Out with the Old, In with the New – Part 1

Pastor Joel explores Colossians 3:5-11, focusing on the believer's responsibility to actively put to death sinful patterns that are inconsistent with their new nature in Christ. He emphasizes that while believers have already been given a new nature through Christ's work, they must intentionally reject old patterns of sin and embrace righteous living. Pastor Joel makes a crucial distinction between temptation and sin, explaining that temptation itself is not sinful, but when fostered and acted upon, it gives birth to sin. Using strong biblical language, he calls for swift and decisive action against sin, comparing it to an infection that must be dealt with before it spreads throughout one's life. He stresses that all sins—whether internal struggles or interpersonal offenses—are equally serious in God's eyes and warrant His wrath. However, Pastor Joel also offers hope, reminding believers that God always provides a way of escape from temptation and that the Holy Spirit enables them to resist sin. He concludes with a call to examine one's life for "supply lines" that feed sin and to cut them off, regardless of the cost, in order to maintain fellowship with God and live according to the new nature already given in Christ.