An Exposition of Colossians 3:12-17

We are called to serve the body with our spiritual gifts. We are called to

give generously to the Lord in our offerings. We are called to disciple and

witness to unbelievers and many other responsibilities.

But a passage like this is so essential because it is possible to do all

the things I listed and be immature in the faith. Certainly they will all

be present in the life of a believer, but even unbelievers do those things.

Unbelievers serve and give and study.

So, the mere presence of spiritual activity and sacrifice in your life

isn’t an evidence of maturity. What is an evidence of maturity is

Christlike character. The evidence that you are mature is godliness that

comes from the Lord.

Paul calls it the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. By that he means the

product of the Spirit being at work in the life of a person. And so, this

week as we move from

1. One who treasures Christ above all else (1-4)

2. One who mortifies sin upon seeing it for what it is (5-11)

3. One who models Christ magnifying him on earth (12-17)

When you belong to Christ and know him, it shapes your attitude and then

your behavior. 

4 Critical Areas We Must Model the Lord Jesus Christ

1. Let the character of Christ define your demeanor (12-14)

2. Let the peace of Christ be the umpire in your strife (15)

3. Let the word of Christ permeate your life (16)

4. Let the person of Christ impact all that you do (17)