The Life That Is New
Those who have trusted Christ as Saviour have a new nature, a new unity, and a new relationship with Christ, where He is in absolute control.
Theodore Epp emphasizes the transformative power of accepting Christ, as outlined in Colossians 3:5-11. He explains that believers possess a divine nature, a new unity that transcends all societal divisions, and a new relationship where Christ is central in their lives. Epp encourages Christians to live out their new identity by saying yes to Christ and no to sin, fostering unity among all believers regardless of background. He challenges listeners to reflect on whether Christ truly governs every aspect of their lives.
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Colossians 3:5-11
In Colossians 3:10,11 Paul revealed three truths about those who have put on the new man. First, they have a divine nature. Each person who trusts Christ as Saviour has "put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (v. 10). It is not just that a person wants a new nature-he has a new nature. We translate our position into daily living as we say yes to Christ and no to sin.
Second, those who have trusted Christ as Saviour also have a new unity: "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free" (v. 11). The new unity transcends all races, social positions, cultural differences--even economic and political status. Such distinctions belong to the old man, not to the new man. And because God makes no distinctions between the categories mentioned in verse 11, neither should we who know Jesus Christ as Saviour.
Third, those who have trusted Jesus Christ have a new relationship: "Christ is all, and in all" (v. 11). This is a new relationship where Christ is in absolute control. Is Christ in control of your life? Not just in control of something, but is He in control of all things? Is He truly "all, and in all"?
"And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one" (John 17:22).
Sermon Outline
- Three Truths About the New Man
- Divine Nature
- New Unity
- New Relationship
Key Quotes
“Christ is all, and in all.” — Theodore Epp
“It is not just that a person wants a new nature-he has a new nature.” — Theodore Epp
“And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one.” — Theodore Epp
Application Points
- We must surrender to Christ's control and allow Him to guide us in all things.
- We should strive to live out our position in Christ by saying yes to Him and no to sin.
- We should seek to cultivate a new unity with others, transcending racial, social, and cultural differences.