Proper Attire For the Child of the King
Colossians 3:12-17
12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV)
In our passage for today, Paul encourages us to flesh out a steadfast faithfulness to the One true God in the midst of our unbelieving culture – just as Jesus did. We are to bring the aroma of Christ to every encounter, to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel (which includes demonstrating compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to others), to love the unlovely as we are loved, to bring His ruling presence of peace to our hearts which will flow into our circumstances as well, and to speak the Word of Truth both winsomely and lovingly to others – just as Jesus did.
V 12:
Paul begins this verse by stating that we are God’s chosen (1) people who are holy (2) and dearly loved (3) and because of this we have a responsibility to wear the proper virtuous attire - the clothes of righteousness.
Read Michael Youssef – The Grace for Godliness (1)
Chosen (1):
4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Ephesians 1:4 (NIV)
11 In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will. Ephesians 1:11 (NIV)
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV)
Are we eager to do what is good?
Holy (2):
Separated from ordinary or common usage, devoted to God. Designated by Him as having a sacred purpose or special significance to Him. Conduct to conform to the character of God. Sinfulness spreads and increases in one’s life unless it is effectively combated by conscious effort. Repent – repent – repent – and quickly! Meaning to agree that it is wrong and turning and going the other way – turn – turn – turn! Defilement of an object in the Old Testament was defiled by touch. Holiness is not – it must be a pursuit. Haggai give us this Truth.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25 (NIV)
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)
Read Spurgeon Page 357 (2)
Dearly Loved (3):
Love, esteem, cherish, favor, honor, respect, accept, prize, relish, to be devoted to. A love rooted in the mind and will of the subject and means to value, esteem, prize, treat as precious, to be devoted to. God placed such value upon mankind, showed such estimation of him, that though he deserved nothing but rejection and wrath, God sacrificed His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ, for man’s salvation. This was done for man’s good and solely because God, the subject, accorded him this wholly undeserved value.
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)
9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 (NIV)
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16-17 (NIV)
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us…. 10 For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Romans 5:8, 10 (NIV)
Definitely, the new man needs new duds! This calls for decisive actions on our parts. We are to live according to the “new self” with appropriate attributes and attitudes. Paul previously listed the vices we are to shed and now in contrast he lists the virtues we are to put on as children of the King! These are to be distinguishing marks for us:
(1) Compassion – tender sympathy of heartfelt compassion. Pity, mercy – an unusually touching expression. Our God is the God of all comfort and the Father of Compassion forming the basis upon which believers are urged to offer themselves to God in much the same way towards others. We who owe so much to mercy ought to be merciful. Oxford dictionary defines compassion as “concerned for the suffering of other people.”
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. 9 The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. Psalms 145:8-9 (NIV)
(2) Kindness – Useful, profitable – it is the grace which pervades the whole nature, mellowing all which would have been harsh and austere. Christ’s yoke has nothing harsh or galling about it. Are our words and actions useful and profitable to others – that’s what being kind means. It is benevolence in action. The purpose of the Gospel is not only to soften the minds of men, but to sweeten them, and to promote friendship among men as well as reconciliation with God. Paul’s example:
3 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. 4 Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; 5 in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; 6 in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; 7 in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; 8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 (NIV)
(3) Humility – Lowly minded in the estimation of self particularly when we regard with deep realization our unworthiness to receive God’s marvelous grace. It is having a modest or low opinion of our own importance. A humble demeanor and mindset. We all stand as equals at the foot of the cross. If we by grace are enabled to do anything good, worthwhile, eternal it is only through His power. The One who gives the power gets the glory. Also, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Scripture tells us that there is no one who does good – not even one. Peter states:
5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV)
1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3 (NIV)
(4) Gentleness – restrained strength – prudently bridle your own anger and patiently bear the anger of others. It is the attitude of spirit by which we accept God’s dealings with us as good and do not dispute or resist. It is a condition of heart and mind which demonstrates gentleness, not in weakness but in power.
“Only speak words that make souls stronger.” Ann Voskamp
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:1-2 (NIV)
(5) Patience – Self-restraint – a steady response in the face of provocation. Many can bear a short provocation who weary when it waxes long. If God is patient towards us we should be patient towards others.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
V 13:
Furthermore, believers are to bear with each other (put up with each other clothed in the virtues just mentioned). We all have something which needs to be borne with (believe it or not!). We need the same good turn from others which we are bound to show them. We are also to forgive grievances (fault found, blame, and censure) against one another. The idea here calls for forgiving grievances even when we have just reason for complaint. We are called to forgive – that is, we are to harbor no malice against our brother/sister; we are to be ready to do him good as if he had not given us occasion of complaint; we are to be willing to declare that we forgive him when he asks for forgiveness; we are to always afterwards treat him as kindly as if he had not injured us – as God treats us when He forgives us. Christ forgave us freely, entirely and forever so we should also forgive an offending brother/sister. It is our duty to forgive one another – it is a branch of His example which we are obliged to follow. This is accomplished in Christ’s strength alone as it so often goes against the flesh! Also, forgiveness is for us! When we choose not to forgive, we become bitter, resentful and not pleasant to be around. Grudges have no place in the Christian life. Certainly we are NOT leaving the aroma of Christ in our circumstances who on the cross asked God to forgive those who crucified Him and Who tells us in Matthew:
14 For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)
Read Greg Laurie (3)
V 14:
In order to accomplish this we are exhorted to clothe ourselves with love. He lays the foundation in faith, and the top-stone in love, which binds all together in perfect unity. Christian unity consists of unanimity and mutual love. Christian love is the greatest virtue and it never fails:
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
8 Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8 (NIV)
Christian love is of supreme importance as it is the perfect bond in holding all the virtues together in perfect unity.
“The love for equals is a human thing–of friend for friend, brother for brother. It is to love what is loving and lovely. The world smiles. The love for the less fortunate is a beautiful thing–the love for those who suffer, for those who are poor, the sick, the failures, the unlovely. This is compassion, and it touches the heart of the world. The love for the more fortunate is a rare thing–to love those who succeed where we fail, to rejoice without envy with those who rejoice, the love of the poor for the rich, of the black man for the white man. The world is always bewildered by its saints. And then there is the love for the enemy–love for the one who does not love you but mocks, threatens, and inflicts pain. The tortured’s love for the torturer. This is God’s love. It conquers the world.” I echo that. This is God’s love. It conquers the world.” Frederick Buechner
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 4:29-5:2 (NIV)
V 15:
Believers are also to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts – we are called to peace as members of one body. The closer believers are to Christ (and His likeness) the closer they are to each other. We are called to be at peace with one another. “Peace” (tranquility) should “Rule” (arbitrate) decide every debate raging within – does it result in peace. Peace is to govern and control you. It is to preserve order within – to govern the mind and save it from disorder and tumult. The thought is a very beautiful one. The soul is liable to agitations of passion and excitement – like an assembled multitude of men. It needs something to preside over it, and keep its various faculties in place and in order; and nothing is so well fitted to do this as the calm peace which faith gives, a deep sense of the presence of God, the desire and the evidence of His friendship, the hope of His favor, and the belief that He has forgiven all our sins. The “Peace of God” will thus clam down every agitated element of the soul; subdue the tumult of passion, and preserve the mind in healthful action and order as a ruler sways and controls the passions of assembled multitudes of men.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 (NIV)
14 Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 (NIV)
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inward peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. Commend all to God, and then lie still and be at rest in His bosom. Whatever happens, abide steadfast in a determination to cling simply to God……Maintain a holy simplicity of mind, and do not smother yourself with a host of cares, wishes, or longings, under any pretext.” St. Francis de Sales
Christians are also to be thankful. An attitude of gratitude contributes to an enjoyment of spiritual tranquility whereas grumbling makes for inner agitation. The work of thanksgiving to God is such a sweet and pleasant work that it will help to make us sweet and pleasant towards all men. Thankfulness does much to promote harmony and peace. An ungrateful people is commonly a tumultuous, agitated, restless and dissatisfied people. Nothing better tends to promote peace and order than gratitude to God for His mercies.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)]
18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
“Whenever you react with praise and thanksgiving for an opportunity to grow more like Jesus in your way of reacting to things, instead of grumbling or feeling self-pity, you will find that that whole situation will be changed into a great blessing.” Hannah Hurnard
V 16:
The Word of Christ must dwell in us, or keep house, not as a servant but as a Master. It must dwell in us, that is, be always ready and at hand to us in everything. It must dwell in us richly; not only keep house in our hearts, but keep a good house. That is, by study, meditation, and application of the Word, it becomes a permanent abiding part of one’s life. Many have the Word of Christ dwelling in them, but it dwells in them poorly. The soul prospers when the Word of God dwells in us richly. And this in all wisdom. The Word of Christ must dwell in us not to merely make us scholars, but in all wisdom to make us good Christians – flesh out what we know to be true. The Word is to go from our heads to our hearts to our hands. When God’s Word becomes part of a believer’s nature they sing forth naturally in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude. Joyful singing brings praise to God. We can also teach, encourage and admonish others in this way. We sharpen ourselves by encouraging others. Paul reiterates this in Ephesians:
19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20 (NIV)
V 17:
All must be done in the name of Christ and His authority – by Him and for Him. Those who do all things in Christ’s name will never lack matter for thanksgiving to God the Father. His glory is to be the aim of all our actions and words – all accompanied with thanksgiving. He is most likely to do his duty well who goes to it with a heart overflowing with gratitude to God for His mercies, and he who is likely to perform his duties with the most cheerful fidelity, is he who has the deepest sense of the divine goodness in providing a Savior for his lost and ruined soul.
