Clothed In Christ

                                                                   Sunday School Lesson                                

Lesson: Colossians 3:5-17                                                                                       
Golden Text: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness” (Colossians 3:14).
 

I.  INTRODUCTION.  This week’s lesson focuses on the daily practical behavior of Christians.  It instructs us on how to “do” Christianity, or how to be Christ-like, and how to live out what we have been given in Christ.  The writer gives us the picture of removing a garment, like an old coat, and putting on another garment that is of a different character, quality, and appearance.

II. EVIDENCES OF CARNALITY (Colosssians 3:5-11) 

A. Things to put to death (Colossians 3:5).  In verses 1-4, the Apostle Paul spoke of our position in Christ.  Then in this verse he said “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.”  The word “therefore” connects who we are in Christ in verses 1-4 with the things we are both to avoid and include in our life that is now identified with Christ.  The word “mortify” means to put to death.  Now that we are in Christ, we are to put to death our “members which are upon the earth.”  This refers to the desires and sinful actions of our old sin nature that are inconsistent with Christ.  There is to be such a complete rejection of the sins of our earthly nature that it is like the death of the fleshly members of the body.  Paul goes on to list some of the “members” of our sinful flesh that we are to “mortify” or put to death.  “Fornication” is sexual immorality; “uncleanness” refers to moral impurity; “inordinate affection” speaks of uncontrolled, illegitimate affection, or just plain lust; “evil concupiscence” is also lust or wrongful desire; and “covetousness” is the desire to have more of the world’s pleasures and goods.  When Paul said “and covetousness, which is idolatry,” he was saying that “covetousness” and “idolatry” were the same thing because what one covets becomes a god to that person.   

B.  The reason this is important (Colossians 3:6-7).

1. (vs. 6).  Here Paul continues to say “For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.”  The phrase “For which things' sake” refers to the list of sinful desires and actions mentioned in the previous verse.  Those who are outside of Christ are called “the children of disobedience.”  They have not accepted Jesus as Saviour, so they remain in their natural, sinful condition and are the objects of “the wrath of God” (see John 3:36).  Like the Colossian believers, we were once under the same condemnation and would still be if it were not for our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.  Since we are now in Christ, those things that characterize unbelievers (see vs. 5) should not be part of our lives.  They are displeasing to God. 

2.  (vs. 7).  In this verse Paul continued saying “In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”  The phrase “In the which” again refers back to the sinful actions Paul said we were to mortify in verse 5.  Just like the unbelievers, or “children of wrath” mentioned in the previous verse, Paul reminded his Colossian readers that at one time, before they were in Christ, their lives were characterized by the same evil actions.  This is the meaning of “ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.”  

C.  The things to put off (Colossians 3:8-9).    

1. (vs. 8).  Now that the Colossian believers were in Christ, Paul said “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.”  The word that has been translated “put off” means “to cast off” or “lay aside.”  The metaphor Paul is using is of dirty, filthy clothes that need to be taken off and thrown away.  The sins that Paul says should be “put off” deal with attitude and speech.  The first is “anger” or a glowering disposition.  In Ephesians 4:26. Paul speaks of an anger that is not sinful, but if not dealt with immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them, it will lead to sinful behavior.Next, we are to put off “wrath” which speaks of outbursts of rage.“Malice” is simply an evil and hostile attitude.Blasphemy” refers to slanderous thinking and speaking in an attempt to ruin someone’s reputation through accusation and insult.“Filthy communication” is unwholesome language of any kind that believers should never utter. Note:Getting rid of such sins does not earn salvation.In fact, although many people make admirable attempts to reform themselves, it’s impossible to purge oneself of all these vices without the regenerating power of Christ.Paul’s point is that since we have died with Christ and gained His life, such sins have no business remaining in our lives.They are to be put away decisively.             

2. (vs. 9).  The apostle wrapped up the list of sins to be put off or discarded by giving a general command.  He said “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds.”  Lying has no place in the practice of believers; it is a characteristic of the unchanged life.  It is out of place among Christians because they have “put off the old man.”  But just what does the phrase “old man” mean?  Many believe that it refers to the believer’s old self or nature, but these two words are not clearly defined terms.  The word “nature” in particular implies a somewhat misleading idea, for if believers had truly put off their old nature, they would have no further problems with sin.  It seems better to think of the “old man” as referring to our old identity---who we were in God’s sight before He saved us; namely, fallen, rebellious sinners.  In coming to Christ and being identified with Him, we put off that old identity; we are no longer who we once were.  Therefore, we must no longer walk in the traits that characterize that old identity.  When we put off the “old man” or our old identity, we also put off “his deeds.”  Coming to Christ for salvation involves repentance or a change of direction.  For faith to be genuine there must be a willing change of direction in one’s sinful lifestyle.  This turn in behavior should affect our attitudes and our deeds or the things we do.

D. The reason for this change (Colossians 3:10-11). 

1. (vs. 10).  The Colossians had not only put off the old man, they also “have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”  We have exchanged our old identity as sinful rebels, for a new identity which is belonging to Christ.  This “new man” is continually being “renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.”  In other words, we become more and more Christ-like as we come to know Him better because of His work in us.  The words “created him” means that it was Christ who gave us a new identity and created the “new man” in us (see II Corinthians 4:16).

2. (vs. 11).  In our new identity, Paul said “there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.”  Now in Christ, none of the old categories that divide people, whether religious, ethnic, social, or economic, has any meaning anymore.  The only thing that matters now is that “Christ is all, and in all.”  In Him believers have a commonality that goes beyond all human divisions.Note: The Christian church should have no barriers of nationality, race, education level, social standing,wealth,gender, religion or power.  Christ breaks down all barriers and accepts all people who come to him.Nothing should keep us from telling others about Christ or accepting into our fellowship any and all believers (se Ephesians 2:14-15).  Christians should be building bridges not walls.

III. EVIDENCES OF SPIRITUALITY (Colossians 3:12-17)

A.  The things to put on (Colossians 3:12-13).

1. (vs. 12).  The list of sins to be put off or discarded, is now contrasted with a list of virtues or graces that we are to adopt.  Paul said “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.”  The phrase “Put on” translates the same verb used in verse 10.  We are now “the elect of God, holy and beloved.”  This means that we are God’s chosen people (see I Peter 2:9-10) and as such we have put on a new identity in Christ.  Therefore we are to put on, or clothe ourselves with the appropriate character qualities.  We are to put on or clothe ourselves with “bowels of mercies.”  This means being compassionate toward others.  “Kindness” means we are not harsh are unpleasant.  Instead we are charitable and benevolent.  “Humbleness of mind” is an attitude of humility and the absence of pride and arrogance.  “Meekness” is a gentile consideration for others that makes us willing to give up our rights for their sakes.  “Longsuffering” is patience.  Sometimes we have to put up with those who are obnoxious or annoying. 

2. (vs. 13).  All of the traits Paul just named are wrapped up in “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”  Of these two actions, “Forbearing one another” has the idea of putting up graciously with the faults and unpleasant traits of others.  “Forgiving one another” speaks of forgiving specific grievances as when Paul says “if any man have a quarrel against any.”  Forgiving someone who has hurt us, whether intentionally or unintentionally is always difficult.  But God tells us to forgive “even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”  Forgiveness is based on the fact that Christ has forgiven us (see Matthew 6:14-15).  When we think about all that Christ has forgiven us, it becomes easier to forgive others.

B. The things of greatest importance (Colossians 3:14-15).

1. (vs. 14).  Over all these virtues Christians are to put on love causing Paul to say “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.”  As substantial as the previous list of virtues is, it is not complete without “charity” or self-sacrificing love.  Love is the one virtue that most comprehensively defines what a Christian should be because it is most basic to the character of God (see I John 4:8).  Paul said that we are to “put on charity” as we put on the other virtues he has listed.  It is as if he saw love as the sash put around the waist to hold all the other garments or virtues in place.  Therefore, Paul concluded that “charity,” or love “is the bond of perfectness.”  Genuine love is the glue that holds all the other virtues together for it is the “bond of perfectness.”  The word “perfectness” speaks of spiritual maturity which does not happen without the exercise of love.

2. (vs. 15).  Paul understood that where love is the order of the day, peace will not be far behind.  Therefore he said “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”  The word “rule” means to act as an arbiter.  When believers are practicing love for one another, the “peace of God” can act like an umpire between any differences they may have.  The “peace of God” is not just another benefit given to aid in smoothing over conflicts; it is a spiritual goal to which we have been “called in one body.”  To know and experience the “peace of God” as a body of believers is a privilege and joy beyond calculation.  Attaining that peace ought to be our constant aim.  The privilege of being called to peace certainly ought to enable us to obey Paul’s further command to “be ye thankful.”

C. The results of living by the Word of Christ (Colossians 3:16-17).

1. (vs. 16).   Here Paul wrote “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.”  God’s Word should be a permanent resident in our hearts.  This is the meaning of the phrase “dwell in you.”  The Greek word translated “richly” indicates that God’s Word should abound within us like a rich man abounds with wealth.  God’s Word is the source of spiritual “wisdom” we all need.  The means, or perhaps the result of letting the Word of Christ dwell in us is “teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.”  One of the most effective ways of teaching and admonishing one another is through music.  Paul lists three categories of music.  To sing “psalms” is to sing words of Scripture.  “Hymns” are songs that praise God using Scripture, but not necessarily word for word.  “Spiritual songs” are odes and ballads.  As these songs flow from the “grace in your hearts to the Lord,” we can instruct or teach each other.

2. (vs. 17).  Going beyond our worship in song, the Apostle Paul concludes our lesson by saying “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  Everything we say and do should be done in the name of Jesus, that is, in ways that reflect positively upon Him.  Our speech should be such that Jesus could have said it.  Our acts should be such that Jesus could have done them.  We should do nothing or say anything that would not receive His stamp of approval.  Yes, we are free moral agents with our own wills, but in Christ we must realize also that we are not independent creatures with our own agenda.  Doing “all in the name of the Lord Jesus” implies seeking and doing His will only. Furthermore, our words and actions should be accompanied by “giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  Of course the word “him” refers to Jesus Christ.  If we neglect thankfulness to God, it may mean that we really don’t know Him.  If we really know Jesus and trust all that He is, we cannot help expressing thanks and praise to God.  He deserves far more glory than we can ever possibly give Him.                           

IV. Conclusion.  Changing our lives to be more Christ-like is like casting away filthy rags and putting on a new, righteous garment.  The central part of this lesson is that we get to cooperate with the Lord Jesus in getting rid of the negative thoughts and actions of our former unsaved lives and adding to our development as Christians by consciously deciding to do what pleases Him.  When we decide to shun sin and wrong thoughts, He will empower us to think and act in love, kindness, and forgiveness.  We and others will be blessed as we become more like Him.