WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:14.120 Thank you, Johnny, and good afternoon, everybody. 00:00:15.040 --> 00:00:24.420 If you could open your Bibles, please, to Colossians chapter 3, and starting at verse 12. 00:00:24.420 --> 00:00:39.500 If you're using the Red Church Bible, that's on page 1184, Colossians chapter 3. 00:00:46.260 --> 00:00:50.020 And before we start, let's just pray and commit this time to God. 00:00:50.020 --> 00:01:04.219 Father, we believe that your word is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. 00:01:05.840 --> 00:01:17.020 Let it cut through into our hearts right now, and let it expose the sin in our lives. 00:01:17.019 --> 00:01:28.539 That sin which takes away our joy in you, and prevents us from becoming who we truly are in Christ. 00:01:29.640 --> 00:01:32.959 It's in his name that we ask this. Amen. 00:01:35.340 --> 00:01:37.120 Well, let's read from verse 12. 00:01:37.120 --> 00:01:49.500 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, 00:01:51.200 --> 00:02:00.580 clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 00:02:00.579 --> 00:02:09.840 Bear with each other, and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. 00:02:11.219 --> 00:02:14.219 Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 00:02:15.500 --> 00:02:20.020 And over all these virtues, put on love, 00:02:21.020 --> 00:02:25.699 which binds them all together in perfect unity. 00:02:25.699 --> 00:02:30.519 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, 00:02:31.939 --> 00:02:34.579 since as members of one body, 00:02:36.019 --> 00:02:38.060 you are called to peace, 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:40.339 and be thankful. 00:02:42.339 --> 00:02:47.120 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly, 00:02:47.679 --> 00:02:52.039 as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, 00:02:52.039 --> 00:02:57.299 through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, 00:02:57.620 --> 00:03:01.719 singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 00:03:03.060 --> 00:03:04.099 And whatever you do, 00:03:04.699 --> 00:03:06.479 whether in word or deed, 00:03:07.859 --> 00:03:11.680 do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 00:03:13.379 --> 00:03:17.500 giving thanks to God the Father through him. 00:03:17.500 --> 00:03:22.659 Does that sound impossible to you? 00:03:26.819 --> 00:03:31.360 Do you feel that there's just no chance you could be that person, 00:03:32.300 --> 00:03:35.740 even just for five minutes of your day, 00:03:36.379 --> 00:03:37.900 let alone 24-7? 00:03:40.900 --> 00:03:41.639 I do. 00:03:41.639 --> 00:03:44.919 Maybe you think, 00:03:45.039 --> 00:03:46.759 well, I could be that person, 00:03:47.239 --> 00:03:48.679 only problem is this. 00:03:50.379 --> 00:03:53.259 All the pressures that I experience in my life, 00:03:53.859 --> 00:03:57.739 the exhaustion of work and family, 00:03:58.699 --> 00:04:00.939 the health problems that I face, 00:04:02.079 --> 00:04:04.639 I just, I can't live this life. 00:04:06.459 --> 00:04:08.060 Well, I want to encourage you. 00:04:08.060 --> 00:04:10.219 Number one, 00:04:10.379 --> 00:04:12.640 it's normal Christian experience to feel this way. 00:04:14.800 --> 00:04:15.979 And number two, 00:04:17.280 --> 00:04:20.439 you actually can become, 00:04:20.620 --> 00:04:22.000 in increasing measure, 00:04:23.720 --> 00:04:26.480 that person that you truly are in Christ. 00:04:27.899 --> 00:04:28.879 How can we? 00:04:29.560 --> 00:04:30.680 And what will it look like? 00:04:31.420 --> 00:04:33.879 Well, we're going to find out in our passage today. 00:04:34.560 --> 00:04:36.560 In fact, in Colossians chapter 3, 00:04:36.560 --> 00:04:39.879 the Apostle Paul is writing to ordinary Christians, 00:04:40.160 --> 00:04:41.540 like you and me. 00:04:42.519 --> 00:04:45.600 Christians who've been given new life in Christ. 00:04:48.939 --> 00:04:53.840 And he wants to remind them something really important about their old life. 00:04:53.959 --> 00:04:55.259 Look back at verse 3, 00:04:55.720 --> 00:04:56.759 in chapter 3. 00:04:56.759 --> 00:04:59.379 He says, 00:04:59.980 --> 00:05:01.639 for you died, 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:06.819 and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 00:05:08.379 --> 00:05:11.480 When Christ, who is your life, 00:05:12.240 --> 00:05:12.620 appears, 00:05:13.319 --> 00:05:16.719 then you also will appear with him in glory. 00:05:17.719 --> 00:05:18.039 So, 00:05:18.360 --> 00:05:20.319 that life that you used to live, 00:05:20.560 --> 00:05:22.180 before you trusted in Christ, 00:05:22.659 --> 00:05:23.639 it's gone. 00:05:23.639 --> 00:05:25.259 It's dead. 00:05:26.300 --> 00:05:28.360 You've been given a new life. 00:05:30.300 --> 00:05:33.379 Christ's life is now your life. 00:05:34.339 --> 00:05:36.800 That's your unchanging status. 00:05:37.079 --> 00:05:37.939 You can't lose that. 00:05:38.919 --> 00:05:40.560 That's your new self. 00:05:42.759 --> 00:05:43.819 And that's brilliant. 00:05:43.959 --> 00:05:45.659 I mean, we can all get behind that. 00:05:45.660 --> 00:05:48.820 But here's your big problem. 00:05:49.660 --> 00:05:50.460 And mine also. 00:05:52.400 --> 00:05:54.780 We keep falling back 00:05:54.780 --> 00:05:56.720 into the sinful practices 00:05:56.720 --> 00:05:59.560 of our old life before Christ. 00:06:00.300 --> 00:06:03.100 We don't live like we've been made new. 00:06:04.400 --> 00:06:08.100 We continue to sin and fail. 00:06:08.500 --> 00:06:09.660 In and of ourselves, 00:06:09.660 --> 00:06:12.680 we don't have the power 00:06:12.680 --> 00:06:15.460 to live the new life 00:06:15.460 --> 00:06:17.900 that Christ commands us to live. 00:06:19.700 --> 00:06:21.720 How do we account for this paradox? 00:06:21.900 --> 00:06:22.940 We've been made new, 00:06:23.360 --> 00:06:26.300 but we don't live like we're new. 00:06:26.820 --> 00:06:29.000 Well, look down at verse 9. 00:06:29.860 --> 00:06:31.060 This is really important. 00:06:32.900 --> 00:06:33.600 Paul says, 00:06:33.600 --> 00:06:34.860 Do not lie to each other, 00:06:34.860 --> 00:06:37.720 since you have taken off 00:06:37.720 --> 00:06:39.240 your old self 00:06:39.240 --> 00:06:40.980 with its practices 00:06:40.980 --> 00:06:44.939 and have put on the new self, 00:06:46.020 --> 00:06:48.660 which is being renewed 00:06:48.660 --> 00:06:50.220 in knowledge, 00:06:50.780 --> 00:06:52.300 in the image of its creator. 00:06:52.500 --> 00:06:54.639 So, on the one hand, 00:06:55.660 --> 00:06:57.759 we have an unchanging status 00:06:57.759 --> 00:06:58.740 in Christ. 00:06:58.900 --> 00:06:59.780 We are safe 00:06:59.780 --> 00:07:01.699 and secure in him. 00:07:02.819 --> 00:07:04.240 On the other hand, 00:07:04.860 --> 00:07:06.720 we're not yet made perfect. 00:07:08.220 --> 00:07:09.139 We have entered 00:07:09.139 --> 00:07:11.180 into this gradual process 00:07:11.180 --> 00:07:14.100 of being made like Christ. 00:07:15.220 --> 00:07:16.040 And that accounts 00:07:16.040 --> 00:07:17.560 for why we continue 00:07:17.560 --> 00:07:18.699 to struggle with sin. 00:07:19.819 --> 00:07:21.660 We are still becoming 00:07:21.660 --> 00:07:24.120 who we truly are. 00:07:26.020 --> 00:07:27.759 Thank God that the sin 00:07:27.759 --> 00:07:30.199 that we continue to struggle with 00:07:30.199 --> 00:07:32.840 does not change our status 00:07:32.840 --> 00:07:34.680 of being united with Christ. 00:07:34.860 --> 00:07:36.220 Yet, 00:07:37.220 --> 00:07:39.300 in this passage today, 00:07:39.439 --> 00:07:40.639 God commands us 00:07:40.639 --> 00:07:41.580 to become 00:07:41.580 --> 00:07:42.900 our true souls, 00:07:43.100 --> 00:07:44.040 to become 00:07:44.040 --> 00:07:45.220 more and more 00:07:45.220 --> 00:07:46.540 like Christ. 00:07:47.020 --> 00:07:48.000 And it's a command, 00:07:48.220 --> 00:07:49.060 my brothers and sisters, 00:07:49.139 --> 00:07:50.780 that we must strive 00:07:50.780 --> 00:07:51.480 to obey. 00:07:53.439 --> 00:07:54.860 And also a command, 00:07:55.860 --> 00:07:57.040 we lack the power 00:07:57.040 --> 00:07:58.000 to obey. 00:07:58.000 --> 00:08:02.360 So before we learn 00:08:02.360 --> 00:08:03.199 what the new life 00:08:03.199 --> 00:08:03.980 looks like, 00:08:04.480 --> 00:08:05.199 and Paul has 00:08:05.199 --> 00:08:06.980 three different marks 00:08:06.980 --> 00:08:08.259 of the new self of Christ, 00:08:08.680 --> 00:08:09.660 which we're going to look at 00:08:09.660 --> 00:08:10.139 in a moment, 00:08:11.459 --> 00:08:12.660 Paul must first tell us 00:08:12.660 --> 00:08:14.120 where to find the power 00:08:14.120 --> 00:08:15.079 to become 00:08:15.079 --> 00:08:15.720 who 00:08:15.720 --> 00:08:17.439 we truly are. 00:08:17.439 --> 00:08:26.160 so he starts by telling us four staggering identifiers for anyone who has new life in christ 00:08:26.160 --> 00:08:34.820 first one is in verse 12 have a look down there it says we are god's chosen people 00:08:34.820 --> 00:08:38.120 you are chosen by god 00:08:38.120 --> 00:08:49.779 he chose us before we ever chose him and if that sounds strange to you look back one chapter 00:08:49.779 --> 00:09:01.500 to colossians 2 verse 13 colossians 2 verse 13 when you were dead in your sins and in the 00:09:01.500 --> 00:09:11.120 uncircumcision of your flesh god made you alive with christ a dead person can't do anything for 00:09:11.120 --> 00:09:22.620 themselves let alone place their faith in someone clearly god chose us he chose us to be made alive 00:09:22.620 --> 00:09:31.360 with him before we were ever able to choose him that's a mystery i don't quite understand that 00:09:31.360 --> 00:09:35.300 yet but it's what god's word says 00:09:35.300 --> 00:09:46.740 and it should stagger us and humble us to think that when we didn't deserve his mercy or his grace 00:09:46.740 --> 00:09:55.980 god chose us to receive it wow what a deep security that brings not about me holding on to god 00:09:55.980 --> 00:10:01.480 he chose me here's a second identifier 00:10:01.480 --> 00:10:11.480 we are set apart for him in verse 12 not only are we chosen god chose us to be holy or set apart for him 00:10:11.480 --> 00:10:18.680 his treasured possession and that gives us amazing purpose doesn't it we're not living for ourselves 00:10:18.679 --> 00:10:28.599 we are living for the king who has rescued us and that in turn leads to our third reality 00:10:28.599 --> 00:10:37.519 we are dearly loved by him now if we've been chosen by him and set apart for him 00:10:37.519 --> 00:10:48.439 how much more proof do we need to know that we are so dearly loved by him precious sons and daughters 00:10:48.440 --> 00:10:55.800 of the king of the universe there is one more identifier though and it's actually found 00:10:55.800 --> 00:10:58.200 in our passage in verse 00:10:58.200 --> 00:11:01.240 15 00:11:01.240 --> 00:11:06.540 we are members of the body of christ 00:11:06.540 --> 00:11:11.000 you have a new family 00:11:11.000 --> 00:11:20.840 and this is the church all over the world and right here in our local church we are united together 00:11:20.840 --> 00:11:24.840 in christ you're part of the family 00:11:24.840 --> 00:11:34.600 your identity is inextricably linked with the brothers and sisters sitting around you right now 00:11:34.600 --> 00:11:45.399 we are united together in christ both now and into eternity how amazing is that 00:11:45.399 --> 00:11:49.080 so that's who you are 00:11:49.080 --> 00:11:56.680 you are chosen set apart loved in the family 00:11:56.679 --> 00:12:03.719 and when you think about it isn't that what everyone in this world longs for 00:12:06.199 --> 00:12:10.679 to be chosen loved treasured 00:12:12.359 --> 00:12:19.319 to be part of a family forever we have it all here in christ don't we 00:12:19.320 --> 00:12:27.480 these four identifiers here they are the rock solid foundation for your life 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:30.760 in christ your new life in him 00:12:31.560 --> 00:12:34.680 so do you feel them do you know them 00:12:37.160 --> 00:12:42.760 because only once you know who you truly are can you start to live out your true identity 00:12:42.759 --> 00:12:49.559 and paul also very importantly now tells us the power source 00:12:50.600 --> 00:12:52.600 for becoming who we truly are 00:12:53.559 --> 00:12:57.960 and that power source is simply christ in us i mean if you remember back to 00:12:57.960 --> 00:13:00.039 verse four there we read it at the start 00:13:02.039 --> 00:13:08.519 when christ who is your life appears then you also will appear with him 00:13:08.519 --> 00:13:18.279 the power source is his life in us now think about it christ is the only person who can 00:13:18.279 --> 00:13:22.199 really live the life that we've read about in our passage today 00:13:23.879 --> 00:13:31.240 because we participate in christ's life his spirit is alive inside of us and so that means we have all we 00:13:31.240 --> 00:13:41.320 need to live this new life christ is empowering us to become like him and i have to warn you 00:13:43.399 --> 00:13:50.680 if you don't understand that you're going to be crushed under the weight of the commands coming up in this passage 00:13:51.480 --> 00:13:59.720 because you might wrongly think that you must garner some inner strength from somewhere inside of you to live this new life in christ 00:13:59.720 --> 00:14:06.360 or you might think oh well it's half my strength half god's no 00:14:09.160 --> 00:14:19.000 we can only become who we truly are in christ in the power of christ working through our efforts 00:14:22.440 --> 00:14:27.960 so with that firmly in mind let's now look at three marks of that new self 00:14:27.960 --> 00:14:30.360 which paul describes 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:33.720 we are to 00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:37.400 put on our new clothes of love 00:14:37.400 --> 00:14:40.759 submit to the rule of christ 00:14:42.040 --> 00:14:45.960 and do everything in the name of jesus firstly 00:14:47.080 --> 00:14:47.720 put on 00:14:47.720 --> 00:14:50.040 the clothes of love 00:14:50.920 --> 00:14:54.200 look in verse 12 it says therefore as god's chosen people 00:14:54.200 --> 00:14:56.280 holy and dearly loved 00:14:56.280 --> 00:14:58.280 clothe yourselves 00:14:59.400 --> 00:15:00.440 with compassion 00:15:01.400 --> 00:15:02.120 kindness 00:15:02.920 --> 00:15:03.720 humility 00:15:04.680 --> 00:15:05.560 gentleness 00:15:06.759 --> 00:15:07.720 and patience 00:15:09.320 --> 00:15:11.400 clothe yourselves in compassionate hearts 00:15:11.400 --> 00:15:11.720 now 00:15:11.800 --> 00:15:14.920 i don't know about you but does that not strike you as impossible 00:15:14.919 --> 00:15:16.519 i mean 00:15:17.959 --> 00:15:19.240 how do you put on 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:21.159 a compassionate heart 00:15:23.240 --> 00:15:25.399 if you were to ask me to put on a smile 00:15:26.120 --> 00:15:29.159 even when i'm really not feeling like it 00:15:30.679 --> 00:15:32.839 i can put on a smile i can fake it right 00:15:32.840 --> 00:15:38.519 how on earth am i supposed to put on a feeling 00:15:42.840 --> 00:15:51.320 a compassionate heart to be touched by my brother or sister's pain where i just simply am not feeling it 00:15:51.320 --> 00:15:56.520 well the only answer is it's a miracle of christ 00:15:58.680 --> 00:16:00.200 it's got to be his power 00:16:00.840 --> 00:16:01.320 in us 00:16:02.040 --> 00:16:04.040 changing us giving us new hearts 00:16:07.400 --> 00:16:10.920 and what is the result of that new heart of compassion well 00:16:11.640 --> 00:16:15.400 i think acts of kindness naturally flow out of that 00:16:15.399 --> 00:16:19.480 kindness towards our brothers and sisters in the body 00:16:23.079 --> 00:16:26.840 he goes on in verse 12 clothe yourselves in humility 00:16:27.720 --> 00:16:29.959 now i think this is another big heart issue 00:16:33.000 --> 00:16:36.519 do we look down on other members of the body 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:41.559 and think in some ways we are better than others 00:16:41.559 --> 00:16:49.239 or do you elevate your brothers and sisters above you 00:16:50.199 --> 00:16:52.199 in serving their needs first 00:16:53.559 --> 00:16:56.839 treating them better than they even deserve at times 00:17:00.359 --> 00:17:01.319 that's humility 00:17:02.199 --> 00:17:06.200 and then what flows out of that humble heart that god gives us 00:17:07.079 --> 00:17:08.759 it's the next thing on paul's list isn't it 00:17:08.759 --> 00:17:10.680 gentleness 00:17:12.119 --> 00:17:17.079 gentleness towards all not a judgmental or harsh demeanor 00:17:18.200 --> 00:17:21.079 but gentleness towards our brothers and sisters 00:17:22.599 --> 00:17:25.160 next paul tells us to put on the garments of patience 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:28.119 to be long suffering with one another 00:17:30.599 --> 00:17:32.200 and there's a reason why we need to do this 00:17:33.400 --> 00:17:36.440 just nobody in this room has been made perfect yet we are 00:17:36.440 --> 00:17:38.920 a beautiful but a messy church 00:17:40.920 --> 00:17:43.320 so paul calls you to something radical 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:47.320 in verse 13 read it with me 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:53.160 bear with each other and forgive one another 00:17:54.200 --> 00:17:56.840 if any of you has a grievance against someone 00:17:56.840 --> 00:17:58.840 forgive as the lord forgave you 00:17:58.839 --> 00:18:06.919 to bear with our brothers and sisters in their sin 00:18:06.919 --> 00:18:13.799 and their mess is to help them on their journey to becoming their true selves in christ 00:18:13.799 --> 00:18:16.680 we pass over 00:18:16.680 --> 00:18:21.879 all the different wrongs that might be done to us 00:18:21.879 --> 00:18:25.799 we don't bring every one of those up 00:18:25.799 --> 00:18:32.279 we know that we do need to confront our brothers and sisters at times with their sin 00:18:32.279 --> 00:18:34.839 and yet we also pass over 00:18:34.839 --> 00:18:40.279 and knowing that there will be times when we 00:18:40.279 --> 00:18:44.119 will hurt each other either unintentionally or not 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:46.200 and we must forgive 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:49.480 as christ has forgiven us 00:18:50.680 --> 00:18:51.640 and then in 14 00:18:53.400 --> 00:18:54.039 let's read it 00:18:54.039 --> 00:18:56.519 and over all these virtues 00:18:57.319 --> 00:19:02.680 put on love which binds them all together in perfect unity 00:19:02.680 --> 00:19:08.120 basically become a loving person in the church 00:19:08.759 --> 00:19:10.759 filled with not just any love 00:19:11.880 --> 00:19:13.000 christ's love 00:19:13.640 --> 00:19:16.279 because christ is your life 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:18.759 you can love like he does 00:19:19.320 --> 00:19:21.240 in increasing measure 00:19:22.440 --> 00:19:24.279 as you depend on him 00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:26.440 so i want to encourage you 00:19:26.440 --> 00:19:30.360 if you are in christ today 00:19:31.480 --> 00:19:34.920 you have all these clothes of love 00:19:35.559 --> 00:19:38.200 in your spiritual wardrobes 00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:42.120 in the power of the spirit of christ 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:44.840 keep putting them on 00:19:46.120 --> 00:19:47.559 moment by moment 00:19:47.880 --> 00:19:48.680 and become 00:19:49.320 --> 00:19:51.880 who you truly are in christ 00:19:51.880 --> 00:19:56.040 second mark of the new self in christ 00:19:56.040 --> 00:19:56.680 is that we 00:19:57.560 --> 00:20:00.520 submit to the rule of christ 00:20:02.280 --> 00:20:07.240 now we read back in verse one of this chapter that christ is seated at the right 00:20:07.240 --> 00:20:09.800 hand of god in the place of authority 00:20:11.000 --> 00:20:12.440 and we as a church family 00:20:13.160 --> 00:20:13.960 we're to submit 00:20:14.600 --> 00:20:16.840 to his loving rule over us 00:20:18.040 --> 00:20:19.000 specifically here 00:20:19.000 --> 00:20:21.160 christ's peace 00:20:22.359 --> 00:20:23.160 and his word 00:20:23.160 --> 00:20:25.160 look at what paul says in verse 15 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:27.160 let the peace of christ 00:20:28.119 --> 00:20:29.880 rule in your hearts 00:20:30.839 --> 00:20:32.680 since as members of one body 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:34.839 you were called 00:20:35.480 --> 00:20:36.119 to peace 00:20:36.440 --> 00:20:37.720 we're called to submit 00:20:38.279 --> 00:20:39.319 to christ's peace 00:20:41.240 --> 00:20:42.759 what a wonderful thing to submit to 00:20:46.039 --> 00:20:48.519 but sometimes the last thing 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:50.680 our selfish hearts 00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:52.200 wants to submit to 00:20:55.559 --> 00:20:57.319 how often in the church do we 00:20:57.880 --> 00:20:58.920 disagree over 00:20:59.480 --> 00:21:01.880 petty things that don't really matter 00:21:03.240 --> 00:21:06.680 we grumble and complain about so and so doing this or that 00:21:08.119 --> 00:21:08.920 and sometimes 00:21:09.720 --> 00:21:11.400 it's not even a primary issue 00:21:12.680 --> 00:21:14.279 maybe it's the length of the sermon 00:21:14.279 --> 00:21:17.480 what that kid did 00:21:18.759 --> 00:21:19.960 which songs were chosen 00:21:19.960 --> 00:21:22.119 what way the chairs were set out 00:21:23.879 --> 00:21:25.240 all such grumbling 00:21:25.879 --> 00:21:30.119 and complaining is not in submission to the peace of christ 00:21:30.119 --> 00:21:30.679 christ's 00:21:30.679 --> 00:21:36.839 so if we do see something in the church that's 00:21:37.479 --> 00:21:39.079 not in a line with god's word 00:21:42.119 --> 00:21:42.599 let's go 00:21:44.199 --> 00:21:45.479 with the clothes of love 00:21:46.519 --> 00:21:48.359 on us and address it 00:21:48.359 --> 00:21:52.839 but always with the intention to promote peace in the church 00:21:52.839 --> 00:21:54.039 not division 00:21:55.639 --> 00:21:57.879 let's not come in all guns blazing 00:21:58.919 --> 00:22:02.359 but instead clothe ourselves in compassion 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:03.639 kindness 00:22:04.599 --> 00:22:05.240 patience 00:22:06.359 --> 00:22:07.079 gentleness 00:22:07.079 --> 00:22:10.759 speaking the truth in love 00:22:12.759 --> 00:22:14.119 of course we're going to disagree 00:22:14.119 --> 00:22:15.000 that's part of 00:22:15.720 --> 00:22:17.240 life together as a family 00:22:17.240 --> 00:22:19.319 but we can do so peaceably 00:22:20.839 --> 00:22:22.039 in the power of christ 00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:26.120 one other thing we're supposed to submit to 00:22:27.400 --> 00:22:31.240 in verse 16 we're supposed to submit to the word of christ 00:22:32.839 --> 00:22:33.640 let's read there 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:38.120 let the message of christ dwell among you richly 00:22:39.079 --> 00:22:42.599 as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom 00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:46.920 through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit 00:22:48.120 --> 00:22:48.440 you know 00:22:49.240 --> 00:22:50.279 it's not my word 00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:52.039 or your word 00:22:52.440 --> 00:22:53.880 actually that's the authority 00:22:54.519 --> 00:22:56.279 it's christ's word isn't it 00:22:56.599 --> 00:22:56.759 it's 00:22:57.799 --> 00:22:59.400 we are to let it dwell 00:22:59.880 --> 00:23:01.640 richly among us 00:23:01.640 --> 00:23:03.160 don't you love that language 00:23:04.039 --> 00:23:05.880 to dwell richly 00:23:07.880 --> 00:23:09.240 and what does that look like well 00:23:10.680 --> 00:23:14.120 no matter what you feel your main gifting might be 00:23:14.120 --> 00:23:15.079 in the church body 00:23:15.079 --> 00:23:16.919 here we are all 00:23:16.919 --> 00:23:19.960 instructed to teach each other 00:23:20.679 --> 00:23:22.279 to do what the word says 00:23:22.279 --> 00:23:23.879 and we are all instructed to 00:23:24.439 --> 00:23:30.279 admonish or warn one another when someone is not doing what the word says 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:35.720 this should actually be a normal part of our lives together as a family believers 00:23:36.839 --> 00:23:39.399 now if you're the one teaching or admonishing 00:23:40.200 --> 00:23:41.639 you better come clothed 00:23:41.640 --> 00:23:43.480 in love 00:23:43.480 --> 00:23:45.559 and humility 00:23:45.559 --> 00:23:50.680 and gentleness before you even think about approaching your brother or sister 00:23:50.680 --> 00:23:53.480 and likewise 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:56.360 on the flip side 00:23:56.360 --> 00:23:59.720 when you're the one being taught 00:23:59.720 --> 00:24:03.160 if someone comes to you sharing god's word with you 00:24:03.160 --> 00:24:05.240 admonishing you 00:24:05.240 --> 00:24:08.759 you also need to be clothed with humility and love 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:10.200 willing to listen 00:24:12.680 --> 00:24:17.400 being thankful for your brother or sister who cared enough 00:24:17.400 --> 00:24:21.320 to bring god's word 00:24:21.320 --> 00:24:23.000 his healing word 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:23.880 to you 00:24:23.880 --> 00:24:30.120 yet i think it's clear and you probably noticed this that the context which paul is mainly thinking of 00:24:30.120 --> 00:24:31.400 in this passage 00:24:31.400 --> 00:24:35.240 is teaching and admonishing one another through our singing 00:24:35.240 --> 00:24:35.880 now 00:24:35.880 --> 00:24:38.360 that's an interesting one isn't it 00:24:38.359 --> 00:24:43.240 because oftentimes we're not mindful 00:24:44.039 --> 00:24:47.159 of this main purpose of singing in our gathering 00:24:49.000 --> 00:24:51.240 our purpose when we sing is not simply 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:53.000 vertical 00:24:53.000 --> 00:24:57.399 singing praise to god although that is a primary purpose for sure 00:24:58.119 --> 00:25:04.359 what a joy to sing praise to him but we're also singing horizontally to each other 00:25:08.359 --> 00:25:10.599 some sunday mornings i walk in here 00:25:11.639 --> 00:25:13.639 and i'm struggling to believe the promises 00:25:14.279 --> 00:25:16.519 i'm disappointed i'm weary 00:25:18.119 --> 00:25:19.000 on those days 00:25:20.039 --> 00:25:24.439 you my brothers and sisters are teaching and admonishing me 00:25:25.879 --> 00:25:28.199 by singing the word over me 00:25:29.319 --> 00:25:31.959 whether you're young or old you're singing 00:25:31.959 --> 00:25:34.759 when i just look around and see you singing 00:25:34.759 --> 00:25:38.359 that encourages me that the promises are true 00:25:40.200 --> 00:25:42.200 to keep going in the faith 00:25:45.319 --> 00:25:46.279 so sing out 00:25:48.759 --> 00:25:57.559 and teach and admonish your brothers and sisters around you and let the word of christ dwell richly 00:25:58.279 --> 00:25:58.920 among us 00:26:01.000 --> 00:26:03.960 become who you truly are in christ 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:10.680 and submit to that peace of christ and the word of christ 00:26:11.319 --> 00:26:11.880 lastly 00:26:11.880 --> 00:26:16.360 and briefly as part of our new life in christ 00:26:17.559 --> 00:26:21.240 we do everything in the name of jesus 00:26:22.200 --> 00:26:23.720 read verse 17 with me 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:25.000 and whatever you do 00:26:26.200 --> 00:26:27.880 whether in word or deed 00:26:28.200 --> 00:26:32.600 do it all in the name of the lord jesus giving thanks 00:26:32.599 --> 00:26:35.000 thanks to god the father through him 00:26:37.399 --> 00:26:39.719 in becoming who we truly are in christ 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:42.120 our old motivations 00:26:42.120 --> 00:26:42.200 our old motivations 00:26:42.200 --> 00:26:45.079 often selfish 00:26:45.079 --> 00:26:48.039 are replaced with new ones 00:26:48.039 --> 00:26:53.079 we don't live to satisfy our own selfish desires anymore 00:26:53.079 --> 00:26:56.039 no matter what we accumulate 00:26:56.039 --> 00:26:58.039 it's never enough anyway 00:26:58.039 --> 00:27:02.359 and we don't live to please people anymore either because 00:27:02.359 --> 00:27:07.639 we can never measure up to their standards no matter how hard or how long we tried 00:27:07.640 --> 00:27:13.560 instead we do everything in the name of jesus 00:27:13.560 --> 00:27:18.360 whether that's doing jobs around the house 00:27:18.359 --> 00:27:21.799 sitting around the dinner table with your family 00:27:21.799 --> 00:27:24.199 setting down chairs at church 00:27:24.199 --> 00:27:27.159 going to work on a monday morning 00:27:27.159 --> 00:27:29.799 scrolling through your phone in the evening 00:27:31.399 --> 00:27:32.279 no exceptions 00:27:34.839 --> 00:27:35.559 every action 00:27:36.199 --> 00:27:36.839 every word 00:27:36.839 --> 00:27:38.119 do it 00:27:38.119 --> 00:27:39.639 do it in the name of jesus 00:27:41.559 --> 00:27:43.399 i think that means three things 00:27:43.959 --> 00:27:44.199 a 00:27:44.199 --> 00:27:47.000 representing him 00:27:48.839 --> 00:27:50.119 when people see you 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:55.559 they should see something different about how you speak and act 00:27:56.679 --> 00:27:58.359 do they see kindness 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:00.359 compassion 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:02.679 the humility of jesus 00:28:02.680 --> 00:28:07.799 you're representing him 00:28:08.440 --> 00:28:10.920 when you're doing it all in his name 00:28:13.880 --> 00:28:15.000 secondly i think this 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:18.920 could imply that we are also empowered by him 00:28:19.720 --> 00:28:22.680 if we're doing it in jesus name that means 00:28:23.640 --> 00:28:26.200 we are depending in everything we do 00:28:27.560 --> 00:28:31.160 on christ's power to enable us to do it 00:28:31.160 --> 00:28:34.200 not on our own strength 00:28:36.680 --> 00:28:37.400 and thirdly 00:28:39.480 --> 00:28:43.160 i think to do everything in the name of jesus means 00:28:43.160 --> 00:28:45.000 to simply do it for him 00:28:46.279 --> 00:28:47.400 we make it our aim 00:28:48.040 --> 00:28:49.800 to please him 00:28:51.080 --> 00:28:52.840 and i think that changes 00:28:52.840 --> 00:28:55.560 the way we do the things that we do right 00:28:57.960 --> 00:29:00.840 if you're doing those mundane jobs around the house 00:29:00.839 --> 00:29:01.879 do it for christ 00:29:03.799 --> 00:29:04.759 to serve him 00:29:06.039 --> 00:29:07.000 and your family 00:29:07.799 --> 00:29:09.079 if you're watching tv 00:29:09.079 --> 00:29:11.000 think carefully about what you consume 00:29:11.720 --> 00:29:13.480 is it pleasing to christ 00:29:15.559 --> 00:29:16.839 is it good for your heart 00:29:18.679 --> 00:29:20.439 if you're going to work on a monday morning 00:29:22.519 --> 00:29:24.119 don't do a half job on it 00:29:27.079 --> 00:29:28.359 give it your very best 00:29:28.359 --> 00:29:29.559 do it for christ 00:29:29.559 --> 00:29:30.679 do it for christ 00:29:31.639 --> 00:29:33.319 aim to please him 00:29:33.319 --> 00:29:38.279 and let your boss see your good deeds 00:29:38.279 --> 00:29:40.599 if you're setting up chairs and you think 00:29:40.599 --> 00:29:43.959 do you know what nobody ever thanks me for doing this job 00:29:43.959 --> 00:29:48.039 do it for christ 00:29:48.039 --> 00:29:49.240 do it for christ 00:29:49.240 --> 00:29:50.119 do it for christ 00:29:50.119 --> 00:29:51.000 do it for christ 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:53.240 do it for christ 00:29:53.240 --> 00:29:54.440 do it for christ 00:29:54.440 --> 00:29:55.240 do it for christ 00:29:55.240 --> 00:29:57.799 do everything in the name of the lord jesus 00:29:59.400 --> 00:30:00.680 giving thanks 00:30:02.359 --> 00:30:04.519 to god the father through him yes 00:30:05.400 --> 00:30:07.400 giving thanks in everything 00:30:07.400 --> 00:30:11.720 paul fits in one more beautiful item of clothing into this passage 00:30:11.720 --> 00:30:14.839 the garment of thankfulness 00:30:17.640 --> 00:30:19.640 what a difference it makes to put on 00:30:20.839 --> 00:30:22.680 the clothes of thankfulness 00:30:22.680 --> 00:30:26.200 in place of mumbling 00:30:27.000 --> 00:30:27.960 and complaining 00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:34.440 so become who you truly are in christ 00:30:34.440 --> 00:30:37.960 and do everything in the name of jesus 00:30:37.960 --> 00:30:42.200 giving thanks to god the father through him 00:30:42.200 --> 00:30:44.519 to finish 00:30:44.519 --> 00:30:47.160 i'm not sure 00:30:48.359 --> 00:30:51.559 what challenges you the most from this passage today 00:30:52.599 --> 00:30:53.240 but for me 00:30:55.079 --> 00:30:57.240 there are some days i'm tired 00:30:58.039 --> 00:30:58.839 disappointed 00:31:00.119 --> 00:31:01.160 feeling weak 00:31:03.559 --> 00:31:08.200 and i actually just give up on those days living the new life in christ 00:31:08.200 --> 00:31:10.279 i don't know if you can relate 00:31:12.279 --> 00:31:14.920 i just pull on those old clothes of 00:31:16.519 --> 00:31:17.319 selfishness 00:31:18.759 --> 00:31:20.039 harshness and speech 00:31:22.600 --> 00:31:24.360 being a big old grump really 00:31:28.200 --> 00:31:29.319 do you have days like that 00:31:32.279 --> 00:31:34.039 well this is what got me this week 00:31:34.039 --> 00:31:41.720 the amazing news of this passage is that at every moment in your life 00:31:43.240 --> 00:31:47.559 you actually have the power to live your new life in christ 00:31:49.159 --> 00:31:51.319 because you are always in christ 00:31:53.480 --> 00:31:55.879 you can always become more like christ 00:31:57.079 --> 00:31:58.680 isn't that just transformative 00:31:58.680 --> 00:32:04.360 it's not some special strength you must drum up from inside yourself 00:32:04.360 --> 00:32:05.880 it's christ's power 00:32:06.440 --> 00:32:08.600 already dwelling inside of you 00:32:09.720 --> 00:32:10.600 his spirit 00:32:13.640 --> 00:32:14.920 so it's possible 00:32:15.880 --> 00:32:19.160 to put on your new clothes of love even when you're tired 00:32:19.960 --> 00:32:20.759 disappointed 00:32:22.200 --> 00:32:23.160 and suffering 00:32:23.160 --> 00:32:26.840 you can 00:32:26.840 --> 00:32:32.440 you can submit to that new authority of christ's peace and his word 00:32:33.640 --> 00:32:35.880 and you actually are able 00:32:36.840 --> 00:32:41.560 to leave your old motivations behind and do everything for jesus 00:32:45.640 --> 00:32:48.840 it's all by christ's power in us 00:32:48.839 --> 00:32:51.480 so let me encourage you 00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:52.519 go 00:32:52.519 --> 00:32:56.279 become who you truly are in christ 00:32:58.759 --> 00:33:00.439 work hard at it 00:33:02.199 --> 00:33:05.399 with christ's power working through you 00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:08.439 go and live it 00:33:08.439 --> 00:33:10.439 let's pray 00:33:10.440 --> 00:33:21.880 oh father 00:33:23.480 --> 00:33:24.360 we confess 00:33:24.360 --> 00:33:31.000 we don't have the resources to live this beautiful new life 00:33:31.799 --> 00:33:32.920 in and of ourselves 00:33:32.920 --> 00:33:37.400 thank you 00:33:37.400 --> 00:33:41.640 thank you for giving us new life in christ 00:33:43.080 --> 00:33:43.720 thank you that 00:33:45.560 --> 00:33:47.080 christ is in us 00:33:49.800 --> 00:33:53.800 so fill up our weakness with your strength and save us 00:33:54.759 --> 00:33:56.440 from depending on ourselves 00:33:56.440 --> 00:33:59.080 give us new grace 00:33:59.080 --> 00:34:00.039 each day 00:34:01.480 --> 00:34:03.320 to live the new life 00:34:04.440 --> 00:34:05.720 you have won for us 00:34:06.279 --> 00:34:07.880 it's for his sake we ask 00:34:09.720 --> 00:34:10.119 amen 00:34:14.840 --> 00:34:15.960 we're going to sing a song 00:34:17.400 --> 00:34:20.360 which brings together some of these themes we've been talking about 00:34:20.360 --> 00:34:22.519 it 00:34:24.680 --> 00:34:26.440 it's called there is one gospel and 00:34:27.079 --> 00:34:29.640 in the third verse there's something that really struck me from this 00:34:30.440 --> 00:34:30.760 it says 00:34:31.720 --> 00:34:34.440 now on my savior i fix my eyes 00:34:35.960 --> 00:34:37.640 my life is his 00:34:38.599 --> 00:34:39.960 and his hope is mine 00:34:41.559 --> 00:34:43.960 for he has promised i too will rise 00:34:44.440 --> 00:34:47.640 i stand in the gospel of jesus christ 00:34:47.639 --> 00:34:51.400 are you standing in that gospel today 00:34:54.119 --> 00:34:56.359 are you fixing your eyes on your savior 00:34:59.639 --> 00:35:02.599 using this song i encourage you to do that 00:35:02.599 --> 00:35:06.279 to place your hope and your trust in him again 00:35:06.759 --> 00:35:08.679 let's all stand and sing if you're able thank you 00:35:09.239 --> 00:35:14.440 do 00:35:20.440 --> 00:35:27.799 do 00:35:27.799 --> 00:35:29.399 do 00:35:29.400 --> 00:35:46.700 Thank you.