Put on Christ

Clothed with Christ: Living the New Life (Colossians 3:12–17)

In Colossians 3:12–17, the Apostle Paul continues to unfold what it means to live as those who have been raised with Christ. After calling believers to set their minds on things above (3:1–4) and to put sin to death (3:5–11), he now shows what we are to put on—how the new man in Christ lives in this world. This is not behavior modification; it’s the fruit of a transformed heart, born from union with Christ and the work of the Spirit.

"Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience..." (v. 12)

A Gospel Identity That Shapes Our Living

Paul begins with our identity: “God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved.” These three words are loaded with theological significance. We are chosen—not based on foreseen faith or merit, but according to God's sovereign good pleasure (Romans 9:11–16; Ephesians 1:4–5). We are holy—set apart by God through the work of Christ. And we are beloved—eternally loved in the Beloved Son, secure in His grace.

This identity is not something we strive to earn; it is a gift rooted in God’s eternal decree and Christ’s finished work. Our sanctification is the Spirit’s work in those already justified, not a ladder we climb to gain favor with God.

The Clothing of the New Man

Those who are in Christ are called to “put on” virtues that reflect the character of their Savior:

Compassionate hearts: Spirit-born affection for the weak and wounded.

Kindness: Reflecting the goodness of God in how we treat others.

Humility: A right understanding of ourselves before a holy God.

Meekness: Strength under control, not weakness, but Christlike gentleness.

Patience: Longsuffering, especially when sinned against or inconvenienced.

These are not traits we produce in the flesh. They are the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23), cultivated in the soil of a heart that has been made alive by grace. Regeneration changes our desires, and these virtues are the natural outflow of a new nature.

Forgive as the Lord Forgave You

"…bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." (v. 13)

The command to forgive is grounded in our having been forgiven. As those who were totally depraved and unable to come to God on our own, we know that forgiveness was not owed to us. Christ bore our sin—not because we deserved it, but because of sheer mercy.

This is the fruit of a heart that knows it has been cleansed.

Jesus illustrates this beautifully in Luke 7, when a sinful woman anoints His feet with her tears and perfume. A Pharisee watches with disgust, but Jesus confronts him with a parable and concludes, “He who is forgiven little, loves little” (Luke 7:47). In contrast, those who truly know the depth of their sin and the mercy of their Savior respond with extravagant love. Those who have been forgiven much, love much—and that love overflows in forgiveness toward others. We don’t extend grace because others earn it; we extend grace because we’ve received it freely.

Above All: Love

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony." (v. 14)

Love is not an added virtue—it is the capstone. It binds all the others together. Not mere sentiment or emotional warmth, but a Christlike, self-giving love that seeks the good of others and honors God. It is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10) and the defining mark of true discipleship (John 13:35). Without love, all other virtues unravel.

Let Christ Rule and Dwell Among You

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…" (vv. 15–16)

The peace of Christ is not merely inner calm—it is the objective peace we have with God through the cross (Romans 5:1). Paul says this peace should rule—govern—our hearts and our relationships in the body of Christ. We are to be a people marked by the reconciling peace of the gospel.

And how is that peace sustained? Through the word of Christ dwelling richly among us. This means Scripture must saturate our minds, homes, and churches. The Word is not a garnish—it is the main course. It teaches, corrects, exhorts, and comforts.

Paul envisions a worshiping community: full of Scripture-fed teaching, singing, and mutual encouragement. Whether psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs, our singing should be doctrinally rich and deeply joyful, expressing gratitude to the God who saved us.

All for the Glory of God

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (v. 17)

This is the summary and aim of the Christian life: all of life—every task, conversation, and decision—is to be done under the Lordship of Christ and for His glory. We do not separate sacred from secular. From preaching to parenting, from ministry to mundane chores, every part of our lives is to be marked by a posture of thanksgiving and submission to Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Colossians 3:12–17 is a portrait of life in the Spirit—a life made possible by the sovereign grace of God and shaped by the indwelling Word of Christ. We are not called to manufacture virtue in our strength but to walk in the newness of life that Christ has purchased for us.

Let us remember who we are: chosen, holy, and beloved. Let us put on the character of Christ, forgive as we have been forgiven, and love as we have been loved. And may we do all, every moment of every day, in the name of the Lord Jesus—giving thanks to the Father through Him.

We encourage everyone to always view life, every sermon, every moment all through the lens of the scriptures.  God's Word gives us clear view on everything in life, so let us put on Christ together and walk out this life as brothers and sisters to glorify our Lord and God.  We hope to see and hear as you live boldly for Christ, no matter where we are in life, in this we do together.

Until we meet again, lets go serve our King!

FRF Family