Supremacy in our dress

Colossians 3:5–17 ESV

5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 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. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 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. 17 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.

Recap from Last Week

We concluded last week with Paul admonishing us to seek things above and to set our minds on things that are above and not on earthly things. Paul went on to explain that we have died and now our lives are hidden with Christ in God. We asked the question to help us consider how God sees us. If we are to look at everything through the lens of eternity, then how does he see us? For the believer, he sees us as kept, secured, and blood-bought children of God.

We are held secure in God’s vault until the time that Christ appears and reveals all that He has been doing. 

If you are not in Christ, then He sees you as lost, dead, and not secure in the vault of God for eternity. Now, today, Paul shifts from the eternal focus of our lives to the current practices that He expects of His children.

When you become a follower of Christ, you go through the process of taking off the old life with its practices and putting on the new life, which forever binds us to the image of our creator. 

HOW TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS

The Grimy Clothes We Wear

I don’t know why, but most of my auto mechanic needs take place during the summer. Lately, it has been unusually humid with all of the rain we have had. 

When I go out to work on our vehicles, as I sweat, every piece of dirt, grime, and grease adheres to every crevice of my skin. The sticky film that trapped the dirt against my skin felt like it was forever attached to my body. 

The only relief that could possibly come is when the job is completed and I can get a much-needed shower. 

The sanitizing process began with my peeling off the sweat-saturated clothes that were clinging to my body. The damp and grease-infested, smelly garments would smack the bathroom floor as I stepped into the cool, clean flow of water in the shower. Now that I have sufficiently grossed some of you out. 

The process doesn't end here. As I watched the flow of dirt, grease, and grime head down the drain, I realized it would require more than one wash cycle to get the job done. It sometimes took multiple wash cycles to get all of the dirt and grim out of my hair and ears. 

But once it was washed away I felt like a completely different person.

After I stepped out of the shower and dried off, I would go through the typical hygiene routine, complete with deodorant and Q-tips, and smile with a refreshing sense of satisfaction. But imagine, if after experiencing such a thorough cleansing, I made the unthinkable decision to dress myself in those cold, damp, grimy clothes that I had previously stripped off. The feel of that wet shirt as it pulled down over my face and chest, the smell of those damp socks as they stretched on my feet, and the touch of those drenched shorts as I stepped back into them would be enough to make anybody cringe!

Of course, we could never imagine why anyone would choose to clothe themselves in and defile their body with the grimy, smelly clothes. Yet, that is exactly what many believers do, over and over again. 

Many believers choose to cloth themselves with sinful behaviors that do not fit with the purified identity we have in Christ.

By God’s grace our sin has been cleansed through the atoning work of Christ, and we have been called to “dress” ourselves accordingly.

But like many directives in Scripture, this is easier read than done! In fact, it is impossible apart from the redemptive power of the gospel.

As God’s people we are called to live differently. This calls us to put to death those things in us that are earthly. All of the baggage and weight of sin that we have carried with us up to the point of Salvation is put off.

We now have new habits, new priorities, new clothes.

1. We Must Cleanse Ourselves from Sinfulness

Sanctification has two evident components: the negative aspects of sins are to be put off, and the positive components of Holiness we must pursue. 

Your job as a new creation is to become as much like Christ as is humanly possible. God is light and in Him is absolutely no darkness at all. Look what John writes in 1 John 1:5-6

1 John 1:5–6 ESV

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.

The call is to put to death the things that are earthly or worldly in you. Here is the spiritual challenge: the closer to God you get, the more like Christ you reflect, the harder Satan works to destroy you. 

The thing that Satan hates the most is when God’s people put to death the earthly life and live completely and fully for His glory.

*We Must Put to Death Our Sinful Passions

vs. 5-7

The expression in scripture to put to death: is to Mortify/Kill

“Be Killing sin or it Be Killing You”

Romans 6:11 ESV

So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Last week we looked at how we are not to set our mind on things on the earth but things above.

Paul also reinforces the fact that the reason Jesus is coming is to expose the sinful passion of this world. Before the throne of God, all will be exposed and laid bare before a holy God. Every evil thought, lustful desire, and sinful action will be exposed on the day that Jesus returns. 

Paul’s initial list of sin’s here deals with sexual sin.

Beyond its widespread relevance, this list is also appropriate because of the intensity of sexual sin and the ability for believers to overcome other temptations if they can learn to deal with these.

Sexual Immorality - generic use for all sexual sin.

Impurity: Speaks of moral corruption in general. But is most often used in regard to sexual sin.

Lust: Describes shameful passions associated with sexual sins.

Desire: derives it’s sexual connotation with the modifying designator of evil.

Greed: is the insatiable desire of wanting more of something. This is a defining character of sexual sin.

Now look at the final identifying sin in the list, the sin of idol worship.

The aspect of idol worship get’s at the heart of the whole list of sexually motivated sinful behavior.

In the Bible, idol worship is defined as revering, trusting, or serving anything or anyone in the place of the one true God. It’s not just bowing to statues—it’s giving our hearts, loyalty, and dependence to something other than God.

Setting our Heart on Created Things

Idol worship is also internal—it’s when our hearts cling to things God created instead of to God Himself.

Sermon Illustration: “The Poisoned Well”

Imagine a small village where everyone gets their water from one central well. That well is precious—it’s where families draw life, health, and joy. It’s not just a water source; it’s part of their identity and community.

But one day, someone pours a few drops of poison into the well—just a little. It doesn’t seem like much. The water still looks clear. People keep drinking. But over time, people start getting sick. Relationships grow tense. Children suffer. And the whole village begins to wither from the inside out.

That’s what sexual sin is like. It often seems small, secret, or harmless. But it poisons what is meant to give life—our hearts, our marriages, our communities. It corrupts intimacy, distorts identity, and leaves long-lasting wounds.

God designed sexuality to be a pure, life-giving well—within the covenant of marriage, where trust, love, and commitment guard it. But when we defile that well, even in secret, it affects more than just us. It touches others. It affects our ability to love well, to worship freely, and to live with a clear conscience.

Paul has some of the harshest words to say about sexaul sin:

1 Corinthians 6:15–19 ESV

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

A FAILURE TO ADOPT SCRIPTURE'S SEXUAL ETHICS IS TO REFUSE TO SUBMIT TO THE LORDSHIP OF CHRIST.

God’s Warning

vs. 6 “On account of these the wrath of God is

The vices in this passage clearly violate the holiness of God and rightly deserve God’s just anger and punishment. Yet many people in today’s culture resist or deny the concept of God’s wrath. But the reality of God’s judgment is also a validation of God’s righteous character and an invitation to repentance.

Listen carefully to me loved ones. If you think for a minute that you can continue to thumb your continued life of immorality in God’s face and their will be no wrath to come for you, then you are in for a wide awakening when Christ returns. Look at 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

1 Corinthians 6:9–11 ESV

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

In Christ we are spared from the coming wrath of God. 1 Thessalonians 1:10

1 Thessalonians 1:10 ESV

and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

But now we are called to strip off these sinful behaviors that correspond to an unregenerate condition. As those who have died with Christ, we can “put to death” our sinful passions (3:5).

Ephesians 2:1–3 “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.”

*We Must Put Off Our Sinful Practices

vs. 8-10

Paul’s first list dealt with sexual sin while the next list deal’s with social sins we are called to put off.

The parallel here with “put to death,” in verse five is now “You must put them all away.”

1). Anger and Wrath: these are closely associated in scripture. In Scripture, anger and wrath are depicted as dangerous, destructive emotions that, when uncontrolled, lead to sinful behavior and damage our relationships with others and with God.

While not all anger is sinful (e.g., righteous anger at injustice), the Bible consistently warns about the sinful expressions of anger and the heart posture behind it.

Human anger often stems from pride, fear, or injustice done to self—not the righteousness or justice of God.

Anger can Give Satan a Foothold: James 1:19–20 “19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”

2). Malice: When joined with anger and wrath, malice could become the most destructive. It is the evil intent towards another person. This is a toxic combination that can infect the whole body and discredits more Christians than I would like to imagine.

3). Slander and obscene talk: Both of these have to do with the things that we say. These two particular vices or sin’s are some of the most damaging to the body of Christ. If you constantly find yourself struggling with this sin then it is a sign that you have no control over any sin in your life. Look at James 3:2

James 3:2 ESV

For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

Slander:

Spreading false accusations

Speaking truth with the intent to harm

Damaging others’ reputations behind their backs

Stirring up division or mistrust

Obscene Talk:

Crude jokes or innuendos

Sexual vulgarity

Foul or profane language

Any speech that is disrespectful, degrading, or unwholesome

Sinful speech—like slander or obscene talk—flows from a heart not submitted to Christ. When we are made new in Christ, our speech should reflect His character—truthful, pure, kind, and gracious.

Matthew 12:34 ESV

You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Do not lie to one another

“Wearing the Old Uniform”

Imagine a soldier who served in a brutal army that oppressed people, caused destruction, and lived only for violence. One day, he’s rescued by a new king—a righteous king who gives him a new identity, a new uniform, and a new mission: to protect the weak and serve with honor.

But instead of wearing the new uniform proudly, he secretly keeps his old one. At night, he puts it back on. He returns to old habits—brutality, pride, and self-glory. He tells others he belongs to the new king, but his life still looks like the old one.

What is he doing?

He’s lying.

He’s lying to his fellow soldiers, who expect him to stand with them in truth.

He’s lying to the king, who gave everything to redeem him.

And he’s lying to himself, pretending he has changed when his heart is still serving the old ways.

*We Must Align our Practical Righteousness with our Positional Righteousness.

We must take off our sinful practices and put on our new Life. vs. 11

WE are one in Spirit, Purpose, and Inheritance

The beauty of the body of Christ is found in its cohesive unity with its blended diversity. Divisive pride not only causes division among God’s people; it ultimately hinders our individual and collective spiritual growth and impedes our universal mission (1:6). Therefore, as we strip off our sinful passions and practices, we must also strip ourselves of the sinful pride that divides the body of Christ so that we can experience his fullness.

2. We Must Clothe Ourselves in Godliness

We all know what it is like to be dressed for the occasion. There are times when we would prefer to dress in our house clothes rather than our work clothes, but our responsibilities require a certain uniform of sorts.

At other times we would like summer seasonal attire, but colder weather may force us to bundle up.

And sometimes certain occasions or situations may dictate more formal attire when we wish we could just relax or go for a run. Jogging in dress shoes and a suit just does not work!

However, putting on the practical righteousness of Christ is fitting for all occasions!

There’s no situation or season in life when clothing ourselves in him is inappropriate or inadequate. While in the previous verses Paul described what should be taken off, in these verses he prescribes what should be taken up.

*We Must Put on Clothes that Accurately Reflect Christ

Paul now begins this section with language that defines our identity: God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved. There is no mistake who He is referring to in the text.

How are You Living as the Holy and Loved of God?

Paul now lists 5 virtues that should identify those who are Holy and Loved by God.

1). Compassion: Describes a heartfelt mercy towards others.

2). Kindness: A disposition that is thoughtful and considerate.

3). Humility: This is an honest asessment of ourselves. Romans 12:3 “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.”

4). Gentleness (Meekness): Peaceful and unassuming attitude. (Don’t be a bull in a China shop)

5). Patience: Speaks to a Measured Response to Others.

Forgiveness vs.13

Forgiveness is identified with bearing with one another and forgiving others who have complaints against you.

Matthew 28:21-35

THE UNPAYABLE DEBT

Imagine a man who owed the king millions of dollars—an amount so large he could never repay it, even in ten lifetimes. The debt was real. He had made terrible choices. He deserved prison.

But when he begged for mercy, the king did something outrageous—he erased the entire debt. He didn’t just reduce it or delay it—he forgave it completely.

That man walked out free, but on his way home, he saw someone who owed him a few hundred dollars. Instead of showing mercy, he grabbed the man, choked him, and demanded repayment. No grace. No patience. Just rage.

When the king found out, he was furious:

“I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?”

That parable, told by Jesus, is a picture of how we often behave. God has forgiven us an infinite debt, yet we struggle to forgive small offenses others commit against us.

CAPSTONE VIRTUE

“Above all Put on Love”

Loving others is always elevated to the supreme virtue above all others. 1 Corinthians 13:13

1 Corinthians 13:13 ESV

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

God’s love for us and our love for others is the perfect bond of unity we have together.

We remember Jesus rising for the final meal with his disciples, taking a towel of humility to wash the disciples feet.

How are you clothing yourself in the towel of Humility?

*We Must Put on Clothes that Comfortably Rest in Our Savior

vs 15 “Let the Peace of Christ Rule your Hearts.”

In Christ we can have peace, peace in our conscience Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We can have peace in our circumstances: John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

The Peace of Christ is part of your inheritance. It is something that you receive as a byproduct of your Salvation.

When we immerse ourselves in prayer and gratitude the peace of God washes over your hearts and lives.

*We Must Put on Clothes that Gratefully Rejoice in our Savior

“Let the Word of God Dwell in You Richly”

A proper understanding of our positional status in him not only saturates our hearts with love and peace but also primes our hearts to overflow in celebration of our Savior!

In order to worship in Spirit and truth (John 4:24), God’s people must worship according to the “word of Christ” (Col 3:16).

John 4:24 “God is spirit, and those who worship must worship in spirit and in truth”

Just as reverent occasions require appropriate attire, our identity in Christ deserves and demands a life that is adorned with praise and thanksgiving.

Therefore, we must put on spiritual clothes that gratefully rejoice in our Savior. Our worship must be infused with the truth of the gospel as we promote deeper intimacy with Christ, stronger unity as his people, and higher praise for our King!

*We Must Put on Clothes that Can Actively Run for our Lord

“Whatever you Do”

This is an all encompassing phrase that emphasizes the phrase “word or deed”

We do all things for Christ’s glory. Meaning that all things are under the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

“In the name of Jesus” = With His authority, reflecting His character. When we pray in the name of Jesus we are attributing all authority, power, and praise to Him.

Thankfulness again closes the section, framing the believer’s life with gratitude to God.

CONCLUSION

Think back to the very first sin in the Garden of Eden.

After Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, their eyes were opened—and what was the first thing they did?

“They sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths” (Genesis 3:7).

They didn’t run to God. They didn’t confess. They covered.

And humanity has been doing the same ever since.

We cover our guilt with excuses: “It’s not my fault.” We cover our shame with busyness: “If I stay distracted, I won’t feel convicted.” We cover our sin with good works: “If I do more good, maybe it will cancel out the bad.”

But here’s the problem: Fig leaves never last.

They dry up. They fall apart. They can’t cover us for long.

And what did God do in the garden? He replaced their self-made coverings with garments of animal skin—a symbol of sacrifice, a covering only God could provide (Genesis 3:21).

Our instinct is to cover sin. God’s invitation is to confess it, so He can cleanse it.

Instead of trying to manage sin, God calls us to put it to death (Colossians 3:5). Instead of hiding behind fig leaves, God wants to clothe us with Christ (Colossians 3:10, Romans 13:14).

Matthew 22:11-13

Jesus' parable of the wedding banquet is about a man who tries to attend the wedding feast without wearing the proper wedding garments. The righteous came to the banquet, being clothed in Christ, the man without the garment tried to enter under his own terms, without true repentance or transformation. 

Salvation is freely offered, but we must come on God’s terms, through faith in Christ and with a life transformed by His grace. You cannot just show up to the feast and refuse to put on the new self.

Will you have the right clothes on that day, or will you still be wearing the grave clothes of the dead?