1. Colossians 3:1-17

2. We all long to ‘Belong’ Very, very few people like to be all alone.
Nearly all, however, want to share ‘life’.
God made us for relationships. Gen. 2:18
He also made us to thrive together. Acts 2:44ff

3. The Problem With Fleshly Man
Over the millennia our identities have been shaped by these manmade distinctions.
Caste systems; Gender/Generational separations; Racial ‘colors’
Our greed for power and/or superiority. Cp. Matt. 20:21
Thus, our labels of one against another.

4. The Purpose of the Gospel
To restore man into one society (the kingdom of God) Where there is neither “Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.” Colossians 3:11

5. Lost in Self vs. Found In Christ
The great example: Parable of the lost son.
His identity – “son” – was restored by his father’s graciousness toward him.
The result:
No longer “I who live but Christ who lives in me.” Gal. 2:20

6. In Christ – We’re Restored
He made unrighteous man righteous. Rom. 5:19
We’ve moved from strangers to fellow citizens with the saints. Eph. 2:19
Restored – we now have identity.

7. Restored Identity
‘rich man’ vs. Lazarus. Lk. 16:19ff
I ‘never knew you’: depart from me.
Names written in the book of life.
When the ‘lost’ are ‘found’ there is an overwhelming sense of belonging … to our heavenly Father and His kingdom.

8. Because We Have Identity…
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

9. Because We Have Identity…
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” (Col 3:12–18).