What does it mean to be a Christian?
“A Christian is an imitator of Christ in thought, word, and deed, as far as this is humanly possible, and he believes rightly and blamelessly in the Holy Trinity.” – St. John Climacus
If a Christian is an imitator of Christ, how do we imitate Jesus? How do we live what we say we are?
There is a spiritual reality we have to learn to live into.
Read Colossians 3:1-4
(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
Your old self, your old sinful nature died and was buried WITH , and you were made alive WITH .
Read Romans 6:1-7
Read Ephesians 2:4-6
(MULTILINE REVEAL SMALL)
The mystery and reality of your identity as a Christian is that you have died, been raised, and have ascended with Christ. In God’s eternal view, you are already WITH Christ in Heaven.
Paul gives us the metaphor of .
I feel different about myself depending on the clothing I’m wearing.
If we are going to imitate Christ, there are some articles of clothing we are going to have to take off and there are other articles of clothing we are going to have to put on that match my actions with my spiritual reality of having died and been raised with Christ.
Read Colossians 3:5-9
So what do we do when a sinful impulse arises within?
First, acknowledge where it comes from.
Second, instead of feeling guilt and shame, remind yourself that it’s a part of your sinful nature that is already buried with Christ.
Third, surrender it to the Lord.
Fourth, put on the new clothing of Christ that is the opposite of that sinful impulse.
So what are those new articles of clothing that imitate the character and actions of Christ?
Read Colossians 3:12-14
You are holy, chosen, and beloved.
Four words: Compassion, Patience, Forgiveness, and Love.
The first article of clothing we need to put-on is .
The second article of clothing we need to put-on is .
The third article of clothing we need to put-on is .
The fourth article of clothing we need to put-on is .
What we wear matters.
Don’t wear what everyone else is wearing. Don’t wear what the world tells you is the norm. Wear the compassion, patience, forgiveness, and love of Jesus, and He will transform one life at a time through you.
Here are some self-reflection questions based on Colossians 3:12–17, a passage that calls believers to live in a Christ-like manner, marked by compassion, forgiveness, love, and thankfulness:
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In what ways do I show compassion, kindness, and humility in my daily interactions?
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Do I see myself as “chosen, holy, and beloved”? How does that identity shape my behavior?
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Where do I struggle most: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, or patience? Why?
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Is there anyone I am struggling to forgive right now?
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How do I respond when someone disappoints or offends me?
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Do I truly understand and reflect on how much I’ve been forgiven by God?
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Is love the guiding principle behind my actions and decisions?
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How do I express Christ-like love to others, especially those who are difficult to love?
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Is the peace of Christ ruling in my heart, or is something else taking control (e.g., anxiety, anger, fear)?
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Do I cultivate a thankful attitude, even in difficult circumstances?
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Am I consistently engaging with God’s Word? Does it dwell “richly” in me?
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Do I seek opportunities to share God’s wisdom and encourage others in faith?
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Do I approach my work, relationships, and conversations as if I’m doing them for Jesus?
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How often do I pause to thank God in the midst of my daily routine?