Clothing Our Identity: Virtues of Compassion and Justice

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound connection between clothing and identity, both historically and spiritually. In ancient societies, clothing was not merely a matter of fashion but a symbol of one's status and role within the community. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where clothing is used metaphorically to describe the virtues and character traits that followers of Christ are encouraged to "put on." As we consider how we dress ourselves each day, we are invited to think about the story we are living and the identity we are embracing.

The story of John Woolman, a Quaker abolitionist, serves as a powerful example of someone who chose to clothe himself in the virtues of compassion, humility, and love. Woolman's life was marked by a deep commitment to justice and equality, and his writings continue to inspire generations. His journey reminds us that true greatness is found not in outward appearances or material wealth but in a life dedicated to the service of others and the pursuit of righteousness.

As we reflect on our own stories, we are challenged to consider what virtues we are clothing ourselves with. Are we dressing in compassion, kindness, and patience, as Paul encourages in his letter to the Colossians? Are we allowing God to wean us from the desire for outward greatness, as Woolman did? These are the questions that guide us as we seek to live lives that reflect the love and grace of Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- Clothing in ancient societies was deeply tied to identity and status, serving as a metaphor for the virtues we are called to embody as followers of Christ. We are invited to consider how we "dress" ourselves spiritually each day, choosing to clothe ourselves in compassion, kindness, and humility. [03:08]

- John Woolman's life exemplifies the power of living a story marked by justice and love. His commitment to abolition and equality challenges us to consider how our actions and choices impact others and reflect our faith. [06:39]

- True greatness is not found in material wealth or status but in a life dedicated to serving others and pursuing righteousness. Woolman's writings remind us that a humble, lowly way of living can lead to a profound impact on the world. [09:18]

- Woolman's vision during a time of illness highlights the importance of dying to our selfish desires and living a life centered on Christ. This transformation allows us to experience true joy and fulfillment in our spiritual journey. [11:48]

- As we reflect on our own stories, we are encouraged to think about the virtues we are clothing ourselves with and how they align with the story God is calling us to live. Our identity in Christ should shape every aspect of our lives, from our actions to our attitudes. [12:07]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - Clothing and Identity
[01:04] - Historical Context of Clothing
[02:10] - Biblical Perspective on Favoritism
[03:08] - Spiritual Clothing
[04:25] - The Story of John Woolman
[05:30] - Woolman's Writings and Impact
[06:39] - True Greatness and Humility
[07:40] - Woolman's Love for All Creatures
[08:26] - Woolman's Commitment to Justice
[09:18] - Living a Life of Righteousness
[10:21] - Woolman's Vision and Transformation
[11:48] - Dying to Self and Living in Christ
[12:23] - Community and Connection
[13:16] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. James 2:1-4 - "My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, 'Here’s a good seat for you,' but say to the poor man, 'You stand there' or 'Sit on the floor by my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"
2. Colossians 3:12-14 - "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."

Observation Questions:
1. What does the passage in James 2:1-4 suggest about the connection between clothing and social status in the early church? How does this relate to the sermon’s discussion on clothing and identity? [02:10]
2. In Colossians 3:12-14, what virtues are believers encouraged to "clothe" themselves with? How does this metaphor of clothing relate to the sermon’s message about spiritual identity? [03:08]
3. How did John Woolman’s life exemplify the virtues mentioned in Colossians 3:12-14, according to the sermon? [06:39]
4. What was the significance of John Woolman’s decision to avoid wearing dyed fabrics, and how does this reflect his commitment to justice and humility? [08:26]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of clothing oneself with virtues challenge the societal norms of status and identity, as discussed in the sermon? [01:04]
2. In what ways does John Woolman’s story illustrate the idea of dying to selfish desires and living a life centered on Christ, as mentioned in the sermon? [11:48]
3. How might the virtues listed in Colossians 3:12-14 transform a community if they were genuinely practiced by its members?
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between outward appearances and true greatness? How does this relate to the biblical passages discussed? [09:18]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you intentionally "clothe" yourself with compassion, kindness, and humility in your interactions with others this week? [03:08]
2. Consider a situation where you might have shown favoritism based on outward appearances. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future, in light of James 2:1-4? [02:10]
3. John Woolman’s life was marked by a commitment to justice and equality. Identify one area in your life where you can advocate for justice or equality. What steps can you take to make a difference? [06:39]
4. Think about a personal desire for status or material wealth. How can you allow God to wean you from this desire, as John Woolman did, to focus more on serving others? [06:09]
5. How can you incorporate the practice of forgiveness, as encouraged in Colossians 3:13, into a current relationship or situation in your life?
6. Reflect on a time when you felt the need to prove your worth through outward appearances. How can you shift your focus to embodying the virtues of Christ instead? [09:18]
7. What specific action can you take this week to listen more attentively to the "voice of the true Shepherd," as John Woolman did, and align your life with God’s calling? [07:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Garments of Virtue
In ancient societies, clothing was a powerful symbol of identity and status. This concept is mirrored in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to "put on" virtues like compassion, kindness, and humility. These spiritual garments reflect the character of Christ and shape how we interact with the world. Each day, as we choose our physical attire, we are also invited to consider the virtues we are clothing ourselves with spiritually. Are we dressing in a way that aligns with the identity we have in Christ? [03:08]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

Reflection: As you get dressed today, think about one virtue you want to "put on" spiritually. How can you intentionally embody this virtue in your interactions with others?


Day 2: Living a Story of Justice and Love
John Woolman's life is a testament to the power of living a story marked by justice and love. As a Quaker abolitionist, Woolman dedicated his life to the pursuit of equality and the abolition of slavery. His actions and writings continue to inspire generations to consider how their own lives can impact others and reflect their faith. Woolman's story challenges us to examine the narratives we are living and to align our actions with the values of justice and love. [06:39]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can actively pursue justice and love. What is one step you can take today to make a positive impact in that area?


Day 3: True Greatness in Humility
True greatness is not measured by material wealth or social status but by a life dedicated to serving others and pursuing righteousness. John Woolman's humble way of living serves as a reminder that a life of simplicity and service can have a profound impact on the world. His writings encourage us to seek greatness not in outward appearances but in the depth of our character and our commitment to righteousness. [09:18]

Matthew 23:11-12 (ESV): "The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you may be seeking recognition or status. How can you shift your focus to serving others and pursuing righteousness instead?


Day 4: Transformation Through Dying to Self
John Woolman's vision during a time of illness highlights the importance of dying to our selfish desires and living a life centered on Christ. This transformation allows us to experience true joy and fulfillment in our spiritual journey. By letting go of our own ambitions and desires, we open ourselves to the transformative power of Christ's love and grace. [11:48]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reflection: Reflect on a selfish desire or ambition that you need to let go of. How can you invite Christ to transform this area of your life today?


Day 5: Aligning Our Identity with Christ
As we reflect on our own stories, we are encouraged to think about the virtues we are clothing ourselves with and how they align with the story God is calling us to live. Our identity in Christ should shape every aspect of our lives, from our actions to our attitudes. By embracing our identity in Christ, we can live lives that reflect His love and grace to the world. [12:07]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one aspect of your identity that you need to align more closely with Christ? How can you take a practical step today to live out this identity in your daily life?

Quotes

today um historically the way that people would dress and how that's connected to their identity and who they understood them to be in the story that they understood themselves to be living was all quite deeply connected I know um some of you when you're listening to become new do it while you're getting ready in the morning including while you're getting dressed and it's often kind of a metaphor for what posture will I assume for the day um I I am often quite careless in the way that I dress [00:12:08]

in the world of the early Church in the New Testament World actually clothes and identity and story were very very tightly connected uh Joseph Helman is a new testament scholar he wrote a book called reconstructing honor in Roman Philippi and he talked about how uh in that day rank um status was very important it was an Honor Society cisero said rank must be preserved so it would be reinforced in lots of ways where you sat when you you went to a public event the laws that did or did not apply to you and the clothes that you wore [00:60:44]

therefore as God's dearly beloved people Chosen and dearly loved clothe yourselves with compassion kindness humility gentleness and patience bear with each other forgiving each other whatever grievance you might have against each other forgive just as Jesus has forgiven you and over all these virtues put on love which binds them together in perfect Unity how do you want to dress for your story [00:188:23]

John wolman was a Quaker activist abolitionist in the 1700s and it turns out that his wife actually is a direct descendant of John Wilman and uh had remarkable stories to tell and remarkable family relics from the Journey of John wolman so I thought as we're looking at stories today I would say a little bit about and read a little bit from the writings of this man John wman he was a merchant initially and wrote up legal documents and and then over time uh felt a calling to teach about God and to write about God [00:288:96]

I have often felt the motion of love to leave some hints in writing of my experience of the goodness of God now that'd be a good thing to clothe myself in today the goodness of God and then he goes on My Mind through the power of Truth was in a good degree weaned from the desire of outward greatness that's a remarkable thought by the way do you have any idea um what is the longest published book in North American history of course the book that has been continuously published the longest is the Bible number two after that the Journal of John wolman [00:333:68]

how remarkable it is in our stories that often it's people who are able to allow God to wean them from the desire for outward greatness who have an impact far beyond anything they could imagine his journals were not published until actually two years after he died so he never knew I was learning to be content with real conveniences that were not costly so that a way of life free from much entanglements appeared best for me though the income was small I saw that a humble man with the blessing of the Lord might live on little [00:392:08]

there was a Care on my mind to so pass my time as to things outward that nothing might hinder me from the most steady attention to the voice of the true Shepherd that'd be a good thing to wear today steady attention to the voice of the true Shepherd and John wima did that and his impact on the world around him became quite extraordinary he writes about how when he was a young boy he saw a robin on her nest and he took a rock and threw it as young kids sometimes do and killed the Robin [00:440:59]

he was so uh at by looking at what he had done that one of the marks of his life going forward this is back in the 1700s as he became an early Ardent lover of all life of All Creatures much like St Francis of aisi and would promote their well-being on a regular basis uh two more sections from what he says oh interestingly enough he also became an abolitionist as I mentioned and very concerned about working conditions for all people people he also decided at a certain point that he would never again wear any Fabrics that were dyed [00:476:08]

I was renewed confirmed to my mind that the Lord whose Tender Mercies are over all his works and whose ear is open to the cries and groans of the oppressed is graciously moving in the hearts of people to draw them off from the desire of wealth and to bring them into such a humble lowly way of living that they may see their way clearly to repair to the standard of true righteousness and may not only break the Yoke of Oppression but may know him to be their strength and support in times of outward Affliction [00:532:04]

he talks about uh a vision he had during a time of serious illness I then heard a soft melodious voice more pure and harmonious than I had ever heard with my ears before I believe believed it was the voice of an Angel who spoke to the other Angels the words were John wolman is dead greatly wondered what that Heavenly voice could mean I was then carried in spirit to the minds where poor oppressed people were digging Rich Treasures for those called Christians and I heard that blasphemed the name of Christ at which I was grieved for his name was precious to me [00:616:16]

I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life I now live in the flesh is by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me then the mystery was opened and I perceived there was joy in heaven over a sinner who had repented and that the language John wolman is dead meant no more than the death of my own selfish will so maybe preaching in a shirt covered with skulls and crossbones is not such a bad idea if I can die to everything inside me that needs dying to and put on Christ [00:689:68]

you have a story that matters give a thought now about how you're going to dress for it hey if you enjoyed that video be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you don't miss any future teachings from John orberg here at become new my name is Tim and I'm a part of the team here this series is all about stories everybody has a story and everybody's story matters and we want to know about your story whether it's a story of coming to Faith or a story of spiritual growth whatever it is we're here for you [00:732:16]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jul 17, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?