Sun, 31 August 2008
Text: Colossians 3:1-4; 12-14 Paul writes to believers telling them what is important to us as believers and as the body of Christ. Christian Character: 1. Compassion-describes a person having a sensitivity toward others. Two Keys to Compassion: *Cannot be haughty *Cannot be isolated from others 2. Kindness-describes a person with a helpful spirit which seeks to meet the needs of others. 3. Humility-to think lowly; the esteeming of one’s self as small. “True humility is evidenced in the subjection of self under the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.” - Vines 4. Gentleness-in the New Testament is used of genuine consideration for others. 5. Patience-a state of calm and quietness in the face of a difficult circumstance. “Continue to put up with others, remembering the Lord’s longsuffering with you.” Spurgeon 6. Bearing with one another-means to put up with someone; to hold out in spite of complaints or indifference. I Corinthians 4:12- “and we toil, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure…” 7. Forgiveness-to release from a debt. To give freely and unconditionally or to bestow as a gift of grace. *It means we are not to bring up to the person whom we have forgiven the thing we forgave. *That we do not tell anybody about the matter that is forgiven. 8. Love-refers to our seeking to do for others. This would include helping those within the body for the purpose of demonstrating and maintaining unity. |