Nov. 25, 2001
Scripture Text:
Colossians
3:12-17
Speaker:
Jeff Williams
Series Overview
Dressing For Success
Good morning! When Maxine and I were attending seminary we were invited to several theme parties. The host would pick an era and then we would all dress the part. One such party sticks out in my memory. The party was a seventies party. Some of you remember well the decade of disco, Dallas : "Who shot J.R.?", and Dukes of Hazard. It also gave us the fashion nightmares such as bell-bottom jeans and plaid leisure suits. [Those of you that laughed probably still have outfits in your closet and you are just waiting for it to come back in style!] Maxine and I, being poor as church mice, decided to go to the Good Will Store to see if we could find some duds for the party that night. There I saw it. It was a brown leather leisure jacket. I paid 50 cents for it and threw it in the trunk of the car.
As we were getting ready to go to the party Maxine asked if a rat had died somewhere in the house. Something smelled awful...it was me! Well not me, but the jacket. It smelled absolutely horrible. It smelled like old moldy Wisconsin cheese. I told Maxine I would take it off once I made our appearance. It was a great coat! She rolled down the windows on the way there.
Once we arrived, everyone loved my outfit until they got near enough to smell me. A buddy of mine said he had a plan. He was a single seminary student so he carried cologne in his car, ( you never know), and poured Obsession cologne all over the coat. This just made it ten times worse. The group spoke and decided I was not welcome back in the party unless I took off the coat. I needed a change of clothes.
Review
Last week, Pastor Brian taught from Col 3:1:11 and challenged us to break free from the past. In order to do this we must put off our old self and put on the new.
a. Looking up: In verse 1:4 the apostle Paul challenges us to "set our minds on things above not on earthly things."
b. Looking out: Paul then challenged the Colossians believers to look out for the sins of the old nature lurking around within you. Pastor Brian reminded us that we have "died with Christ, now we need to live it out practically."
c. Looking in: Next Paul reminds the Colossians about what happened to them at conversion. We have taken off the old self but that is not enough. That would leave us "naked" as we say in the South. We must put on the new self. Paul tells the Galatians, "You are a new creation in Christ, the old has gone and the new has come." New creations don’t wear smelly leather leisure suits! They take those old clothes off and let Jesus give them a new wardrobe!
d. Look around: Last, but not least, Paul challenges the Colossians and modern day believers as well to see others from God’s perspective. Racial, religious, cultural, or economic distinctions fade away when we realize that "Christ is all and in all."
Four How Questions
This morning will continue our study of Colossians by asking four questions:
How to belong to Christ?
How dress like Christ?
How to act like Christ?
How to live like Christ?
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved...The phrase starts with "therefore." Paul is moving from the negative warnings of the chapter to the positive virtues of putting on Christ.
How We Belong to Christ
a. Chosen: Paul calls the believers at Colosse "chosen" or "elect." The Greek term means to "select out of a number." In Deuteronomy 4:37 Israel is identified as God’s chosen nation.
Peter applies this notion to the Christian community:
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a people belonging to God..." (I Peter 2:9) Paul chose his words carefully. Remember this is a letter written specifically to the Colossian believers who were battling the heresy of Gnosticism and false teachers. Some of the false teachers were saying you had to be Jewish, or at least go through Jewish rituals such as circumcision. Paul upsets the apple cart by calling this mostly Gentile congregation "chosen." It is not the first time He had made such a claim. In the first chapter of Ephesians, Paul clearly states: "For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to holy and blameless in His sight..." (Ephesians 1:4)
It is not my intent to start a firestorm of debate over the predestination issue this morning. Much smarter people than I have argued that one for centuries. I want to focus on the more practical implications of being chosen.
I am about to show you something that will elicit fear in the minds of many. Some may want to leave if it becomes too frightening. When you were in elementary school some of you loved recess and others of you despised recess. Your knees shook and your liver started to quiver when they brought...the kickball! Remember, captains were picked and the process began. The captains started chosen teams and the group got smaller and smaller. Soon the argument would erupt over who would have to take the last few players. You may know the feeling of praying to be chosen first just one time , or to be chosen at all. Well, if you know Christ this morning that playground prayer has been answered. The God of the Universe, the ultimate team captain, has chosen you to be on His team. It did not depend on your skill, your heritage, or your good works. It all depended on His love: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." I John 4:10
b. Holy: Paul then calls these believers "holy." This word is translated other places in Scripture "saint." It means to "set apart." Nine years ago Wednesday Maxine and I were set apart exclusively for each other by the covenant ceremony of marriage. Because of Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and ascension we can be separated from the old life of this world and we now can belong to the new life of growing Christ:likeness. Chuck Colson aptly states: "Holiness is the everyday business of every Christian. It evidences itself in the decisions we make and the things we do hour by hour, day by day." We are holy because of what Christ did for us on the cross and we are growing in holiness as we seek to put on the new man.
c. Dearly Loved: Paul uses a Greek phrase that indicates that God has set His affections on us permanently. We are God’s beloved, his cherished, chosen possession. This morning you may not feel loved. Your past may have been defined by the lack of love shown toward you. Hear truth: God loves you! He really does. I am convinced that one of the reasons that "Touched By an Angel" has been so popular is because we live in a culture that wants to be loved and every week Monica, as God’s representative, says, "I am an angel sent by God...God loves you!" We want to hear those words. They can change your life.
Karl Barth, one of the greatest theological thinkers of the past century was asked, "What is the greatest thought you have ever had?" His reply? " Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."
I am going to ask Josiah Hanson to come forward and pray for our offering.
Jesus loves me/You are, We are
How we dress
Now we talk about our wardrobe. The story is told of an emperor who was approached by a con man acting as a tailor. He told the emperor that he could make him an outfit that could only be seen might the mightiest and noblest of people. To the others it would be invisible. The emperor heartily agreed and waited anxiously for the tailor to return. When he did return he presented the emperor with the finest garments ever made. The emperor looked at the empty hanger and was too embarrassed to admit he couldn’t see the clothes. He raved over the texture and the design as did his perplexed servants. In fact there was so much excitement that it was decided to give a parade and the emperor would show everyone his new outfit. And that is exactly what he did. Marched right down main street : buck naked!
Because we have been chosen, set apart, and are dearly loved we should gladly lay aside the smelly leisure suit of sin. But that is not enough. Paul exhorts the Colossians to put off the grave clothes of sin and put on the grace clothes of our new life in Christ. New clothes make us feel different. To the believers in Ephesus Paul writes:
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; and to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22:24).
Earlier in the chapter, Paul gives several lists of sins to avoid. Now he wants to accentuate the positive and gives a list of six Christian virtues that we are to "put on every morning."
Just as the moon has no light of its own, it just reflects the sun, so we are to reflect the life of Christ that is a reality within us. We do this by putting on:
a. Compassion : Compassion is genuine sensitivity and sympathy for other people. In Hebrews it is even more intimate: "to live in others skin." In some translations it is rendered "bowels of mercy." This may sound strange to our ears but this word comes from the word for our internal organs. It implies a softness or vulnerability. We say it this way today: "It is was "gut wrenching" to watch the Towers fall again and again.
King David said: “The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion." (Psalm 116:5)
b. Kindness : In the Greek, this is literally "grace in action." After our hearts are stirred by compassion, we must act in kindness. Ephesians 4:32 commands us "to be kind and compassionate to one another other." There shall be no random acts of kindness here at PBC. WE want to be intentional, deliberate, and extravagant in our kindness toward each other and those who do know Christ yet.
Titus 3:4 says: "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy."
c. Humility : In Paul’s day, it was counter:cultural to express humility. John Stott calls humility "the rarest and fairest of all Christian virtues...because it is the exact opposite of the vilest of sins, which is pride." True humility is a right understanding of our position with God and others. Paul told the Roman church: “For by the grace given me I say to everyone of you: Do not think of yourselves more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the grace God has given to you." Romans 12:3
The story is told of the great African American educator and inventor Booker T. Washington. He was walking through town when a well:to:do woman asked him if he would like to earn a few dollars chopping woods. Instead of being offended or telling her who he was, he simply rolled up his sleeves and chopped the wood. A couple of days later the woman sheepishly walked into his office at Tusgegee University and profusely apologized for her actions. A neighbor had told her who Mr. Washington was. Some time later this woman organized a group of women to donate large sums of money to help fund his experiments. She was blown away by his humility.
In the great hymn of Philippians 2, Paul writes:
"Jesus humbled Himself and became obedient to death : even death on a cross!"
d. Gentleness : Gentleness or meekness does not imply weakness. Working at Salem Children’s Home exposed me to horses for the first time. When a stallion would first come into the barn Tony knows he is dealing with one powerful animal, but totally out of control. He must break the stallion without breaking his spirit. Once the horse is broken he will gladly carry the kids on his back. Power under control. Jesus said:
"Come to me all who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)
e. Patience : This means to be long:tempered. Monday night, Joshua and I were in Panera Bread Company getting bagels. We stood in line in front of a woman who was buying three thousand bagels; well, it seemed that way. She became very frustrated with the worker. Joshua was getting a little antsy. I told him to be patient. As she turned to go, the lady leaned down and told Josh, "I still haven’t learned to be patient."
Peter states: "The Lord is not slow at keeping His promises, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9).
f. Forgiveness : Paul continues "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." It is vital that a Christian community be a forgiving community. We are to "bear with each other" : this does not mean to merely tolerate someone who irritates you. The word means to uphold and support that person. How many times are we supposed to forgive we ask, as did Peter in Matthew 18:21. Jesus’ answer remains the same : seventy times seven. Four hundred and ninety? No, this term is similar to our word infinity. We are to be continually in an attitude of forgiveness toward one another. This is one of the main curiosities of an unbelieving world regarding the church.
The phrase ends, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you." God forgave you for all your sins, even when you were His enemies, and because we are forgiven the freedom exists to extend forgiveness to even the worst of our wrongdoers. Vertical forgiveness should always result in horizontal forgiveness.
Paul writes to the Ephesians: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
g. Love - "And over all these virtues put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Eugene Peterson translates this verse in the Message: "And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all:purpose garment : never be without it." All of these virtues are aspects of true Christian love. The word picture is of a girdle that binds all the other clothing together. Yes guys we should be putting on the girdle of love every morning! Paul states to the Corinthians: "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels but have not love I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal... If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love I gain nothing."
Lest you think that just because I am preaching to you that I am somehow more spiritual than you, think again. On Tuesday night, I went 0:6 on these virtues with my wife. I asked her forgiveness on Wednesday morning. It is difficult to write about being kind and compassionate when you have been a real jerk to your wife. She said, "Amen!"
How we act like Christ
Paul now turns his attention from Christian character to Christian conduct. How are the Colossians and PBC, as Biblically functioning communities of grace, to live and thrive with each other? We will look at three T’s:
Tranquility
Thanksgiving
Teaching
a. Tranquility : "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace." The Apostle Paul was a big sports fan. How do I know? Because of all the athletic metaphors he uses. From "running the race" to "fighting the good fight" Paul is conversant in ESPN theology. This verse is no different. The word "rule" actually means "umpire or referee." The peace of Christ should be the referee of my heart. A ref "calls them like he/she sees them." They stop play, defines the infraction, announces the penalty, and start the clock again. This is a Divine peace that comes from God, who the writer of Hebrews calls the "God of peace." It is the unexplainable peace that a Christian experiences when they should be pulling their hair out. Phil 4:7 says that: "The peace of God, that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Peace should characterize our attitudes and all relationships in the church. We should be proactive about this:
Romans12:18 says: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
In one remote village, translators were having difficulty coming up with a way to convey the notion of peace. They finally came up with "a heart that is sitting down." Just as kindness is compassion in action, the ruling influence of peace will lead to forgiveness and mutual encouragement among all the members of the body.
b. Thankfulness : Thankfulness should be the hallmark of a Christian community. It literally reads, "and thankful continually become." Wednesday night we had our Thanksgiving service and had a marvelous time of singing, Scripture reading, and sharing. This year seems even more poignant due to the events in New York, Afganistan, and the tragedies closer to home. Pastor Brian did a great devotion from Psalm 100 which, in part proclaims: “Enter His gates with thanksgiving in your heart and his courts with praise; (Paul was a basketball fan) give thanks to him and praise his name." (Psalm 100:4)
c. Teaching - "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom..." We will stop there for the moment. The peace of Christ rules where the Word of Christ dwells. Paul had in mind the oral teachings of the gospel and today we could substitute the Bible. Paul states the Word should "dwell in us" which means to "make at home." The Word should not be a welcome guest who stays every once in a while. The Word should be the Master of the house. It is one thing for a believer to be in the Word but quite another for the Word to be in the believer. "Richly" means "abundantly, without any limitation, fully and completely." We are to full to the brim with the Word which is God:breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." (2 Tim 3:16)
The Colossians were recipients of true wisdom, the Word of Christ, not some mysterious knowledge claimed by the Gnostics. True wisdom comes from Christ and each believer is responsible for teaching and admonishing, which means "warning and correction." Paul did not assume that he and Epaphras were the only ones capable of handing the Word of Christ. Whether it be from the pulpit, in Sunday schools, in 247 or Rage, at Pontiac Christian School, in TLC groups, you will find people lifting up this book as God’s holy love letter, perfect, inerrant, and able to save.
d. How we worship - “And as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts." Our basis for worship should be the Word of God and our thanksgiving to the God of the Word. Worship is giving God’s glory back to Him with thanksgiving what He has done for in Christ. Paul is picturing Christian congregational worship which really should be an extension of your daily private worship.
The Psalms were originally written to be sung. The hymns and spiritual songs have different emphasis but are both vital to our worship. In the hymns were are confronted with the magnificent theology that teaches us great truths about God. In the newer praise and worship music the emphasis is often more on pouring out our hearts directly to God. It is sad to say that my generation has lost touch with the hymns. I was not in church when I was a kid, so I often have to have Gloria or Tony, or Susan teach me the hymns we are doing for a special service. I have grown to appreciate the depths of their teaching.
At PBC there are two services, both designed to draw people into the worship of God, in two distinct worship languages. A church in which the peace of Christ rules, and the Word of Christ dwells, and that is thankful will never experience the "worship wars" that are splitting other churches. That is because it is not about us...it is all about Jesus!
Read Psalm 100, sing "A Mighty Fortress is our God" and "Heart of Worship."
How do we live like Christ?
"And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" The pagan religions said nothing about morality. You could put your offering on the alter, and go live any way you want. Christianity is different. He closes this section of Scripture with an overarching command not a long list of to dos. Whether working in the garage, playing basketball, studying for a test, or taking your wife out for a really nice dinner because you were a jerk to her, do it all for the glory of Jesus.
Identification : we are called Christians which was first used as an insult in Antioch. It means "little Christs." When the world looks at us do they see Jesus?
Representative : "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us." We wear his name and have been chosen to share the greatest news ever told with a lost and dying world.
Responsibility - It has been said that we may be the only Bible someone ever reads. Steven Curtis Chapman says it this way: "Live out Loud!" When I take the kids to school, I always quote this verse in our own Williams translation: Whatever you do, in word or in deed", and they respond proudly, "make Jesus proud!"
Action Steps
1. Remember who you are. On your way out the door this morning pick up a copy of "Who I am in Christ."
2. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Remember, forgiveness is a choice and a process.
3. Seek peace. If you need to make it right this morning do it.
4. Explore the Bible, God’s love letter to us. If you need one see me afterwards.
5. Worship privately and corporately with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.
6. Make Jesus Proud!
Conclusion
I had the privilege of ministering at Don Druin’s funeral on Friday. For those of you who knew Don, it was a day of sorrow and celebration. In 1996, Don changed clothes spiritually. The results were dramatic. As testified by his sons at the funeral, Don took off selfishness and put on compassion and gentleness. The peace that had eluded him in his life came to rule in his heart as his body slowly declined. His TLC group can attest that Don was a man who let the Word of Christ dwell richly in his soul. He was most of all thankful for his salvation. On Sunday night, Don changed clothes again. You need to if you are going to meet Jesus face to face. He told Pastor Brian, “At my funeral, don’t talk about me, tell them about Jesus.” On behalf on Don this morning, I have two questions: Do you need a change of clothes? And if today was your last day would you be ready to meet Jesus face to face?
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