Clothe Yourselves with Eternal Virtues

4/19/2025

Title: Clothe Ourselves with eternal Virtues

Text: Colossians 3:12

Introduction: Remember the crucifixion of our lord. Must Jesus bear the CROSS alone and all the world go free? No, there is a CROSS for everyone and there is a CROSS for you and me. Today I will talk about it.

The way to the cross is a somber reminder of betrayal and the ultimate forgiveness. He demonstrated servanthood, suffering, and the willingness to lay down his life for all humanity, but his resurrection ushered in the greatest hope—eternal hope.

Let’s turn our hearts to the powerful message of Colossians 3:12, which encourages us to embody the virtues that reflect the heart of Christ. This verse states: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Understanding Our Identity: First, it’s essential to unpack the beginning of this verse. It reminds us that we are “God’s chosen people.” This identity is profound; it signifies being set apart, valued, and loved by the Creator. Understanding that we are “holy and dearly loved” sets the foundation for how we interact with ourselves and others. When we grasp our worth in God’s eyes, we are more likely to extend that same love and grace to those around us.

We can go back to Geneses, God created us in His image, this significant because he created everything else by speaking or call out. Therefore, He chosen us from the beginning. We can also go back to our text from last Week: Proverbs 22:2 “The rich and the poor have this in common: The Lord is the maker of us all.”

In the New Testament, He clearly spelled it out as the Apostle Paul pointed out in Ephesians 1:5 and Romans 8:30, “He predestined us for adoption to sonship^[b] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will”

The Call to Action – Clothe Yourselves: The metaphor of clothing is significant here. Just as we choose what to wear each day, we are called to consciously put on qualities that reflect God’s character—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. These are the virtues that define Jesus and His ministry while on earth:

We are called to claim our identity that was given to us in the beginning. We are called to put on what satan had stripped from our lives. We are called to live a life that is Christ like. We are called exhibit and live an God image life.  

Jesus clothed himself with total humanity as a way of him choosing us; he demonstrated the ultimate reconciliation on the cross. So we may be able to put on the garment of salvation, Isaiah 61:10-11. At the cross we are transformed, at the cross salvation is gained so we may live a life of righteousness. Ephesians 6:13-17 “put on the full armor of God…” Paul specifically instructs us on how we can stand against the devil’s schemes. Our text today encourages us to rid ourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips, Colossians 3:8 and Verse 12: Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Isaiah 61:10-11 gained Salvation and reconciled back to Christ

Ephesians 6:13-17 when we go to war against the devil

Colossians 3:8-12 social, professional, and family interaction

 

1.    Compassion: Compassion is the heartfelt response to the suffering of others. It requires us to see the world through the eyes of those who are hurting. How often do we encounter someone in need and merely walk by? This week, let’s make it intentional to pause and offer compassion, to respond to someone’s pain with actions rooted in love.

 

2.    Kindness: Kindness involves small acts that can have profound impacts. It can be a smile, a word of encouragement, or a generous act. Look for opportunities to be kind, not just to those we know but to strangers. Remember, our kindness can be a reflection of God’s grace in a world that often feels harsh.

 

3.    Humility: In a culture that often values self-promotion, the call to humility is countercultural. Humility allows us to recognize that we do not have all the answers and that we can learn from one another. Let's cultivate a spirit of humility, acknowledging that we are all on this journey of faith together.

 

4.    Gentleness: Gentleness is strength wrapped in love. It is less about being weak and more about being strong enough to control our responses. In moments of conflict or stress, let’s strive to respond with gentleness rather than aggression or defensiveness.

 

5.    Patience: Patience is perhaps one of the most challenging virtues to embody. In a society of instant gratification, we are often quick to become frustrated. However, patience is essential to building lasting relationships. It encourages us to bear with one another and foster understanding, especially during difficult times.

Living it Out: As we reflect on these qualities, now think about how we can integrate them into our daily lives. What does it look like to clothe ourselves with these virtues in our homes, workplaces, and communities?

Conclusion: In conclusion, Colossians 3:12 is more than a call to action; it is an invitation to manifest the love of Christ in our everyday lives. As we embrace our identity as God’s chosen people and clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, we become beacons of hope in a world that desperately needs it. Colossians 3:14, And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity

Let us commit to wearing these virtues proudly and allow them to transform our interactions, leading others toward the heart of God. May we leave here today determined to make our communities more loving, compassionate, and reflective of Christ’s love. Christ has done this for us and has chosen us to be his people. Amen.Top of Form

The Path of Humility and the Blessings of Fear

Scripture: Proverbs 22:4

"Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life." (NIV)

 

Introduction: Our text reflects upon the timeless wisdom found in the Book of Proverbs, particularly Proverbs 22:4. This verse intricately ties together three critical elements of the Christian life: humility, the fear of the Lord, and the blessings that come from them.

 

1.Understanding Humility: Humility is often misunderstood in today’s world, where self-promotion and pride can overshadow the virtues we should cherish. The Bible teaches us that true humility is not thinking less of ourselves, but thinking of ourselves less. It allows us to recognize our need for God and our dependence on His grace. When we approach life with humility, we position ourselves to experience God more fully and open our hearts to His guidance.

 

Humility fallen out of favor in a time of selfies and relentless status updates. The virtue of humility. We live in an era that believes it can no longer afford to be humble. Aggressive virtues such as “do not back down,” Lead and be Great often does not associate with humility, a Leader is not a follower

 

Illustration:
Consider the life of Jesus. The King of Kings, who walked among us in complete humility. He washed His disciples' feet and chose to live simply, embodying the very essence of humility. As we strive to follow Him, we too must embrace this powerful virtue. When we live a humble life, it is hard for anyone to knock us down because we already humble.

 

Matthew 23:12: For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

 

Interesting here is that last will be first and first will be last

 

2. The Fear of the Lord: Next, we examine what it means to have the fear of the Lord. This fear is not about being scared but rather a deep respect, awe, and reverence for God and His authority. When we fear the Lord, we acknowledge His holiness and power, which leads us to live in obedience to His Word. This reverence profoundly impacts our decisions, relationships, and ultimately, our character.

 

Scriptural Support:

Psalm 111:10 reminds us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." When we place our trust and fear in God, we begin to understand the world through His lens, granting us insight that surpasses human understanding.

 

Luke 18:9-14 showing humility in our relationship

 

In the energetic streets of Jerusalem, a Pharisee and a tax collector walk towards the temple to pray, each with a vastly different burden upon his heart. Their paths cross only briefly, but the journeys of their souls are headed in opposite directions.

As the Pharisee stands before the altar, his robe flows in the wind, his prayers are loud and confident. He raises his eyes to heaven and, in a voice that echoes through the temple, prays, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.”

The Pharisee’s life has been one of discipline, a journey of religious observance. To others, he appears righteous, the epitome of what a man of God should be. But inside, his heart is filled with pride. In his pursuit of spiritual excellence, he has lost sight of humility, and without realizing it, distanced himself from the very God he seeks to please. He is so absorbed in his achievements that he has no room for empathy, no understanding of the struggles of those around him.

Nearby, the tax collector stands at a distance, his head bowed low. Unlike the Pharisee, he cannot even lift his eyes to heaven. He is despised by society, seen as a traitor who exploits his own people. But here, in the temple, his heart is laid bare. With trembling hands and a voice choked with emotion, he whispers, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

This man, broken and aware of his failures, stands in his vulnerability before God. He embodies the raw, honest humility that the Pharisee lacks. He has made many mistakes, but in this moment of surrender, his spirit is open to transformation. His words are few, but his heart is desperate for grace.

The tax collector wasn’t hiding behind outward displays of piety. Instead, he embraced his flaws and, in doing so, allowed God’s grace to enter his life. His prayer was an invitation for divine healing—a prayer for mercy rather than recognition.


Jesus, in His wisdom, flips the expected narrative. Through His parable teachings He brought the audience face-to-face with the uncomfortable truth that humility is more valuable than prideful perfection. The tax collector, though scorned, was the one truly on a path toward spiritual transformation.

In this juxtaposition of the two men, we see the heart of the Christian journey—a call to leave behind self-righteousness and embrace authentic vulnerability. The Pharisee’s confidence was a mask for the emptiness within, while the tax collector’s brokenness made room for God’s redemptive power.

In his humility, the tax collector found the grace he desperately sought. Jesus’ parables reveal the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom—a place where the last shall be first, and the humble exalted.

The tax collector’s story is one of hope.

It invites us to reflect on our own faith journeys—to recognize our need for grace.

In this parable, Jesus calls us to walk the path of humility, to foster empathy for the struggles of others, and to embrace the transformative power of vulnerability. When we do, we invite God’s grace into our lives, aligning ourselves with the ultimate journey of spiritual growth.

Let us never forget that it is not in our outward displays of righteousness but in our humble, honest prayers that we truly find communion with God. And in that moment of surrender, we, too, can be justified, just like the tax collector who dared to pray, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

 

3. The Blessings of Riches, Honor, and Life: Finally, Proverbs 22:4 concludes with a powerful promise: the rewards of humility and fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life. It is crucial to understand that these blessings may not always be material in nature. Often, they manifest as spiritual wealth, deep relationships, and a joy that transcends circumstances.

·       Riches: Spiritual wealth is often far more valuable than monetary gain. A rich heart, filled with the love and grace of God, equips us to bless others abundantly and live a life full of purpose.

·       Honor: Honor comes from the Lord. When we live humbly and reverently, we earn respect not just from those around us but also from God Himself. It’s a call to integrity and character that reflects Christ.

·       Life: The promise of life is one of both abundance and eternal significance. As we walk in humility, trusting God completely, we can experience true life, filled with His purpose and peace.

 

Conclusion:

 

Luke 14:8

“When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited.”

 

In closing, Proverbs 22:4 teaches us that embracing humility and the fear of the Lord unlocks the door to profound blessings. Let us examine our hearts today—are we walking in true humility? Do we possess a healthy fear of the Lord that guides our actions?

May we commit ourselves to live each day in a manner that honors God, seeking His wisdom and blessings. Let us pray for the courage to embody humility and the reverence that pleases our Heavenly Father.

 

What are we bragging about?

 

A man received a promotion to the position of Vice President of the company he worked for. The promotion went to his head, and for weeks on end he bragged to anyone and everyone that he was now VP. His bragging came to an abrupt halt when his wife, so embarrassed by his behaviour, said, “Listen Bob, it’s not that big a deal. These days everyone’s a vice president. Why they even have a vice president of produce down at the supermarket!”

 

Somewhat deflated, Bob rang the local supermaket to find out if this was true. “Can I speak to the Vice President of produce please?” he asked, to which the reply came: “of fresh or frozen?”

 

Great Power with Great Humility

Sam Rayburn served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the United States Congress for seventeen years. As the Speaker of the House, Sam Rayburn wielded incredible power and prestige. He was third in the line of succession to the presidency.

One day, he found out that the teenage daughter of a reporter friend had tragically died. Early the next morning, Sam Rayburn knocked on the door of his friend. When the door opened, Rayburn asked if there was anything he could do. His friend stammered and replied, “I don’t think there is anything you can do. We are making all the arrangements.”

“Well, have you had your coffee this morning?” Rayburn asked. 

“No. We haven’t had time.” said the grieving man.

“Well,” the Speaker of the House replied, “I can at least make the coffee.”

As he watched this powerful man make him coffee, the father suddenly remembered something. “Mr. Speaker, I thought you were supposed to be having breakfast at the White House this morning.”

“Well I was, but I called the President and told him I had a friend who was in trouble, and I couldn’t come.”

Sam Rayburn turned down breakfast with the President of the United States to make coffee for a grieving friend. Great Humility can be exercised by people of great power.

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom in Your Word. Help us to walk in humility and fear of You. Teach us to value the riches, honor, and life that come from living according to Your ways. Guide us each day to reflect Your grace and love to those around us. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

"Fear Not, I Am With You"

Introduction:

Today text: Isaiah 41:8-10, God reassures us during this time of uncertainty and reminds us of His unwavering presence and strength in our lives.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 41:8-10 (NIV):

“But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I. God’s Chosen People:

• 
  
• In verse 8, God identifies His people as His servants and His chosen ones. He reminds us of our identity in Him, which is foundational to understanding His promises.
• Just as He chose Israel, we too are chosen and loved by God. Each of us is called to serve and reflect His light in the world.

II. The Call to Not Fear:

• 
  
• God commands us, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” Fear can be overwhelming, but God’s presence calms our fears.
• 
  
• In moments of doubt or anxiety, it's vital to remember that we are not alone. God walks beside us and offers His strength in our weakness.

III. God’s Assurance and Strength:

• 
  
• The reassurance that “I will strengthen you and help you” emphasizes that our strength does not come from within but from God.
• 
  
• When we face challenges, we can rely on His righteous hand to uphold us. This is not merely a promise; it is a profound assurance of His active support. The apostle Paul also reminded us that the greater our weaknesses, the greater His love for us. In my weakest point, God shows his strength
•    

IV. The Principle of Trust:

• 
  
• Trusting God during tough times is essential. It allows us to lean into His understanding rather than be consumed by our limitations.
• 
  
• Just as the Israelites faced turmoil, we too encounter trials. Yet, the heart of the message remains: God is with us, and He empowers us to overcome.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on Isaiah 41:8-10, let us embrace our identity as God’s chosen people. Let us cast away fear and dismay, knowing that our God is with us. In every challenge we face, let us hold fast to His promises, trusting that He will strengthen and uphold us.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promises of presence and strength. Help us to walk in faith, free from fear, and aware of the power You provide. May we reflect Your love and light to those around us. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.