Colossians: Anchored in Jesus, New Clothes
New Clothes
Colossians 3:5–17
Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn – November 2, 2025
Tagline
In Christ, we take off the old self and put on the new self—created by and being renewed to look like Jesus.
Sermon Summary
Using the vivid image of camping kids who refuse to change their clothes, the message illustrated that the Christian life involves shedding our old, stained ways and being clothed in the new life that Christ provides. This process—called sanctification—isn’t about moral effort but about agreeing with God that our old nature must die and allowing the Spirit to dress us in the character of Christ. Paul’s sharp call to “put to death” the old self in Colossians 3 reminds us that God’s wrath is not an outburst of anger but his steadfast love devoted to eradicating evil for our good.
The sermon contrasted the inward sins we must strip off—like lust, greed, and malice—with the inner virtues and outward actions we are to put on—compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, love, and thankfulness. Christ wore our shame, anger, and guilt on the cross, and now clothes us in his glory. Through prayer, Scripture, and community, we admit (let in) God’s truth, believe our identity in Christ, and commit to walk in his likeness so that our lives together become a song of gratitude to God.
Icebreaker Question
Playful: Tell a story of a time you just couldn’t wait to get out of dirty, wet, embarrassing, or uncomfortable clothes and into something new. What made that change feel so good?
Meaningful: What’s something in your life that you’ve had to “take off” in order to grow closer to Christ?
Opening Prayer
Ask the Spirit to speak through the word and to lead your time together.
Scripture Reading
Read Colossians 3:5–17 aloud as a group.
Discussion Questions
1. God Revealed
If the “old clothes” represent everything that opposes God, then the “new clothes” we’re told to put on must show us something of his character. (Vss 12-16) What do these reveal to you about the nature of God—or about the heart of our Saviour?
2. Humanity Mirrored
Paul describes both inner desires and outward behaviors that belong to the “old self.” How do you recognize traces of these in your own heart or in our culture today? (vss 5-10)
3. Gospel-Centered Vision
Paul says our new self is “being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.” (vs 10) How does it deepen your understanding of the gospel to see Christ not only as the creator of the new self but also as the template—the model of what our renewed life is meant to look like?
4. Transformed Living
Paul lists qualities like compassion, humility, patience, forgiveness, and love. (Vss 12-16) Which of these do you most long to “put on,” and how might practicing thankfulness help it grow?
5. Sharing and Witness
Where does God have you living as a visible witness of Christ’s character to those around you this week? How might he use your daily life—your words, your tone, your thankfulness? How can we help you or pray for you this week in your mission? (Vs 17)
For Further Study
- Romans 13:12–14 – Calls believers to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” and reject the deeds of darkness.
- Ephesians 4:22–24 – Describes putting off the old self and being renewed in the likeness of God.
- Galatians 3:27 – All who are baptized into Christ have “put on Christ.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – In Christ, we are new creations; the old has gone, the new has come.
- Isaiah 61:10 – God clothes his people with garments of salvation and robes of righteousness.
- Philippians 2:1–8 – The mind of Christ—humble and self-giving—is what believers are called to wear.
- John 13:12–15 – Jesus washes the disciples’ feet, modeling the humility and service of the new self.
- Titus 3:4–7 – We are renewed by the Holy Spirit and made heirs of eternal life through grace.
- 1 Peter 5:5–7 – Calls believers to “clothe yourselves with humility” toward one another.
- Revelation 19:7–8 – The bride of Christ is given fine linen to wear, symbolizing the righteous deeds of the saints.
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