A synopsis of the sermon delivered by the Rev. David L. Hicks at St. Paul’s Reformed Episcopal Church at the 10:30am service on Sunday, Lent II, February 20, 2005. Please read Colossians 3:12-17.
When it comes to matters of faith, we are used to speaking of such things in terms of what God has done for us. We acknowledge that God gives the gifts of faith and repentance to his people; and we are especially aware of the sacrificial life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on our behalf and the redemption that he has accomplished on the cross. We can never say too much about the graciousness of God that provides such wondrous salvation apart from human effort and works. However, God’s grace does not preclude action on our part.
Saint Paul teaches this in his letter to Colossians. We who are loved and chosen by God are to do certain things in response to what we have received. We are to “put on” the characteristics appropriate to Christ; we are to “let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts” and “let the word of Christ dwell in us richly”; and finally, we are to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Each of these exhortations points the Christian to a particular action that arises from a conscious decision. The language of “putting on” reminds us of putting on clothing. Just as we consciously dress ourselves each morning for the day’s tasks, so we must conscious dress ourselves spiritually in the clothing befitting the Christian life: compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, patience, forgiveness and love. Paul also tells the believers to “let” certain aspects of God’s grace have their way in our lives and not to obstruct what He is doing in us: “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” and “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” Finally, the apostle encourages those who would hear him to do everything with the Lord Jesus in mind: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Saint Paul reminds us that living the Christian life involves purpose, resolve and conscious decision on our part. Certainly, God gives us the grace and the motivation to do His will; nevertheless, we are to act in ways compatible with being a disciple of Christ and member of His body. When we awake tomorrow, let’s put on the attire that Christ has given us to wear and do everything – even the smallest deed – in His name and for His glory.
Amen.
