Introduction to Hearts and Minds Message Series

Written by the Apostle Paul, the first seventeen verses of Colossians chapter three is like a “how-to” guide for following Jesus. This nine week, Hearts and Minds message series will unpack and explore these practical "how-to's" and inspire us to live them out.

Introduction to God Clothes message

Some of us live with a discouraging inner voice that continually causes us to doubt ourselves. Others of us feel like we're imposters, trying to "fake it until we make it" and pretending to be something we're not. The good news is God knows us better than we know ourselves. God provides a way to escape our self inflicted limitations and discover the freedom to become who we're created to be. In this weekend's message, discover how, as we explore Colossians 3:12-14 together.

1. Put on the suit.

"... clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." v12

Iron Man aka Tony Stark is one of the most beloved Marvel superheroes. He is also the least physically qualified. He literally has no physical skill or ability to fight unless he is in his suit. The quote "Put on the suit," comes from the original Avengers movie. When attacked, Captain America shouts to Tony, "Put on the suit!" In the movie, the world needs Iron man.

The world needs Christians to put on the suit of God Clothes.

Reflection / Growth Group Discussion Questions
1. Do you like superhero movies? Why or why not?
2. Pastor Neal used the example of Iron Man and also himself in a suit at a graveside service. Have you ever had to wear a particular set of clothes or a uniform to do something?
3. What do you think it means that we are to put on compassion and the rest like puttng on a suit?

Next Step: Choose one of the words from Colossians 3:12, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness or patience and look for a chance this week to put that word on like a suit.

2. A much higher standard.

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." v13

The call on the lives of Christians is not to win. It is to bear with each other and forgive one another as the Lord forgave you. That is a high standard. Be careful to not substitute other standards. Here are a few we have all heard...

Can you complete each of these phrases that represent strategies for living?
Look out for number ________.
Speak softly and carry a _______________.
An iron fist in a velvet __________.
Winning isn’t everything, it’s the _______________.
Or
Forgive as the Lord ___________________.

Reflection / Growth Group Discussion Questions
1. Growing up did anyone in your family have a favorite phrase they tried to live by or live up to?
2. What phrases do we here from Jesus about how to live?
3. What does it mean that Christians have a higher standard?
4. Is the higher standard true for Christian pastors? Teachers? Firefighters? Politicians? Which, if any of Jesus' standards, are Christians are exempt from?

Next step: Think of one person you have to bear with or have a grievance with, and see if you can offer this prayer for them, “Lord, please do the very best you can for this person.”

3. Love is the beginning and the end.

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved..." v12

"And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." v14

Next Step: Imagine trying to see yourself as the young person in this photo. Take a few minutes to see what that feels like. What stops you from feeling that loved and accepted by God? What would be easier in your life if you knew God cared about you like that?

Reflection / Growth Group Discussion Questions
1. Who did you think of when you see the photo of the girl and her grandfather?
2. What does "Love is the beginning and the end" mean to you?
3. How can knowing we are chosen, holy and dearly loved help us to "put on the suit" of God's clothes?