Dressed To Meet Christ:Outcomes Of A New Wardrobe

The Peace Umpire

• Peace is foundational to Christianity– Foundational concept of Jesus Christ

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be

upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

The Peace Umpire

• Peace is foundational to Christianity– Foundational concept of Jesus Christ

For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken

down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility – Ephesians 2:14

The Peace Umpire

• Peace is foundational to Christianity– Foundational concept of Jesus Christ– Through Christ’s work we are brought to peace

…and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth

or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. – Colossians 1:20

The Peace Umpire

• Peace is foundational to Christianity– Foundational concept of Jesus Christ– Through Christ’s work we are brought to peace– This peace becomes a part of life

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness…Galatians 5:22

The Peace Umpire

• Peace is foundational to Christianity– Foundational concept of Jesus Christ– Through Christ’s work we are brought to peace– This peace becomes a part of life– This peace is shown to others

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no

one will see the Lord. -- Hebrews 12:14

The Peace Umpire

• When peace rules…– Jesus becomes the “umpire”• Thus, Jesus is used to settle disagreements/debates

“Wherever there is a conflict of motives or impulses or reasons, the peace of Christ must step in and decide” -- Lightfoot

The Peace Umpire

• When peace rules…– Harmony will prevail in the local church• Consider Philippians 4:2-3

“Disunion in the body is incompatible with the peace of

the individual members”-- Expositors

The Peace Umpire

• When peace rules…– Every local church has the formula for getting along

The Peace Umpire

• Peace Killers– Occurs when we put on “dirty clothes” again (vs. 8)– Disagreements can bring out these vices– The “new clothes” of Christ will vanquish vices (12)

The Word Finds A Home

The Word Finds A Home

• Clear Change Seen In Appreciation For The Word– Colossians 1:15-20– Dwell literally means “to find a home”• I have stored up your word in my heart,

that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:11

– Decisions will follow principles found in the word

that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. -- Philippians 2:15-16

The Word Finds A Home

• The Word Does Not Stop With Me– Teaching/admonishing is an outcome of the word

dwelling in me• Publicly• Privately

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault,

between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have

gained your brother.” – Matthew 18:15

The Word Finds A Home

• The Word Does Not Stop With Me– Teaching/admonishing is an outcome of the word

dwelling in me– Done with wisdom

A Worthy Representative

• Do Everything In The Name Of The Lord Jesus– Words and actions reflect on Jesus Christ

• This should bring commands into sharp focus

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

-- Colossians 4:6

With Thankfulness

• Thankfulness becomes a habit of life (vs. 15)• Thankfulness evidenced in worship (vs. 16)• Thankful to the Father through Jesus (vs. 17)

• “Only giving ourselves completely to Christ and allowing His transforming power to fumigate and permeate our thoughts and actions will solve the sin problem in our lives. Because we have been raised with Christ and renewed by Christ, living a life pleasing to Him is the fruit of our new nature”

-- David Garland