Expository of:
Col. 3:1-13
THE NEW MAN

Introduction:
Col 2:20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
Col 2:21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
Col 2:22 Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Col 2:23 Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.

Here are our instructions for LIVING our new life and not just BEING new creatures.
V-I. Col 3:1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
The opening thought of this chapter is an 'if' based upon
Col 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

A. After leaving Egypt, the Israelites would have fared much better, if they had set their affections on the land before them, instead of the one they had left behind.

B. How can we 'seek those things which are above'? By watching where we are going; [Wrecks are caused by not keeping one's eyes on the road.]
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Heb 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

C. Things that are 'above' [Things which are in store for us.] Resurrection, Judgment seat, rewards, reign with Christ, etc. "Well done----"

V-II. Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

A. SET; An active verb signifying something we can and should do. It is entirely up to us.
Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

B. Affection--Desire brought on by exercising of the mind

V-III. Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

A. One of man's greatest hindrances is, looking back. Longing for the past hinders the present and endangers the future.
Phil 3:13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
Phil 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

B.The life ahead is much more exciting than the one left behind. How many teen-agers spend time longing for their first bike, instead of dreaming of their first car?

C. This is not speaking of the nostalgia concerning 'the good ole days' but the longing for the old life of sin and trying to relive it. Dead men walking!
Deu 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:

V- IV. Col 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

A. Christ IS, not, 'will be' our life.
Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

B.Contrast the promise of the new life with that of the old; then shall ye also appear with him in glory. --
Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

V-V. Col 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

A. Letting the old life of sin remain active in the New Man, is like frog legs moving in the frying pan. It's wierd! If the old man is dead, then mortify -kill- his parts too. Don't try to save part of him alive.

These members led us into 5 areas of evil;
1. Fornication - Sexual impurity.
2. Uncleanness- impurity, physically or morally.
3.Inordinate affection- evil passion
4.Evil concupiscence - evil longing, lust.
5. Covetousness - avarice, greed, Making an idol of one's fleshly desires.

B. These CAN and MUST be killed and buried with the old man! God doesn't tell us to do the impossible. "I just couldn't help myself" is no excuse for sin.

V-VI. & VII. Col 3:6 For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:
Col 3:7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.

A. For each of these things, God had punished Israel.

B. For these things, He will judge the lost and punish them.

C. If you are no longer in Egypt, quit making bricks and bowing before Pharaoh's image!
D. Let us go the New Way with the Lord!
Josh 3:4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure: come not near unto it, that ye may know the way by which ye must go: for ye have not passed this way heretofore.
Josh 3:5 And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you.
Josh 3:6 And Joshua spake unto the priests, saying, Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people. And they took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.