The process of growing in Christlikeness:  I. Involves a change of clothes. II. Involves a community context. III. Flows from embracing our new identity: we are chosen, holy, and beloved. 

Do not lie to one another, says the apostle. We are called to be truth tellers. Why? I. Because we're new in Christ, vv9-10. II. Because we're being renewed in the image of Christ, v10. III. Because we belong to the body of Christ, v11. 

Sanctification involves putting sin to death. What's involved? I. We must name our specific sins honestly. II. We must treat our sins ruthlessly. III. We must consider our sins soberly. 

God changes Christians through a process called sanctification. He progressively makes us more like Jesus. Where does that begin? I. Sanctification begins with union with Christ. II. Sanctification involves the mind, vv1-2. III. Sanctification needs a hope filled perseverance, vv3-4. 

How do Christians NOT grow and become more like Jesus? By asceticism. I. It's contrary to who you are in Christ, v20. II. It doesn't have power over your soul, vv20-22. III. It's based on man-made, not God-given, religion, v21. IV. It can't keep you from sinning, v23. 

Our reading and lesson from God's Word. Surprising Love.

Jesus refutes those who sought to trap him, revealing his wisdom and our hope.

Readings and Lessons from God's Holy Word. The Son is the heir of the vineyard. How have we treated him?

Don't believe the legalists. Don't let them judge you. Don't let them disqualify you.  I. There’s a legalism that’s rigid about rules, vv16-17. II. There's a legalism that's exuberant about experiences, vv18-19. 

I. Jesus frees us from spiritual death, v13. II. Jesus frees us from the record of our debt, v14. III. Jesus frees us from the forces of darkness, v15