Sermon Listening Guide
Speaker: Rev. Wesley Burr
Scripture: Colossians 3:1-14
Sermon Title: The Christ-Centered Life
Colossians 3:1-14 (NIV)
1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 1
3 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices
10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 1
3 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
First Thoughts:
The world says, “Be true to yourself”—Scripture says, “Be true to Christ.”
Many live like spiritual orphans even though they've been raised with Christ.
This passage is not about behavior modification—it’s about being transformed by Christ.
I. Pursue a New Focus (Colossians 3:1–4)
Remember Who You Are
What shapes your daily mindset — newsfeeds or the risen Lord, Jesus Christ?
Are you living out of a heavenly identity or earthly insecurity?
II. Put Off the Old Self (Colossians 3:5–11)
“Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature.”
What sin are you tolerating instead of crucifying?
What attitudes, habits, or language still belong to the old self?
III. Put On the New Self (Colossians 3:12–14)
“Put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Are you intentionally putting on these virtues daily?
Are you being intentional?
IV. Live as a Spirit-Filled Community (Colossians 3:15–17)
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
Does peace, gratitude, and Christ’s Word shape your home, church, and relationships?
Are your words and deeds done “in His name” — under His authority and for His glory?
Conclusion
You are:
The world says, “Be true to yourself”—Scripture says, “Be true to Christ.”
Many live like spiritual orphans even though they've been raised with Christ.
This passage is not about behavior modification—it’s about being transformed by Christ.
I. Pursue a New Focus (Colossians 3:1–4)
Remember Who You Are
- You Are Raised with Christ
- Your identity is no longer found in your past, your performances, or the world’s labels.
- Your identity is found in Christ.
- "Set your hearts on things above."
- Redirect Your Desires.
- "Set your minds on things above."
- Redirect Your Thoughts
- "Your life is hidden with Christ in God."
- This Is Security in Christ
- It’s not about who you are, it’s about who God is.
- Christ is your life — not just part of it.
What shapes your daily mindset — newsfeeds or the risen Lord, Jesus Christ?
Are you living out of a heavenly identity or earthly insecurity?
II. Put Off the Old Self (Colossians 3:5–11)
“Put to death whatever belongs to your earthly nature.”
- Put to death: Sin isn't to be managed—it must be killed.
- Sins of desire (v.5): sexual immorality, impurity, greed, etc.
- Sins of division (v.8): anger, malice, slander, filthy talk.
- Don’t lie — lying contradicts the new self.
- New Self: Being renewed in knowledge of our Creator.
- Unity in Christ (v.11): Christ is all, and in all.
What sin are you tolerating instead of crucifying?
What attitudes, habits, or language still belong to the old self?
III. Put On the New Self (Colossians 3:12–14)
“Put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
- You are chosen, holy, and dearly loved. IDENTITY LEADS TO ACTION
- Put on Christlike character: Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience, Forgiveness.
Are you intentionally putting on these virtues daily?
Are you being intentional?
IV. Live as a Spirit-Filled Community (Colossians 3:15–17)
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
- Let Christ's peace rule in your hearts.
- Be thankful.
- Let Christ’s word dwell richly in you.
- Be thankful.
- Do everything in the name of Jesus.
- Be thankful — again and again.
Does peace, gratitude, and Christ’s Word shape your home, church, and relationships?
Are your words and deeds done “in His name” — under His authority and for His glory?
Conclusion
- This isn’t self-help — it’s surrender.
- This isn’t a checklist — it’s a transformation story.
- Jesus didn’t come to improve your life. He came to be your life.
You are:
- Raised — so live like it.
- Renewed — so put off the old and put on the new.
- Reconciled — so let His love shine through you.