The Struggle & The Solution (Part 1)

The Rock of Gainesville - Sermons

Because the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in us, His example is my example for what I should expect.

I can't manage temptation, I have to eliminate it.

Colossians 2:6 NIV

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him,”What decisions must we make to live in Christ?

Key Decisions: 1. Choose what you believe.

Colossians 3:1-4 NIV

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

V.3 We died in Christ - surrendered life.

V.1 We were raised with Christ - sanctified life.

V.3 We are hidden in Christ - secure life.

V.4 We live in Christ - significant life.

Key Decisions: 2. Choose how you will behave.

Colossians 3:5-10 NIV

"Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."

V.5 Get real - recognize the core problem.

V.5 Get specific - deal with presenting issues.

V.10 Get serious - focus on eternity.

Key Decisions: 3. Choose who you will serve.

Colossians 3:11 NIV

"Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all."

Temptation twists and distorts causing us to be a servant of our own fleshly desires.

Quote by Rick Warren:

"Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone's lifestyle you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense. You don't have to compromise convictions to be compassionate."

Every temptation is an invitation to depend on Christ.