Audio Recording

Sermon Outline

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV)
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 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. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 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.

Sermon Outline
Maturing involves seeking and growing in the character of Christ. (v 12)

1. Do we value these characteristics?

compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience

2. How did Jesus display these characteristics?

Put on then…

3. Can we attain these characteristics?

as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved

Prayer of Confession
Our merciful God, we turn to you in weakness, admitting our guilt. We have neglected and mistreated people, rather than having compassion and acting with kindness. We have been prideful and selfish; we have judged and treated others harshly. In our desperation to be strong we have faked it and have misused the power we had. Even acts that appear kind sit on faulty foundations of fear, apathy or a desire for comfort and ease. Forgive these and all our sins. We turn to you because you are compassionate, patient and kind. Help us in the name of Christ, in whom we are chosen, holy and beloved. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

Which character traits or virtues do you value most? List your top 3 traits (what you appreciate, not necessarily which you have).
Which of the characteristics (pick 1) of Colossians 3:12 is most developed in you? Which is hardest for you? They are: a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, patience.
Do these traits make us or vulnerable? What are the characteristics of a strong person?
Which character traits of Jesus stand out most to you? What do you admire most in him?
Was Jesus strong? If so, in what way? If not, what did he lack? Does he meet the worlds standards of strength?
How does the crucifixion reveal Jesus’ strength? What are we meant to see that should move us to recognize greatness in him because of what he did?
How can a relationship with God help form you gain these character traits? Why is receiving compassion, kindness and patience from God important for your healing and growth?
Do you relate to God in a way that stirs growth and change in you? How does the call to follow Jesus help safeguard against forming God in our own image or as a projection of our own desires?
How does the character of God create a solid foundation for us? Why is it important to recognize we cannot manipulate God, or that God is not reactive (He remains in control of what He does and doesn’t lose control based on what we say or do)?