Notes

MATURING INTO CHRIST
III. PUTTING OFF ... PUTTING ON
Colossians 3:1-17 January 18, 2009

INTRODUCTION
John Owen speaks of conquering sinful habits as a mark of spiritual maturity. There can be no growth without conquering sinful lusts, habits and desires. If there is no desire to grow there will be no growth. Kill sin or it will kill you.

I. LAYING ASIDE THE OLD LIFE
Everyone needs to face up to the reality of ongoing sin in our lives. Through Christ’s death and resurrection victory we have delivered from sin’s reign, but not from its presence in our hearts and lives. To mature into Christ we need to name the sins that beset us and face them down. Robert Murray McCheyne, “I have begun to realize that the seeds of every known sin still linger in my heart.” Sin operates in our lives via our members. New Testament holiness transforms what we do with our bodies. Paul’s list of sins moves from external acts of the body to internal motivations. Holiness of life demands total sexual purity. Notice that Paul says sex and speech are out of control.

II. PUTTING ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
Put sin to death. Rid yourselves of sin. John Owen says, “Let not that Christian think that he makes any progress in true holiness who is not prepared to walk over the bellies of his lusts. Lay your hands on sin’s throat and don’t release the pressure until it stops breathing.” This means being honest, owning up to the gravity of our condition. We are to put off sensuality, evil attitudes, evil speech, deception. We are to put on merciful compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, bearing with one another, forgiving one another, and above all we are to put on love, the grace that binds them all together.

 

SOME OF THE SOURCES USED FOR THIS STUDY
The Works of John Owen
Kris Lundgard, THE ENEMY WITHIN
R. Kent Hughes, THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST
Bishop Ryle, HOLINESS
St. Anselm, CUR DEUS HOMO