"Put On" Colossians 3:12-17 I. Introduction. A. Paul addresses "God's elect" in this passage. 1. Who are they? "Holy and beloved." 2. What is meant? B. "Put on"...what should characterize "God's elect." 1. Unfortunately, there are some who are "put ons!" 2. "Put on"(original): Get into--as clothes(Vine). C. A lot of folks have a hard time getting into religion. 1. This is for the holy(dedicated). 2. And: beloved(of God). D. God's elect "put on"(get into) the characteristics described by Paul. II. Body. God's people are to "get into": A. A heart of(v. 12): 1. Compassion. a. Literally: pity. b. Jesus possessed it: Mark 1:40-42. c. A question: I John 3:17. 2. Kindness. a. Ancients: One whose neighbor's goods were as dear to him as his own. b. Goodness that is kind(from heart). c. A simple kindness can be very comforting to others. 3. Lowliness(humility). a. Opposite of proud or haughty. b. No room for arrogance. c. Jesus said it: Matthew 11:29. 4. Meekness(gentleness). a. One not occupied with "self." b. Linked to humility(Christ). c. Gentle and forbearing while being firm and unyielding to truth and right. 5. Longsuffering(patient). a. Literally: A long temper b. Not all of the efforts of men can uproot or discourage such a one from serving God. c. What about Job? d. Jesus example: Matthew 27:14. B. A spirit that learns to(v. 13): 1. Forbear one another. a. Remember the above. b. Often too quick to assert our rights. c. Patience with antagonistic situations and persons. d. Not an easy task is it? e. Of Abraham: Hebrews 6:15. 2. Forgiving each other. a. "If any have a complaint against any." (1 Justifiable accusation. (2 Deal with it--settle it. (3 He offended me(did he sin)? b. Why? "As the Lord forgave you, so do ye." (1 Remember: A Christian is a forgiven person. (2 Note: Luke 17:3-4. (3 Comment on the power of forgiveness.... 3. "Above all...love"(v. 14). a. "A bond of perfectness." (1 Puts all of the previous qualities together(divine cement). (2 The surrounding clothing. (3 John said: I John 5:3. b. The original language has more than one word that is translated "love." (1 Some like, some get close defines part of the words. (2 But this love(agape) is the strongest. D. Letting the peace of Christ rule--in hearts(v. 15). 1. By which called into "one body." a. A way to unity. b. Peace with Christ attained through obeying His will. c. When the Lord gives the answer, there should be no dispute. 2. And..."Be ye thankful." a. How difficult can this be? b. For every breath, for every blessing, for all that is good and holy--God supplies. c. Hence: Psalm 100:4. E. Letting the word of Christ "dwell in us"(v. 16).(Comment on "richly.") 1. Teach and admonish with psalms and hymns. a. The words are more important than the tune. b. A way to express thanks, joy, happiness, etc. as well as the truth. 2. "Singing with grace...in your hearts." a. The sound is the human voice; the instrument is the heart. b. All disciples participate. c. Note: Ephesians 5:18b-20. F. Doing all in the name of Christ(v. 17). 1. By His authority. a. What does it mean "in the name of Christ?" b. As His servants, we obey His commands. c. No servant alters or changes his master's will. d. Doing what God requires(put everything to the test of God's word). e. The warning: Matthew 15:9. 2. "And giving thanks to God"(v. 17b). a. The gratitude for all God has given us: spiritual and material. b. God's word allows us to be thankful. III. Conclusion. A. What have we been putting on or clothing ourselves with for the Lord? B. One who does not get into religion will not get into heaven.-JY