THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS
(The Foundation of the True Christian Life - September 18, 2022)
Series Big Idea: "Humanity is only complete in God the Son"
Sermon Big Idea: "In Christ, God’s Church has everything it needs to walk joyfully in the world, no matter the circumstances
Key Scripture (Colossians 1:1-2)
There was a city in ancient Asia Minor called Colossae. It was like other small cities in biblical times and had its share of prosperous economic offerings to the surrounding communities. A heavy Greek influence and Roman control solidified its culture. Colossae become the base for a church that the Apostle Paul probably encouraged his fellow evangelist Epaphras to start while Paul was in prison for preaching the Gospel of Christ in either Rome or Ephesus.
After a couple of years of growth, this church began to experience some internal problems. Paul had heard from his friend and pastor Epaphras that dangerous philosophies were creeping into the congregation. Although we don’t know for sure what these were, we do know the ideals threatened the original Gospel that had been preached by the Apostles. In this letter to the Colossian church, the Apostle Paul encouraged the pastor and congregation to reject any teaching that contradicted the authentic teachings about Christ. So, Paul wrote to confront this “heresy.” He reminded them of their genuine faith in Christ and to walk according to that faith.
(Colossians 1:1-2)
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy our brother: 2 To the saints in Christ at Colossae, who are faithful brothers. Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
The Word of God is so powerful and amazing that an enormous amount of instruction can be packed into one paragraph, one sentence, and even one word. Within these two verses, we have a discussion of the very foundation of the Christian life. There are several ingredients packed into this passage.
1. Every Christian has a Vocation
Paul was an Apostle because "it was God's will." The word "apostle" comes from the Greek word "apostolos," which means "one who is sent to go among people as an ambassador or messenger." He is the one who speaks for God. In fact, his job or calling is all about spreading God's message. He had no right to say what he thought or say what other people thought. This means that his job and work were exactly what God wanted him to do. Paul didn't want to make a mistake or waste his life. He didn't want to reach the end of his life and have God think he had failed. Paul only had one job: doing what God wanted him to do. It didn't matter what he wanted to do for a living; what did matter was what God wanted for his life.
(John 15:16)
You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.
2. Every Christian has Essential Relationships
Paul talked about Timothy, who was one of his young followers or students. Timothy had joined Paul so he could learn as much as he could about the ministry and serve with Paul. But keep in mind that Paul did not call him a student or a disciple, or even a preacher or teacher. He called him a Christian brother. Timothy's main relationship to the Christians in Colosse was that of a brother.
We have many different relationships such as employee and employer, worker and coworker, minister and church member. All the relationships we have in life are important and have a place in the well- being of society, but brotherhood is the most important. We walk among people just like us. But if we walk alone, we really don’t understand the Christian life. Paul also knew this and everywhere he went he nurtured these relationships. The most important thing for Christians to do is to act like brothers to other Christians.
(Romans 12:10)
Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.
3. Every Christian must strive for Spiritual Maturity
Paul makes it clear in these verses that there are various levels of spiritual maturity. He uses the word “saints” but then adds the words “faithful brothers.” Some in this church were not continuing on in the faith. They were not fully committed. They were running the risk of falling into the error of false teaching and turning away from Christ. Just because a person has made a public profession of faith in Christ doesn’t mean that person is fully mature. On the contrary. The Christian life is a journey. Once a person has become a saint and set their life apart from the world to follow Christ, he is to be faithful. Being faithful to Christ is the thing that pleases Christ above all else.
(John 14:23)
Jesus answered, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
Conclusion:
In life, we have two basic spiritual needs. Grace and peace. But people in this world wish for many things, such as wealth, fame, pleasure, and health. There is only one true need for every person and that is grace and peace. If a man or woman has God's grace and peace, they have all the inner strength and confidence they need to get through anything and walk joyfully through the world, no matter what. Grace is probably the most meaningful word in all languages. But the world's meaning and the Bible’s meaning are two different ideas. The world may mean that grace is something that is beautiful or joyful or the loveliness of an act or a person. By the world’s standards, it could be a favor extended to a friend. The Bible’s idea of grace is all the favors and gifts of God. It’s all the perfect and good gifts of God. It could be physical, material, or spiritual.
But there is no other word that expresses the depth and richness of the heart and mind of God. That’s the difference between God’s grace and man’s grace. Man can sometimes do favors for his friends that could be said to be gracious. God did something that is unheard of by men. He has given His own Son for His enemies (Romans 5:8-10). Grace is the only way a man or woman can be saved.
(Titus 3:6-7)
He poured out this Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that having been justified by His grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.
Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:
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Christian Standard Bible
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