Episode Details

Many people think living a holy life means trying harder to earn God's approval. In this message from Colossians 3, Pastor Chris Teien explains that holiness is not achieved through human effort but is the natural result of a life transformed by God's grace through Jesus Christ.

Because believers have been chosen, forgiven, and made new in Christ, they are called to put off their old way of living and put on the character of Christ. This message explores how the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to grow in holiness, demonstrate Christlike love, extend forgiveness, and live lives that honor God.

In This Message:

1. Live as God's Chosen People

Our motivation for holy living begins with our identity in Christ. Because God has chosen and redeemed His people through Jesus, believers are called to live in grateful obedience rather than trying to earn God's acceptance. (Colossians 3:12; John 15:16)

2. Live as God's Holy People

Holiness means being set apart for God's purposes. This message explains that believers can reject sinful patterns and pursue godly living because the Holy Spirit empowers them to walk in obedience. (Colossians 3:12; Romans 6:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7)

3. Live in God's Love

Love is the foundation that holds every Christian virtue together. As believers experience God's love through Christ, they are called to demonstrate that same love in their relationships with others. (Colossians 3:14; Mark 12:29-31; Romans 13:8-10)

4. Clothe Yourself with Christlike Character

Paul describes the attitudes that should identify every follower of Christ, including compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. These qualities are evidence of a life being transformed by God's grace. (Colossians 3:12-14)

5. Live in God's Forgiveness

Because Christ has completely forgiven our sins, believers are called to forgive those who have wronged them. This message explains how forgiveness brings freedom, restores relationships, and reflects the mercy God has shown us. (Colossians 3:13; Mark 11:25; Luke 17:3-4)

6. Let Christ's Peace Rule Your Heart

The peace Christ gives is more than the absence of conflict. This message encourages believers to allow God's peace to guide their decisions, strengthen their relationships, and shape their responses during difficult circumstances. (Colossians 3:15; John 16:33)

7. Live with a Thankful Heart

Gratitude is one of the clearest evidences of spiritual maturity. This message reminds believers to continually thank God for His grace, His forgiveness, His daily provision, and the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ. (Colossians 3:15-17)

Takeaway

You cannot earn a holy life through your own effort. Receive God's grace through Jesus Christ, depend on the Holy Spirit each day, and allow Him to transform your attitudes, relationships, and character as you faithfully follow Him.

Illustrations

• Being chosen for a team or an important opportunity illustrates how our identity changes when we know we have been chosen by God.

• A fighter pilot's instinctive responses demonstrate how consistently training our minds with God's Word prepares us to respond wisely in moments of temptation.

• The story of the prince hitting the impossible target beautifully illustrates how Jesus accomplished what we never could, giving believers His righteousness through faith.

Key Quotes

"You don't live a holy life to earn salvation. You live a holy life because you have been saved."

"The Holy Spirit helps you live a holy life."

"Only the Prince could hit the target."

Search Topics

Colossians 3, holy living, holiness, God's grace, Christian character, forgiveness, Holy Spirit, sanctification, Christian living, Pastor Chris Teien

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