JESUS ABOVE ALL RAISED TO LIVE A NEW LIFE Colossians 2:16-3:4 Because of what Jesus has done for us (2:11-15) we are raised or resurrected to live a new life that is not bound by rules, regulations, and false-religious system. In essence we are free in Jesus! We are not held captive by the law: - Man has no hold on us (2:16,18) .. We are not to be judged or condemned by man in regard to legalistic, works-based, religious practices. .. The enemy uses shame and guilt as a weapon against us. (the goal is to tear us down) .. God convicts us to make us better. (the goal is to build us up) - Religion has no hold on us (2:16-19) .. Religion is works-based. (It teaches that we must earn or merit God’s favor) .. Christianity is relationship based. (God’s grace is a gift given—not based on our works) Ephesians 2:8-9 - Ephesians 2:10 - False teaching has no hold on us (2:20-23) .. We should not allow false teaching to impose man-made commands and teaching on us. (this is exactly how Jesus dealt with the Pharisees during his ministry here on earth—the “rules and traditions” they imposed did not either make them more holy by keeping them, or defile them if they didn’t. For Jesus it was a heart matter.) Matthew 15:1-14- Matthew 15:15-20 We are raised to new life in Christ: - Jesus changes the actions of our life (3:1) .. What we seek in this life will be driven by our heart’s affections. (when we “seek the things above” we are reorienting our heart) .. God desires to work in our hearts. (Prov. 4:23) - Jesus changes the thoughts of our life (3:2) .. What we think about in this life will be driven by our volitional will. (when we “set our minds on the things above” we reshape our thought processes) Romans 12:2 - Phil. 4:6-8 - Jesus changes the outcome of our life (3:3-4) .. What we surrender in this life will be saved in eternity. (we must “die” to be raised to life everlasting) Matthew 16:24-26 - Jesus is coming again! .. Jesus came in grace — He is coming in glory! .. Jesus came to redeem — He is coming to reign! .. Jesus came as Savior — He is coming as Sovereign! (John Phillips) - We will be with Christ in Glory! 1 John 3:2 Next Step This week challenge yourself to “live above”, not below. - Seek and Set