Introduction:

1. Colossians 3:1-11 advances a heavenly mentality where Christ is all.

2. Colossians 3:12-15 describes some of the characteristics of the new man in Christ with special emphasis on treatment on one another.

3. Colossians 3:13 provides today’s “one another” commands.

4. As in last week’s passage, these principles are key to unity in Christ.

Discussion:

I. Necessary Elements of the New Man

A. Tender mercies: a sympathetic heart (2 Corinthians 1:3)

B. Kindness: benignity, beneficence (Romans 2:4)

C. Humility: lowliness of mind, modesty (Philippians 2:7-8)

D. Meekness: gentleness mildness (Matthew 11:28-30)

E. Longsuffering: slowness to avenge wrongs (2 Peter 3:9)

II. Forbearing and Forgiving One Another

A. Forbearing: endure patiently (Romans 15:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 1:4)

B. Forgiving: pardon or rescue (Luke 7:41-42; 23:34)

C. This we do by His example (Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 6:14-15; 18:21-35).

D. Love binds it all together (John 14:15; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Ephesians 5:2).

III. The Peace of Christ

A. The peace of God is to rule in our hearts (Philippians 4:7).

B. The body was assembled to this end (vs. 15; Ephesians 2:14-22; 4:3).

C. The result of such knowledge should be thankfulness in our collective hearts (2 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:8).

1. As new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), we are called to put off the old man and put on the new.

2. Forbearance and forgiveness are imperative to this new way of life.

3. Without it, the peace of God cannot rule in our hearts.

4. May we be ever thankful for this body to which we were called and strive always to protect her and keep her healthy and vibrant!