Colossians 3:8-17
The things to be put off by the old man are the wretched rags described in vv. 8, 9: anger, wrath, malice . . . We should be ashamed to present ourselves in these. Let us rather put on the radiant garments of the new man, of whom Christ is the perfect Example (v. 10). His adornments are described: mercy . . . humbleness . . . gentleness, long-suffering, forgiveness . . . Above all, let us be clothed with love, the very nature of the new man. It is love which will cause us to be recognised as disciples of the Lord Jesus (John 13:35).
Our inward state is no less important. In us there should dwell: Christ, who is all (v. 11), His peace (v. 15), His Word (v. 16). Just having the Bible in the house or even on our bedside table will not do us the least good. The most nourishing service of food will not do us any good while it remains on the plate. The word must dwell in us richly (Romans 10:8). Another way, which we may hardly have thought about, of being taught and admonished is through hymns, sung from our hearts to God (Psalms 119:54). Let us not deprive Him or ourselves of such hymns. Finally, here is a twofold question which will serve as a touchstone for all our words and our actions. "Can I say or do this in the Name of the Lord Jesus? Can I give thanks for it to God the Father?"