500 But why is Paul so strong? 00:11:16.180 --> 00:11:18.460 Why is the writer of this letter so strong? 00:11:19.400 --> 00:11:21.759 Well because of the consequences of sin. 00:11:22.180 --> 00:11:23.500 Look at verse 6. 00:11:24.940 --> 00:11:25.500 It says, 00:11:25.879 --> 00:11:29.560 Because of these the wrath of God is coming. 00:11:29.559 --> 00:11:36.279 Now all of these sins mentioned in verse 5 are acts done against God. 00:11:36.719 --> 00:11:38.559 Against his will for humanity. 00:11:39.599 --> 00:11:42.379 And so they are deserving of his righteous anger. 00:11:44.079 --> 00:11:47.959 And each of us is guilty of the idolatry which is the root. 00:11:48.539 --> 00:11:50.539 So when we say no to God's rule. 00:11:50.939 --> 00:11:53.959 And we make little gods of ourselves and our own desires. 00:11:53.960 --> 00:11:59.100 But Paul is saying that Christians. 00:12:00.060 --> 00:12:03.580 A Christian's new identity in Jesus should change them. 00:12:05.060 --> 00:12:07.580 But if you are here this morning and you are not a Christian. 00:12:07.700 --> 00:12:09.860 This has significant implications for your life. 00:12:11.400 --> 00:12:13.460 The just wrath of God will come. 00:12:13.639 --> 00:12:15.180 And all who are not Christians. 00:12:15.920 --> 00:12:18.259 All who have not been changed by him. 00:12:18.740 --> 00:12:21.379 Will be under his wrath and punishment forever. 00:12:21.379 --> 00:12:26.039 But I want you to see that this is not my idea. 00:12:26.879 --> 00:12:28.519 This is not just what I think. 00:12:28.620 --> 00:12:30.580 But this is what the Bible teaches. 00:12:32.159 --> 00:12:37.139 The Bible says that every single person in this world has rebelled against God. 00:12:38.159 --> 00:12:39.240 And are under his wrath. 00:12:39.320 --> 00:12:40.360 But the Son of God. 00:12:41.419 --> 00:12:42.460 Came to earth. 00:12:42.659 --> 00:12:45.700 Lived the perfect life that we could never even dream of. 00:12:46.559 --> 00:12:49.539 Died the death that every single one of us deserves. 00:12:49.759 --> 00:12:51.220 And was raised to life. 00:12:51.799 --> 00:12:54.120 Proving that he is the Son of God. 00:12:56.299 --> 00:12:58.580 Jesus is not just some fairy tale. 00:12:59.480 --> 00:13:01.299 But he is God in the flesh. 00:13:01.659 --> 00:13:05.460 And he came to make it possible for us to be made right with God. 00:13:06.919 --> 00:13:08.360 For us to be freed. 00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:09.939 And forgiven. 00:13:09.940 --> 00:13:14.260 Is this true for you this morning? 00:13:16.120 --> 00:13:19.760 If not then please I would love to chat to you and pray with you afterwards. 00:13:19.880 --> 00:13:22.580 Grab anyone you've seen up front and we'd love to speak to you. 00:13:23.140 --> 00:13:25.040 Don't let another day go by. 00:13:26.040 --> 00:13:29.620 Without you being sure that you've been made right with God. 00:13:29.620 --> 00:13:39.379 And in verse 7 Paul continues and says that as Christians the Colossians used to walk in these ways. 00:13:39.379 --> 00:13:45.559 But now they are to put these things to death and rid themselves of the list in verse 8. 00:13:46.639 --> 00:13:47.080 Anger. 00:13:47.080 --> 00:13:47.560 Latter. 00:13:47.560 --> 00:13:48.080 Rage. 00:13:48.300 --> 00:13:48.740 Malice. 00:13:48.940 --> 00:13:49.420 Slander. 00:13:49.580 --> 00:13:50.379 Filthy language. 00:13:50.560 --> 00:13:51.040 And lying. 00:13:51.920 --> 00:13:52.320 Why? 00:13:52.840 --> 00:13:53.780 Well verse 9. 00:13:53.779 --> 00:14:00.519 Because all of these things pertain to the old self that we as Christians have to take off. 00:14:01.839 --> 00:14:07.059 Now one of the things that I'm constantly getting told off for by my wife is getting my clothes dirty. 00:14:07.759 --> 00:14:10.480 So I just seem to attract dirt. 00:14:10.819 --> 00:14:15.799 So I can have the assistant pastor's typical uniform on of beige chinos and a checkered shirt. 00:14:17.240 --> 00:14:19.559 But the minute I put them on I get them dirty. 00:14:20.740 --> 00:14:23.199 But of course I don't run around in dirty clothes. 00:14:23.200 --> 00:14:25.340 I don't stand up to preach in dirty clothes. 00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:29.879 I take off the dirty clothes and I put on clean clothes. 00:14:30.379 --> 00:14:32.759 And that is the language that Paul is using here. 00:14:33.700 --> 00:14:41.740 Christians are to take off their dirty clothes meaning they are to take off the things that pertain to their old life before they became Christians. 00:14:41.740 --> 00:14:43.020 Before they met Jesus. 00:14:44.620 --> 00:14:48.220 And they are to put on their new life. 00:14:48.440 --> 00:14:51.980 Their new self meaning that we live out our new identity in Jesus. 00:14:53.200 --> 00:14:58.280 This is the inside out transformation that the good news of Jesus Christ brings. 00:14:59.580 --> 00:15:02.259 So what change does Jesus make? 00:15:03.340 --> 00:15:05.560 Well he completely changes our identity. 00:15:06.280 --> 00:15:11.080 He takes us from someone who was previously under the wrath of God because of our sinfulness. 00:15:11.080 --> 00:15:18.379 Both the obvious sins in verse 5 and the most subtle respectable sins that we call in verse 8. 00:15:19.259 --> 00:15:23.040 And he transforms us into a people who have been washed clean. 00:15:24.020 --> 00:15:27.700 A people who have been transformed and made right with God. 00:15:27.700 --> 00:15:34.759 And because of this wonderful identity Paul tells us to put to death the things of the flesh. 00:15:36.620 --> 00:15:41.740 Jesus doesn't just come and cover our faults and failings with moralistic makeup. 00:15:43.480 --> 00:15:49.940 Jesus transforms our status before a holy God and calls us free and forgiven. 00:15:49.940 --> 00:15:53.920 That is the message of Christianity. 00:15:54.440 --> 00:15:57.440 That is the message that Hannah has declared this morning. 00:15:58.540 --> 00:16:01.760 And that is the message I would beg you all to think about. 00:16:03.100 --> 00:16:08.500 Have you been transformed by Jesus from the inside out or are you still against him? 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:16.240 Jesus changes our identity and we are to live it out by putting to death the old self. 00:16:16.340 --> 00:16:17.779 The old has gone. 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:23.080 And if the old has gone then Paul continues and says the new is here. 00:16:23.919 --> 00:16:26.399 In verses 10 to 11 the new is here. 00:16:27.860 --> 00:16:30.519 Just like this morning I put on these clean clothes. 00:16:30.960 --> 00:16:34.320 So Christians are to put on their new identity in Jesus. 00:16:34.440 --> 00:16:35.679 Meaning they are to live it out. 00:16:36.220 --> 00:16:36.960 Give it legs. 00:16:36.960 --> 00:16:42.019 This taking off and on isn't a one off event. 00:16:43.800 --> 00:16:50.540 But there is a continuous element of it which is why in verse 10 Paul says that our new self is being renewed. 00:16:51.060 --> 00:16:53.200 In the knowledge in the creator. 00:16:53.720 --> 00:16:54.960 In the image of its creator. 00:16:55.120 --> 00:16:55.920 It's continuous. 00:16:57.560 --> 00:16:58.560 Now what does this mean? 00:16:59.540 --> 00:17:05.480 Well this renewal is the ongoing process whereby we are being made more into the image of Jesus. 00:17:05.480 --> 00:17:09.500 This renewal starts when a person becomes a Christian. 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:12.480 And it continues until the day they die. 00:17:12.480 --> 00:17:17.599 This passage is calling us as Christians to persevere. 00:17:19.160 --> 00:17:20.180 Keep going. 00:17:20.440 --> 00:17:22.839 Keep being renewed Paul says. 00:17:24.120 --> 00:17:29.099 And so Christian as you look back at how you used to live you will see a difference. 00:17:29.099 --> 00:17:32.819 You will not be the same as you once were. 00:17:33.559 --> 00:17:35.759 Not because you've covered yourself in moralism. 00:17:36.119 --> 00:17:38.339 Not because you're trying your best. 00:17:38.980 --> 00:17:47.480 But because you are growing in the knowledge of who your saviour is and what your new identity is as a son and daughter of the living God. 00:17:47.480 --> 00:17:54.680 And this change isn't the result of a spectacular event. 00:17:55.400 --> 00:18:01.319 This renewal into the image of Jesus comes from us being changed from the inside out. 00:18:01.799 --> 00:18:06.700 And as we live out our normal Christian everyday life we're being changed. 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:08.099 We're being renewed. 00:18:08.099 --> 00:18:12.539 As we read our Bibles we grow in our love for God. 00:18:12.619 --> 00:18:13.939 In our love for his word. 00:18:14.500 --> 00:18:15.539 And we're being changed. 00:18:16.539 --> 00:18:20.059 Now I've had the privilege over the last few months of seeing this in Hannah's life. 00:18:21.099 --> 00:18:25.579 I've seen her ask some very difficult questions that have made me scratch my head. 00:18:27.259 --> 00:18:29.779 And think through some big topics in life. 00:18:29.939 --> 00:18:30.240 Why? 00:18:30.639 --> 00:18:33.419 Well because she wants to become more like Jesus. 00:18:33.420 --> 00:18:38.180 So Hannah, keep going. 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:46.240 So whether you've been a Christian for months or years. 00:18:46.860 --> 00:18:49.539 God is working in your life to transform you. 00:18:50.460 --> 00:18:52.340 You might not see it happening in your life. 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:57.840 But as I have the privilege of spending time outside of Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings with you all. 00:18:57.920 --> 00:18:58.480 I see it. 00:18:59.640 --> 00:19:02.620 I see you living out your new identity. 00:19:02.619 --> 00:19:05.500 And I see you putting sin to death. 00:19:06.219 --> 00:19:08.179 And I encourage you to keep going. 00:19:11.659 --> 00:19:13.659 Put on the new self, Paul says. 00:19:14.799 --> 00:19:18.559 And for Christians this means that the old distinctions have gone. 00:19:19.259 --> 00:19:26.879 So the list of different people in verse 11 are all distinctions that formerly separated people and created hostility. 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:33.480 But now Paul says that the new man with their new identity is part of a new family. 00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:41.279 This new Christian community favors no race, no nationality, no class or no culture. 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:50.099 But the new Christian community is united as one person who have all been changed by Jesus. 00:19:50.099 --> 00:19:54.759 Jesus is the priority of this new countercultural community. 00:19:55.699 --> 00:19:57.939 Because Jesus is all. 00:19:58.619 --> 00:20:00.319 And he is in all. 00:20:00.319 --> 00:20:05.240 Now we'll see more about this countercultural community in the coming weeks. 00:20:05.319 --> 00:20:11.619 But for the time being we need to see that the change that Jesus brings about doesn't only affect the individual. 00:20:12.159 --> 00:20:13.899 But it affects the whole church. 00:20:14.799 --> 00:20:18.500 That's why today we celebrate Hannah's baptism as a church family. 00:20:18.500 --> 00:20:28.240 We bring her into this church community and we have a responsibility as a whole church to help her grow and mature in her faith. 00:20:28.940 --> 00:20:35.019 And we do that by constantly pointing her to Jesus, the perfecter of our faith. 00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:39.019 So what change does Jesus make? 00:20:40.259 --> 00:20:44.460 Well this passage says that Jesus has given Christians a new identity. 00:20:44.460 --> 00:20:51.620 He calls people to himself and he gives them the opportunity to be made right with God. 00:20:51.700 --> 00:20:54.460 To be forgiven of all of their rebellion and sins. 00:20:54.880 --> 00:20:56.460 Absolutely everything we've done wrong. 00:20:58.279 --> 00:21:02.220 And to be free from the punishment that every single one of us deserves. 00:21:03.740 --> 00:21:05.680 But not by letting us off the hook. 00:21:07.579 --> 00:21:12.299 Instead God himself stepped down and took the punishment on the cross that we deserve. 00:21:14.460 --> 00:21:17.420 Jesus went to the cross where he bore the wrath of God. 00:21:18.740 --> 00:21:22.100 Meaning that all those who call on him are free and forgiven. 00:21:25.279 --> 00:21:29.420 Jesus takes our sinful, corrupt, dirty rags. 00:21:29.960 --> 00:21:34.759 And he gifts us his clean, spotless righteousness. 00:21:37.100 --> 00:21:42.440 This change is a big deal because it determines how you will stand before God when he returns. 00:21:44.460 --> 00:21:46.220 For those who are found in Jesus. 00:21:46.920 --> 00:21:49.400 Those who are putting to death the old self. 00:21:52.160 --> 00:21:53.600 And putting on the new self. 00:21:53.700 --> 00:21:57.299 They will stand before God and be welcomed into his presence for an eternity. 00:21:59.340 --> 00:22:03.579 But for those who are not found in Jesus on that last day they will not be met with acceptance. 00:22:04.620 --> 00:22:07.400 But they will be met with the wrath of God as verse 6 says. 00:22:07.400 --> 00:22:13.019 How will you stand on that final day before God? 00:22:15.420 --> 00:22:19.360 If you're here this morning and you are a Christian, let me ask you bluntly. 00:22:20.180 --> 00:22:21.740 Are you killing sin? 00:22:23.120 --> 00:22:27.080 As John Owen, a pastor from many, many years ago said. 00:22:27.460 --> 00:22:29.820 Be killing sin or it will be killing you. 00:22:29.819 --> 00:22:34.119 Sin is not something to be toyed with. 00:22:35.460 --> 00:22:41.700 Paul uses such strong language in this passage because how we live out our new identity in Jesus really matters. 00:22:45.319 --> 00:22:50.759 As we live out our Christian lives, are we focusing on the most important thing in the world? 00:22:50.859 --> 00:22:52.659 Are we focusing on Jesus Christ? 00:22:52.660 --> 00:22:57.500 Or are we being distracted by our sinful hearts? 00:23:00.540 --> 00:23:06.600 We should fix our eyes on Jesus, the one in whom and through whom our identity is changed. 00:23:07.180 --> 00:23:13.320 The one in whom and through whom we find the strength to take off the old and put on the new. 00:23:15.040 --> 00:23:20.120 So think back to those terrible makeover shows that I know we all secretly love to watch. 00:23:20.119 --> 00:23:27.319 If we treat Jesus and Christianity just as a nice little addition to our lives. 00:23:28.079 --> 00:23:31.839 If we are just transformed from the outside. 00:23:33.099 --> 00:23:37.299 And we treat Jesus as something to cover up our faults and failings. 00:23:37.579 --> 00:23:38.879 Then we're in the wrong. 00:23:40.000 --> 00:23:42.199 Because Jesus is so much more than that. 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:47.640 Because we're just adding moralism and legalism to the mix. 00:23:49.160 --> 00:23:52.860 But the change that Jesus makes is not skin deep. 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:55.680 Jesus changes us from the inside out. 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:57.080 He changes our identity. 00:23:58.160 --> 00:23:59.880 And makes us right with God. 00:24:00.220 --> 00:24:03.059 Gives us the strength to daily battle with our sin. 00:24:03.840 --> 00:24:07.680 And to constantly take off the old and put on the new. 00:24:07.680 --> 00:24:10.460 That is the change that Jesus makes. 00:24:11.380 --> 00:24:15.900 And I want to leave you with the question of has he made that change in your life this morning? 00:24:17.340 --> 00:24:18.259 Let's pray together. 00:24:21.060 --> 00:24:24.259 In the silence of a few minutes. 00:24:25.299 --> 00:24:30.680 I'd like us to contemplate where we stand before the great God of heaven and earth. 00:24:30.680 --> 00:24:42.539 Loving God and heavenly father we confess. 00:24:43.440 --> 00:24:45.720 That we are undeserving of. 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:48.120 Your son Jesus Christ. 00:24:49.500 --> 00:24:50.940 That we are corrupt. 00:24:51.660 --> 00:24:52.500 Broken people. 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:55.320 Who have rejected and walked away from you. 00:24:57.860 --> 00:25:00.259 And yet we know that in your great mercy. 00:25:01.120 --> 00:25:03.220 You sent your son Jesus Christ. 00:25:03.560 --> 00:25:06.120 To pay the punishment that we deserve. 00:25:06.900 --> 00:25:08.860 So that we can be made right with you. 00:25:11.200 --> 00:25:13.259 Father we ask that you would change us. 00:25:14.400 --> 00:25:15.880 That you would cleanse us. 00:25:16.920 --> 00:25:21.400 And that you would make us more and more into the image of your son Jesus Christ. 00:25:21.620 --> 00:25:22.820 Every single day. 00:25:23.620 --> 00:25:28.960 And it is in his holy, precious, glorious name that we pray. 00:25:29.620 --> 00:25:29.960 Amen. 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:30.039 Amen. 00:25:30.680 --> 00:25:31.620 Amen. 00:25:31.799 --> 00:25:32.500 Amen. 00:25:32.560 --> 00:25:34.500 Amen. 00:25:34.500 --> 00:25:36.259 Amen. 00:25:37.779 --> 00:25:38.340 Amen. 00:25:44.980 --> 00:25:46.580 Amen. 00:25:46.600 --> 00:25:47.039 Amen. 00:25:47.100 --> 00:25:47.620 Amen. 00:25:48.000 --> 00:25:48.660 Amen. 00:25:48.660 --> 00:25:49.620 Amen. 00:25:49.640 --> 00:25:49.700 Amen. 00:25:49.700 --> 00:25:50.279 Amen. 00:25:50.279 --> 00:25:51.060 Amen. 00:25:51.060 --> 00:25:51.140 Amen. 00:25:51.140 --> 00:25:51.500 Amen. 00:25:51.500 --> 00:25:51.900 Amen. 00:25:51.900 --> 00:25:52.279 Amen. 00:25:52.279 --> 00:25:52.539 Amen. 00:25:52.539 --> 00:25:52.960 Amen. 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:53.400 Amen. 00:25:53.400 --> 00:25:53.799 Amen. 00:25:53.799 --> 00:25:54.440 Amen. 00:25:54.440 --> 00:25:54.900 Amen. 00:25:54.900 --> 00:25:55.460 Amen. 00:25:55.460 --> 00:25:57.039 Amen. 00:25:57.039 --> 00:25:58.900 Amen. 00:25:58.900 --> 00:25:59.680 Amen. 00:25:59.680 --> 00:25:59.900 Amen. 00:25:59.900 --> 00:26:00.279 Amen.