Notes:
What did Bible characters wear? John the Baptist wore a camel hair jacket and leather belt. Elijah wore a similar outfit. The priestly, Levitical outfits are well described in the Old Testament.
Colossians 3:12-15. Garments to wear among friends.
Put on = wear
These garments are not physical. They have spiritual value.
“As the elect of God” - these garments are for the believer
Put on “bowels of mercy,” i.e. a heart of compassion. Do not be calloused toward people in need.
Put on forbearance. We are all different with different personalities. Do we feel frustrated and critical of the differences in others? Do we value the ways our strengths can help others and how their strengths can help us?
Put on forgiveness. Do we cultivate a willingness to let go of wrongs done against us? Do we release the “right” to inflict consequences on another person?
Colossians 4:14. Above all, put on love. (see also John 13:35)
When we put on garments, people do not see our nakedness. They see what we are wearing. They identify us by the type of clothing we wear. Do our spiritual garments identify us as Christians?
It’s hard to love someone we don’t know.
It’s hard to know someone we don’t interact with.
Let’s get to know each other!
What are you wearing today? Are you wearing a heart of kindness? Do others see kindness and patience when they see you? Are you clothed in humility?
Ephesians 6:10-17. Garments to wear when facing enemy forces.
Put on the WHOLE armor of God. Put it all on. Do not wear partial armor. Partial armor leaves the soldier vulnerable.
The Wardrobes of the Christian (Recap)
Personal, private. Romans 13:14
Public, among friends. Colossians 3:12-15
Public, facing an enemy. Ephesians 6:10-17