Unwrapping The Gift Of Christ!
26 DECEMBER 2021 | PRAYER & PRAISE SERVICEs
Rev Benjamin Lau
Scripture Passage: Colossians 3:12-17 (NIV)
WATCH | SERMON (VIDEO)
READ | SERMON NOTES
SUMMARY | Let us embrace Jesus Christ in our lives, and experience and live out His name.
1. Put on the Love of Christ (3:12-14)
Warren Wiersbe said that when love rules in our lives, it unites all spiritual values so that there is beauty and harmony. How can we put on the Love of Christ in our life? Paul says to put off the old life of sin, before putting on the new self in Christ. John Calvin described the Christian life as a progressive nature of mortification and vivification. Mortification is killing the in-dwelling sin that keeps returning and taking concrete steps to strip off the old self. This is a choice we make. Vivification is becoming alive in Christ when we live in the victory of the Cross by the power of the Holy Spirit in us. We need to consciously die to our self-interests, e.g. giving up our seat in the train or bus to someone who needs it more. After we die to ourselves and remove our old ways, the next step is to put on the virtue of the Love of Christ, by having compassion of love to those in need, humbling ourselves by thinking less of ourselves, being gentle with our words, and forgiving those who have hurt us because Christ has forgiven us.
2. Experience the Peace of Christ (3:15)
When there is an outward change of behaviour after we put on the Love of Christ, it results in an inward change of our hearts. Here is the joy of unwrapping this Gift of Christ! The Peace of Christ not only rules in our hearts, but it changes how we live our lives. Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” When we enjoy God’s peace, there is joy and contentment. In a world where peace is something to hope for, Christians receive it as a wonderful gift through faith by believing and remembering Jesus Christ’s finished work on the Cross. Although we still face challenges along the way, we do not need to worry. Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7 not to be anxious about anything, but by prayer and petition, present our requests to God. The Peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
3. Dwell in the Word of Christ (3:16)
Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh. He is Emmanuel and He has left this special gift to us — the living Word through the Holy Scripture. The verse 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed.” How to dwell in the Word of Christ? Instead of reading someone else’s reflections, let us write our own devotions. Read the scripture text, write a short devotional reflection (e.g. use WMC’s Read, Observe, Apply, Do) and have a prayer at the end. This will help us dwell in the living Word — may it come alive in our lives! Consider making this spiritual discipline one of our 2022 resolutions. Doing devotions alone can be tough, but doing it together helps keep us accountable.
4. Live out the Name of Christ (3:17)
The verse 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us that “whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, do it for the glory of God.” If we allow anything in our life that is contrary to the name of Jesus, then we are putting back our old self. When we bear the name of Jesus, it is a privilege and a huge responsibility. Jesus reminds us in John 15:20-21 that if the world persecutes Jesus, they will also persecute us. Others may treat us this way because of His name. As we suffer for Christ, let us live out the name of Christ and be His ambassadors in this world. When we are Christ’s ambassador, something changes. We wear the Love of Christ on the outside and are also filled with the Peace of Christ inside. People around us will notice and be curious about why we have such joy and peace in our life, even when we are going through challenges.
This Gift of Christ should be shared with others, through simple acts of kindness. Let us live out the name of Christ in all that we do and say, so that we can bring others closer to God. We continue to share our hope and testify to the Love of Christ in our life, which is the best Christmas gift given to us.
(Sermon notes by Honey Vreugdewater)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. Which of these virtues in verses 12-14 do you find it hardest to put on?
2. What are practical ways you can put on the Love of Christ in your life?
3. Share a time when you experienced the peace of Christ ruling in your hearts.
4. How is your devotional life in reflecting and dwelling in the Word of Christ daily?
5. Share one way you can live out the name of Christ in your life today.