Describe your favorite shirt that you wear the most. 

Paul told the Colossians to put on certain characteristics (almost like clothes), so the people around them would know who they belonged to. Revival launches God’s people to live differently in the world around them, so much so that unbelievers will often ask them why they act so differently. This is the ultimate opportunity to point them to a holy God that changes people.

However, before Paul gave them the list of characteristics to put on, he reminded them of their identity. Paul often followed this pattern in his letters. He would remind his audience who they were, then explain what they must do. He addressed identity before he addressed activity.

What are the three things Paul said we are in verse 12? 

What are eight characteristics Paul said to “put on” in verses 12-14? 

Of those eight characteristics, which do you feel is your strongest? 

Of those eight characteristics, which do you feel is your weakest? 

Holiness is more than a halo; it’s putting on new characteristics. 

God calls us to holy living. However, this is only possible through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER MOVEMENTS

Hands Up

A sign of surrender.

• Read Ezekiel 38:23.

Spend time praying to the Lord and being reminded of His mission to make Himself known to the nations. Surrender to the call on your life to live differently in a way that people want to know your God.

Hands Out

A sign of receiving.

• Read 2 Timothy 1:9. 

God has called you to live in holiness, which is to live differently in the world around you. Receive this call. What needs to change in your life? Don’t try harder to be holy, trust in Him to make you holy and to give you holy characteristics.

Hands Open

A sign of emptying out.

• Read Hebrews 12:14. 

Remember, God is sending you out to make Him known in your daily mission fields. Godly characteristics will help you truly love others and will often provide opportunities to share the gospel. Empty out by confessing characteristics that are not in line with the characteristics God is calling you to.