Colossians
3:12-13 One
Another Commands of Scripture: Forgive One Another WC McCarter
Introduction
I
have been studying the book of Hebrews intensely this week and have learned all
sorts of new things. You know, we never grow out of learning as Christians. You
do not get too old or too knowledgeable. There is always more to learn. Not
only that, but there is always room to be reminded of the things that we
already know. It does not hurt to be reminded of the things that we have
already believed. In fact, a lot of what I do as a pastor/teacher is remind you
of the things you have already heard and believed. To be a “disciple” is to be
a learner. We never stop being disciples of our Lord. One of the famous verses
from Hebrews that stood out to me again this week is Hebrews 9:22 which says,
“Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Why does it have to be
that way? Because God said that the life is in the blood and sacrifice would
have to be made to pay for sin. What is the ultimate point of this statement?
Christ has laid down His life in your behalf, to pay for your sins as your
substitute on the cross. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a loud, bold statement
of FORGIVENESS. It is the model and definition.
READ Scripture
(3:1-17) – This is the Word of God
The Christian’s
Clothes [12]
In
this Scripture, the Christian’s reformation of character is described. Like
garments, we are to take off the deeds of unrighteousness and put on the acts
of holiness. You have just heard me read all those things that we are to take
off and what we are to put on in its place.
The
readers are referred to as God’s chosen people, the elect, who are holy and
beloved. We need to be reminded over and over again that we are called out of
this world. We are not only expected to be different, but we actually are
different. We have a relationship with the Creator/Sustainer/Savior/Lord of the
world. We have been set apart as unique and special unto the Lord for His
purposes and for His glory. Therefore, God has given us standards by which to
live by and He has sent His Spirit to empower us to fulfill His Word. God does
not say “Be holy” and not work it in you. He does not say “love one another”
and not teach you to do so.
Tender mercies is compassion. We
have to look on others differently than the world.
Kindness is gracious sensitivity
triggered by compassion.
Humility forces us to consider
others better than ourselves.
Meekness is gentleness. It is to
criticize someone else and they take it as help and not hurt
Longsuffering is patience. It is to
not seek revenge, but to pursue holiness for long haul
Those
Christians in ancient Colossae were exhorted to manifest their love for one
another by conducting themselves according to mercy, kindness, humility,
meekness, and longsuffering. All these are to permeate a church. These are
simple virtues for those who love one another, as we talked about last week.
The Christian has a certain wardrobe that God has prepared. It is always nice
to buy/receive a new piece of clothing, isn’t it? God has laid out a new outfit
for you to put on that is clean and holy.
The Christian’s
Characteristics [13]
You
heard me say in the very first sermon that you heard me preach, and maybe a
couple times since then, that I believe that a church must foster a grace
atmosphere. The air that we breathe when we are gathered together will be what
we have either intentionally promoted or what we have allowed. I think that if
we are not deliberate in cultivating a grace environment, a truly Christian atmosphere,
then we will fall prey to discord, gossip, hardheartedness, and the like.
So,
you say, what is it that we should be intentional about? This is a large
subject, but part of what you can do is stated in verse thirteen. Not only can you, but you should bear with one another and forgive one another. This is not a
one-time thing either. We are to constantly bear with each other and forgive
one another.
The
Apostle goes on to say that believers are to bear with each other. This is
related to longsuffering. Next we encounter a valuable Christian standard.
Those
who do not know how to forgive another do not know the Gospel. Those who
understand how to forgive others, but refuse to do so are standing in
opposition to the Gospel message that they claim to believe. I am using strong
language, but that is what the passage is saying. Do you need a definition of
Christian forgiveness? Here it is, “as Christ forgave you, so you also must
do.” Maybe it will be helpful to hear it the way the NIV has put it, “Forgive
as the Lord forgave you.” Instead of complaining and arguing or becoming
bitter, learn to forgive one another with the grace of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion and
Christian Application
Many refer to Ephesians 5 for women to submit to their husbands. But we are to all submit to one another. Also, men are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. These are the more difficult things to do. Likewise, we are all to forgive as Christ forgave us. He did so with a sacrificial love.