Putting on to become a "Normal" Christian

The Normal Christian life involves Accepting our new status in Christ ()

Explanation: Paul is preparing to teach on the positive aspects of Sanctification, the “putting on” of those characteristics that will lead to Christian maturity and greater Christ-likeness. Before Paul launches into the list of things these believers were to “put on,” he reminds them of their position in Christ. He tells them the are the elect of God, and they are holy and beloved.

These are not just words, but they are powerful reminders of a believer’s new nature in Christ. These words are reflective of their new identity, and Paul is encouraging these believers to live life according to their new station.

Illustrate: many students will take on the label of who society declares them to be. If the family name is of low value in the community (Parsons or Minton) the student will perform to the expectations

Argument: The NT overwhelmingly refers to believers as saints. [This term is not to be confused with the perverted Catholic understanding] In the NT, a saint is synonymous with believer; the terms are interchangeable. The term saint is used 61 times to refer to believers. Do you know how many times the term sinners is used to describe believers? (Zero). [Some may refer to Paul describing himself as the “chief of sinners” (), but v. 16 makes it clear that Paul was referring to his past life}

This is more than word games - this is an important, often neglected aspect of our identity in Christ, and it plays a major role in our lives as believers. Go back to the illustration of a student with a poor family name. Consider how often his behavior is shaped by his perception of low expectations. I believe we reinforce our perceptions of low performance when we continue to refer to ourselves and think of ours primarily as sinners.

The Power of the Cross has changed us! The indwelling of the Holy Spirit has transformed us!

We have been chosen by God Himself

We are new creations in Christ ()

We are loved and accepted by the Father

We are holy and called to be holy ()

We are in a different category, and we need to live according to our new station in life by embracing God’s valuation of ourselves instead of our own.

Application: Embrace your identity as a saint who still sins, instead of considering yourself a “sorry sinner” This does not mean that are to act superior to those outside the faith, it simply means accepting God’s valuation of us through the Cross

The Normal Christian Life includes Putting on the Fruit of the Spirit ()

Explanation: as befits saints who are called by God to pursue holiness, we need to be properly outfitted for this grand adventure. Paul exhorts the Colossians to embrace positive qualities that will build and strengthen the community of faith. He calls them to embrace traits that will promote and perceive others in the best light. Having an other-focused outlook would be extremely helpful in combatting the false teachers in their midst.

Illustrate: Deer hunters don’t just wander out into the woods on opening morning wearing flip flops and jeans armed with a .22 pistol. Not at all! These guys have all kinds of hunting gear, dependent upon the weather & season, and they have a vast store of other items they carry, along with a hunting rifle that has been carefully chosen for the terrain. They have put on the proper equipment!

Argument: The positive aspect of Sanctification involves the individual believer cooperating with the Holy Spirit. Just like the “putting off” requires a conscious decision, the “putting on” is not automatic. The Good News is that we are now inwardly enabled by the Holy Spirit to make and embrace these choices. We CAN grow in Christ, we CAN produce the fruit of the Spirit () NOTE: The fruit is singular, meaning it is a nine-fold manifestation - it all is produced, it is not like the K&W where we pick and choose!

A “Normal” Christian will be compassionate to others. He or she will radiate kindness when dealing with others. Such a one will exhibit humility, a trait that is difficult in a self-centered environment, but one that is possible for a believer surrendered to the Holy Spirit. These qualities, including patience, may never be perfected in this life, but we are called and empowered to walk in them.

Application: Our world is extremely self-centered, and the media reinforces the message of “it’s all about you!” Believers are called to be intentional in being counter cultural. In Christ we CAN put the needs of others before ourselves, we CAN be second. We don’t have to win in this life because we are already winners in Eternity with Christ. We have the Mind of Christ and we are to reflect on His humility when the world pulls at us to look out for #1 (cf Phil 2:1-4)

The Normal Christian Life includes Putting on Forgiveness ()

Explanation: Paul continues with his exhortation by focusing on the command for these believers to extend forgiveness to one another. According the verb tenses of forbearing and forgiving, Paul assumes that this action may be required more than once. The idea is that these believers need to be willing to extend forgiveness whenever needed, and on a ongoing basis.

And just in case someone in the crowd at Colossae thought he or she had been wronged by another in an unforgivable fashion, Paul reminds them of the manner of forgiveness Jesus offered them.

Illustrate: Church split over donuts. A new family joined the church and wanted to participate in making donuts for Sunday mornings. Her donuts were better than the donuts the older members were making, and feelings were hurt. The rift grew to such an extent that the church became physically divided. Those who ate donuts from the old guard set on one side, those who ate donuts of the new member sat on the other.

Argument: Forgiveness is an extremely important action that Normal Christians are required to extend. Notice that forgiveness is an action, that simply a thought. When we have sinned against someone, or been sinned against, we are required to go to the other person and attempt to make things right. [Turn to and read together]. I say attempt because all we can do is offer forgiveness for the wrong we have committed; the other person may not accept our apology. And, this is just as crucial - we must extend forgiveness when needed. We do not have the right to harbor unforgiveness in our heart. [Turn to and read together]

It has been said that we are most like Jesus when we extend forgiveness to others. This is a very true statement. The flip side, however, is just as true - when we refuse to forgive another person, WE ARE NOT being like Jesus, and we are giving the unbelieving world a bad witness to what it means to walk with Christ

[Use example from Keller’s book Walking with God through Pain & Suffering] ??

Application: What should be the take away for this? When a passage of Scripture such as this has been emphasized, the Holy Spirit will bring a person or persons to your mind that you need to forgive. If that is the case, pray for the right spirit and go to him or her. Notice I didn’t say Pray about whether you should go - that doesn’t require prayer because Jesus has already told us to go and do it.

The Normal Christian Life has the the Hallmark of Love ()

Explanation: Paul ends this section of putting on by encouraging these believers to put on Love. The Normal Christian life is not complete without an over-flowing of love. Paul uses the trait of love like an umbrella, in that love is the trait that provides a covering for the other sanctifying garments to flourish in. This love has the quality of being unconditional (agape), the very type of Love that Jesus extends to us.