IS THE NEW MAN ALIVE?

Text: Col. 3:12-17

While the Bible tells us what to put off in the first 11 verses, verses 12- 17, tell us what to put on. In the previous study, we faced this question, “Is the old man dead?” In this study, we are going to face this question, “Is the new man alive?” As this passage continues to unfold, we will learn about the characteristics of the new man who lives inside of every Christian.

In our text, Paul reveals some Characteristics of the New Man. You, and I, need to make sure these characteristics are alive in us.

I. v. 12-15 CHARACTERIZED BY NEW DEEDS –

Put off – once for all”, When we are saved, we are to put off, forever, the deeds of the old man. However, when we are saved, we are to put on, once  and forever, the deeds of the new man!

Put off = To Put Away from Oneself;

Put On = To Sink oneself into!

Show itself in every area of life!

Put on – “Once for all” Here are the new deeds of the new life.

A. v. 12b The Fruit Of The Spirit – The new life, energized and led by God will always manifest the proof of the Spirit’s presence – Gal. 5:19-25.

B. v. 13 The Forgiveness Of The Saints – When Christ reigns in the heart, there will be no room for grudges or grievances, but only for forgiveness – Matt. 18:21-22; Luke 17:3-5. The weight of the baggage of unforgiven wrongs can weigh down the life of the believer. Forgave = “To grace” – This means, as Jesus has “graced” us in forgiving us, we should likewise “Grace” our brother by forgiving him, through forbearance, which is the understanding that none of God’s children, including ourselves, has arrived! It is the ability to look over another’s faults and seek the good that is in them from knowing the Lord. It means “to put up with.”

C. v. 14 The Fragrance Of The Savior – When we are walking in the newness of life, we will have the fragrance of Christ in our lives, and that fragrance is love – John 13:35. Love is that thing that sets us apart from the rest of the world!) The life controlled by the Lord is a life of love. 1st john 4:7-8

D. v. 15 The Fullness Of The Spiritual Life – The fullness of the Spirit demonstrates itself in peace and assurance before God, Salvation, and the assurance of it, is forever settled – 2 Cor. 13:5; 2 Pet. 1:10.); and between brethren, Euodias and Syntyche – Phil. 4:2.) Also manifested in a thankful Spirit before the Lord – 1 Thes. 5:18.

II. v. 16 CHARACTERIZED BY A NEW DIRECTION

It is no longer the way of world, the flesh, and the devil for the believer. Now, it is the will and Word of God.

A. A New Dependence Upon The Word – “Dwell richly” To inhabit in abundance. The Word cannot get into you until you first get into it! When it gets in you, it will control you 2 Tim. 2:15; Psalm 119:105. To dwell is to be at home in! The Word of God should not feel out of place in our lives.

B. A New Declaration Of The Word – “Admonish” – To instruct and ward off evil. The saints of God are to have a heart for their wayward brother – Gal. 6:1- Restore, as in to set a broken bone! We are not looking for an opportunity to beat them down, but rather for an open door to lift them – Rom. 15:1.

C. A New Demonstration Before The World – now and then it will dawn on you what Jesus has done, and that will get the best of you!) A heart of praise will fill the believer when the new man is in control.

III. v. 17 CHARACTERIZED BY NEW DECISIONS

No longer are we interested in pleasing the flesh, the world, and the devil, but every decision is based on whether or not it brings glory to the Lord. Such is the life controlled by the new man.

A. Our Words – We will learn to control our tongues when we live out the New Man day by day – James 1:26.

B. Our Ways – When the New Man is in control, every action will be weighed against this question: “What would Jesus do?” Or, “Will this activity bring honor or dishonor to the name of Jesus?” Phil. 1:27.

C. Our Witness – We will come to the place where we want to please the Lord. His desires will get considered before our own! The overriding question will not be, “How does this please me.” It will be, “Is this pleasing to the Lord? In doing this, can I truly do it with an attitude of praise and thanksgiving? Is Jesus my primary consideration in this matter?” When He is, we are letting the New Man live in us, thereby glorifying Almighty God!

Conc: Is the old man dead in your life? If not, it will show up in you! Ancient Roman custom of forcing a murderer to wear the corpse of his victim. Death ate into him and drained him of life. So it is with us. Who controls your life? The flesh? The world? The devil? Or, is it the Spirit of God? If the wrong one is in control, your life will be out of control and less than pleasing to the Lord. But, praise His Name! He allows for new beginnings!