Clothed in Christ - Part 1

Introduction

We’re continuing to look at this study in Colossians 3, wherein Paul is exhorting his readers, spurring them on, to live lives that are in accordance with their great salvation.

In other words, we are called as Christians to live lives that our consistent with our profession of faith.

Why? Because the Gospel changes us!!

The power of God, through the proclamation of the Gospel, brings about radical change.

In fact, this is the goal of salvation… to conform us once against into the likeness of our Saviour Jesus Christ. To bring us back to a point where we perfectly image God in this world.

This is very important for us to keep in mind. Everything that Paul is teaching here in terms of what it looks like to live a life that has been transformed by the Gospel, flows out of the work that this Gospel does within the hearts of those transformed by it.

Some implications of that...

This transformation requires the Gospel to have worked in us. We must have come to repentance and faith in Christ if this transformation is going to take place. We must have a relationship with Christ.

Further to that, we need to keep fixing our eyes on the Gospel truths in order for this transformation to take place.

We’ve already considered together our identity, and the fact that we are united with Christ. We are thus to be setting our minds on things above… on that which is glorious, that which is accordance with God.

We considered that part of that involves putting off of old practices, those practices that are in accordance our flesh, and the world’s way of thinking and living. That really just speaks to living according to the sinful man - the first Adam, who was fallen.

We considered last time the call to renew our thinking. Our patterns of thinking, what we think, how we think, should be in accordance with the truth.

Philippians 4:8 NASB95

8 Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

Our thinking should be transformed by the truth of God’s Word, by the realities of the Gospel, and as these truths pervade our thinking, our transformed life will flow out of that.

And that leads us to consider what that transformed life is going to look like. What are the marks of this transformed life. This begins already in verse 10…

Colossians 3:10 NIV84

10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

The parallel equivalent of this in the book of Ephesians is Ephesians 4:24

Ephesians 4:24 NASB95

24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.

In summary form, we are being conformed into the image of Jesus Christ, who is the very Son of God, and the full revelation of God’s character and nature.

What we will see as we work our way through these characteristics that mark the one clothed in the new self is that they mark our manner of relating to others. The manner in which we engage with and relate to others is the essential and critical distinctive of a person clothed with Christ.

Our love for God is primary. But the extent of our love for God, and the purity of our love for God will be marked by the manner in which we relate to others.

John 13:35 NASB95

35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

1 John 4:20 NASB95

20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.

With that in mind, consider the first aspect of this new self.

1. A New Identity (v.11)

In verse 11 of our text we read…

Colossians 3:11 NIV84

11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

The very first thing that we must note as we consider ourselves to be clothed in the likeness of Christ is that our transformation as we are renewed in the image of our Creator results in all artificial barriers of distinction being broken down.

We must see this!!

The distinctions that mark the world are artificial, and cannot persist among those redeemed and renewed in their minds.

The Gospel transforms our thinking such that we no longer think in terms of the usual social or cultural barriers.

The only distinctive is Christian, or unbeliever!

No Greek or Jew

This is the distinctive of national or ethnic pride. In our day, this is akin to the cultural distinctives that play out in society. But in Biblical days, this was a massive dividing factor. That was real distinction.

For the Jews, the Greeks were unclean. They were separated from God. They did not have access to God, at least not in the same way as the Jews did.

But Paul says here that these distinctives, that were extremely powerful in the minds of the people of that day, were actually broken down. They should not present a barrier.

Romans 1:16–17 NASB95

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.”

In speaking about the Gospel work and the unity that it ought to create, Paul says in...

Ephesians 2:14 NASB95

14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall,

The walls of hostility have been broken. There is no difference.

As Paul then goes on, he says that there is neither Circumcised nor uncircumcised.

This is a religious distinctive.

Obviously, this ties in with Jew and Greek... but there is a specific religious connotation here.

Now, clearly this is saying that there is to be no distinction based on these religious convictions.

In particular, the force is directed towards one of the key markers that determined a person to be faithful to Judaism, and thus (in the mind of the Jew) faithful to God.

To the Jew, circumcision was the sign of the Covenant. Without this sign, you were not considered to be part of the covenant community of God.

And what Paul is saying here is that this covenant sign is no longer applicable. Whether you are a Jew, and so circumcised in your flesh, or whether a Gentile, and therefore uncircumcised, you are equal and the same, if you are in Christ.

Again, this would have been something radical within the minds of the first century readers of this letter. There was significant difficulty, particularly for the Jews, to get past this important point.

There was a special council convened to argue this very point. We read that in Acts 15. Paul’s letter to the Galatians was written, at least in part, with this specific distinction being addressed.

But Christ breaks down these markers that present a barrier. Paul says that when you are in Christ, there is no distinction.

Paul then goes on to mention Barbarian and Scythian. Both these groups were particularly noted for their very cruel behaviour and generally uncivilised actions. What Paul is saying here is that even those from these groups who are in Christ are not to be excluded from fellowship, and the unity that ought to prevail.

And then finally, he mentions that there is neither Slave nor Free. In other words, there is to be a unity across economic barriers. There is to be a unity beyond class barriers. There is to be a unity across whatever social barriers may otherwise exist.

Why is that? Paul gives us the answer here…

Christ is all and is in all. The fact is that all that matters really is Christ, and the work that Christ has or has not done within your heart.

Friends, we need to understand this in terms of our contemporary situation. If we have been united with God through Christ, then we are united with one another with a pround and supernatural unity that transcends all barriers.

Furthermore, due to the supernatural nature of the unity that we have through Christ, we ought to see deep relationships fostered between us as God’s people, across all these potential barriers.

In other words, we cannot merely come together on a Sunday morning, and say that we worship God together, but then as soon as the service is over, we go away and join the groups of people that best fit with us. We ought to be able to go out of a service and connect with those of diverse backgrounds, and find a connection with them that is rooted in Christ.

In Compelling Community, Jamie Dunlop / Mark Dever write:

Our world’s history is a long story of tribal conflict where no one is closer than those who are family. That is, with one critical exception of course: the local church. When two people share Christ—even if everything else is different—they are closer than even blood ties could ever bring them. Again, they are the family of God. (p. 26)

They go on to write:

If community in your local church is not dependent on God’s supernatural Spirit for its lifeblood, it is not evidently supernatural. If it is not evidently supernatural, it is counterfeit community. It’s posing as biblical community but fails to accomplish its purpose. It fails to show off the wisdom of God to the world. (pp. 36-37).

Our new identity in Christ leads to a new community rooted and grounded in Christ.

Secondly…

2. Garments of Grace (v.12)

Paul goes on in verse 12 to say...

Colossians 3:12 NIV84

12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Once again, Paul brings in that word, “Therefore...” Everything builds on what has come before. They have put off the old. They are being renewed in their minds / thinking. They have become a new people, with a new identity. And now he raises some of the aspects of this new identity.

The first aspect that he touches on is that they are God's Chosen People. They are the elect of God. They have been chosen out of all the people of the world, to be a people that have been separated unto God for service to Him.

Dear friends, if you have been brought to salvation, through the grace of God, and repentance and faith in Christ, then it is so because of that providential and sovereign working of God. He has chosen you due to no merit of your own. His grace has transformed your own heart.

Paul then goes on to appeal to two truths that relate to this new identity as God’s people. You are holy, and you are dearly loved.

You are holy, in that God has set you apart, He has set us apart as His people. And we are dearly loved by God.

Paul has already mentioned in Colossians 1:21-22

Colossians 1:21–22 NIV84

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—

This is the reality of what the Gospel has done.

Now therefore, says Paul, Clothe yourselves with particular garments.

In the NASB, it is translated as “Put on a heart of...” The term is really an emotive one that speaks about that which is deeply felt within yourself. It is used in 2 Cor 7:15

2 Corinthians 7:15 NASB95

15 His affection abounds all the more toward you, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.

And also in Phil. 1:8

Philippians 1:8 NASB95

8 For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

There is to be a deep affection for the people of God, a deep concern and care for God’s people, that is to be marked by the list of qualities that follow.

The first is Compassion. The idea here has to do with a spirit of pity, or mercy. As God’s people, we are to be filled with a merciful and gracious attitude towards those around us.

This mercy / compassion flows out of the nature of God. We read of this in Romans 12:1

Romans 12:1 NASB95

1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

We also read of this mercy being attributed to God in 2 Corinthians 1:3

2 Corinthians 1:3 NASB95

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,

We are being called here to be filled with mercy towards others. We are to live with an attitude of showing mercy towards others around us. And keep in mind, this mercy from God towards us was always undeserved.

In other words we don’t treat anyone else as their sins or shortcomings may deserve, but rather treat them with compassion.

Flowing out of that is Kindness.

God’s people are to be marked by a kindness towards one another. Their words and their attitudes towards one another are to be marked by kindness.

This (as with a number of other qualities) is a fruit of the Spirit. Thus it flows out of the character and nature of God. Notice how this is spoken of in Romans 2:4

Romans 2:4 NASB95

4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Once again, God does not treat us as our sins deserve. He has shown immense kindness towards us. This is the very opposite of the malice that was mentioned back in verse 8, that is to be put off.

An example of kindness would be the good samaritan, who came across a man in deep need. This was someone that he as a Samaritan was not to have dealings with. Jews and Samaritans did not associate with each other. Nonetheless, he not only bandaged the wounds of the man that had been assaulted, but he put him on his donkey, to him to an inn, and told the innkeeper that he would cover all the expenses of his upkeep when he returned.

That is a heart of kindness. Christians are to be marked by this kindness, not only to those who they get on with in the church, but to everyone within their family.

The next quality that Paul mentions here is Humility. This was a quality that was utterly despised by the heathen culture. They saw it as weakness.

But Paul says that the person who has come to know Christ is to be marked by a deep humility. This flows out of a recognition of unworthiness before God, and an understanding of the love that God has lavished on them.

Think about the life of Christ. We read in Philippians 2:3-4

Philippians 2:3–4 NASB95

3 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

That call to humility is driven by the example of the Saviour. Christ humbled himself. And what did that entail? A full submission to the will of God. Full obedience to His Father, even though He was the very son of God. Think about some of the words that Christ spoke…

Luke 22:27 (NASB95)

27 “...I am among you as the one who serves.

John 5:19 NASB95

19 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.

"I receive not glory from men" (John 5: 41).

"I am come not to do Mine own will" (John 6:38).

"My teaching is not Mine" (John 7:16)

"I am not come of Myself" (John 7:28)

"I do nothing of Myself" (John 8:28)

"I have not come of Myself, but He sent Me" (John 8: 42).

"I seek not Mine own glory" (John 8:50)

"The words that I say, I speak not from Myself" (John 14: 10).

"The word which ye hear is not Mine" (John 14: 24).

Murray, Andrew. Humility

Christ submitted Himself to doing the will of His Father. How much more so ought we to do this?

Humility, then, is not so much a matter of self-abasement. In fact, if you look back to Colossians 2:18, 23, Paul condemns that kind of “humility” (he even uses the same word for humility). It’s not a self-abasement, hoping to be looked upon as a good person.

Rather, it is a humble submission under God to do His will in every circumstance, and to seek His honour and glory in our relationships with one another.

In other words, we sacrifice our own will and desires, and do rather that which would be pleasing to God.

Next, Paul says that the people of God should be marked by Gentleness. Once again, this is a fruit of the Spirit. The word can also be translated “meekness.”

William Hendriksen describes this as “submissiveness under provocation, the willingness rather to suffer injury than to inflict it.”

This Gentleness with others is to mark all of our relationships with one another as the people of God. Even those who would provoke us, and even those who are caught in sin, are to be helped and encouraged and spurred on in a spirit of gentleness.

Galatians 6:1 NASB95

1 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

Paul says to Timothy that those who oppose him, he is to correct them with a spirit of gentleness (2 Timothy 2:25).

And James says that this spirit of Gentleness is what marks a person as having wisdom from God.

James 3:13 NASB95

13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

Dear friends, the entire Christian life, all of our relationships with others, is to be marked by this gentleness. Our words are to be marked as a general rule by gentleness.

The final word that Paul then uses is that of Patience. Once again, this is a fruit of the Spirit. And once again, this obviously marks the nature and character of God.

His Patience towards us, even when we are in rebellion and sin, is remarkable. Paul says to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:16

1 Timothy 1:16 NASB95

16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

This is the patience that is to mark us as the people of God.

I wonder if you can see, all of these are flowing out of the nature and character of God and His dealings with us. And when we grow in our understanding of this grace and mercy, love and patience etc. it will lead us to a deeper desire to live in this manner.

These are a number of the qualities that we are to clothe ourselves in as those who have been so graciously redeemed.

But Paul goes further.

3. A Spirit of Forgiveness (v.13)

As Christians, we are to be marked by a spirit of forgiveness. A forgiving and merciful attitude towards those around us.

Colossians 3:13 NIV84

13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Paul appeals here to God’s people to live with each other with a spirit of long-suffering, bearing with the shortcomings and failures of others.

This “bearing with” can be even in things in which there is not specific sin. In other words, you have a grievance against someone, something that they may have done that you didn’t appreciate, or that caused some irritation. You bear with it.

Very often, we have these little grievances, irritations with people, or irritations with the way people do things. Paul is saying that we ought to bear with these.

As we are maturing in our faith, we should find that we are far less quickly annoyed and offended by those around us. Even in the face of persecution and suffering, we are called to bear up under that, and to live a life of forgiveness.

Paul says here that we are to Forgive whatever grievances we have. Notice that..... “Whatever grievances". We don’t pick and choose. We don’t categorise them, and say that some are more weighty than others, and we’ll forgive the lesser sins. We are to forgive.

In the prayer that Christ taught his disciples to pray, he taught them to say, “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors...”

This forgiveness is a forgiveness that does not stop. Jesus told Peter that he is to forgive not seven times, but seventy times seven. In other words, so long as a person that has sinned against you (in this case actual sin) comes and seeks forgiveness, you are to forgive. Over and over again.

Paul writes in Romans 15:7

Romans 15:7 NASB95

7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.

This is where the forgiveness and acceptance flows out of… Christ’s acceptance of us. Christ’s forgiveness of us.

Are you clothed with a spirit of forgiveness towards others. Are you marked by a quality of bearing with the weaknesses and failures of others?

Finally, we are to have...

4. A Life of Love (v.14)

Colossians 3:14 NIV84

14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Paul here singles out a particular virtue, that of love. We know the significance of love. This is the royal law. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbour as yourself.

The virtue of love is to cover all other virtues. In fact, all of the other virtues are driven by, or flow out of, this deep love for others.

Paul clearly indicates this in the wondeful passage on love in 1 Corinthians 13:1-7

1 Corinthians 13:1–7 NASB95

1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, 5 does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, 6 does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

In its very essence, love is selfless. It looks not to ones own interest, but looks to the interests of others.

William Hendriksen says that love is “intelligent and purposeful self-giving.”

If we are clothing ourselves in the love of Christ, then all these other virtues and qualities will bind us together.

In their book, Compelling Community, Dever / Dunlop write:

A cold heart that does not love suggests one of two things. Either it has never been forgiven, or it does not appreciate the depth of its forgiveness. In fact, much of our growth in Christ is simply growth in our understanding of what Christ has done for us. We can never be forgiven more than we are at the moment of our salvation. Yet as we better understand our sin, and as we better understand the cross, we better understand our forgiveness—which flows out as more love. So what is supernatural about love within a local church community? This love is empowered not by the lovability of others or our own goodness, but by supernatural forgiveness in Christ at the cross.

Are we as the people of God, marked by this kind of deep, self-sacrificial love for one another? And are we growing in this love for one another?

Application / Conclusion

Just a few words of exhortation as we close.

A.1. Remember the Gospel

To begin with, keep in mind all that we’ve already considered, and also the whole of chapters 1 and 2… What we’re talking about here flows out of glorious Gospel truths.

We must keep the Gospel, the truths of who Christ is, what has been done for us, in the forefront of our minds.

We must keep Christ as supreme in our hearts. Our delight must be in Him.

A.2. Remember that Sanctification is Progressive

I say this to encourage you. Perhaps all you see is the impossibility of all this. Perhaps you see your failures and shortcomings, and you lose heart.

Don’t lose heart, because the Gospel is powerful, and the Spirit of God works these things within us as we seek to be obedient to Him.

What we’re looking for is growth, and a continued attitude of submission to God. Is your heart earnestly seeking the glory of God and the good of others?

Keep in mind, our goal through all of this is that we may be conformed all the more into the image of Christ.

With that said, let me close with a question.

Where do you stand in light of these qualities?

What are the characteristics that mark your life?

Are you clothing yourself with Christ?

And is this your supreme desire before God in this life?