Dress like the person Jesus has made you to be.

Remember Who You Are

·        
______________:
God has graciously called us to Himself.

·        
______________:
God has set us apart to belong to Him.

·        
______________:
God has placed His love upon us.

Notice the order. Before Paul tells us what to do, he reminds us who we are.

The Christian life isn't about
behaving your way into a new identity. It's about living out the new identity
you've received in Jesus Christ.

Four
Actions To Take

1.  ______________ on the
character of Christ (12-14)

These aren't optional accessories for exceptionally spiritual Christians.
They're the everyday clothing of everyone who belongs to Christ.

·        
______________:
Care about what others are going through.

Compassion is more than feeling sorry for someone. It's allowing another
person's pain to touch your heart and move you to action.

Application: Who
needs you to slow down long enough to notice what they're going through?

·        
_______________:
Treat people better than they
expect.

Kindness is compassion in action.

It's choosing to be helpful rather than hurtful, gracious rather than
demanding, and considerate rather than self-centered.

Application: How
would your home change if you treated your family with the same kindness you
show other people?

·        
_______________:
Put others ahead of yourself.

Humility isn't thinking you're worthless. It's refusing to make everything
about yourself.

Jesus demonstrated humility when He washed His disciples' feet. The One who
deserved to be served became the One who served.

Application: Where
are you insisting on getting your way instead of considering someone else's
needs?

·        
_______________:
Keep your strength under control.

Gentleness isn't weakness. It's strength under control.

It's being able to speak harshly but choosing words that heal. It's having
the power to retaliate but choosing restraint.

Application: What
would change if you responded to irritation with gentleness instead of anger?

·        
_______________:
Give people room to grow.

Patience is the ability to remain gracious when people don't meet our
expectations or move at our preferred pace.

Remember, God is still working on the people around you, just as He's still
working on you.

Application: With
whom do you need to be more patient?

·        
The _______________ test (13-14)

“Bearing
With” means holding back judgment and positively putting up with the offenses,
flaws, and irritating quirks of others in the community.

“Forgiving” means freely granting full pardon for grievances,
modeled directly on the unconditional forgiveness Christ offers. 

Love is
what holds all these qualities together. When Christ's love governs your heart,
these qualities become more than good manners. They become expressions of His
life in you.

Key
Truth:The
clearest evidence of a changed life is often found in the way we treat other
people.

Personal
Challenge: Choose
one relationship this week in which you will intentionally put on the character
of Jesus.

2. _________ the peace of Christ
referee your relationships (15)

He's
talking about more than an individual feeling of peace.

He's
talking about letting the peace Jesus established govern how we live together.

That doesn't mean avoiding every disagreement or compromising biblical
truth. It means handling our differences in ways that honor Christ and protect
the unity of His church.  When
conflict arises, let Jesus make the call.

Gratitude and peace belong together. It's hard to hold onto a bitter,
demanding spirit when you're genuinely grateful for the grace God has shown
you.

Key Truth: Don't let your emotions make decisions that Jesus
should be making.

Personal Challenge:
Identify one situation where you need to surrender your attitude, response, or
personal preference to the peace of Christ.

3. _______________ your life with the word of Christ (16)

Scripture shouldn't be a hotel guest in your life that visits for an hour on
Sunday morning; it should own the house.

Notice how that Word expresses itself when we gather:

·        
Teaching and admonishing: Sharing
biblical wisdom and encouraging one another.

·        
Singing with gratitude: Pouring out
psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Music isn't pre-service entertainment; it
is a vehicle for truth!

Key Truth:What fills your mind will eventually shape your
life.

Personal Challenge:Commit to giving God's Word more room in
your daily schedule, conversations, and home.

4. _______________ Christ in everything you do (17)

It means living under His authority, relying on His strength, and seeking to
reflect His character.

The Jesus Test: Before you say something or do something, ask
yourself: “Can I do this under the authority and for the honor of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God through Him?”

Key Truth: Every
part of your life is an opportunity to display Jesus.

Personal Challenge: Begin each day by asking, “Lord Jesus,
how can I honor You in everything I say and do today?”

Dress like the person Jesus has
made you to be.

Have you received the new life that only Jesus can give?