January 13, 2010
Christ Expectation for His Church
The New Life
Colossians 3:12-17
Once a person has accepted Christ he has a new life…..
I. The clothing of the new life. 3:12-14
1. Are the elect of God, holy and beloved?
2. The garment of:
Mercy compassion, pity, tender heartedness
Kindness
Humility
Meekness
Patience
Forbearance to hold back: to put up with, to refrain
Forgiveness to be gracious, pardon for wrong doings
Love the main garment of the believer's, new life. It is called
the bond of perfection; that is, love binds all the clothing or great qualities
of the believer's life together. If the believer has put on Love
(if he really loves people) then he is always clothed with these
qualities.
II. The heart of the new life. 3:15-17
1. A heart ruled by God's peace: 3:15
A. We have a choice: Let it rule. Peace is to be the umpire, the deciding or governing
factor in all circumstances and situations of life.
B. The reason: one body.
C. The response: be thankful.
2. A heart rich with the word of Christ. 3:16
A. A choice: let it dwell.
B. The reason: to teach and admonish one another in wisdom.
C. The results or evidence: a singing spirit.
(Psalm 119:9-11, Philippians. 2:14-16, 2 Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 5:15-21, Psalm 40:6-8)
3. A heart that does all in the name of Christ. 3:17
A. A choice: do all.
B. The response: give thanks.
We must always remember: Christ hears every word and sees every deed.
C. The results- a heart that does all for Christ:
* will live more and have being in the name of Christ.
* will trust and depend upon the name of Christ in all that we do.
* will claim the name of Christ in all that we say and do.
* will represent Christ in all that we say and do.
Simply stated, we must do nothing that dishonors Christ. Whenever we speak, whenever we act, Christ is to be honored by our behavior.
