God's Choosen

Put on Then

Last Sunday we celebrated Baptisms and Memberships so this week we look at scripture that identifies with this very act of dedication to God. (NRSV)

12 As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. 13 Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. So as we discuss why we join the church, or why we get Baptized, think of these scripture from Colossians.

Paul tells the Colossians that they need to put on, as God’s chosen ones, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Also if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other, and that goes for everyone.

So ask yourself, what will church look like if we do what Paul is asking the Colossians to do.

(NRSV)

14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Clothing yourselves with these things looks like love. Love is the glue that binds all things together. Yesterday we served people a free meal. This is the love that shows compassion to a world who need compassion and love. (NRSV)

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. This act of love is what binds us all together. Good will to all and Merry Christmas. Happy Birthday Jesus.

What Paul does here is to identify you as the chosen ones of God, or at least he identifies the Colossians as the chosen, I believe this applies to all the people here who identify themselves as Christians. What we do, in this life, flows out of who you are. Once you had no identity but now you are chosen ones.

(NRSV)

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. If we do everything in Jesus name, we will surely do as He would ask us to.

(NRSV)

10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord,

my whole being shall exult in my God;

for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation,

he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

(NRSV)

14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;

my justice was like a robe and a turban.

These are the images that we should be lifting up. That God has clothed us in righteousness so that we might glorify him.