Sermon Central
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The Christian And His Spiritual Clothing
Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Apr 14, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: There are goodly virtues and attitudes we are instructed to put on as Christians just in the same way we put on physical clothes.
The Christian and His Spiritual Clothing
Study Text: Colossians 3:12 - 17
Introduction:
- Clothes say a lot about a person. The fact is most, if not all of us, give a
tremendous amount of attention to what we wear and what is in style.
- However, there is a major problem. Styles change very quickly. They also
vary from culture to culture. What is viewed as acceptable and even attractive in one is
seen as offensive and in poor taste in another.
- But there is good news for devoted Christ followers concerning our spiritual clothing. What was in style in the ancient times is still in style in the modern day time. In fact it is in style anywhere and anytime.
- We are to put on as our spiritual clothing, those things that characterize our new life in Jesus Christ. We are new creations,
with a new ethics, a new heart, a new attitude, and a new
passion. 2 Corinthians 5:15-17
- In this passage, Paul talks about attributes of a Christian’s life. The attributes we must “put on” as spiritual clothing if we are to reflect and experience God’s purpose for our lives.
- We shall be discussing this topic under three subheadings:
1. The Reasons for the Christian Spiritual Clothing
2. The Resources for the Christian Spiritual Clothing
3. The Results of the Christian Spiritual Clothing
1. The Reasons for the Christian Spiritual Clothing:
- Paul begins this passage with the reminder that those who follow after Jesus are truly God’s chosen people. They are God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved.
- This brings up an interesting question for us: if Christians are God's chosen people, why did He choose them?
- God doesn’t choose people based on their own merit. He chooses based on His purpose and grace. 2 Timothy 1:9
- Paul wants the Church to remember that, while we were at one time, separated from God, Jesus died for us so we could experience the fullness of God’s love. This is the truth of the Gospel; this is God’s purpose for us.
- Being set apart by God means that our lives take on a whole new look, one that is drastically different from the world around us.
- We are no longer defined by our hostility and evil actions. We are now defined by the love God has for us.
- Some of the reasons for our spiritual clothing are as follows:
a) We have been Chosen by God
- Salvation begins with God, it is at His initiative. It is His work of
grace. Anyone saved today has been selected by God from the foundation of the world. 1 Peter 2:9
b) We have been Consecrated by God
- Every genuine Christian has been set apart by God from sin, Satan, selfishness, and the systems of this evil age.
- The Christian has alsobeen set apart unto the Saviour for His service, His will and His way in our life. John 15:16
c) We have become the Children of God
- Since the day a man truly surrendered to Jesus as his Lord and personal Saviour, he is given the power to become a Child of God. John 1:11-12
- So, in order to manifest our new identity and to fulfill the purpose of God for saving us, we must put on our spiritual clothing continuously everywhere.
2. The Resources for the Christian Spiritual Clothing:
- If our life takes on a whole new look because we are spiritually clothed in Christ, what does this look like?
- We have quite an array of attributes we are expected to put on. As God's chosen people, who are holy and dearly loved, we are to be: compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, patient, bearing with one another, and forgiving one another.
The Christian is said to be spiritually clothed in Christ when he puts on the following:
1. Bowels of mercies:
- A yearning and tender sympathy for the sorrowful and afflicted, as opposed to carelessness or cruel delight in their griefs.
- Jesus said that this is a condition to be a candidate for the mercy of God. Matthew 5:7
2. Kindness:
- Kindness an active goodwill, not merely ready to sympathize with the suffering people, but in every way to do good to others.
- Kindness must be shown without any ulterior motive. It has to be simple, pure, and brotherly in nature.
3. Humbleness of mind:
- This has two phases. It is a low estimate of ourselves, and it leads us to estimate others highly in comparison with ourselves.
- We must not allow our position, possession and achievements enter into our heads, to be looking down on other people.
4. Meekness:
- It is a spirit of patience and self-control, especially when under reproach, misrepresentation, and unkind treatment by others.
