Put off Put on    Colossians 3:9-11

At salvation we take off the old self and put on the new self which has been recreated in Christ.  From that point forward we are then to work with the Holy Spirit in us and be constantly renewed in knowledge.  The ultimate goal of this renewal process is to be formed into the image of our Creator, Christ.

The New Outfit    Colossians 3:12, Luke 10:25-37

Paul has been teaching using the metaphor of taking off our old life like a dirty set of clothes and then putting on the clean white robe of the new life.  In this passage Paul begins describing some of the characteristics of this new outfit - compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 

Stinky Feet    Colossians 3:13

Paul commands us to put up with things about others that bug us and to forgive others all things, just as God has forgiven us.  These are some of the most difficult commands in the Bible, yet they are possible with the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

The Glue    Colossians 3:14

Paul has given us some very difficult commands: to bear with each other and to forgive all things.  This is extremely difficult to do for humans; it goes against our fleshly nature.  In this passage Paul gives us the power that enables us to do as God commands:  love each other unconditionally.