TEXT: Colossians 3:12-17

SUBJECT: Colossians #9: What to do

Today brings us to the ninth sermon in our study of Colossians. The Book is about one thing: Christ is Enough. In chapters one and two Paul states, proves, and defends the doctrine. In chapters three and four, he applies it to our lives.

Is Christ enough? If so, you've got to stop doing some things. You've got to stop "fornicating, lusting, coveting, getting mad, being bitter, slandering, and telling lies".

These things are displeasing to God and inconsistent with the new person you've become in Christ. Everyone here--I suspect--is guilty of some of these sins.

For these things are not only wrong, but incompatible with life in Christ. If you're doing these things--either openly or secretly--just stop. You can't on your own--I know that. But you're not on your own.

Life in Christ, therefore, means you stop being certain ways and doing certain things. Never justify your sins by saying, "Well, that's just the way I am". For, in fact, it's not the way you are, but the way you were. Now, you're

"New life in Christ" means a "new kind of life".

These are some things you don't do anymore. But is that are there is to it? The world says that about us. We're against everything; we're negative; we're "party poopers".

Is that true? All too often, it is. Is it true of you? I don't know. But your kids do. Why don't you go home today and ask them? Their comments may not be entirely pleasant.

What is "new life in Christ" for? What is it in favor of? Paul offers a list.

WHO WE ARE

But before he gets to that, he reminds us of who we are, v.12a. We are "the elect of God, holy, and beloved".

To be "elect of God" doesn't mean we chose Him, but just the opposite: Believers are chosen by God. How this squares with man's freedom and God's justice is not easy to explain. But then again, we're not commanded to explain everything in the Bible, but to believe it.

And this is plainly what the Bible teaches. God chooses some people for salvation. Ephesians 1:4 cannot be answered: "Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world..." If you need other texts, talk to any Calvinist--he's been praying somebody would ask him!

We're not only "elect of God", but "holy". This means "separated from the world and devoted to God". Though God owns every soul, believers are "His peculiar people". This objective holiness leads to an ethical holiness. We live in faith and obedience to God.

We're not only "elect of God and holy", but also "beloved". Christians are loved by God. Though God is loving to all, He has a special place in His heart for us, His people.

And so, this is who we are--all believers are "Elect of God, holy, and beloved".

Why does Paul say this? He is giving us an incentive to do what he commands us in the verses that follow. We're to do these things because God loves us and chose us for holiness!

This reminds me of another verse, Romans 12:1. Paul is about to give many commands, some of which are extremely difficult to obey. But before he does, he tells us why we're to keep them--

The mercies of God (or His love) will motivate saved people! This is the New Testament model. Now, the Old Testament is full of threats. Whole chapters are devoted to the curses God will inflict on His people if they don't obey Him. Do you know why? Because they were unsaved!

But we're Christians. And though we need warnings, too, it is chiefly God's love that urges us to holiness. It is "the love of Christ [that] constrains us".

WHAT YOU MUST DO

Having told you who you are, Paul goes on to tell you what you must do.

You must "put on" some things. This is a figure of speech, of course. Just as you take off your dirty clothes and put on clean ones, so you're to "take off" the sin of your old life and "put on" the holiness of your new life.

Here are some examples of "holiness".

These are the things you're to "put on". Each is a personal duty. I can't make you patient; you can't make me humble. "Every man must bear his own burden".

THINGS WE MUST DO

These are some things we do personally. In vv.17-18, we find some things we're to do in the church.

"God is not the author of confusion, but of peace". Thus, it's not our duty to make peace in the Church, but to keep it. "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" is how Paul puts its elsewhere.

How do we keep peace in the Church? The best way is to be Christ-centered. When we start identifying with men or parties, division must follow. But when everyone is loyal to Christ, we'll have peace in the church.

In our public prayers, we offer thanks together. This is something we do at church. Something we ought to do more of, too. And with more passion.

This "Word of Christ" is the word about Christ. The meetings of the church must be full of the Gospel. Not just the sermon, but in our fellowship and singing too. It's not just my job to preach the Gospel, but yours too. You're to "teach, admonish (or warn) and sing the Word of Christ". In the Church, for the benefit of all.

Not even an Apostle can give a complete list of things we're to do in the Church. And so, Paul ties up every loose end with these words. If we eat together, do it in the name of Christ. If we work together, do it in the name of Christ. Whatever we do, we do for Christ. And we do it--not reluctantly, but with thanks in our hearts and on our lips.

CLOSE

Paul has issued several orders. Some to the Christian, some to the church. The two sets are closely related and largely depend on each other.

Do you want the kind of church Paul wants? Wouldn't it be wonderful be part of a church that is peaceful, thankful, evangelistic, and Christ-centered? In that kind of church, you'd find rest and encouragement; you'd see souls saved and believers equipped for ministry.

With the blessing of God, we can have that kind of church. But it won't be from better programs, a bigger building, or another pastor (though they might help!).

If you want this kind of church, you've got to do your part--not gripe about what others aren't doing, but do your duty. I promise: If everyone would "put on tenderness, humility, longsuffering, and love", we'd have that kind of church.

And, if we had that kind of church, it would encourage its members to "put on" these things.

And so, let's commit ourselves to pursue these things--separately and together. To do it, we've got to mediate and act on the central message of Colossians: Christ is Enough!