Colossians 3:12-14
GET THIS: Saints, we are who God says we are and have full access to the wardrobe he says we do.
Who God Says We Are (Is Who We Are) [v12a]
See first 7 words of Colossians 3:12: “Put on then” is imperative… rooted in these unfathomable indicatives.
You Are Chosen: See Ephesians 1:3-4. Hear God speaking over you today: Read Isaiah 43:1
You Are Pure: See 2 Corinthians 5:17 & Romans 8:1. This isn’t a statement of your perfection but of Jesus’ perfection. & the truth that God beholds you through the perfection of Jesus means your holiness contingent… not on your “getting it right”, but the finished work of Jesus!
You Are Beloved: See 1 John 3:1. We’re Not merely put-up-with, tolerated, excused… we are loved!! Hear God speaking over you again: Read Deuteronomy 14:2
Check Out This Resource Our Truest Reflection (Prayer by Scotty Smith)
What’s Right To Wear [v12-14]
See Colossians 3:12
Wear Compassionate Hearts: “bowels of mercy” mercy & compassion from the core of your being!
Wear Kindness: the quality of being helpful or beneficial. Generosity of your person/presence. Showing up generously.
Wear Humility: modesty, yes. More so: live void of entitlement. Even more so: live with willingness to take a lesser portion. See Isaiah 57:15.
Wear Meekness: courteous and conscientious gentleness. Like a horse: strength and dignity under peaceful control.
Wear Patience: tranquility in the waiting and/or a state of being able to bear-up under provocation.
AND Paul says wear these things above with this posture: See Colossians 3:13
(1) Forbearance/tolerance (put up with each other), don’t be defensive or easily offended. Etc And even more so
(2) forgiveness. In little things: forgiveness is the reactive response! Let it go, don’t keep score (you didn’t get thanked/noticed/honored…it’s ok)
(NOTE) Forgiveness and reconciliation are not the same. Forgiveness contains the idea of letting go of offenses for your own health and freedom from harmful emotions AND from your feelings of entitlement to justice/payback.
And now the most important piece of clothing in the whole wardrobe: See Colossians 3:14
The Greek word picture is the thing that ties the whole outfit together.
Again our expectations are shattered. What would you expect to see in a perfect human being? A magnificent physique? A brilliant personality? Extraordinary ability? No. Love binds together all that a human is intended to be. —John Woodhouse
Want to know what love looks like? See 1 Corinthians 13 & the whole life of Jesus!
If you’re not a Christian: See John 15:5: Trust Jesus! … believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved!…
If you are a Christian…
1. So what did you see in the wardrobe today that you want to put on… that you need to put on?
2. Are you ready to quit / cease from striving / surrender… Praying “Father, help me get dressed in
GET THIS: Saints, we are who God says we are and have full access to the wardrobe He says we do. And He stands at our side ready to help us dress ourselves in the clothing purchased for us by the blood of Jesus.