Bible Readings:
Colossians 1:9 -29, 3:1 – 4:1
Sermon Outline:
Colossians 3:1–5 (NKJV)
1If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
I What is Sanctification?
Westminster Shorter Catechism:
Q. 35. What is sanctification?
A. Sanctification is the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God and are enabled more and more to die unto sin and live unto righteousness.
Romans 8:29 (NKJV)
29For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
II The root of Sanctification
Colossians 3:3 (NKJV)
3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Westminster Shorter Catechism:
Q. 33. What is justification?
A. Justification is an act of God’s free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins,c and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone.
Indicative – statements of fact
Imperative – commands or requests
Colossians 3:3 (NKJV)
3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:5 (NKJV)
5Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:8 (NKJV)
8But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
Colossians 3:9 (NKJV)
9Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,
Colossians 3:10 (NKJV)
10and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,
Colossians 3:12 (NKJV)
12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
III The Fruit
Desire to obey
Colossians 3:5 (NKJV)
5Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:8 (NKJV)
8But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
Colossians 3:12 (NKJV)
12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;
Outline of Colossians
Theme: Christ, the Pre-eminent One, the Only and All-Sufficient Savior
I. This Only and All-Sufficient Savior Is the Object of the Believers’ Faith, chapters 1 and 2
A. This Truth Expounded Positively, chapter 1
1. Opening Salutation
2. Fervent Thanksgiving and Prayer
3. The Son’s Pre-eminence
a. In Creation
b. In Redemption
4. His Reconciling Love toward the Colossians, and Their Resulting Duty to Continue in the Faith
5. The Apostle’s Share in Proclaiming “the Mystery,” namely, “Christ in you the hope of glory”
B. This Truth Expounded Not only Positively but Now Both Positively and Negatively, chapter 2, the Latter over against “the Colossian Heresy” with Its:
1. Delusive Philosophy
2. Judaistic Ceremonialism
3. Angel-worship
4. Asceticism
II. This Only and All-Sufficient Savior Is the Source of the Believers’ Life, and Thus the Real Answer to the Perils by Which They Are Confronted, chapters 3 and 4
A. This Truth Applied to All Believers, 3:1–17
1. Believers should be consistent. They should live in conformity with the fact that they were raised with Christ, who is their life
2. Therefore, they should “put to death” and “lay aside” the old vices; and
3. They should “put on” the new virtues
B. This Truth Applied to Special Groups, 3:18–4:1
1. Wives and their husbands
2. Children and their fathers
3. Servants and their masters
C. Closing Admonitions, Greetings, etc., 4:2–18
1. Prayer urged
2. Wise conduct and gracious speech stressed
3. A good word for Tychicus and Onesimus, who have been sent with tidings and encouragement
4. Greetings
5. Exchange of letters requested
6. Crisp directive for Archippus
7. Closing salutationHendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953–2001). Exposition of Colossians and Philemon (Vol. 6, pp. 40–41). Baker Book House.