STAYING THE COURSE: THE RIGHT ATTIRE

We continue to move toward resurrection and the new life that is promised to all who believe in Jesus!  You still have time to do the Colossians study.  Pick up a book at the church and join us as we get ready for Resurrection Day!  This week in our sermon series Staying the Course, the sermon is The Right Attire.  This is based on Colossians 3:12-22.  This is one of the most practical sections of this letter.  It takes the lessons of the previous chapters and helps us to apply them to our lives.  In the previous part of chapter 3, we learned that we had to “take off” the old ways of death such as anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language. (Colossians 3:8 NIV) It would not be hard to imagine our world or our lives without these negative forces.  We can readily see how it would make a dramatic difference in our relationships and in our hearts.  Why don’t we do this?  After all, it is easy to see what a difference it would make.  We all wish it was as simple as turning a switch, but we know from our experience, life is not that simple or easy!  Our scripture offers us great encouragement toward a different life and a different world, because God understands that change is not easy, or quick.  These words encourage us to put to death the old ways by living into the new life of resurrection power!  It does not have to be dramatic, but it should be a constant drive within our hearts and lives as believers.  It does not offer us perfection, but a hope filled persistence to leave the old life behind with its’ anger, malice, immorality, and evil to find the power of Christ at work in us.  This is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and it will raise us!  This is our most earnest prayer that you will experience this power as you prepare for this Lord’s Day and may it fill you with a peace that is beyond all understanding.  Colossians 3:12-22:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. ¹³ Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. ¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. ²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.  (NIV)