7 Ways to a better You: Sanctification

Introduction

Several theologians have been credited for statements similar to this one:

“In salvation, you are saved instantly from the penalty of sin. You are being saved, through the work of sanctification, from the power and practice of sin. And ultimately, you will be saved from the very presence of sin.”

While we could spend hours discussing each part of that and beyond, I’ve been asked to address the second, and most often overlooked, portion of that process: sanctification.

God’s Word is filled with instances and instruction on sanctification, so honestly, it was somewhat difficult to narrow it down to one particular passage. However, I believe that Paul gives us some key guidelines in Colossians 3 that help us understand and apply this crucial part of the Christian life.

Let’s start by looking at Colossians 3:1-17

Colossians 3:1–17 ESV

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Let us pray.

Paul is writing this letter to the church at Colossae, a place he had never been, but had been told by Epaphrus of its faith and struggles while he was in prison. The City of Colossae was once a bustling city thriving because of textile production, but by Paul’s day, had diminished in light of the surrounding cities. But the former glory of the town had brought in many different groups of people to Colossae, mainly gentile Greeks and Jews. This caused some confusion in the church when these groups got together because of their cultural backgrounds and their attempts to merge them together with the gospel. It’s important to understand that it is because of this syncretism that Paul is addressing the church.

Within the church there were mixes of syncretism, Gnosticism, legalism (Primarily Jewish), and Mysticism. We don’t have that problem today in the church do we? Maybe not here, specifically, but I can tell you, traces of these same heresies exist in the church at large, and, like in Paul’s day, it is important that we understand the value and importance of sanctification if we are to keep these from the door of this church and our sister churches.

In Chapter 2, just a few verses before our passage today, Paul is encouraging the church at Colossae to stand fast and not let anyone discourage them because of their outside expectations (like new moons or festivals, beating themselves, or special visions) but to be sure and strong in their faith in Christ. And then, in this next chapter, he begins the test to determine if they are ready for what comes next. Look at Colossians 3:1 with me:

I. Aiming Heavenward (Colossians 3:1-4)

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

The Starting Point: Salvation

Paul begins this chapter by asking, “If then you have been raised with Christ.” That word “if” carries weight—it demands a response. It’s as though Paul is pausing to ask his readers, “Are you truly saved?”

This is important because it is the foundation for everything that follows. As theologians of the past have so aptly put, there are three basic types of sanctification:

Positional Sanctification: At the moment of Salvation when believers are set-apart, or sanctified, for God by the finished work of Christ.

Progressive Sanctification: The daily ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer conforming them to the image of Christ.

Premier or Ultimate Sanctification: When we are fully glorified with Christ in heaven and free from the presence of sin.

Sanctification, the lifelong process of transformation into Christlikeness, enabled by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the grace of God, cannot, will not, and does not begin without salvation. If Christ is not your Savior, you cannot grow to be like Him.

The Danger of False Assurance

Paul’s words here remind us of a sobering reality: it is possible to go through the motions of religion and never truly know Christ.

Many people rely on:

_Practice_: Trusting Religious works

“I’m here every time the doors are open!” I’ve been coming for years! “I serve as a [insert ministry] here!”

But practice can’t get you there. There is no amount of work you can do to wash away your sin. Nothing hides it, nothing detracts from it. Only Christ, and His shed blood can redeem you.

Paul refutes a works based salvation directly in Ephesians 2:8-9 when he says: “for by grace you have been saved THROUGH FAITH, not of works, it is a gift of God, lest anyone should boast”

_Placement_: Being around God’s people.

I live close to the church or in a Christian community. All my friends are Christians. We live in the Bible Belt…

Being in church, or even around God’s people no more makes you a Christian than standing in your garage makes you a car. Your location has no bearing on your salvation!

Paul emphasizes personal faith in Romans 10:9-10: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Salvation requires a heart response, not just external association. Consider Judas, he walked with Christ, heard His teaching, ate with Him, You get no better proximity than to be at the feet of the Master! Yet, Judas still betrayed Him.

_Pedigree_: Assuming faith is inherited through family heritage.

The most common one, second maybe only to works, and often found accompanied by works is the assumption that your faith is inherited through your family line. “I was raised Christian!” Or “My mamma was/is a devout Christian”

While having a godly family is a blessing, salvation is not inherited - it’s personal.

John 1:12-13: “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

So Paul’s warning here—and elsewhere—urges self-examination. Even within the church, many may profess Christ but have never truly surrendered their lives to Him.

And if you think this is an isolated incident, I urge you to look at:

2 Corinthians 13:5: “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”

Matthew 7:21-23: Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven... I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”

Salvation is Personal and Transformative

Sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ—cannot begin unless you belong to Christ.

There must be the realization for the believer that salvation is not just about avoiding hell; it’s about being raised to new life in Christ. It’s a total transformation of your heart, mind, and identity.

Romans 6:4: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”

A Call to Self-Examination

So before we can discuss sanctification, each of us must ask: “Am I truly saved?” This is the most important question you will ever answer.

What are you trusting in for your salvation? Is it your church attendance? Your family background? Your good works? Or is it Christ and Christ alone?

John 14:6: Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Salvation Precedes Sanctification

Paul’s point is clear: if you have not been raised with Christ, then you cannot grow in Christ. Sanctification is impossible without salvation because it is a work of the Spirit in the life of a believer.

Titus 3:5-6: “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”

Sanctification is not behavior modification; it is the result of a complete transformation.

Before we move forward, I urge you to settle this question: “Am I truly saved?” Sanctification begins with salvation, and salvation is found only in Jesus Christ.

If you cannot confidently say that you have been raised with Christ, don’t let another moment pass. Trust in Him today. I realize that altar calls typically happen at the end, and we will do that, I am sure, but do not let me, or tradition, or fear keep you from the foot of the cross because, I’m telling you, between now and the end of service, the enemy would like nothing more than to distract you, dissuade you, and defeat you. Come today if you feel the call and pull of the Holy Spirit, do not delay.

With salvation as the foundation, Paul moves on to the process of sanctification. It begins by redirecting our focus—seeking the things that are above, where Christ is.

Setting Our Minds on the Things Above

Paul says here to“set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

I greatly dislike the phrase: “They are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.” It suggests a complete disconnect from what is truly valuable. The priorities are out of wack. The assumption is that setting your mind on Christ carries less value and has no bearing on things that need to be done here on earth and yet, that couldn’t be farther from the truth!

To be heavenly minded is to put the first things first in all your thoughts, reasoning, and evaluation.

It requires of us to ask ourselves the questions: “How is God glorified in this?” “What spiritual benefit does this produce?” And “Does this bring glory to the Lord or reproach?”

Being heavenly minded may also require you to make some difficult decisions, ones that go against the grain of earthly reasoning. But to do so, we have to have a discipline of Heavenly-mindedness:

The Discipline of Heavenly-Mindedness

To “set your mind” means to fix your thoughts, focus your attention, and orient your priorities toward eternal realities.

This is not a fleeting thought or occasional reflection; it’s a disciplined, ongoing practice.

In Romans 8:5-6, Paul tells us: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

So in this process of sanctification, we must, clearly understand the difference in an Earthly vs. a Heavenly Priority:

Earthly vs. Heavenly Priorities

Paul contrasts earthly and heavenly things, reminding us that our new identity in Christ requires a new focus.

Earthly Things:

Temporary, fleeting, and often tied to selfish desires: wealth, power, status, or worry.

Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus tells us: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth... but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.”

Treasures are those things that are important to us, they are valuable. If we are storing them up, we are protecting them, cherishing them.

Heavenly Things:

Eternal values reflecting God’s character: love, holiness, humility, obedience, and kingdom-minded service.

Philippians 4:8: “Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable... think about these things.”

Living in Light of Eternity

To set our minds on things above means living with eternity in view.

Hebrews 11:13-16: The heroes of faith “acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth... they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.”

Once we are in Christ, our citizenship changes. We are no longer citizens here, our home is in heaven, we are just passing through, longing for the day when we see the gates of heaven, our home.

If we are to be sanctified in Christ, if we are to allow this process of sanctification to work in and through us, we must be more heavenly minded than earthly good. We must live in the light of Eternity, seeing things with an eternal perspective rather than a temporal one.

Are we focused on eternal things?

When we understand the difference, we must begin to Ask ourselves:

- How does what I set my mind on glorify God?

- Are my decisions building eternal treasure or temporary satisfaction?

- Does this action reflect my identity as a citizen of heaven?

- Consider your schedule, finances, and relationships. Are they centered on Christ and His kingdom, or are they consumed by worldly pursuits?

The Cost and Reward of a Heavenly Mindset

You see, setting your mind on things above, heavenly things requires a shift in our focus. That shift in focus, in mindset, isn’t easy, and honestly , it may be costly. Fixing your mind on things above may cost you in earthly terms—time, resources, popularity, or even relationships. But the rewards are eternal.

Romans 8:18: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Think about this! This was Paul who was in prison for sharing the gospel. Shipwrecked, beaten, cast out, threatened! And he did not consider those sufferings worth comparing to the glory that is to come!

Oh, God forgive us of our weak-willed faith and refusal to have a heavenly mindset upon what matters most to You!

The Prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon was the pastor of a church in England that met in a the Surrey Music Hall while they were raising the funds to build their own building. The venue was able to seat around 10,000 people and, often, the building could not hold all of the congregation. When the owners of Surry Music Hall decided they wanted to open the Hall Sunday evenings for music and dancing, Spurgeon left and took his congregation and moved, rent and all, to a much smaller venue. While this lessened Spurgeon’s reach, He was so heavenly minded that he did not consider the inconvenience of the move and lowered availability for the congregation worthy of violating the Christian Sabbath. He stood his ground and, in turn, without the rent from the church and because of the impact of the ministry in the area causing a decline in the want of a “drinking and dancing hall”, the Surrey Music Hall ended up closing its doors.

Businesses like Chick-fil-A sacrifice millions in revenue to honor God by closing on Sundays, distinctly so their employees can worship with their families. THAT is a heavenly mindset.

Personal Testimony: Sharing the Gospel at the YMCA, knowing it might cost my job.

Reiterating the Heavenly Call

Paul’s command to “set your minds on things above” is not optional for believers; it’s essential to living out our new identity in Christ. Paul tells us here in our text:

Colossians 3:3-4: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

We are going to be walking in with the King of kings, the Lord of lords! We need to have a mindset that honors that position, our position, in Christ, focused on all He focused on in His life and ministry.

When we do this, no matter the cost, focused on Christ, when Heaven is our focus, it makes the next part, the part we dread, so much easier:

II. Abandoning the Flesh (Colossians 3:5-9)

Paul continues in this passage Colossians 3:5-9 "Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry."

A Call to Radical Action: Mortification

Paul’s command is not to manage sin, excuse it, or keep it under control. His words are far stronger: “Put it to death.” The theological word for this is “mortification”. Isn’t that an awful word? Mortification. But it means just what Paul says: to put sin to death. This is not passive language. He’s not being cutesy about it. It’s a call to all-out war against sin, not in others, not your husband or your wife, not your neighbor down the street, not even the politician you hate, no, it is a war against sin in YOUR LIFE. We are to treat sin in our life as the enemy it is, and to remove it completely by bringing it under submission of the Holy Spirit, through repentance.

Sin Is Serious

Paul uses the imagery of death to emphasize the gravity of sin. Sin is not something to toy with; it is a deadly force. Left unchecked, it will destroy your relationships, your witness, and everything and everyone around you.

James 1:14-15: “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.”

British theologian, John Owen said it well: “Be killing sin, or it will be killing you.”

This Is Not a One-Time Event

Putting sin to death is not a one-and-done deal. It’s a daily, ongoing process. The flesh constantly fights against the Spirit, and the battle is lifelong.

Romans 8:13: “If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

This requires vigilance. Sin is subtle and deceitful, always trying to creep back into our lives. The only way to win is to submit to the Holy Spirit and His work in your life and allow Him to convict you.

A Picture of Radical Removal

Think of sin like a cancer. You wouldn’t leave even a trace of it in your body because you know it will spread and kill you. The same is true for sin. It must be removed entirely, with no room for compromise. And just like you can’t remove cancer with a pocket knife (though I’m sure some of you men would or have tried!), you cannot remove sin on your own.

It can’t be legislated out, it can’t be punished out, it can’t be replaced, it can only be destroyed through the power and work of the Holy Spirit in your life. The problem is that we have become so accustomed to our sin, we barely recognize it anymore. Good thing for us, Paul gives us a list!

B. The Scope of Sinful Behaviors

Paul lists some roots of sin in our life to help us identify them. These sins fall into two broad categories: personal sins of the flesh and relational sins of the heart.

Sins of the Flesh (v. 5)

Paul begins with sins that arise from selfish and impure desires: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness (which is idolatry).

These are sins that corrupt the heart, mind, and body. They are often hidden but destructive, leading us further from God.

Matthew 5:28: Jesus warns that sin begins in the heart: “Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

Sins of the Heart (vv. 8-9)

Paul continues with relational sins: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk.

These sins destroy relationships and tear apart the unity of the body of Christ. They grieve the Holy Spirit and hinder our witness.

I was almost an Army Chaplain’s Assistant. I made it as far as the MEP station in Atlanta, about an hour away from my home town of Rocky Face, GA. It’s a much longer story than what I have time to tell, but we were left there at the MEP station for almost an entire extra day, about 18 hours total. When we finally got back, the recruiter met me and the other recruit at the office where our cars were parked (because we had to ride the bus to ATL), and let a few “choice” words slip. Knowing who I was, he immediately apologized, but before I could speak, the fellow recruit said this, and I will never forget it, “It’s okay, WE’VE been saying that all day!” Wait, “We”? I know I hadn’t! But what I didn’t do is I didn’t stand up WHEN it was being said. I was guilty by association, and it was my fault.

Sin must be an affront to us. We must hate it in our lives and in our ears and in our eyes. We have to understand it for the destructive force it is.

Ephesians 4:29-30: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up... And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.”

So our call is to put to death all sin in our life, while Paul’s list isn’t meant to be exhaustive, it does cover many of the attitudes and thought patterns that typically accompany sin.

The Repeated Warning: 10 Lists of Sin

If you have the notion that this is an isolated list, for an isolated group, during an isolated time, let me direct you to Paul’s other letters. He provides similar lists at least ten times throughout his letters. This repetition highlights the seriousness of sin and the need for constant vigilance.

The Lists in Paul’s Letters:

Romans 1:29-31: A description of humanity’s depravity, listing sins like envy, murder, deceit, and disobedience to parents.

Romans 13:13-14: A call to cast off the “works of darkness,” including jealousy and drunkenness.

1 Corinthians 6:9-10: A warning about behaviors that disqualify people from the kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21: The works of the flesh, contrasted with the fruit of the Spirit.

Ephesians 4:31: Relational sins like bitterness, wrath, and slander.

Ephesians 5:3-5: Avoid impurity, greed, and foolish talk.

Colossians 3:5-9: Put to death earthly desires and sins of the flesh.

1 Timothy 1:9-10: Describing behaviors contrary to sound doctrine.

Titus 3:3: A reminder of our former slavery to passions and malice.

2 Timothy 3:2-5: A description of sinful characteristics in the last days.

Why So Many Lists?

When something is repeated this many times, it’s because it’s important. Sin is a universal problem that every believer must confront.

Paul wasn’t writing to the pagan world; he was writing to the church. These lists are a reminder that sin still threatens believers, even after salvation.

Exhortation:

These sins are not just theoretical—they are practical battles every believer faces. Paul’s repeated warnings should wake us up to the seriousness of sin and its dangers.

Putting Off the Old Self

Paul describes these sins as belonging to the “old self,” which must be removed like filthy clothing.

The Reality of the Old Self

Before salvation, we were slaves to sin. The old self represents the sinful nature that ruled our lives before Christ.

Ephesians 4:22: “Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.”

The Power to Remove Sin

Through Christ, we have the power to put off the old self and live in the newness of life. This is not something we do in our own strength; it is a work of the Spirit in us.

2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” So why do we dredge up the old man and carry him around as if he is still alive? He’s dead! Gone! Let him rot, let Christ shine and live through you, as you have been called to do!

Conclusion to Section II

Paul’s command to “put to death” what is earthly in us is not optional—it’s essential. Sin is serious. It’s pervasive. And it’s deadly. But through the Spirit, we can mortify the flesh and live in the freedom and holiness that Christ provides allowing God’s work of sanctification to continue to make us more like Christ.

Taking this seriously, we must Ask ourself:

- “What sins in my life am I still clinging to? Am I still clingin to the old self?”

- “Am I fighting sin daily through repentance and submission to the Holy Spirit, or have I grown complacent?”

Let today be the day you recommit to the battle against sin, trusting in the Spirit’s power to help you put it to death.

But putting to death is not the end of it. God does not wish to leave us with nothing. In the next section of Paul’s letter, he gives the final encouragement in sanctification to Adorn Christlikeness.

III. Adorning Christlikeness (Colossians 3:10-17)

"And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator." Colossians 3:10

Renewal in the New Self (v. 10-11)

Paul transitions from what believers must put off—the old, sinful ways of the flesh—to what we must put on—the characteristics of Christ. Think of it as casting aside the filthy rags of our sin and flesh, all the things we have attempted to create on our own, and donning garments made in a perfect fit by Christ for our new identity in Christ.

Paul speaks of the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. This renewal reflects God’s original purpose for humanity: to bear His image (Genesis 1:27).

The emphasis here is on a continual growth in knowledge and understanding of God’s truth. Believers are called to deepen their relationship with Christ by immersing themselves in the Word of God and letting it shape their thinking and actions.

Romans 12:1-2: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” This renewal begins with a commitment to studying the Scriptures and aligning our thoughts with God’s will. So how do we do that? The process of sanctification helps us with this by providing three practical steps toward renewal of our mind:

Practical Steps to Renewal

Studying the Word of God

There can be no renewal in the knowledge of God without going to the source of that knowledge, the Word of God, to be fully informed on how the believer should be in his work, worship, and ways.

Study of the Word of God should be the steady diet of those who are alive in Christ. There is a saying, and I believe it to be true: “Dead men don’t eat.” If you are not hungering and thirsting after righteousness, if you don’t desire to know more about the one who saved you, rescued you from destruction, You have to go back and, again, ask yourself, “Do I know Him?” or at very least, “What sin have I held on to so tightly as it blocks my desire for the Word of God?”

Study of God’s word is not just for pastors, deacons, and Sunday school teachers! It is the expected habit and occupation of every believer who calls Christ “Lord”! If we are to put on righteousness, to clothe ourselves in Christ we must know Him! We must know about Him! We must see what He has said to us so that we can be transformed by it!

Submission to the Word of God

It isn’t enough to just read it. We must, then, once we have devoured it, and during that process of consuming the feast of His word, obey it.

James 1:22 admonishes us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only!”

James 1:22 ESV

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

James goes on to say that if we just hear the word and do not obey it, we are like a man who looks at himself in the mirror, turns away, and forgets what he looks like!

The word of God isn’t neat stories with good morals, it is the very word of Life given to us for this very purpose of sanctification so that, in it, we may look and see our retched selves in light of the glory and majesty of Christ, fall on our face, repent, and strive to be more like Him.

If we do not submit to what the word of God tells us about ourselves, we are in disagreement, not with a mere book or words on a page, but with the very Lord of the Book and Lord of our hearts! It is a dangerous position to be in.

Service of the Word of God

We study, we get to know word of God and the God of the Word, we submit, we are as it says we are and we obey the word, we must then put that into practice through our service.

If we are to grow in our knowledge of the word, we are to put it into practice.

There is a story about a business owner who was going away on a long journey and would be gone for several months. Before he left, he wrote letters with detailed instructions to the employees at the company. From time to time, he would write letters giving them more instructions and detailing out all that needed to be taken care of while he was gone. When he got back, the grass hadn’t been cut, the building was a wreck, trash was overflowing, bills had not been paid. He found one of the employees and asked them, “Did you not read my letters?” She replied, “Yes, we got them, we held studies on them, we even came up with some songs from the words you wrote in them. They were very inspirational!”

You see, that is what we do with the word of God! We have the instructions, we know what we are to be busy doing, yet, we find every way to keep from crossing the threshold of practice! What good is it to study, and to submit to it if we then don’t put it to practice in our daily life?

Along with these practical steps to renewal, Paul also reminds us of our Position in Christ.

Positional Reminder (v. 11)

Paul reminds them, after encouraging them to put on the new self and to renew their mind in the knowledge of Christ, that they do not need to mix, or marry, their new understanding in Christ with their past; your past is gone.

Too often we attempt to reconcile who we were with who we are!

Paul tells them, and us, that in Christ, if we are in Christ, if He is our Lord, there is no former you, that person is dead! Gone! The forgiveness of Christ covers all, and who you once were has been cast away and you have been given Christ!

That is what Paul means when he says “Christ is all, and in all” no longer are we Greek or Jew, no longer separated by culture or class, we are His, and His alone!

In Christ, distinctions like nationality, social status, and cultural background no longer divide us. We are united in Christ! Paul declares: “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”

Christ is the common thread that binds us together. Ephesians 2:14: Paul writes, “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.”

There is no room for division, segregation, and classism within the church! We are to be rejoicing with the saints, praising God with them, not judging them based on our own flawed standards. And when we understand this, we begin to see each other as Christ sees us, His children, and thereby we can grow and encourage one another.

Sanctification requires us to look beyond our culture, our class, our country and begin to treat each other as brothers and sisters in Christ! In Sanctification, the process weeds out the trappings of our old self, the old lifestyle we once had in sin, and replaces it with a new life, a better life, in Christ. Our problem isn’t that we don’t know what Christ requires of us, it is that we are clinging so tightly to the flesh that we think we can hide our sin by merely covering it over. But we must remove that completely from our lives and “Put on” Christ.

Robed in Christlikeness (Colossians 3:12-14)

To“put on,” Christ doesn’t mean to play act or pretend, but it means that we have completely stripped ourselves of the trappings of sin in the flesh and put on the attributes of Christ, much like putting on a uniform that identifies who we are and what we represent. Paul, in pauline fashion, gives us another list that helps us to understand what it is we should put on:

The Virtues of Christlikeness (v. 12)

“Compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another…”

These qualities are relational—they shape how we interact with others. They reflect the heart of Christ. Do you know what it means when Paul says to “Bear with one another”? I looked it up! It means we have to put up with and endure one another! How do we do that? I know some real tough people to endure, and they sometimes make it tougher! But, Paul, again, in God’s providence, has given us some help:

Philippians 2:3-5: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves... Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”

If we are to be sanctified, to be in the process of sanctification, we must think of others more often and more significant than ourselves! We’re not top dog anymore! Putting on Christ means to lift others up! to love sacrificially, and to be a blessing to them. But Paul, here, goes beyond that. He goes straight from preaching to meddling!

Forgiveness and Love (v. 13-14)

Paul highlights forgiveness: “As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

Forgiveness is non-negotiable for those in Christ. Just as we have been forgiven an immeasurable debt, we are called to extend that same grace to others.

In Matthew 18:23-35, Jesus tells a story about forgiveness of a debt. The slave turned around and refused to forgive a fellow slave a much smaller amount. The master then said the unforgiving slave was now going to be held accountable for all his debt and threw him in jail. I don’t want to alarm you, but that is us when we don’t forgive. How can we, who have been forgiven of the most unsurmountable debt of sin refuse to forgive someone for anything?!? Our sin sent Christ to the Cross, their sin…hurt our feelings? Cost us money? Made us mad? It is incomparable! We must, as people of forgiveness, striving to be more like Christ, echo Christ’s words from the cross in forgiveness to those who were in the process of nailing Him there: “Forgive them…”

We are helped in this process by Paul’s next encouragement to “put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” It is in, and through this love that we can rely to be the perfect example of how we are to walk. Every step of obedience to Christ makes the next one easier, and easier, no matter the task.

Finally, We see that sanctification requires us not only to be renewed in our minds, to be robed with Christ, but also to rejoice with the saints.

Rejoicing with the Saints (v. 15-17)

Living in Peace with one another (v. 15)

Our sanctification is meant to be lived out, worked out, with other believers. Paul is giving an admonition here to the church at Colossae who were, as you may remember, from all over (in fact, remember the list in v. 11) to live in unity, in harmony. That isn’t peace at all costs. That is peace that is centered on an understanding and shared adherence to the Word of God and the Work of Christ in our hearts and lives. Sanctification requires us to live at peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ. That is why this follows the forgiveness and love we just discussed! It is imperative we know how, and practice how to live with one another. Jesus told us in John 13:35

John 13:35 ESV

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Sanctification produces in us results that show the world we belong to Christ. From this the outside world will know that we are believers and that we love God. This cannot be done in isolation.

And when we are together, we are to worship properly by immersing ourselves in the Word!

Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly (v. 16)

Paul exhorts believers to immerse themselves in the Word, allowing it to shape their thoughts, attitudes, and actions and moreover, allowing the Word to fuel our worship to him as we gather together: “Teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.”

True worship flows from a heart transformed by the truth of God’s Word and intensifies and is magnified in the presence of other believers. We cannot be “lone-wolf” believers. We will never grow that way, we can’t worship properly that way! Likewise, as believers, the Word of God becomes our guideline for our worship together. It should be honoring to God as He has determined, not as we see fit.

Learning to live for God’s Glory (v. 17)

Paul concludes with a sweeping statement that wraps up the process of sanctification nicely: “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

This is the ultimate purpose of Christlikeness—to bring glory to God in every aspect of our lives.

1 Corinthians 10:31: “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

IV. Conclusion

A. I know this has been a lot; Sanctification is not an easy topic, nor is it one we can fully comprehend in one sitting, but what I hope we have learned today is:

Sanctification cannot begin without the _saving work of Christ_ in your life.

If you do not know Him, do not delay. Today is the day of salvation.

Sanctification requires _mortification_, a putting to death, the sinful desires of the flesh and the putting on of Christlikeness.

Are you killing sin in your life, as John Owen encourages, or is it killing you?

Each day, ask yourself: “What am I putting on today?” Are you clothing yourself in Christlikeness, or are you defaulting to the patterns of the old self?

Sanctification calls us to put on Christ and _worship together_ with fellow believers

Are you committed to this process of sanctification in your life by being an active member of this body of believers?

So much more that can be said about this passage and about the process of Sanctification, but if you are truly His, desiring to glorify Him, and Him alone, these instructions from Paul can be a helpful starting block for your life in Christ.