A Whole New Wardrobe

Colossians 3:1-17

Big Idea: The transformed life in Christ brings to life holiness in all areas.

Sermon Aim: To encourage the hearers to consider who they are living a life clothed in God's holiness:

Head: Focus your mind on the thing above that is eternal.

Heart: Make sure the solutions you offer for problems are grounded in the corporate nature of the church.

Hands: Christian virtues, especially love, should be passed on through our acts of service.

Introduction:

For the past few weeks we’ve been teaching and preaching on the Biblical truth that our identity as Christians is found in Christ. Paul spent the previous two chapters writing about the sufficiency of Christ. He answered the question of "why Jesus?" first, and he argues that anything resembling "Christ +" is false teaching.

Today we are going to look at the "how Jesus?" How do we live as Christ? How do we live out lives of holiness?

We are going to use another analogy that I’m sure many of you are familiar with: our clothing wardrobe. How many of you enjoy those seasons where you get rid of old clothes? Unlike the clothing that we wear in the world, which goes through fads and fashion trends, the clothing that we are going to talk about today is eternal. Our text today is going to be broken down into three segments. In the first segment (verses 1-4) we will open our wardrobe and evaluate the clothes that we have on the hangers. The second segment (5-11) is where we dispose of the clothes that no longer fit us because of being a new creation in Christ. And third (12-17) we are going to look at the clothes that we are called to wear as new creations in Christ. In all this discussion of our wardrobe, we will see that the transformed life in Christ brings to life holiness in all areas.

Transition to the body of the sermon: Let's dig into this text today. Personal transformation requires us to make critical decisions about the life that we live as ambassadors of Christ. To move our lives forward we must evaluate the focus of our life.

Main Point (Lesson 1) – By sharing in Christ's resurrection, our aims must become the aims of Christ.

Paul begins chapter three with an interesting statement. He says, “So, if you have been raised with the Messiah, seek what is above where the Messiah is, seated at the right hand of God.” But, Paul already knows the reality of the church in Colossae. In Colossians chapter 2 verse 12 Paul had already used this same phrase. He knows that the believers at Colossae knew the reality of being buried with Christ. This is encouraging language for the hearers. He connects this earlier text to the idea of living in the resurrection. Evaluating our current reality is the first step on the path of sanctification and personal transformation. Theologically, because we share in Christ’s resurrection, our aims must become the aims of Christ. Paul is calling out the church to evaluate their lives according to the truth of Jesus Christ and his death and his resurrection.

I'm sure many of you have gone through the process of seasonal clothing changes. For example, at the end of each fall, we evaluate the clothes that we have in the closet in preparation for the upcoming cold winter season. We ask ourselves, “are these items going to keep me warm over the winter season?” What Paul says here is this: you need to match the clothing you plan to wear with the conditions of the work you’ll be doing. The things in your wardrobe from the past season are no longer going to be appropriate for the upcoming season.

When Paul says “set your minds on,” he is laying out an important concept: Our thoughts and inclinations determine our steps. In Romans, chapter 12, verse two Paul writes: “do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Much like a fitting room, our minds are where we connect the clothing items from the wardrobe with God’s plan. Paul is echoing teaching from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:33 – “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness will be added unto you.” One commentator says this – “it is impossible to know the holiness of God if one’s vision is captured by earthly things” (Lyons, 2019).

The language that Paul uses is not language for new converts. This is language that is aimed at people who are already converted and whose lives are meant to be different and set apart. Paul uses verbs in this passage, words like seek or set, and they are written in the present tense. The implication for the Colossians in 62AD and for us today in 2021 AD is that this process takes place right now and it is ongoing! We have the power of the resurrected Messiah through which we live transformed lives.

When we peer into our wardrobe and evaluate its contents, we often find clothing that we are very attached to. These clothes can be difficult to part with. They connect us to past experiences and events from our past. In verse 3, Paul says “for you have died, and your life is hidden with the Messiah in God.” Paul declared that when we died to our old ways, our old minds, our old focus, we choose an entirely different wardrobe! The clothes that we pull from the wardrobe should be those worn by our Messiah, “who is our life”, verse 4. If we don’t stop and evaluate the focus of our lives, we continually pull out the clothes of our past lives! Brothers and sisters, are you satisfied with the contents of your wardrobe? We live in a painful cycle of change and waning in this life and yet we have hope because “when the Messiah is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” We must take time and evaluate our wardrobes. “The contemporary church must recognize that a life shaped by the gospel will always be viewed as a contradiction to those who have no desire to live toward the heavenly vision (Lyons, 2019).” Our aims must become the aims of Christ.

Transition to the next point: What specifically are these aims? After the evaluation of the contents of the wardrobe, we all have a decision to make with what to do with the contents. Paul instructs us what to do in the next section of our text, verses 5-11.

Main Point (Marker #2) – A life of holiness requires us to put away forever the clothes of the old self.

He begins verse 5 with the word ‘therefore.’ When Paul uses ‘therefore,’ we need to pay attention. He connects the theological teaching in verses 1-4 with practical application in verses 5-9. His message is simple: “Be, in actual practice, what you now are (by a divine act) (Bruce, 1984).” Without the truth of Christ’s death and resurrection, humanity cannot bring about their own spiritual transformation. This does not mean believers are left with nothing to do regarding their transformation. The imagery of death vividly presents the radical nature of the transformation (Lyons, 2019). The second step in personal transformation: A life of holiness requires nothing less than to put away forever the clothes of the old self.

The background for Paul’s writing was often the Jewish Scriptures, culture, and tradition in which he was raised. So, Paul’s instructions in these verses should be viewed from two perspectives: the individual and the communal. Paul’s teaching on ethics in verses 5-11 is grounded in Leviticus 19:2 – “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” To do this individually, Paul says we must die to the thoughts, focuses, desires, and actions of our earthly, sinful nature. Corporately, as a church, the church must die to the thoughts, focuses, desires, and actions of our earthly, sinful nature. Toleration of these things denies the work of Christ made available to us and denies the transformative power of being “in Christ.” That means you can’t put on the new clothes without getting rid of the old ones!

Paul uses a common Greek system – a list of vices – to clarify these desires and actions. Paul moves from outward, improper acts – what people see – to their inner springs – thoughts. In the analogy of clothing, Paul starts with the items of clothing – what people see – and moves to the threads that make up the clothing. Even the individual threads of your earthly clothing is ruined with sin! This is the same pattern that Jesus used in delivering his Sermon on the Mount, where he teaches in Matthew 5:21-22 that murder can be traced back to the heart. Consider this – do you know the details of the clothing factory that produced your clothes? Paul exhorts the hearers to understand that the clothing of this world – sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed, which is idolatry, are all clothing items manufactured by the inner springs of a sinful heart! There is no room in the wardrobe of a Christian for these items! Burn ‘em! Bag ‘em up and send them to the landfill! God will not stand for these items, and there will come a day in the future where God’s just wrath will come upon the disobedient who wear these clothes. Paul referenced a similar list in Galatians 5:19-21, and he also warned the Galatians that those who acted this way will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Examining the wardrobe is not enough! The clothes of the old will not walk out of the closet on their own. Paul says these clothes no longer fit you as Christ’s ambassadors – these things – anger, wrath, malice, slander, and filthy language – they are disgusting, and they pollute you individually and they pollute the church! The baptism of the Holy Spirit that we experience as believers cleanses our hearts of these impurities! And, He is always at work in the transformation of our wardrobes! The hearers knew that lying eroded the foundation of a church because it destroys trust, the foundation on which the church itself was built. If we trust in Christ for our salvation, then trust better be carried over into our interactions with those within the body.

Again, Paul knows that renewal of the mind is critical to personal transformation. Verse 10 – and you have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator. Paul draws a line back to Genesis 1:27, where God made Adam “in his own image.” While Adam was a living being, Jesus Christ, the second Adam, is a life-giver! Paul is transitioning his tone and message in verses 9-11, and he does so by using a picture that the Colossians would understand – clothing! In the 1stcentury, classes within society were differentiated by their clothing. If your clothing changed that was a signal that your status within society changed. The wardrobe of the reconciled must replace the wardrobe of the old self because the “believer cannot wear both selves simultaneously!” (Lyons, 2019).

The clothing of the redeemed comes from a clothing factory that is not of this world. Paul closes this section with a remarkable commentary on just how extensive the transition from old to new is à there is no longer a distinction between individuals in the clothes of the redeemed. Paul flips the entire Greco-Roman clothing system on its head when he claims that “Christ is all an in all.” Paul is clear: there is no unity in the clothing of our old selves; but in the clothing of the “new self,” there is unity that transcends all earthly labels, categories, and norms. A life of holiness requires us to pay away, forever, the clothes of the old self.

Transition to the next point: It is hard to image that we haven’t gotten to the good stuff yet. So far, we have heard a lot of what not to do. Now, Paul is going to lay out what TO DO.

Main Point (Lesson #3) – A life of holiness requires us to put on the clothes of Christ.

The third section of this text defines the behaviors of an ambassador of Christ – a holy life. The third step in getting a new wardrobe: A life of holiness requires us to put on the clothes of Christ. “Christians should cultivate and manifest the qualities which are characteristic of Him” (Bruce, 1984). First, Paul makes sure that everyone knows to whom he is speaking – all believers. These aren’t commands specifically for pastors or officers. They are commands for all God’s chosen people for we are a priesthood of believers and each and every person here who called on the name of the Lord has accepted the call to be a minister!

Paul exhorts us to “put on” new clothes in verse 12. We’ve gotten rid of the filthy clothes, so now it’s time to go to the clothing factory and get new clothes. These clothes may sound familiar – heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, acceptance, forgiveness, and love. These are like the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-24. The pattern of verses 12-14 is opposite from verse 5; he starts from the inside and works his way out. Clothing designers infuse their personality and character into their clothing. If we are wearing the clothing of a holy God, then the world should see that our clothes are infused with His character! These virtues were largely unacceptable in the Greco-Roman world, and they are largely unappreciated in our world today, but they are desperately needed.

When we zoom in on the clothes, we see that a single thread runs through all of them – the blood of Jesus Christ. Each one of these virtues tie directly to Christ and are built on the foundation of a relationship – they each require interaction with someone else. We extend compassion towards those in need; we offer kindness to the stranger on the street. Our wardrobe should be filled with these new clothes. But, there is an important distinction in this list – in verse 14.

“Above all, put on love-the perfect bond of unity.” Love is the primary fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22; it is supreme in 1 Corinthians 13; “it stands at the center of Paul’s theology” (Lyons, 2019). Love fulfills the law of God. Brothers and sisters, love is the overcoat that brings everything in the wardrobe together. When we put love on, it is the final piece of clothing adorning our bodies. Love is the most tangible object of a functioning church because everyone can be seen wearing it. Imagine our impact if the world saw that we all get our clothes at the same store! Why don’t you come to the store with me! Its hours are great and the service is incredible!

Dig deeper with me – love is therefore the first piece of clothing that we give to others in response to their needs! When the weather or conditions are brutal or when the person on the park bench is shivering; we take off our overcoat and we wrap it around them. In doing so, we draw them closer to us. Is this not what Jesus did for you and for me? Is this not how we experienced the kindness, gentleness, and acceptance of Jesus? Nothing outside of love is required to live in unity with one another, but underneath love the world sees the perfectly woven fabric of an all-sufficient Savior who has transformed our lives from death to life.

Verses 15-16 center around worship. The words that flow from our mouths should reflect the Messiah, the Savior, the Anointed One. Peace becomes the arbiter between us; gratitude becomes the default of our hearts; and our praise is fully directed at the one who’s power transforms and renews us everyday. There is nothing in our lives untouched by the transformational power of Christ’s blood.

Transition to the conclusion and final application:

Paul has laid out an extensive plan for believers to live transformed lives. These virtues are not meant to be a new set of rules or law; rather, they are intended to reflect the life of Christ that believers are called to follow.

Conclusion and Final Application

A whole new wardrobe. Imagine what the world would look like if everyone put on a new wardrobe. The Apostle Paul laid out a clear and concise pattern for Christian living centered on one key point: The transformed life in Christ brings to life holiness in all areas. Colossians 3:1-17 provides the principles all Christians can apply to situations in their lives.

Are there habits of mind or behaviors from your old self that you still wear? Maybe you put them in a bin “just in case” you needed them. If we are participating in the resurrection, then our former selves have no business stealing our witness and testimony. Let me remind you that the clothing intended to fit humanity were compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, acceptance, forgiveness, and love, but were traded in for something else. Praise team entrance. As our closing song says, “So we say I won't go back, can't go back, to the way it used to be, Before Your presence came and changed me.”If you’ve been wearing these clothes, the altar is available for you today to dump these old clothes and habits of mind. Are you renewing your mind daily with Christ-shaped love? (Spiritual direction)

My grandma tailored a lot of pants and shirt for me when I was younger. Maybe some of you know how to sew and tailor clothes. As new creations, as ambassadors of Christ, as transformed people, what tailor do you use? Have you been taking heavenly clothing to the earthly store and wondering why you aren’t seeing changes in your ministry and outreach? Maybe your clothes are worn out. Bring your clothes to the Master Tailor who deals exclusively with heavenly attire. The Psalmist knew this – Psalm 139:5 – “You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.” He can hem the seams that are worn. Verse 13 – you knit me together in my mother’s womb – verse 15 – my frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.” We do not glory in appearance because we are hidden in Christ. We can only glory in Him. These altars are open for you to come and trade in your earthly clothes for heavenly ones (physical direction). The clothes of the Kingdom are awaiting all those who are in need. God is willing and able to give you a whole new wardrobe.

Response Choruses/Songs

1) Just As I Am – SASB 503

2) Sew My Heart – Loud Harp

Closing Song: There is God – Donnie McClurkin

Where preached and date: Kroc Center, Chicago, August 8, 2021

Citations and References

Lyons, George, et al. Ephesians Colossians Philemon: A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition. 2019. New Beacon Bible Commentary, Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City.

Bruce, F. F. The Epistles to the Colossians, to Philemon, and to the Ephesians. William B. Eerdmans, 1984, Grand Rapids.