Introduction:

Most of us are concerned about how we look.  Our appearance is important to us.  We want our clothes to match, to be coordinated.  However, there is something far more important to God.  He’s concerned about how we adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior.  (Titus 2:10)

Text:  Colossians 3:12-14

Discussion:

I. Put On 

• Christians are very special:  “God’s chosen ones”   They are “holy”, set apart for God’s service.  They are “beloved”, objects of God’s love.
• “Put on”, clothe yourself, envelope yourself with the following characteristics.  There is urgency – do it now!  A new wardrobe is moral attire.  Listen to the words of Psalms 132:9.  There it is called “sacred vestments of our daily priesthood.”
• The new man demonstrates his new life by his new garments.                  (Romans 6:4)  (Ephesians 4:22-24)
• Get rid of filthy garments of worldliness.  (Romans 13:12-14)
• Since Christians are holy, we are not to follow the ways and values of the world.  (James 4:4)

 II. The New Wardrobe 

• “Heart of compassion” – This denotes one that is sensitive to the needs of others and has a deep caring for the problems and sufferings of others.  It means getting involved.  (I John 3:17-18)  This person has a desire to help in whatever way he can.
• “Kindness” – One who has a sweet disposition shown in one’s attitudes and actions toward others.  There is an example of David in II Samuel 9:1, 12.  This person is friendly and helpful; one who has a smile, a kind word, an offer to help others.  A kind person possesses the ability to put himself in other’s shoes.
• “Humility” – This is the opposite of arrogance, unpretentious.  The wise man, Solomon, had this to say in Proverbs 11:2 and       Proverbs 16:18-19.  The humble person has the attitude of a servant; one desiring to lift others up.  (Philippians 2:3-4)
• “Meekness” – or gentleness   This the opposite of rough and rude.  The meek person is considerate of others’ feelings and also possesses self-control.  (I Peter 3:3-4)   Aristotle said this about meekness, “The right point between always angry and never angry.”
• “Patience” – This one is calm in the face of provocation; long tempered.  (James 5:10-11)  The patient person endures with others;  has a controlled strength.  As Paul put it, “bearing with one another.”  One who has the ability to put up with things; tolerant of the faults of others.  (Ephesians 4:2)
• “Forgiveness” – Be ready and willing to forgive.  (Matthew 18:21-22)  He’s not advocating for people to condone sin, but to have the ability to overlook offenses.  (Proverbs 19:11)
• “Love” – This holds all the other garments (attributes) together.     It unites all these virtues; ties them together like a belt.                       (I Corinthians 13:2, 7)

 These are the garments we are to wear every day, the new wardrobe of the new man.

 Invitation:

 One day the faithful will be dressed in glorious redeemed bodies.            (I Corinthians 15:53-54)  But we must first put on Christ in baptism.  (Galatians 3:27) 

Bobby Stafford

March 4, 2012

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