We are going to take a look, not only at the Epistle reading today, but we are going to back up and see the context in which our Epistle emerges.  

In Col. 3 there are a lot of lists:  Lists of “bad things” NOT to do; and Lists of “good things” to do.  If we are not careful, this can turn into a exactly what Paul had just told the Colossians…an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh. (Col 2:23)

Instead of just looking at the lists of good and bad, I want to look at what Paul says gives the POWER to be like Christ and live a holy life – That is, PUTTING ON THE NEW SELF. But what does that mean?