Colossians 2:1-10
Colossians 2:1-10 - "I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
***When you know and experience a love relationship with Jesus Christ, everything in your life is interpreted by that one reality
***How did Paul gain such a love for the Church? He met Jesus Christ and Christ loves the Church. Once he met Christ, it changed his thinking
***If you are not walking in a love relationship with God, there is a great question as to whether you are a Christian
1 John 3:14 -"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers. Anyone who does not love remains in death."
1 John 4:16-21 - "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother."
***The only real evidence that you are a child of God is that you love the people of God
***Those who are in Christ love the church and would give their lives for it
***We are interdependent in the body of Christ - we need one another
***Every child of God has a strategic place within the church
***God doesn't forgive because you ask, He forgives because you repent
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
***Do you love the church like Christ loved the church?
***The love of Christ compels us - it is the motivating factor of all we do
***Are you building up the body? Are you loving people in spite of themselves or are you one who is quick to become angry?
***If the love of Christ is in you, you will love the people of God
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Serving in Christ
Colossians 1:24-29
Colossians 1:24-29 -"Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."
***To be in the presence of Jesus is to know the power of God
***The mystery of God: Christ in you, the hope of glory!
***Everyone in Christ is made perfect, ('perfect' in Hebrew means 'fulfilling a purpose'; in Greek, it means 'ideal')
***Christian perfection is found in fulfulled purpose
***Christian service is accomplished through Christ in us
***Christ does not give you skills, talent or power - He gives you Himself
1 Samuel 16-7 -"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
***The Christian life is not only about going to heaven when you die, but about dying to yourself on earth
***Is your faith based on religious activity or on a relationship with Christ?
***It is crucial to not just CALL Him Lord, but to MAKE Him Lord
***Is there any excuse for inactivity when God is in you?
***A life God can use is a life motivated by a pure heart
***Are you serving the Lord? If not, why not?
***It's not about you, it's about Christ IN you!
***He is the answer to every question you have.
Colossians 1:24-29 -"Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me."
***To be in the presence of Jesus is to know the power of God
***The mystery of God: Christ in you, the hope of glory!
***Everyone in Christ is made perfect, ('perfect' in Hebrew means 'fulfilling a purpose'; in Greek, it means 'ideal')
***Christian perfection is found in fulfulled purpose
***Christian service is accomplished through Christ in us
***Christ does not give you skills, talent or power - He gives you Himself
1 Samuel 16-7 -"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."
***The Christian life is not only about going to heaven when you die, but about dying to yourself on earth
***Is your faith based on religious activity or on a relationship with Christ?
***It is crucial to not just CALL Him Lord, but to MAKE Him Lord
***Is there any excuse for inactivity when God is in you?
***A life God can use is a life motivated by a pure heart
***Are you serving the Lord? If not, why not?
***It's not about you, it's about Christ IN you!
***He is the answer to every question you have.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Priviledge of Suffering in Christ
Colossians 1:24
Colossians 1:24 - "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church"
***How do you view suffering? What perspective do you bring to life? The same instances can cause different reactions based on perspective. To those who trust in God, there is no bad luck or misfortune...only God
***Paul made a choice to willingly suffer to follow Christ
Philippians 1:27-30 -"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."
Hebrews 2:9-10 -"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering."
Hebrews 5:8-9 -"Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him"
***Not all suffering is because of sin
**Jesus did not sin, yet He suffered. He had a greater purpose
**We learn more and grow more during suffering than any other time
**You'll see a good picture of yourself while suffering
***Suffering is the source of our salvation -- someone suffered on our behalf
2 Corinthians 5:21 - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Luke 22:42-43 -""Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him."
***Suffering is the strength of our salvation - true Christianity is involvement, not escapism
2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
Philippians 1:29 -"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,..."
***Suffering is the sign of Christ in us - the image of Christ includes suffering
***Christ loves the Church
***What about you? Is it a joy to serve in the Church?
***Are you looking for things you can do to build up this body?
***Have you found your place of service?
***STOP WHINING - Why does serving God seem to be such a hardship?
Colossians 1:24 - "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church"
***How do you view suffering? What perspective do you bring to life? The same instances can cause different reactions based on perspective. To those who trust in God, there is no bad luck or misfortune...only God
***Paul made a choice to willingly suffer to follow Christ
Philippians 1:27-30 -"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."
Hebrews 2:9-10 -"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering."
Hebrews 5:8-9 -"Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him"
***Not all suffering is because of sin
**Jesus did not sin, yet He suffered. He had a greater purpose
**We learn more and grow more during suffering than any other time
**You'll see a good picture of yourself while suffering
***Suffering is the source of our salvation -- someone suffered on our behalf
2 Corinthians 5:21 - "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Luke 22:42-43 -""Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him."
***Suffering is the strength of our salvation - true Christianity is involvement, not escapism
2 Corinthians 12:9 - "But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."
Philippians 1:29 -"For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,..."
***Suffering is the sign of Christ in us - the image of Christ includes suffering
***Christ loves the Church
***What about you? Is it a joy to serve in the Church?
***Are you looking for things you can do to build up this body?
***Have you found your place of service?
***STOP WHINING - Why does serving God seem to be such a hardship?
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Reconciled in Christ
Colossians 1:19-23
Colossians 1:19-23 - "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant."
***We don't set the criteria for heaven - God does!
***Genuine faith makes a difference in our life
***He has provided all you need to be holy and blameless before God IF you continue in the faith
John 10:27 -"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me"
Philippians 1:15-16 - "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel"
2 Timothy 1:12 - "That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day"
1 Peter 1:3-5 -"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."
***If you are a Christian, you are safe and your eternal salvation is secure
***Colossians doesn't talk about security, but perserverance
Revelation 14:12-13 - "This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
***The emphasis of perserverance in the Bible is on the price, but on the person
Hebrews 10:26-29 - "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?"
***Salvation makes a difference. If our salvation does not show a new lifestyle, we should not presume upon God eternal life
Matthew 7:21-23 -"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
***Your salvation is not a private matter. It is demonstrated in full light before a watching world
***Are you living your life on a false security?
***The blood of Jesus was not shed to get you into heaven, but to reconcile you with God
***How is your relationship with God?
Colossians 1:22 -"But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation"
***Christ's goal for your life is holiness
***Salvation is secured in Christ
***Are you in Christ?
Colossians 1:19-23 - "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant."
***We don't set the criteria for heaven - God does!
***Genuine faith makes a difference in our life
***He has provided all you need to be holy and blameless before God IF you continue in the faith
John 10:27 -"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me"
Philippians 1:15-16 - "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel"
2 Timothy 1:12 - "That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day"
1 Peter 1:3-5 -"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."
***If you are a Christian, you are safe and your eternal salvation is secure
***Colossians doesn't talk about security, but perserverance
Revelation 14:12-13 - "This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them."
***The emphasis of perserverance in the Bible is on the price, but on the person
Hebrews 10:26-29 - "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace?"
***Salvation makes a difference. If our salvation does not show a new lifestyle, we should not presume upon God eternal life
Matthew 7:21-23 -"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
***Your salvation is not a private matter. It is demonstrated in full light before a watching world
***Are you living your life on a false security?
***The blood of Jesus was not shed to get you into heaven, but to reconcile you with God
***How is your relationship with God?
Colossians 1:22 -"But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation"
***Christ's goal for your life is holiness
***Salvation is secured in Christ
***Are you in Christ?
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