1. Our new position (Verse 12) “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved...”
A. Because of Christ’s sacrifice and our faith in all Christ has accomplished we are called God’s chosen, holy and dearly loved. We do not have an identity crisis!
B. This is why we put off the old man and live life according to our new identity.
2. Our new priority (Verse 12b) “...clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
A. We now are to make these virtues visible. Living out our identity is much more than putting off the old man.
B. We have a new wardrobe, this spiritual apparel reflects the fruit of the Spirit. Eph. 4:24
3. Our new persistence (Verses 13-14) “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
A. How has Jesus forgiven you? We don’t forgive once, or limit this forgiveness.
B. Love is to be the centerpiece of our spiritual apparel. Love makes unity possible—when this is missing we tear the ligament that God has given us that binds us together.
4. Our new peace (Verse 15) “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
A. This peace is to be experienced. We are to yield to this peace. This peace is to affect our decisions. It is to alter the way we think, live, and interact with others.
5. Our new process (Verses 16-17) “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. 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.”
A. We are to speak our native tongue. The profound richness of the gospel is not only to dwell in the believer but is to be expressed.
B. We teach and admonish with the wisdom that is forged in community.
C. When we sing with thankfulness for God's grace, we are helping to imprint truth in the minds of our fellow believers.