Colossians 3:12
Verse
Context
Put On the New Self
11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.13Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Sermons
Francis Chan
C.J. Mahaney
Stephen Kaung
Dana Congdon
Jim Wilson
Zac PoonenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Put on - as the elect of God - As the principal design of the apostle was to show that God had chosen the Gentiles, and called them to the same privileges as the Jews, and intended to make them as truly his people as the Jews ever were, he calls them the elect or chosen of God; and as the Jews, who were formerly the elect, were still beloved, and called to be holy, so he calls the Colossians beloved, and shows them that they are called with the same holy calling. Bowels of mercies, etc - Be merciful, not in act merely, but in spirit and affection. In all cases of this kind let your heart dictate to your hand; be clothed with bowels of mercy - let your tenderest feelings come in contact with the miseries of the distressed as soon as ever they present themselves. Though I know that to put on, and to be clothed with, are figurative expressions, and mean to assume such and such characters and qualities; yet there may be a higher meaning here. The apostle would have them to feel the slightest touch of another's misery; and, as their clothes are put over their body, so their tenderest feeling should be always within the reach of the miserable. Let your feelings be at hand, and feel and commiserate as soon as touched. See on Eph 4:2 (note). Instead of οικτιρμον mercies, in the plural, almost every MS. of importance, with many of the fathers, read οικτιρμου, bowels of mercy, in the singular. This various reading makes scarcely any alteration in the sense.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the elect of God--There is no "the" in the Greek, "God's elect" (compare Rom 8:3; Th1 1:4). The order of the words "elect, holy, beloved," answers to the order of the things. Election from eternity precedes sanctification in time; the sanctified, feeling God's love, imitate it [BENGEL]. bowels of mercies--Some of the oldest manuscripts read singular, "mercy." Bowels express the yearning compassion, which has its seat in the heart, and which we feel to act on our inward parts (Gen 43:30; Jer 31:20; Luk 1:78, Margin). humbleness of mind--True "lowliness of mind"; not the mock "humility" of the false teachers (Col 2:23; Eph 4:2, Eph 4:32).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Put on therefore,.... As the apostle had argued for the putting off of the members of the body, from their having put off the old man himself; so he now argues from their having put on the new man, to their putting on of his members; that is, to the exercise of the various graces of the Spirit, and the discharge of the several duties of religion; which though they would not be a robe of righteousness, or garments of salvation to them, yet would be very becoming conversation garments, such as would be adorning to themselves, to the doctrine of Christ, and their profession of it, without which they would be naked in their walk, and exposed to shame, , "to be clothed with the Holy Spirit", is a phrase used by the Cabalistic doctors (d); and is indeed a Scripture phrase, "the Spirit of the Lord came upon", clothed Zechariah, Ch2 24:20 and so Esther is said, by the Jewish writers (e), to be "clothed with the Holy Ghost" Here the metaphor is taken from the putting off of clothes; and what is here directed to, is like Joseph's coat, a coat of many colours. The arguments made use of lie in the characters under which the saints are addressed, as the elect of God, holy and beloved; that is, "as becomes the elect of God", as the Arabic version renders it; as such who were chosen in Christ from eternity, according to the sovereign will and pleasure of God, and his free grace unto salvation and eternal life; which carries in it a strong argument to enforce the performance of good works, since men are hereby chosen unto holiness, and good works are what God has foreordained that they should walk in, and especially to mercy, and acts of it; since hereby their salvation appears to be not of man's will and works, but of God, that shows mercy; and such who are the objects of this grace are vessels of mercy. The apostle calls all the members of this church by this name, though every individual of them might not be chosen of God; but because they were all under a visible profession of faith and holiness, and the greater part of them were truly believers, he in a judgment of charity gives them all this appellation, and upon the same foot, the next, "holy"; not by birth, for they were by nature unclean and filthy, conceived in sin, and shapen in iniquity; nor by baptism, which takes away neither original nor actual sin, but leaves men as it finds them, and who ought to be holy before they partake of that; but in Christ imputatively, as he was made of God unto them sanctification; and by him efficaciously, in virtue of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, by which he sanctifies his people; and by his spirit inherently and internally, who is the author of the work of sanctification in the heart; and they were likewise so externally in a professional way, and therefore it highly became them to exercise and practise the following graces and duties, to which they were still more obliged, inasmuch as they were "beloved"; that is, of God, as appeared both from their election and sanctification. God had loved them, and therefore had chosen them in his Son, and had given his Son to die for them, that he might sanctify them; and because of his great love to them, had quickened them when dead in sin, and sanctified them by his spirit: wherefore, since God had so loved them, they ought to show love again to him, and to one another, and put on bowels of mercies; a sympathizing spirit with saints in distress, weeping with them that weep, suffering with them that suffer, being touched, as their high priest is, with a feeling of their sorrows and weaknesses: it denotes inward pity and compassion to distressed objects, the most tender regard to persons in misery, and such compassion as is free from all hypocrisy and deceit, and therefore is expressed by "bowels"; and what is very large, and reaches to multitudes of objects, and is displayed and exerted various ways, and therefore signified by "mercies". Now such a spirit is a very beautiful one; the apostle begins with the innermost of these garments, adding to it kindness, which is this inward, tender, unfeigned, and abundant mercy put into act and exercise; this is doing good to all men, especially to the household of faith, distributing to the necessities of the saints, and a showing mercy with cheerfulness, and is very ornamental to a Christian professor: as is also humbleness of mind; which lies in the saints entertaining mean thoughts of themselves, looking upon themselves as the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints; as inferior to others in knowledge, experience, gifts, and graces; in esteeming others better than themselves; in ascribing all they have, and are, to the grace of God; in doing works of mercy and righteousness without ostentation, and boasting of them, or depending on them; owning, that when they have done all they can, they are but unprofitable servants; and this is a beautiful dress for a believer to appear in: be ye clothed with humility; see Pe1 5:5. And of the like nature is meekness; which shows itself in not envying the gifts and graces, the usefulness and happiness of others, but rejoicing therein; in quietly submitting to the will of God in all adverse dispensations of Providence, and patiently bearing what he is pleased to lay on them; and in enduring all the insults, reproaches, and indignities of men with calmness. This ornament of a meek and quiet, spirit is in the sight of God of great price, Pe1 3:4. And what follows is natural to it, and explanative of it, longsuffering: whereby a person patiently bears the evil words and actions of others, and is not easily provoked to wrath by them, but puts up with injuries, and sits down contented with the ill usage he meets with. (d) Sepher Jetzirah, Nethib, 17. p. 136, (e) T. Megilla, fol. 14. 2. & 15. 1. Zohar in Numb. fol. 70. 3. & 76. 2. & Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Lev. fol. 38. 3.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle proceeds to exhort to mutual love and compassion: Put on therefore bowels of mercy, Col 3:12. We must not only put off anger and wrath (as Col 3:8), but we must put on compassion and kindness; not only cease to do evil, but learn to do well; not only not do hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. I. The argument here used to enforce the exhortation is very affecting: Put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved. Observe, 1. Those who are holy are the elect of God; and those who are the elect of God, and holy, are beloved - beloved of God, and ought to be so of all men. 2. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to conduct themselves in every thing as becomes them, and so as not to lose the credit of their holiness, nor the comfort of their being chosen and beloved. It becomes those who are holy towards God to be lowly and loving towards all men. Observe, What we must put on in particular. (1.) Compassion towards the miserable: Bowels of mercy, the tenderest mercies. Those who owe so much to mercy ought to be merciful to all who are proper objects of mercy. Be you merciful, as your Father is merciful, Luk 6:36. (2.) Kindness towards our friends, and those who love us. A courteous disposition becomes the elect of God; for the design of the gospel is not only to soften the minds of men, but to sweeten them, and to promote friendship among men as well as reconciliation with God. (3.) Humbleness of mind, in submission to those above us, and condescension to those below us. There must not only be a humble demeanour, but a humble mind. Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, Mat 11:29. (4.) Meekness towards those who have provoked us, or been any way injurious to us. We must not be transported into any indecency by our resentment of indignities and neglects: but must prudently bridle our own anger, and patiently bear the anger of others. (5.) Long-suffering towards those who continue to provoke us. Charity suffereth long, as well as is kind, Co1 13:4. Many can bear a short provocation who are weary of bearing when it grows long. But we must suffer long both the injuries of men and the rebukes of divine Providence. If God is long-suffering to us, under all our provocations of him, we should exercise long-suffering to others in like cases. (6.) Mutual forbearance, in consideration of the infirmities and deficiencies under which we all labour: Forbearing one another. We have all of us something which needs to be borne with, and this is a good reason why we should bear with others in what is disagreeable to us. We need the same good turn from others which we are bound to show them. (7.) A readiness to forgive injuries: Forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any. While we are in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, and so much occasion of difference and contention, quarrels will sometimes happen, even among the elect of God, who are holy and beloved, as Paul and Barnabas had a sharp contention, which parted them asunder one from the other (Act 15:39), and Paul and Peter, Gal 2:14. But it is our duty to forgive one another in such cases; not to bear any grudge, but put up with the affront and pass it by. And the reason is: Even as Christ forgave you, so also do you. The consideration that we are forgiven by Christ so many offences is a good reason why we should forgive others. It is an argument of the divinity of Christ that he had power on earth to forgive sins; and it is a branch of his example which we are obliged to follow, if we ourselves would be forgiven. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, Mat 6:12. II. In order to all this, we are exhorted here to several things: - 1. To clothe ourselves with love (Col 3:14): Above all things put on charity: epi pasi di toutois - over all things. Let this be the upper garment, the robe, the livery, the mark of our dignity and distinction. Or, Let this be principal and chief, as the whole sum and abstract of the second table. Add to faith virtue, and to brotherly-kindness charity, Pe2 1:5-7. He lays the foundation in faith, and the top-stone in charity, which is the bond of perfectness, the cement and centre of all happy society. Christian unity consists of unanimity and mutual love. 2. To submit ourselves to the government of the peace of God (Col 3:15): Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, that is, God's being at peace with you, and the comfortable sense of his acceptance and favour: or, a disposition to peace among yourselves, a peaceable spirit, that keeps the peace, and makes peace. This is called the peace of God, because it is of his working in all who are his. The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace, Rom 14:17. "Let this peace rule in your heart - prevail and govern there, or as an umpire decide all matters of difference among you." - To which you are called in one body. We are called to this peace, to peace with God as our privilege and peace with our brethren as our duty. Being united in one body, we are called to be at peace one with another, as the members of the natural body; for we are the body of Christ, and members in particular, Co1 12:27. To preserve in us this peaceable disposition, we must be thankful. The work of thanksgiving to God is such a sweet and pleasant work that it will help to make us sweet and pleasant towards all men. "Instead of envying one another upon account of any particular favours and excellence, be thankful for his mercies, which are common to all of you." 3. To let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, Col 3:16. The gospel is the word of Christ, which has come to us; but that is not enough, it must dwell in us, or keep house - enoikeitō, not as a servant in a family, who is under another's control, but as a master, who has a right to prescribe to and direct all under his roof. We must take our instructions and directions from it, and our portion of meat and strength, of grace and comfort, in due season, as from the master of the household. It must dwell in us; that is, be always ready and at hand to us in every thing, and have its due influence and use. We must be familiarly acquainted with it, and know it for our good, Job 5:27. It must dwell in us richly: not only keep house in our hearts, but keep a good house. Many have the word of Christ dwelling in them, but it dwells in them but poorly; it has no mighty force and influence upon them. Then the soul prospers when the word of God dwells in us richly, when we have abundance of it in us, and are full of the scriptures and of the grace of Christ. And this in all wisdom. The proper office of wisdom is to apply what we know to ourselves, for our own direction. The word of Christ must dwell in us, not in all notion and speculation, to make us doctors, but in all wisdom, to make us good Christians, and enable us to conduct ourselves in every thing as becomes Wisdom's children. 4. To teach and admonish one another. This would contribute very much to our furtherance in all grace; for we sharpen ourselves by quickening others, and improve our knowledge by communicating it for their edification. We must admonish one another in psalms and hymns. Observe, Singing of psalms is a gospel ordinance: psalmois kai humnois kai ōdais - the Psalms of David, and spiritual hymns and odes, collected out of the scripture, and suited to special occasions, instead of their lewd and profane songs in their idolatrous worship. Religious poesy seems countenanced by these expressions and is capable of great edification. But, when we sing psalms, we make no melody unless we sing with grace in our hearts, unless we are suitably affected with what we sing and go along in it with true devotion and understanding. Singing of psalms is a teaching ordinance as well as a praising ordinance; and we are not only to quicken and encourage ourselves, but to teach and admonish one another, mutually excite our affections, and convey instructions. 5. All must be done in the name of Christ (Col 3:17): And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, according to his command and in compliance with his authority, by strength derived from him, with an eye to his glory, and depending upon his merit for the acceptance of what is good and the pardon of what is amiss, Giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Observe, (1.) We must give thanks in all things; whatsoever we do, we must still give thanks, Eph 5:20, Giving thanks always for all things. (2.) The Lord Jesus must be the Mediator of our praises as well as of our prayers. We give thanks to God and the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Eph 5:20. Those who do all things in Christ's name will never want matter of thanksgiving to God, even the Father.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:12-17 Paul describes the nature of the new life of people who have been raised with Christ (3:1). Their virtues and activities contribute to the peace and strength of the Christian community.
Colossians 3:12
Put On the New Self
11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all and is in all.12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.13Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A New Attitude Towards People
By Francis Chan28K31:22JHN 13:34ROM 12:16EPH 4:32COL 3:12HEB 10:241PE 4:9
This sermon emphasizes the transformation believers undergo when they accept Christ, becoming new creations and living differently from the world's patterns. It delves into the importance of unity and forgiveness within the church body, highlighting the need to bear with one another, forgive grievances, and let the peace of Christ rule in hearts. The message stresses the collective responsibility of believers to live in harmony, love, and unity as a reflection of God's love and to impact the world.
The Perils of Pride
By C.J. Mahaney2.6K1:31:26PSA 25:9PRO 11:2PRO 16:5ISA 66:21CO 1:31PHP 2:3COL 3:12JAS 4:101PE 5:5
This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and highlights the struggle with pride as a hindrance to humility. The speaker shares personal experiences and practical steps to weaken pride and cultivate humility, focusing on the need to acknowledge dependence on God, express gratitude, practice spiritual disciplines, and transfer glory to God daily. The sermon concludes with a call to prepare for being replaced, recognize relative unimportance, and play golf as a means to accelerate humility.
Fundamentals: The Headship of Christ
By Stephen Kaung2.3K1:04:48HeadshipEPH 1:9EPH 1:22EPH 4:15PHP 2:1COL 2:19COL 3:12COL 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the corporate life or the body life in the church. They highlight that the key principle for living this body life is the headship of Christ. The redemptive work of Jesus is not just about individual salvation, but about recovering God's full purpose for humanity. Through His life, Jesus unites believers into one body, the body of Christ. The speaker encourages believers to walk worthy of this high and holy calling, striving to fulfill God's purpose and be a glorious church without spot or wrinkle.
(Spiritual Fullness #2) Have This Mind in You
By Dana Congdon1.7K1:18:33Mind of ChristACT 4:23EPH 4:1EPH 4:3COL 3:12COL 3:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life worthy of the calling we have received in Christ. He encourages believers to walk in humility, gentleness, patience, and love, showing tolerance for one another. The speaker highlights the unity of the body of Christ and the individual gifts that each member has received by grace. He shares a personal experience of evangelism and encourages believers to step out in faith and share their testimonies. The sermon concludes with a reminder to continue seeking spiritual fullness and hunger for a deeper relationship with God.
Low Self-Esteem Is Not Humility
By Jim Wilson1.5K54:51Self-EsteemJDG 21:25JHN 14:6EPH 4:11COL 3:12REV 4:11REV 5:6REV 5:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God. He shares a story about a woman who sought guidance from various pastors and read numerous books but still struggled with humility. The speaker suggests that instead of focusing on how to humble oneself, one should focus on the holiness and glory of God. He references the book of Revelation and highlights the significance of recognizing God's creation and redemption in order to truly humble oneself.
(Colossians) 10 the Spirit Filled Life
By Bob Utley1.4K39:42ColossiansROM 9:20COL 3:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of making choices that align with God's kingdom rather than personal preferences. He highlights the need to act on the truths we know and walk in faith, trusting that more truths will be revealed to us. The speaker also addresses the issue of musical preference causing division in churches, expressing disbelief at the extent of this problem in Southern Baptist life. The sermon is based on Colossians 3:12-17, which discusses the importance of living in wisdom and gratitude, and highlights the sovereignty of God.
What God Requires - Mercy
By Zac Poonen1.4K1:04:01PRO 19:17MIC 6:8MAT 5:48LUK 6:36LUK 10:36GAL 6:10EPH 4:32COL 3:12JAS 2:13
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being merciful and treating others with kindness and dignity, highlighting the need to show mercy and be fair to those around us. It delves into the concept of being perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect, focusing on the aspect of mercy as an area where we can strive for perfection. The message encourages listeners to be generous, preserve the dignity of others, and cultivate a spirit of mercy and righteousness in their interactions with people.
The Exchanged Life
By John Van Gelderen1.3K52:32Exchanged LifeGAL 5:16COL 2:6COL 3:4COL 3:7COL 3:12The video is a sermon about surrendering to the Holy Spirit and following God's will. The speaker shares a story about a young convert who threw away a video game as a point of surrender. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit can work in obvious ways or in areas that good men debate about. The speaker also mentions the importance of surrendering pride, worldly desires, and relationships that are not of God. The sermon encourages listeners to give up anything that hinders their relationship with God and to walk in the Spirit by following the steps outlined in Colossians 2:6.
When God Walked in the Room
By Jim Cymbala1.3K33:03ZacchaeusCOL 3:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of kindness, compassion, and patience in our interactions with others. He encourages the congregation to be compassionate and patient instead of judging and criticizing. The speaker reminds the audience that Jesus is the image of the invisible God and exemplifies kindness, compassion, and patience. He urges the listeners to reflect these qualities in their own lives and to be a good advertisement for Jesus by showing kindness, compassion, and patience to others.
Things You Should't Pray About
By Paris Reidhead1.2K58:21PrayerISA 55:7COL 3:1COL 3:8COL 3:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the consequences of sin in the life of a Christian. He emphasizes that these consequences are costly and should not be taken lightly, regardless of one's financial status or proximity to death. The speaker warns that sin not only leads to the loss of rewards in heaven, but also to the loss of joy, peace, and other blessings in the present life. He compares the importance of setting goals and finding the best way to achieve them in building a railroad to the importance of setting spiritual goals and focusing one's emotions on them. The speaker encourages listeners to seek the things above and control their emotions in order to succeed in the Christian life.
Marriage Forgiving and Forbearing
By John Piper1.2K53:50EPH 4:32COL 3:12
This sermon emphasizes the importance of forbearance, forgiveness, and grace in marriage, using the analogy of a compost pile to symbolize dealing with flaws and sins in a relationship. It highlights the need for couples to focus on the beauty of their relationship beyond the 'cow pies' of imperfections, practicing forgiveness, forbearance, and grace rooted in the Gospel to maintain a strong and loving bond.
Follow After Righteousness - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.1K25:14ROM 12:2GAL 5:22EPH 4:2COL 3:121TI 6:102TI 2:22HEB 11:6JAS 4:71PE 5:5
This sermon emphasizes the importance of following righteousness and faith, highlighting the dangers of pursuing material wealth, the significance of building our lives on faith rather than worldly security, and the need to flee from pride, lust, and false values. It addresses societal issues like racial discrimination and the importance of loving all people without distinctions, urging listeners to focus on faith, patience, godliness, and meekness in challenging times.
God Requires Honesty and Compassion - Part 7
By Zac Poonen1.1K05:09MIC 6:8MAT 7:1MAT 23:12LUK 6:31EPH 4:32COL 3:12JAS 4:101PE 5:5
This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility, acknowledging our sins, and treating others with kindness and respect. It warns against elevating ourselves above others or looking down on anyone, stressing the need to have a good attitude towards all people and to avoid jealousy and pride. The speaker highlights the significance of seeing our own faults before judging others, seeking forgiveness, and walking in humility and compassion as Jesus did.
Letting It Go and Forgive
By K.P. Yohannan76914:12ForgivenessPRO 19:17MAT 5:44LUK 6:31ROM 12:10GAL 5:22EPH 4:32COL 3:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and love, as they are immortal beings who will be with us for eternity. The speaker encourages the audience to forgive and let go of grudges, as this leads to peace within oneself. The sermon includes a story about a man with dementia who can't remember anything except for the name of a student who showed him kindness. The speaker acknowledges their own shortcomings in practicing kindness but urges the audience to be kind to their family, neighbors, and those less fortunate.
Unreached Peoples: The Sumatran Malay People
By Paul Hattaway47800:00PRO 11:25ROM 12:10GAL 6:2EPH 4:32PHP 2:3COL 3:121PE 4:9
This sermon reflects on the richness of kindness and character, using the Malayu people of Indonesia as an example. It explores the warmth, hospitality, and diversity of Indonesia, highlighting its history, cultural complexity, and struggles with corruption. The sermon emphasizes the importance of living a simple life rich in kindness, despite external challenges.
What Does It Mean to Be a Saint?
By Tim Conway47607:43ROM 12:2EPH 1:1EPH 5:8COL 3:121PE 2:9
This sermon discusses the upcoming canonization of Mother Teresa by the Catholic Church, questioning the process of becoming a saint and highlighting the concept of sainthood. It emphasizes the need to reject abominable practices and encourages believers to live as saints, set apart for God's glory and to proclaim His excellencies.
Our Birthright as Believers
By Zac Poonen44258:27COL 3:12COL 3:15HEB 6:4
This sermon emphasizes the importance of experiencing God's power and nature in our lives, highlighting the need to partake in the Holy Spirit, taste the good word of God, and anticipate the powers of the age to come. It encourages humility, dependence on God's supernatural work, and a transformation that reflects God's presence and victory over sin.
The Dwelling Place of God Is With Man by Tim Conwa
By Tim Conway2761:14:47EXO 25:81KI 8:13EPH 2:19COL 3:12
This sermon delves into Ephesians 2:19-22, exploring the imagery of believers as a holy temple being built together for God's dwelling place. It emphasizes the significance of the church as the new temple where God's presence resides, contrasting the Old Testament temple with the New Testament reality of God dwelling among His people. The sermon highlights the Trinitarian involvement in constructing this spiritual temple and the profound implications of believers being living stones fitted together by the Spirit.
The Great Truth of the Body
By G.W. North2681:27:02Body Of ChristMAT 21:14COL 2:18COL 3:12COL 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and pursuing the reality of God's word rather than being enticed by enticing words and concepts. The speaker shares an anecdote about a meeting where professors and theologians were discussing theological concepts, but the speaker aligns themselves with a smaller group that focuses on the true essence of God's word. The speaker encourages the audience to stretch their understanding and not settle for superficial knowledge. The sermon concludes with an invitation to enter into a deep and eternal relationship with God.
On Prayer, Homily 4
By St. Theophan the Recluse1PSA 38:4PSA 76:11PRO 15:1GAL 5:22EPH 6:14EPH 6:18PHP 4:8COL 3:121TH 5:16St. Theophan the Recluse emphasizes the importance of prayer and its connection to other virtues, comparing prayer to a perfume that requires a vessel of virtue to contain it. He highlights the necessity of actively working on virtues like faith, hope, truth, righteousness, and love in order to strengthen one's prayer life. St. Theophan stresses that prayer alone cannot defeat spiritual enemies but must be accompanied by a life of virtue, as seen in the apostolic teachings and the writings of holy figures like St. John of the Ladder and St. Dimitri of Rostov.
Jesus Ever Lives to Make Intercession for Us (Hebrews 7:25)
By Zac Poonen0ZEC 3:2MAT 7:1EPH 6:12COL 3:12HEB 7:25Zac Poonen preaches on the importance of not harshly judging leaders, as they are prime targets of Satan's accusations. While Satan accuses, Jesus intercedes for us in heaven. We must choose to align ourselves with Jesus by praying for and uplifting fellow believers, rather than joining in accusations. Just as Joshua was clothed in righteousness by the Lord, we should see all God's children in the same light and strive to make our brothers glorious by highlighting their good qualities.
Christ the Believer's Adorning Garment
By Ralph Erskine0PSA 45:13ISA 61:10EPH 4:24COL 3:12REV 19:8Ralph Erskine preaches about the spiritual attire of believers, comparing it to a rich and sparkling garment provided by their heavenly husband. He emphasizes that this divine raiment never grows old, offering protection from life's challenges and beautifying the soul. Erskine highlights the grace and righteousness that adorn believers, symbolized by the husband's bright array that is woven with threads from his very being.
The Three Gospels
By Frank Viola01CO 1:4GAL 5:1EPH 1:3EPH 2:8COL 3:12Frank Viola preaches about the two common tribes among believers: the libertines who have a shallow relationship with God and the legalists who add man-made rules to Scripture. He contrasts these with Paul's gospel, which focuses on the believer's identity in Christ and the spiritual reality of being a new creation. Paul's gospel emphasizes that the Christian life is about becoming who you are in Christ, not about striving to meet moral standards. Viola highlights the importance of understanding and embracing the gospel of grace that sets believers free from the bondage of legalism and libertinism.
The Glory of the Commonplace
By J.R. Miller0Service and KindnessThe Beauty of Everyday LifePSA 23:2PSA 119:67ISA 48:10MAT 20:28ROM 8:28GAL 5:13PHP 4:4COL 3:121JN 2:6REV 2:10J.R. Miller emphasizes the beauty and significance of the commonplace in Christian life, illustrating how ordinary acts of kindness and service can reflect God's glory. He encourages believers to find joy in daily tasks and to cultivate a heart of love and service, reminding them that true Christian living is not just about grand gestures but also about the small, loving actions that impact others. Miller highlights the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God, suggesting that our works should stem from a place of love and devotion rather than mere duty. He also reflects on the transformative power of suffering and how it can lead to spiritual growth and deeper faith.
Be Lowly-Minded
By George Fox0JHN 6:27EPH 6:7PHP 2:3COL 3:121PE 4:8George Fox preaches about the importance of avoiding strife and vanity in our minds, encouraging humility, patience, and love towards one another. He emphasizes the need for servants to work in love as unto God, and for families to lead with the power and love of God. Fox reminds his audience to focus on the pure, guiding light of God within them, leading to spiritual nourishment, strength, and abundance that comes from above.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Put on - as the elect of God - As the principal design of the apostle was to show that God had chosen the Gentiles, and called them to the same privileges as the Jews, and intended to make them as truly his people as the Jews ever were, he calls them the elect or chosen of God; and as the Jews, who were formerly the elect, were still beloved, and called to be holy, so he calls the Colossians beloved, and shows them that they are called with the same holy calling. Bowels of mercies, etc - Be merciful, not in act merely, but in spirit and affection. In all cases of this kind let your heart dictate to your hand; be clothed with bowels of mercy - let your tenderest feelings come in contact with the miseries of the distressed as soon as ever they present themselves. Though I know that to put on, and to be clothed with, are figurative expressions, and mean to assume such and such characters and qualities; yet there may be a higher meaning here. The apostle would have them to feel the slightest touch of another's misery; and, as their clothes are put over their body, so their tenderest feeling should be always within the reach of the miserable. Let your feelings be at hand, and feel and commiserate as soon as touched. See on Eph 4:2 (note). Instead of οικτιρμον mercies, in the plural, almost every MS. of importance, with many of the fathers, read οικτιρμου, bowels of mercy, in the singular. This various reading makes scarcely any alteration in the sense.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
the elect of God--There is no "the" in the Greek, "God's elect" (compare Rom 8:3; Th1 1:4). The order of the words "elect, holy, beloved," answers to the order of the things. Election from eternity precedes sanctification in time; the sanctified, feeling God's love, imitate it [BENGEL]. bowels of mercies--Some of the oldest manuscripts read singular, "mercy." Bowels express the yearning compassion, which has its seat in the heart, and which we feel to act on our inward parts (Gen 43:30; Jer 31:20; Luk 1:78, Margin). humbleness of mind--True "lowliness of mind"; not the mock "humility" of the false teachers (Col 2:23; Eph 4:2, Eph 4:32).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Put on therefore,.... As the apostle had argued for the putting off of the members of the body, from their having put off the old man himself; so he now argues from their having put on the new man, to their putting on of his members; that is, to the exercise of the various graces of the Spirit, and the discharge of the several duties of religion; which though they would not be a robe of righteousness, or garments of salvation to them, yet would be very becoming conversation garments, such as would be adorning to themselves, to the doctrine of Christ, and their profession of it, without which they would be naked in their walk, and exposed to shame, , "to be clothed with the Holy Spirit", is a phrase used by the Cabalistic doctors (d); and is indeed a Scripture phrase, "the Spirit of the Lord came upon", clothed Zechariah, Ch2 24:20 and so Esther is said, by the Jewish writers (e), to be "clothed with the Holy Ghost" Here the metaphor is taken from the putting off of clothes; and what is here directed to, is like Joseph's coat, a coat of many colours. The arguments made use of lie in the characters under which the saints are addressed, as the elect of God, holy and beloved; that is, "as becomes the elect of God", as the Arabic version renders it; as such who were chosen in Christ from eternity, according to the sovereign will and pleasure of God, and his free grace unto salvation and eternal life; which carries in it a strong argument to enforce the performance of good works, since men are hereby chosen unto holiness, and good works are what God has foreordained that they should walk in, and especially to mercy, and acts of it; since hereby their salvation appears to be not of man's will and works, but of God, that shows mercy; and such who are the objects of this grace are vessels of mercy. The apostle calls all the members of this church by this name, though every individual of them might not be chosen of God; but because they were all under a visible profession of faith and holiness, and the greater part of them were truly believers, he in a judgment of charity gives them all this appellation, and upon the same foot, the next, "holy"; not by birth, for they were by nature unclean and filthy, conceived in sin, and shapen in iniquity; nor by baptism, which takes away neither original nor actual sin, but leaves men as it finds them, and who ought to be holy before they partake of that; but in Christ imputatively, as he was made of God unto them sanctification; and by him efficaciously, in virtue of his blood, righteousness, and sacrifice, by which he sanctifies his people; and by his spirit inherently and internally, who is the author of the work of sanctification in the heart; and they were likewise so externally in a professional way, and therefore it highly became them to exercise and practise the following graces and duties, to which they were still more obliged, inasmuch as they were "beloved"; that is, of God, as appeared both from their election and sanctification. God had loved them, and therefore had chosen them in his Son, and had given his Son to die for them, that he might sanctify them; and because of his great love to them, had quickened them when dead in sin, and sanctified them by his spirit: wherefore, since God had so loved them, they ought to show love again to him, and to one another, and put on bowels of mercies; a sympathizing spirit with saints in distress, weeping with them that weep, suffering with them that suffer, being touched, as their high priest is, with a feeling of their sorrows and weaknesses: it denotes inward pity and compassion to distressed objects, the most tender regard to persons in misery, and such compassion as is free from all hypocrisy and deceit, and therefore is expressed by "bowels"; and what is very large, and reaches to multitudes of objects, and is displayed and exerted various ways, and therefore signified by "mercies". Now such a spirit is a very beautiful one; the apostle begins with the innermost of these garments, adding to it kindness, which is this inward, tender, unfeigned, and abundant mercy put into act and exercise; this is doing good to all men, especially to the household of faith, distributing to the necessities of the saints, and a showing mercy with cheerfulness, and is very ornamental to a Christian professor: as is also humbleness of mind; which lies in the saints entertaining mean thoughts of themselves, looking upon themselves as the chief of sinners, and less than the least of all saints; as inferior to others in knowledge, experience, gifts, and graces; in esteeming others better than themselves; in ascribing all they have, and are, to the grace of God; in doing works of mercy and righteousness without ostentation, and boasting of them, or depending on them; owning, that when they have done all they can, they are but unprofitable servants; and this is a beautiful dress for a believer to appear in: be ye clothed with humility; see Pe1 5:5. And of the like nature is meekness; which shows itself in not envying the gifts and graces, the usefulness and happiness of others, but rejoicing therein; in quietly submitting to the will of God in all adverse dispensations of Providence, and patiently bearing what he is pleased to lay on them; and in enduring all the insults, reproaches, and indignities of men with calmness. This ornament of a meek and quiet, spirit is in the sight of God of great price, Pe1 3:4. And what follows is natural to it, and explanative of it, longsuffering: whereby a person patiently bears the evil words and actions of others, and is not easily provoked to wrath by them, but puts up with injuries, and sits down contented with the ill usage he meets with. (d) Sepher Jetzirah, Nethib, 17. p. 136, (e) T. Megilla, fol. 14. 2. & 15. 1. Zohar in Numb. fol. 70. 3. & 76. 2. & Raya Mehimna in Zohar in Lev. fol. 38. 3.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The apostle proceeds to exhort to mutual love and compassion: Put on therefore bowels of mercy, Col 3:12. We must not only put off anger and wrath (as Col 3:8), but we must put on compassion and kindness; not only cease to do evil, but learn to do well; not only not do hurt to any, but do what good we can to all. I. The argument here used to enforce the exhortation is very affecting: Put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved. Observe, 1. Those who are holy are the elect of God; and those who are the elect of God, and holy, are beloved - beloved of God, and ought to be so of all men. 2. Those who are the elect of God, holy and beloved, ought to conduct themselves in every thing as becomes them, and so as not to lose the credit of their holiness, nor the comfort of their being chosen and beloved. It becomes those who are holy towards God to be lowly and loving towards all men. Observe, What we must put on in particular. (1.) Compassion towards the miserable: Bowels of mercy, the tenderest mercies. Those who owe so much to mercy ought to be merciful to all who are proper objects of mercy. Be you merciful, as your Father is merciful, Luk 6:36. (2.) Kindness towards our friends, and those who love us. A courteous disposition becomes the elect of God; for the design of the gospel is not only to soften the minds of men, but to sweeten them, and to promote friendship among men as well as reconciliation with God. (3.) Humbleness of mind, in submission to those above us, and condescension to those below us. There must not only be a humble demeanour, but a humble mind. Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, Mat 11:29. (4.) Meekness towards those who have provoked us, or been any way injurious to us. We must not be transported into any indecency by our resentment of indignities and neglects: but must prudently bridle our own anger, and patiently bear the anger of others. (5.) Long-suffering towards those who continue to provoke us. Charity suffereth long, as well as is kind, Co1 13:4. Many can bear a short provocation who are weary of bearing when it grows long. But we must suffer long both the injuries of men and the rebukes of divine Providence. If God is long-suffering to us, under all our provocations of him, we should exercise long-suffering to others in like cases. (6.) Mutual forbearance, in consideration of the infirmities and deficiencies under which we all labour: Forbearing one another. We have all of us something which needs to be borne with, and this is a good reason why we should bear with others in what is disagreeable to us. We need the same good turn from others which we are bound to show them. (7.) A readiness to forgive injuries: Forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any. While we are in this world, where there is so much corruption in our hearts, and so much occasion of difference and contention, quarrels will sometimes happen, even among the elect of God, who are holy and beloved, as Paul and Barnabas had a sharp contention, which parted them asunder one from the other (Act 15:39), and Paul and Peter, Gal 2:14. But it is our duty to forgive one another in such cases; not to bear any grudge, but put up with the affront and pass it by. And the reason is: Even as Christ forgave you, so also do you. The consideration that we are forgiven by Christ so many offences is a good reason why we should forgive others. It is an argument of the divinity of Christ that he had power on earth to forgive sins; and it is a branch of his example which we are obliged to follow, if we ourselves would be forgiven. Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us, Mat 6:12. II. In order to all this, we are exhorted here to several things: - 1. To clothe ourselves with love (Col 3:14): Above all things put on charity: epi pasi di toutois - over all things. Let this be the upper garment, the robe, the livery, the mark of our dignity and distinction. Or, Let this be principal and chief, as the whole sum and abstract of the second table. Add to faith virtue, and to brotherly-kindness charity, Pe2 1:5-7. He lays the foundation in faith, and the top-stone in charity, which is the bond of perfectness, the cement and centre of all happy society. Christian unity consists of unanimity and mutual love. 2. To submit ourselves to the government of the peace of God (Col 3:15): Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, that is, God's being at peace with you, and the comfortable sense of his acceptance and favour: or, a disposition to peace among yourselves, a peaceable spirit, that keeps the peace, and makes peace. This is called the peace of God, because it is of his working in all who are his. The kingdom of God is righteousness and peace, Rom 14:17. "Let this peace rule in your heart - prevail and govern there, or as an umpire decide all matters of difference among you." - To which you are called in one body. We are called to this peace, to peace with God as our privilege and peace with our brethren as our duty. Being united in one body, we are called to be at peace one with another, as the members of the natural body; for we are the body of Christ, and members in particular, Co1 12:27. To preserve in us this peaceable disposition, we must be thankful. The work of thanksgiving to God is such a sweet and pleasant work that it will help to make us sweet and pleasant towards all men. "Instead of envying one another upon account of any particular favours and excellence, be thankful for his mercies, which are common to all of you." 3. To let the word of Christ dwell in us richly, Col 3:16. The gospel is the word of Christ, which has come to us; but that is not enough, it must dwell in us, or keep house - enoikeitō, not as a servant in a family, who is under another's control, but as a master, who has a right to prescribe to and direct all under his roof. We must take our instructions and directions from it, and our portion of meat and strength, of grace and comfort, in due season, as from the master of the household. It must dwell in us; that is, be always ready and at hand to us in every thing, and have its due influence and use. We must be familiarly acquainted with it, and know it for our good, Job 5:27. It must dwell in us richly: not only keep house in our hearts, but keep a good house. Many have the word of Christ dwelling in them, but it dwells in them but poorly; it has no mighty force and influence upon them. Then the soul prospers when the word of God dwells in us richly, when we have abundance of it in us, and are full of the scriptures and of the grace of Christ. And this in all wisdom. The proper office of wisdom is to apply what we know to ourselves, for our own direction. The word of Christ must dwell in us, not in all notion and speculation, to make us doctors, but in all wisdom, to make us good Christians, and enable us to conduct ourselves in every thing as becomes Wisdom's children. 4. To teach and admonish one another. This would contribute very much to our furtherance in all grace; for we sharpen ourselves by quickening others, and improve our knowledge by communicating it for their edification. We must admonish one another in psalms and hymns. Observe, Singing of psalms is a gospel ordinance: psalmois kai humnois kai ōdais - the Psalms of David, and spiritual hymns and odes, collected out of the scripture, and suited to special occasions, instead of their lewd and profane songs in their idolatrous worship. Religious poesy seems countenanced by these expressions and is capable of great edification. But, when we sing psalms, we make no melody unless we sing with grace in our hearts, unless we are suitably affected with what we sing and go along in it with true devotion and understanding. Singing of psalms is a teaching ordinance as well as a praising ordinance; and we are not only to quicken and encourage ourselves, but to teach and admonish one another, mutually excite our affections, and convey instructions. 5. All must be done in the name of Christ (Col 3:17): And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, according to his command and in compliance with his authority, by strength derived from him, with an eye to his glory, and depending upon his merit for the acceptance of what is good and the pardon of what is amiss, Giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Observe, (1.) We must give thanks in all things; whatsoever we do, we must still give thanks, Eph 5:20, Giving thanks always for all things. (2.) The Lord Jesus must be the Mediator of our praises as well as of our prayers. We give thanks to God and the Father in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Eph 5:20. Those who do all things in Christ's name will never want matter of thanksgiving to God, even the Father.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:12-17 Paul describes the nature of the new life of people who have been raised with Christ (3:1). Their virtues and activities contribute to the peace and strength of the Christian community.