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A New Wardrobe
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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