Key Truth: As a result of our resurrection, we are to actively and perpetually put on what is heavenly and benefit from the word of Christ dwelling in and overflowing from each other.  

Introduction:

“The process of fully becoming detached from the old and fully belonging to the new remains to be painfully and laboriously completed.”

C.F.D. Moule, “The ‘New Life’ in Colossians” in Review and Expositor 70, 1973

Put on What is Heavenly in the Power of the Resurrection:

Colossians 3:12-15: 

“(The Colossians) must put on, or clothe themselves with, the moral characteristics just mentioned, so that they can act toward others as God in Christ has acted towards them.”

Dick Lucas, The Message of Colossian &, Philemon

Q: What are you doing to actively and perpetually put on what is heavenly?

Let the Word of Christ Dwell in and Overflow From You Richly:

Colossians 3:16-17: 

“The whole revelation of God is the condensed essence of praise; you have only to give it a fitting opportunity, by setting it simmering on the fire of a graceful heart, and you shall find a sweet cloud of holy incense rising from it acceptable to the Most High. Therefore, beloved, be much with your Bibles, and let your Bibles be much with you; for your own profit, for the profit of others, and for the glory of God.”

Charles Spurgeon, “Colossians 3:16: Christ’s Indwelling Word,”
April 10, 1881

Q: How have you benefitted from the word of Christ dwelling richly in and overflowing from other saints? How are you benefitting those around you from the word of Christ dwelling richly in and overflowing from you?

Colossians 3:12-17 teaches us that we are to actively and perpetually:

- put on what is heavenly as a reflection of our peace and gratitude in Christ

-benefit from the word of Christ dwelling in and overflowing from each other