Full Sermon Manuscript
Sermon Outline
I. The Problem: Misunderstanding Christian Maturity
External vs. Internal Measures
Common temptation to measure maturity by attendance, Bible reading, spiritual disciplines
The Pharisee problem: external excellence masking spiritual death
Consequences of External Focus
Creates "fake it" mentality among members
Establishes church hierarchy (elite, middle-class, lowest rung)
Breeds pride and division
Leads to "my way or the highway" attitudes
II. Paul's Context and Purpose
Addressing False Teaching in Colossae
External practices creating hierarchies
Division resulting from misplaced focus
Building on Previous Passage
Identity as those who died to old self and were raised in Christ
III. Our New Identity: Chosen, Holy, and Beloved (v. 12a)
Community Focus, Not Individual
"Put on" is second person plural ("y'all")
Salvation draws us into both Christ and Christian community
No such thing as individual Christianity
"Holy" as Set Apart
Not just purity, but distinction from the world
Christian community as "contrast community"
IV. Living Out Our Identity: The Character List (vv. 12b-13)
Not Legalistic but Identity-Based
Not earning family membership but living as family
"Since you are already part of the family, this is how we live"
Forgiveness as the Center
All traits connect to forgiving as Christ forgave us
Our massive debt vs. others' minor offenses
Enables compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forbearance
V. Love as the Binding Force (v. 14)
Love Summarizes Everything
Connects to Jesus' great commandments (love God, love neighbor)
Love Defined Properly
Not just warm feelings or emotions
Demonstrated by laying down our lives (1 John 3:16)
Action-oriented, not just feeling-oriented
VI. Peace as Community Referee (v. 15)
Community Application, Not Just Individual
Peace of Christ rules in the community because we're "one body"
Peace as Umpire/Referee
Greek word means referee overseeing contests
Peace of Christ arbitrates disputes and conflicts
Unity isn't optional
VII. Word of Christ Dwelling Richly (v. 16)
Abundant Saturation in Community
Should characterize the community, not just individuals
Two Overflows of God's Word
Teaching and admonishing one another with wisdom
Singing psalms, hymns, spiritual songs with thankfulness
Word affects both intellect and heart
VIII. Everything in Jesus' Name (v. 17)
Total Life Application
Every word and deed represents Christ
Specific Community Focus
Governing principle for congregational decisions, disputes, conflicts
Test: Does this properly represent Jesus Christ?
Aligns with our identity as God's chosen, holy, beloved people
IX. Heart Transformation, Not External Performance
Internal Change, Not Rule-Following
Being characterized by these traits, not just doing them
Living into new identity through Holy Spirit's power
Result: Community That Glorifies Christ
Loving, forgiving, peaceful, Word-saturated people
Honoring Christ in everything said and done
