Put off Sin; Put on Christ
Wear the Right Clothes! Colossians 2 and 3
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(You will need two white or pale colored t-shirts and a washable marker.
Beforehand, ask a
male volunteer to wear one of the t-shirts, but don't tell the others that you've chosen
him.)
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Colosse, he wanted them to have complete understanding of who Jesus is—he is the one who holds all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
He wanted them to strengthen their faith and understand the importance of holy living.
What do you think “holy living” means? (Receive answers.)
Holy means to be set apart, to be pure, without sin. In other words, Paul wanted them to know that since Jesus had died on the cross and rose from the dead, and they were trusting in his sacrifice to forgive their
sins to make them pure before God, they must stop living the way they used to
live. He then reminded them of how they used to behave before trusting in God.
They committed sins with their bodies (sexual sins), they desired evil things,
they craved what others had, and were greedy. However, Paul wanted them to know there were still behaviors
in their lives that needed
changing.
To illustrate this point, I will need a volunteer. (Choose the volunteer wearing the t-shirt. As you name the following sins, use the marker to write them on the t-shirt.)
Paul then listed some of the sins they were still "wearing" or holding on to, such as: anger, rage, hatred, cruelty, insults, dirty talking, cussing, and lying. He told them to
take them off, to get rid of their sins and lay them aside. So let’s do that!
(Ask volunteer to take off the t-shirt.)
But God doesn’t leave us naked, he wants us to wear the proper clothing . . .
(Now have volunteer put on the clean t-shirt. As you name the Godly characteristics, write them on the t-shirt.)
Paul then told the Colossian believers to put on something better! He said, “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with
tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and
forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.
He then told them to let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts, and the Word of Christ to dwell in them
richly . . . and whatever you do or say, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give him thanks. Let’s do that now.
Close in prayer, giving thanks to God the Father through his Son, for his
sacrifice and his forgiveness, and for giving us the Holy Spirit who helps us
put on the right clothing for holy living.
Copyright 2020 S.A. Keith <><
If you like this lesson, then you'll love the children's sermons in our book, It's
in the Bag--52 Bible Talks for Children's Ministry.
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