God's Dress Code- Sun. notes

These are Sun AM hand-out sermon notes - I am not sure the format will work (cutting & pasting), or reading them with no context (the sermon). The dress code I refer to is from a local high school that has caused a stir by implementing one this year. It made for a nice connecting point as we talk about fulfilling the "one anothers," and "putting on" these godly traits for the church, esp. bearing wth & forgiving one another. Here ya go:


God’s Dress Code for Church
“one another-ing” one another

With all the talk of dress codes, what does God have to say about this area? Per His custom (nature), He is most concerned with inner clothing: the attitudes, commitments and character of our inner person. In Colossians, we see a list of things to put on to be ready to – not go to church - but live as the church. To survive as the diverse body Christ He has made us (His heterogeneous holy habitat), we need to dress for the occasion. These clothes are far more important than what we fuss over on Sunday mornings.

“ So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” - Col. 3:12-14 - NASV


Our Identity - (Singular & Plural: You & Ya’ll):
· New Creatures Who’ve: laid aside the old self with its evil practices (vs. 9)
put on the new self (vs. 10 - see 2 Corin. 5:17; Rom.6-8; Eph. 4-5)
are being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of Jesus

· Diverse: “Greek & Jew, circumcised & uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave & freeman” vs. 11

· Unified: but Christ is all, and in all. (vs. 11 & Eph. 4:1-6)

· God’s Very Own People: Chosen of God, Holy, Beloved (vs. 12; Eph. 1 & 2; Rom. 8:33; Tit. 1:1)


God’s Dress Code for Church (His People): “Ya’ll Put On:”
· a heart of compassion σπλαγχνα οικτιρμου
· kindness χρηστοτητα
· humility ταπεινοφροσυνην
· gentleness πραυτητα
· patience μακροθυμιαν

Note: these are inward attitudes / clothes that will have outward impact


Family / Church Responsibilities: Since You’re all Dressed up:
· Bear with one another (vs. 13) ανεχομενοι αλληλων
Endure, be patient with, give patient attention to one another


· Forgive each other (vs. 13) χαριζομενοι εαυτοις - Matt. 6:12-14; Eph. 4:32-5:2

- forgiving—concerns past offenses - forbearing – deals with present offenses


What: Forgive - Grant, bestow upon; deal with generously or graciously, pardon;
hand over or release (a prisoner); cancel a debt (Luke 7:42, 43); be returned (Phlm 22)

Who: Whoever has a complaint against anyone: a cause of blame or complaint.

How: Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you forgive others


· Put on love (14) the Ultimate Fashion Accessory - it is the perfect bond of unity


Do you put equal concern over getting dressed in this fashion?

“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” - Col. 3:12-14 - The Message, by Eugene Petersen