PAUL’S THREE-FOLD PLAN

Colossians 3:14, 15

I. Put on charity (v. 14).

A. “Love” is often used in substitute of “charity,” but “love”

does not completely express the meaning of “charity.”

B. 1 Corinthians 13 is the inspired definition of charity.

C. Consider some of charity’s characteristics.

1. Charity suffers long (1 Cor. 13:4).

2. Charity does not seek her own (1 Cor. 13:5).

3. Charity thinks no evil (1 Cor. 13:5).

4. Charity does not rejoice in iniquity (1 Cor. 13:6).

II. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts (v. 15).

A. We are told to guard our hearts (Prov. 4:23).

B. As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.

C. Consider Philippians 4:7, 9.

D. See this peace of God in action (Acts 16:24, 25).

1. Paul and Silas may have been in prison, but they were

free.

2. Others, who may have been outside the prison cell,

were in bondage to sin.

III. Be ye thankful (v. 15).

A. We express our heart’s thankfulness in our prayers.

1. John 6:11

2. Philippians 4:6

B. We express thankfulness by our actions (Lk. 17:12-17).

1. We express our thankfulness for being forgiven by

forgiving others.

2. We express our thankfulness in the remedy of sin by

living faithfully.

June 29, 2003 (a.m.)