Developing Godly Values

Introduction:

Col. 3:1-17 – we must concern ourselves w/developing the new life, so that we will be conformed to the likeness of Jesus. Imagine…potential sitting in this room! The reality is that we have potential to have a good productive and blessed life with Jesus Christ! But simply being baptized alone will NOT insure sustained life. If basic necessities for sustaining/developing spiritual life are met – Christian life can do nothing but grow!

I. Understand that you have been born for maturity!

A.    Birth is a start in life – not the goal!

1.    God’s will is that we grow to spiritual maturity!

2.    Eph. 4:15-16; (grow up)  Col. 1:28 – to be complete in Christ.

a)     See also Col. 2:6-7 – rooted; built up.

b)     Heb. 6:1 – press on toward maturity.

c)      2 Pet. 3:18 – grow in grace/knowledge of Christ.

II.  How was your attitude before coming to Christ?

A.   w/o knowledge; understanding? Insensitive to sin?

B.    Notice way Paul described way of the Gentiles in His day:

1.    Rom 1:21-22; Eph. 4:17-19

C.    Contrast w/Christian. Eph. 4:20-22

1.     See Eph. 4:23

2.     Christians to acquire a Christian mentality as a means of being transformed.  Rom. 12:1-2; Col. 3:10

D.   Desire to be a Christian, start living like one, start thinking like one!

1.     Why?  We = product of our thinking. Prov. 4:23; 23:7

2.     Learn to think as Jesus did. See from His perspective

3.     See Mt. 11:29; Jhn. 13:15; Phil. 2:5

III.  How do we acquire the mind of Christ?

A.   His mind has been revealed in what He said & did.

B.    We must study on regular basis.  2 Tim. 2:15; Phil 4:8-9

IV.  Then…put what you learn into action!

A.    1 Jhn. 2:29 – Practice righteousness! Look to Jesus as an example. Seek to control your life by using His example as a pattern to follow.  Heb. 12:1-2.

B.    We are far from perfect.  fight a daily battle with sin.

1.    1 Cor. 10:13.  God will help us as we go through life.

IV.  A Godly value system will help you stop habitual sin!

A.    1 Jhn. 2:1-5 - stop rebelling against God & His will.

B.    It should also be understood that we will sin! 1 Jhn. 1:8-10. 

V.  A Godly values system will help you overcome the world!

A.   1 Jhn. 5:4 – Don’t conform to the standards of the world.

B.    quit living to please men. Gal. 1:10

Conclusion:

A.    Col. 3:1-17

B.    3:1-4 – this is the person who has developed Godly values!

C.   Does this describe you?