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  THE LIFE THAT IS NEW
  by Theodore Epp
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Summary: Those who have trusted Christ as Saviour have a new nature, a
new unity, and a new relationship with Christ, where He is in absolute
control.

Topics: "Unity in the Body of Christ", "New Identity in Christ"
Scripture References: Colossians 3:10

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DESCRIPTION
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Theodore Epp emphasizes the transformative power of accepting Christ, as
outlined in Colossians 3:5-11. He explains that believers possess a
divine nature, a new unity that transcends all societal divisions, and a
new relationship where Christ is central in their lives. Epp encourages
Christians to live out their new identity by saying yes to Christ and no
to sin, fostering unity among all believers regardless of background. He
challenges listeners to reflect on whether Christ truly governs every
aspect of their lives.

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CONTENT
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Colossians 3:5-11

In Colossians 3:10,11 Paul revealed three truths about those who have
put on the new man. First, they have a divine nature. Each person who
trusts Christ as Saviour has "put on the new man, which is renewed in
knowledge after the image of him that created him" (v. 10). It is not
just that a person wants a new nature-he has a new nature. We translate
our position into daily living as we say yes to Christ and no to sin.

Second, those who have trusted Christ as Saviour also have a new unity:
"Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision,
Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free" (v. 11). The new unity transcends
all races, social positions, cultural differences--even economic and
political status. Such distinctions belong to the old man, not to the
new man. And because God makes no distinctions between the categories
mentioned in verse 11, neither should we who know Jesus Christ as
Saviour.

Third, those who have trusted Jesus Christ have a new relationship:
"Christ is all, and in all" (v. 11). This is a new relationship where
Christ is in absolute control. Is Christ in control of your life? Not
just in control of something, but is He in control of all things? Is He
truly "all, and in all"?

"And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be
one, even as we are one" (John 17:22).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/theodore-epp/the-life-that-is-new/
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