Obligations Of The Elect

Introduction: Who are the elect and why is Paul referring to believers in this fashion? It is the age old question that has been asked by people for the entirety of the New Testament publication. Theologians have debated, argued, and been divided on what the elect means.

From a Calvinist slant, election refers to only those that God predestined for Heaven. Meaning that God predestined others to Hell.

From an Armenia’s slant, election refers to all who will accept Christ throughout history and believe Jesus as Savior because of the choice that they were given through the drawing of the Holy Ghost.

In the passages that we are looking at today, the Apostle Paul is outlining how the elect should interact with not only themselves, but with others on behalf of Christ. The characteristics and attributes of these few verses clearly gives us a mandate on how we as believers must conduct ourselves.

Let’s take a look at what the Apostle Paul has to say as we venture through these six verses.

The Elect’s Cloak

Colossians 3:12–13 NKJV

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

The cloak of the elect is gifting from God.

It mimics the attributes of God.

It empowers the elect to further the gospel of Christ.

The cloak of the elect gives strong shoulders.

That we may bear one another’s burdens.

That we are able to forgive when wrong.

The Elect’s Perfection

Colossians 3:14–15 NKJV

14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

The perfection of the elect is rooted in love.

Love blankets see of wrong.

Love will mend brokenness into perfection.

The peace of God is found in the elects perfection.

Having peace is a choice.

That choice is empowered by God’s providence.

The Elect’s Praise

Colossians 3:16 NKJV

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

The elect’s gifting is rooted in the Word of God.

God’s Word empowers us through wisdom.

To teach and admonish one another through Holy living.

The elects gifting motivates the heart of worship.

Worship is tied back to understanding who you are in Christ.

Worship elevates the characteristics found in Christ through the elect.

The Elect’s Affirmation

Colossians 3:17 NKJV

17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

The elect are affirmed by the power of Christ in us.

Our motivation to demonstrate through word and deed must come from our love for Christ.

We are affirmed by Christ through our performance of word and deed.

It’s never about a work of salvation, but rather about a love demonstration.

The elect’s affirmation is a demonstration of our love language from God.

In that demonstration remember to always give thanks.

Giving thanks is our way of saying, “ thank you Lord for who you are in me.”

Conclusion: Paul the Apostle knew there had to be an issue with the Colossian believers. If we are honest with ourselves we too must come face-to-face with the idea that we could be guilty of falling short of what has been outlined in these few verses.

As a charge to you, I would suggest that you and I take a hard look at where we stand in relation to what the elect should be doing to further the Gospel.

Do we demonstrate these attributes?

Do others see Christ in us from the attributes and character traits we dealt with today?

Ask yourself, does Christ rule and reign in my life in a way that it is evident by my outward expression?