Paul discusses thankfulness in each of the four chapters of his letter to Colossae.  It ends up becoming a central idea in the letter.

The Theme of Thankfulness in Colossians

“³We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ⁴since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, ⁵because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.” (Col 1:3-5)

• When was the last time you expressed thankfulness to God for his grace in saving you?
• When was the last time you expressed thankfulness to God for his grace in saving your brothers and sister in Christ?

“⁶Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, ⁷rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (Col 2:6-7)

• There is difficulty and struggle in the Christian life but there should also be a profound sense of thankfulness.
• If there is not, then we are not walking rightly in the gospel of grace.
• Thankfulness happens when, by grace, we look more and more to Christ and less and less to ourselves.

“¹⁵And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.  And be thankful.  ¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Col 3:15-16)

• It’s tempting to make the Christian life all about the bad things we are not doing and not about the good things God is empowering us to do by his grace.
• Are you working to cultivate a sense of thankfulness in your walk with Christ?

“Continue steadfastly in prayer being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Col 4:2)

• Prayer is not merely about asking for things.
• It is also about being thankful for we already have.

The Importance of Thankfulness

The BIG problem: I want what I want when I want it!

• The Bible calls this problem the lusts of the flesh or sinful desire
• James 1:14-”But each person is tempted when he lured and enticed by his own desire.”
• 2 Peter 1:4-Talks about escaping “The corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”

The BIG solution: The grace of God in Christ, which teaches us to be thankful and to love and serve God and neighbor.

• As long as we are obsessed with getting what we want we will never be thankful for what God has already given us
• This means that thankfulness is the opposite of every sin we will ever commit
• We must work to repent of our arrogant tendency to demand and beg Christ for his grace to be thankful

The Challenges of Thankfulness

There are two times when it is particularly challenging to be thankful

The challenge of being thankful during good times

• Important: There is a difference between a paycheck and a gift.
• Three things to remember to help you be thankful when times are good

1.      You are a sinner and deserve nothing good (Romans 7:24)

2.      Every good thing that will ever happen to you is a result of God’s grace that was secured by Jesus in his life, death, and resurrection (James 1:17)

3.      God blesses you to remind you to be a blessing to others (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)

The challenge of being thankful during bad times

• Important: There is a difference between the bad things that happen and the good that God does in the midst of those bad things.
• Six things to remember to help you be thankful when times are bad

1.  God is humbling you (2 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 5:6-7)

2.  God is drawing you closer to himself (1 Peter 4:14)

3.  God is making you more like Jesus (Philippians 3:10)

4.  God is equipping you to help others (2 Corinthians 1:3-11)

5.  God is leading you to repentance (Revelation 3:19)

6.  God is drawing you closer to other Christians (2 Cor 8:13-15)

The Grace-Empowered Work of Thankfulness (Philippians 2:12-13)

Where are your specific areas of struggle?

Pick one specific struggle this week where you will seek God’s grace to change

Ask God to forgive you of your sinfulness in this area

Ask God for the grace of Jesus to help you become more thankful

Action-Plan

• Bible-What passages discuss the specifics of your struggle for change?
• Beliefs-What are you desiring that needs to change?
• Behaviors-What are you doing that needs to change?
• Body-Who at Crossing can walk with you and help you grow and change?

Communion bears a special relationship to this theme of thankfulness.

Works Consulted: Commentaries on Colossians by Bruce, O’Brien, Dunn, Stott, and Moo.

7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here. 10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions- if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Colossians 4:7-18 ESV

Overview of the Text:
Paul’s intentions here would have been primarily personal and specific in nature. Even so, there is still much we can learn here.

Outline of the Text:
v.7-9 Remarks about the messengers carrying the letter.
v.10-14 Greetings from Paul’s associates.
v. 15-17 Greetings to the Christians in Laodicea.
v.18 Letter closing.

P: Mission is a “team effort.”
Am I being a good teammate?

“Tychicus… a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord…” One of Paul’s Gentile converts. A reliable associate. Letter carrier to Colossae.
“Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you…” The runaway slave who prompted the writing of Philemon. A Colossian himself.

P: All of us have a “spiritual reputation.”
What are others saying about me? At home? At work? In my neighborhood?

“Aristarchus…my fellow prisoner…” Faithful partner in the Gospel.
“Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions…” Writer of the Gospel. They have had some difficult history that seems to have been redeemed.

P: Our God is a God of second chances.
Have I experienced the grace of God? Am I showing this grace of God to others?

“Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.” Most of his countrymen did the opposite.

P: Sometimes the Gospel is not embraced by those closest to us.
Am I turning to God and the Church in my loneliness and discouragement?

“Epaphras, who is one of you…always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God…he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.

P: Epaphras is a good example for us both in prayer & hard work.
Do my prayers and work look anything like those of Epaphras?

“Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.” Luke wrote a Gospel. Eventually Demas deserted Paul and the Mission.

P: We should strive to finish like Luke, not Demas.
What is warring for my affection for God and the Gospel? Repent.

“Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.

P: You don’t have to have a building to have a church.

“And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

P: The public reading of the Scripture (and Paul’s letters) have always been important.

“And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

P: The Lord has given us all ministries.
Do I know what God has called me to do? Am I doing it? If not, what needs to change?

“I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.”

P: We must be careful to not forget those suffering for the Gospel.
Do I ever pray for (or even think about) those who are suffering for the Gospel?

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison- 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Colossians 4:2-4 ESV

Overview of the Text: At the end of the letter, Paul is offering some further or final instructions to his hearers. The first command (“continue steadfastly in prayer”) has two directives (“watchfulness” and “thankfulness.”) The second command is for more opportunities to clearly proclaim the Gospel.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer” To be consistently, persistently devoted to prayer. Could this be said of my current practice of prayer?

“being watchful in it” “staying awake” in prayer, keeping alert; “eyes open” prayer. Are my eyes open to the prayer needs around me?

“with thanksgiving.” “Communion.” Having an “attitude of gratitude” in our prayers. Does my prayer life include praise and thanks or is it mostly simply telling God what I need?

Practical Steps in the Right Direction:

1. Steadfastness:
   • Adjust your perspective (1 Thess. 5:18). Prayer is not limited to the folding hands and closing eyes.
   • Start where you are. Jesus will work with what you have. Think loaves and fishes.
   • Plan for success. You need a plan and some people to help you.
2. Watchfulness:
   • Begin by paying attention to what is going on around you.
   • Slow down enough to actually see what is going on.
3. Thankfulness:
   • Listen to your prayers. Is there thanksgiving and praise or only requests?
   • Start with the Gospel. (Remember the word in this text.)
   • Read the Psalms. This will give us a picture of the greatness of God.

“At the same time, pray also for us” Keep up the general prayers. Add some specifics. Paul & his missionary friends we will meet in v. 7-18.

“that God may open to us a door for the word” To grant opportunity. “to declare the mystery of Christ” Preach the Good News of the Gospel. “on account of which I am in prison” His current status. Cost for preaching the Gospel.

Is it my habit to pray for opportunities for the Gospel to go out through others?
Is it my habit to pray for opportunities for the Gospel to go out through me?

“that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” His desire to make the Gospel clearly known.

Am I communicating the Gospel? Is my communication of the Gospel clear?

How the Gospel Gets “Garbled:”

1. Other things get attached to it. (Jesus + anything else)
2. Our fear of man clouds the whole truth.
3. Our walk doesn’t match our talk.

What am I doing that could garble/obscure the Gospel?

Applying the Gospel:

1. Pattern: Jesus never faltered in His watchfulness, thankfulness & steadfastness in prayer. He never faltered in His communication of the Good News.
2. Payment: Jesus died for our prayerlessness and failure to communicate.
3. Power: Jesus, through His Spirit empowers us to pray this way and clearly communicate his Message.

What is God calling you to change in regard to what you have heard today?

Are you looking to Jesus as your Perfect Pattern, Payment and Power for those changes?

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, NIV Application Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Previous sermon by Dustin Neeley

“Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.” Colossians 3:22-4:1 ESV

Understanding the Text in its Context: Paul is describing how “Gospel Activity” plays out in the specific relationships that would have existed in the Roman home. This would have included slaves and masters as part of the Roman household.

“Slaves…” Slaves were even lower than children and treated as property. It was countercultural to address them. More than half of the population. Included most of the “professional” class: teachers, doctors, craftsmen, etc.

Why doesn’t Paul denounce slavery in this passage?

1. First and foremost, the apostles were primarily preachers of the Gospel not social reformers. Their primary focus was preaching the Gospel.
2. At this point in history, Christianity was a small minority in the Roman world with little to no hope that their position would influence Roman policy.
3. Paul’s commands to slaves are not an approval of slavery. He appeals to the transcendent Gospel identity and activity. Ultimately, Christianity subverts it.

“…obey in everything those who are your earthly masters…” All-inclusive command; unless it becomes disobedience to Jesus (illegal, immoral, unethical, unbiblical).

“…not by way of eye-service…” Only doing things to be seen or when being watched.

“…as people-pleasers…” Ulterior motives, hypocrisy. Falling all over the master.

“…but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.” Don’t just work hard when the eye of your earthly master is on you, but recognize the eye of your Heavenly Master is on you and let that motivate you.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men…” whatever you do, do it for Jesus. The big idea of the passage.

“…knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Esp. great news for a slave with no hope of any earthly inheritance.

“For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.” This is not permission to be a bad slave or hate your master.

“Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.”Also highly countercultural. No other literature like this in the ancient world. Uses the same kind of Gospel-logic he used with the slaves.

Bridging the Gap to Our Context:

By God’s grace, in our context, we no longer deal with slaves and masters. The closest parallel we have is the relationship between employer and employee.

Applying the Text in Our Context:

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.

1. God cares about our work.
   • Work, in and of itself, is not evil. It is good. It existed before the fall.
   • Do I see that work, in and of itself, is good and that it matters to God?
2. Even the most menial work can be offered as worship to God.
   • “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord…” (v. 23)
   • Am I offering my work, even the smallest tasks, as worship to God?
3. We will give an account for our work and reap a heavenly reward. (v. 24.)
   • Eph. 2:8-10. Rev. 20:12-13. Remember, this truth has two sides.
   • Am I working as someone who will reap a reward and give and account?
4. We need to constantly evaluate:
   • Do I care for my employees as people or property?
   • Even in authority, do I lead as someone who is under Authority?
• The status of our work: “Am I doing my work ‘heartily, as for the Lord?’”
  • Am I working as if Jesus is my boss?
  • Am I doing my work to the best of my ability?
  • Am I doing my work with both excellence and humility?
  • What is motivating me to do my best? Fear of God or man? (v.22)
  • Am I working too much? (What is the idol in play here?)
  • Am I putting in a full day’s work? Cutting corners? Stealing?
  • Are my ethics clearly informed by the Gospel? Do others know it?
  • What kind of witness am I? (Do your job if you want to be legit.)
• Our attitude as a worker: “What kind of employee am I?”
  • What am I known for at the office? Whiner? Complainer? Gossip?
  • What is my attitude toward my boss? Rebellion? Teamwork?
  • Do I work with or against his/her authority?
• Our leadership as someone in authority: “How do I lead my people?”
5. We need to be constantly looking to Jesus as our Perfect Pattern, Payment, and Power for our work.
   • Pattern: Hard worker known for His trade. Complete submission to His Master. Gave us the perfect example to follow.
   • Payment: He died for all of our sins in regard to the workplace.
   • Power: His Holy Spirit empowers us to obey Him work in all areas.

What is God calling you to change in regard to what you have heard today?

Are you looking to Jesus as your Perfect Pattern, Payment and Power for those changes?

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, NIV Application Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Sermon by Daniel Montgomery

²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.  ²¹ Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Colossians 3:20-21

Understanding the Text:

Overview: Paul is describing how “Gospel Activity” plays out in the specific relationships in the home-husband/wife and parents/children.

• “Children…”    Counter-cultural. Children would have been treated worse than women.
• “…obey…” A readiness to hear and carry out orders. To be the rule, not the exception.
• “…your parents…”             The scope of the obedience.
• “…in everything…”               Presupposing Christian home. Qual. by obedience to God.
• “…for this pleases the Lord…”             Obedient children please God. Same as Eph. 6.
• “Fathers…”             Could also be translated ‘parents.’ Even if not, no slight to mothers.
• “…do not provoke your children…”  Don’t frustrate them through a poor use of authority.
•  ”…lest they become discouraged.”            The by-product of parental provocation.

How Do We Do This?

Figure out where you are in light of this text.

1. Children and Parents: Become a Christian. Turn and trust.
2. Children: How would you rate your obedience? (Ask your parents.) Why are you disobeying them? Simply sin? Lack of trust?
3. Parents: How would rate your parenting in regard to this command? “Am I provoking and discouraging my children?”
   • Usually by being “too hard” or “too soft.”

Pursue change by depending upon God, applying the Gospel, and taking the practical steps necessary to address the issues in your home.

Applying the Gospel to yourself:

1. Sin: “I am too hard on my kids.”
   • Sin behind the sin:
   • “I am defining myself by my parenting.” Pride, Idolatry of status as a “good parent.”
   • “I get more upset about them disobeying me than God.” Control.
2. Sin: “I am too soft on my kids.”
   • Sin behind the sin:
   • “I want my kids to like me more than I want to obey God.” Misplaced Identity, Fear of Man.
   • “Being a good, balanced parent takes effort. I’m too tired.” Self, Laziness.

Applying the Gospel to your parenting:

1. Understand your children’s greatest need-to know and grow in Jesus.
   • Good parenting is a vital part of that process.
2. Transform your home into a “Gospel Greenhouse.”
   • Everything points back to Jesus and the Gospel.
3. Cast the vision for the kind of family we want to be-a Gospel family.
   • Dad leads, Mom follows, Children obey. We all apply the Gospel.
4. Lead with encouragement & celebrate the evidences of grace in your home.
   • Affirm who your children are & are becoming by God’s grace.
   • Catch your kids being good, celebrate it and praise God for it.
5. Discipline your children rightly, consistently, with the Gospel always in view.
   • Discipline your children…
     •  An undisciplined child is a provoked child.
   • …rightly…
   •  
     • From a heart of redemption, not retribution.
   •  
     • The goal is correction and training in Gospel-centered godliness.
   •  
     • Always recasting the family vision and talking about the heart.
   •  
     • Teaching truth: Disobedience always leads to discipline.
   • …consistently…
   •  
     • Inconsistency in discipline is frustrating/discouraging to a child.
   •  
     • Temporal: Obeying you is obeying God (Remember this text).           
   •  
     • Eternal: Parenting well is a command from God.
   •  
     • But be careful to not overcorrect. Talk about this with your spouse.
   • …with the Gospel in view.
   •  
     • Always pointing to Jesus as our Payment, our Pattern, and our Power both for our children and ourselves.
     • We repent to God and our kids when we get it wrong.  

No matter where we find ourselves today, the Good News of the Gospel is that there IS hopeand that we CAN change.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, NIV Application Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Works by Chip Ingram

18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Colossians 3:18 ESV

Understanding the Text:

Overview: Paul is describing how “Gospel Activity” plays out in the specific relationships in the home-husband/wife and parents/children.

The Definition of Submission:

1. Verb literally means “to willingly put oneself under.” This was culturally unique.
2. “Submission refers to a wife’s divine calling to honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts. It is not an absolute surrender of her will. Rather, we speak of her disposition to yield to her husband’s guidance and her inclination to follow his leadership.” – Wayne Grudem and John Piper, Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

The Scope, Nature, and Purposes of Submission:

1. The scope of the submission that is called for here is limited to the unique relationship between husband and wife. (“Wives…to your husbands…” )
   • All women are not required to “submit” to all men in this way.  
   •  
     • All men and women should respect each other appropriately.
   •  
     • There should be as much “submission” as the relationship calls for.
   •  
     •  
       • To pastors. (Heb. 13:17) Employers (Col. 3:20).
   •  
     •  
       • What about women who are engaged to be married? Are “Seeds of submission” present & Growing?
   •  
     • What if my husband is an unbeliever?”  (1 Peter 3:1-2).
2. A wife’s submission to her husband flows from her submission to Jesus. (“…as is fitting in the Lord…”)
   • A godly wife’s first commitment is to Jesus-not her husband.
   • “Biblical submission” to your husband is submission to Jesus.
   • Submission must be broken if a husband asks a wife to do something that violates her submission to Jesus-something illegal, immoral, unethical or unbiblical. Even then, the ‘breaking’ can be done in a submissive way as a witness to the Gospel (1 Pet. 3:2).
3. Submission, as it is spoken of in the Bible, has several purposes.
   • The glory of God through obedience to God.
   • The good of your family.
   •  
     • A Gospel home will have greater peace and less strife.
   •  
     • This models Gospel Marriage to all of your children.
   • Potentially winning an unbelieving husband to Christ (1 Pet. 3:2)

What Does Submission Look Like in Real Life?

“Submission is more of an attitude than an action.” – Danny Akin

Husbands and wives participate in constructive, joint discussion and decision- making.  Ultimately, responsibility for leading the family falls to Dad-even when Mom may disagree.  But be careful when Mom disagrees!

How do we see “biblical submission” become a reality in our homes?

Wives:

1. Trust that God knows what is best for His glory and your family’s good.
   • Do I see this is a command flowing from God’s good character and wisdom?
2. Believe and walk in the good of the Gospel yourself.
   • Am I living out of my “Gospel Identity” or some other script?
3. Be aware of and quick to repent of your own sinful tendencies in this area.
   • Do I see my lack of submission as sin and Jesus as my payment and hope?
4. Be aware of your own ‘experiential’ and ‘cultural baggage’ in this area.
   • Do I see how previous experiences could be negatively affecting our situation?
5. Be prepared for this to be a ‘work in progress’ for both you & your husband.
   • Am I committed to not holding the past against him? Working to communicate?

Husbands:

1. Recognize the biblical responsibility upon us is to help our wives fulfill this command.
   • Do I see that I have an enormous role to play in this process?
2. Do everything you can to create an environment in which “biblical submission” comes most naturally.
   • Am I committed to this process? Even it means more talking, books, counseling?
3. Provide the appropriate loving, strong leadership that your family needs.
   • Am I being passive/domineering or leading like Jesus in the home?
4. Be prepared for this to be a ‘work in progress’ for both you & your wife.
   • Am I committed to not holding the past against her? Working together?
5. Be prepared to do what you will learn to do next week.
   • Am I committed to learning all I can to see my family become all God desires?

The Gospel is our only hope for each of us to do our part in making fulfilling this command a reality.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, NIV Application Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Works by Danny Akin, John Piper, Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood by Piper and Grudem

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians  3:17 ESV

What is God telling us to do?

1. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything…”
   • All-inclusive terminology covering every possible action in life.
2. “…in the name of the Lord Jesus…”
   • “…for the Lord Jesus…” or  “…as a representative of Jesus…”
   • Intended to serve as a kind of ‘code of ethics’ for the Christian life.
   • Both communal and individual implications.
3. “…giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
   • Everything we do should be done with a sense of thankfulness.
   • Jesus is the only “doorway” through which our thanks can come.

Why Don’t We Do This?

1. Busyness:
   • We have so much going on we just don’t think about it.
2. Pride:
   • The Sin: Doing things “in our own name” instead of “in Jesus’ name.”
     • At home, work, school, relationships.
     • Each environment has hazards that aggravate this.
   • Sin Behind the Sin:
     • We are thinking only of ourselves-Phil. 2.
     • We actually think we are better than others-Rom. 12:3.
       1. Typical, self-exalting pride.
       2. Overcompensation for insecurity.

What needs to change to address this situation?

What needs to change to begin to deal with my pride?

How Do We Do This?

1. Recognize why we are on the planet.
   • “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-all things were created through him and for him.” Col. 1:16
   • Turn from sin and trust in Christ.
2. Begin to evaluate our life and its activities through this filter.
   • Can I do this in the name of Jesus with a sense of thankfulness?
   • Am I doing this in the name of Jesus with a sense of thankfulness?
3. Hear the strong caution from the Scriptures concerning pride.
   • Prov. 16:5, 18, Ps. 101:5, Jas. 4:6, 1 Pet. 5:5-7
4. See the powerful example of Jesus’ humility in Phil. 2.
   • God doesn’t expect us to “be like Jesus” on our own.
5. Apply the Gospel to see change and healing:
   • The Gospel brings a rebuke against the proud, healing for the broken, and a balanced self-perception.
   • “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. 2 Corinthians 10:17-18

The Gospel is our only hope for “doing everything in the name of the Lord” with a sense of thankfulness.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, NIV Application Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16

What is God telling us to do?

1. “Let the word of Christ…“
   • The Gospel. Rom. 10:17
2. “…dwell in you richly…”
   • Lit. “to make room,” “abundantly/extravagantly be at home”
   • To have the Gospel impact and influence every area of our lives.
   • Both communal and individual implications.
3. “…teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom…”
   • Teaching: Both public and private.
   • Admonishing: Gospel-informed, rebuking/correcting.
   • Both should be done with as much wisdom as possible.
4. “…singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…”
   • Christians have always been a singing people.
   • Psalms: Inspired songs from the Bible.
   • Hymns and Spiritual songs: Songs written by God’s people.
5. “…with thankfulness in your hearts to God…”
   • All of this should be done with an “air” of thankfulness.

How Do We Do This?

Teaching (with all wisdom):

1. Communal:
   • Gathered: Sunday services and Little Groups.
   • Scattered: Community Groups, Accountability, Mentoring.
2. Individual:
   • Personal devotional life.
   • Family devotional life.
   • Expose yourself to good “Gospel resources.” Check blog.

 How am I participating in teaching myself and others so that the “word of Christ” might dwell in us richly?

Singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs:

1. Communal: Sunday services.
2. Individual: Use Gospel hymns for devotions and family devotion. Get some good Gospel-driven Cds. Check our blog and CCB site.

How am I participating in singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs so that the “word of Christ” might dwell in us richly?

Admonishing (with all wisdom):

1. The Gospel must be both the Motive and the Means.
   • The motive: Growing people in the Gospel is the End  (“let the word of Christ would dwell in you richly…”)
   • The means:  The way we are going to see that happen is through “Applying the Gospel.”
2. A Strategy for Gospel-Centered Accountability (the interpersonal form of “admonishment in all wisdom”):
   • Begins with believing and applying the Gospel yourself.
   • Can be either formal or informal, planned or unplanned.
   • The best accountability leading to the most change identifies and addresses both the ‘outer’ sins (behavior) and the ‘inner’ sins (the idols of the heart, the sin(s) behind the sin.)
   • Encourages/facilitates repentance of both the ‘inner’ and ‘outer levels’ and practical steps to address both.
   • Affirms Gospel Identity. (The sin doesn’t define the sinner.)
   • Done in Confident Humility and Grace and Truth.
   • The same principles are in play for both the ’simple conversation’ and the ’serious confrontation.’

The Gospel is our only hope for “letting the word of Christ dwell in us richly” both as individuals and as a community.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible 

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15  ESV

What is God telling us to do?

1. “And let the peace of Christ rule…”
   • Eternal Peace with God through Jesus. Rom. 5:1
   • Ongoing peace with God. Phil. 4:7
2. “…in your hearts…”
   • The heart is the source of all behavior-actions, speech etc. Matt. 15.
   • Peace in our lives begins with peace in our hearts.
3. “…to which indeed you were called in one body…”
   • There are both communal and individual implications.
4. “…And be thankful.”           
   • Unclear if it is a stand-alone command or connected.
   • It seems that he is telling them to “live out the peace of Christ” with a sense of thankfulness.

Why is this such a struggle for us?

1. We have never experienced the “peace of Christ” in the “eternal sense.”
   1. We need to repent and believe.
2. We have three enemies that “disturb the peace.”
   1.  
      • There is bad news all around us.
      • The world operates on a different set of values.
   1.  
      • Even though we have been ’saved,’ we are still a work in progress.
      • We get busy, distracted, anxious, etc.
   1.  
      • Our understanding of his role requires balance:
   1.  
      1.  
         • We have to give him some credit, but not too much.  
         • We must be aware but not afraid.
   • The World - The world is broken.
   • The Flesh - We are broken.
   • The Devil
   •  
     • Direct spiritual opposition - He knows and exploits our weaknesses.

How do we do what God is telling us to do?

1. Recognize that this calls for a ‘care plan’ and not a ‘band aid.’
2. Work from the Inside Out (just like Paul suggests in the Text):

• God’s Word:
  • For starters: Matt. 6, Phil. 4:6-7
  • Use your concordance for your additional specific struggles (fear, worry, control, etc.) 
• God’s Spirit:
  • Illuminate the Word to us.
  • Identify what is really going on in our hearts and convict sin.
  • Empower us do what God is calling us to do.
• God’s Gospel:
  • Our peace is disturbed when are idols are threatened.
  • Our responses (worry, anger etc.) reveal our idols as we fight to defend them.
  • The answer is to repent and trust Jesus. This is a way of life.
• God’s Plan (Practical Steps):
  • Evaluate how the World, Flesh and Devil “disturb the peace” in your life.
  • Evaluate your focus.
    • If you focus on the temporal, it will be impossible. Money? Security? Health? Never enough.
  • Live one day at a time in light of eternity. (Mt. 6:34)
• God’s People:
  • Honestly share your struggles with your group.
  • Support. Encourage. Gospel Accountability. 

The Gospel is our only hope for letting the peace of Christ rule in our heart.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Jesus: Lord of Your Personality by Bob Russell

16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.  17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.  18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind,  19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.  20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations-  21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch”  22 ( referring to things that all perish as they are used)- according to human precepts and teachings?  23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.  Colossians 2:16-23 ESV

Two Ideas in Conflict in this Passage : Religion and the Gospel

1.      “Religion,” as seen in this passage, is a set of rules or practices intended to give us the ‘inside track’ with God.

2.      Historic Christianity, in this sense, is not a religion. It is a relationship in which we draw close to God because of what Jesus has done on the cross-the Gospel. Spiritual health and grow comes from the Gospel changing us.

“Religion” is dangerous. It is the enemy of Gospel-living and ultimately unable to bring about authentic spiritual change.

^“Therefore” Shows us he is building upon v.9-15 (sufficiency of Christ over all).

“let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath” Reference to the O.T. Law and keeping the Law.

“These are a shadow of the things to come” These practices were a pointer to Jesus.

“but the substance belongs to Christ.” What the shadows pointed to has come-Jesus. 

Religion: Leads to judgment of other people based on external standards.

Gospel: Leads to freedom because Jesus fulfills all the standards.

Clarity: This freedom is not for us to do what we want, but what God wants.

Am I living out religion or the Gospel? Am I using my freedom to do what I or God wants?

“Let no one disqualify you” Imagery of acting as an umpire, who’s in/out.

“insisting on asceticism and worship of angels”  This false teaching included elements of radical, unbiblical self-denial and the unbiblical practice of worshipping angels.

“going on in detail about visions”  Unclear on exact meaning. Seems he is “harping” on.

Religion:   Leads to ‘umpiring’ on who has the ‘inside track’ based on legalism or mysticism.

Legalism: (Jesus + Good Works)  Seeking to achieve or maintain forgiveness from God and acceptance by God by obedience to God.  Eg. We can work our way to heaven, or get God to love us more if we are “really good.”

Mysticism: (Jesus + Experience) Belief that direct knowledge of God, spiritual truth or Ultimate Reality can be gained through subjective spiritual experience.  Eg. We need some additional spiritual experience to make us complete.

Where am I ‘umpiring’ based on legalism or mysticism? Am I truly thankful for and living out of what Jesus has done for me?

Gospel: We have the ‘inside track’ because of what Jesus has done, not what we do.           

“puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind” Language of pride and arrogance.

Religion: Leads to pride (which is damaging on many levels).

Gospel: Leads to great humility.

Am I walking in religious pride or Gospel humility? What needs to change?

“and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.”   They are not in touch with Jesus, so there is no way they can grow in Jesus.

Religion: Drags us away from Jesus and true spiritual growth.

Gospel: Keeps us connected to Jesus and grows us spiritually.

Am I trusting in religion or the Gospel to get me in, keep me in, and grow me in the faith?

^“If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations-  ²¹ “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch”  ²² ( referring to things that all perish as they are used)- according to human precepts and teachings? 

Religion: Puts us back under man-made rules that unnecessarily restrict us.

Gospel: Frees us to live under God’s rules that lead to freedom.

Am I living under any unnecessary man made rules? Am I living under God’s good rules? Am I wisely exercising my freedom in love toward my brothers and sisters?

“These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”  The truth.

Religion: May look like wisdom, but is ultimately unable to restrain sin and bring about real spiritual change (Why? Outside – In).

Gospel: Is able to restrain sin and bring about spiritual change (Why? Inside – Out). 

What am I leaning on to try to restrain sin and bring about spiritual change? Religion or the Gospel?

The Gospel is our only hope for authentic spiritual change.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Messages by Johnathan MacIntosh, John Piper, Tim Keller, AT Robertson’s Word Pictures, NIV Application Bible

11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Colossians 2:13-15 ESV

Quick Review as Foundation:

Circumcision: Strange to us, normal to them. Part of their spiritual conversation.

Circumcision of Christ: About their hearts, not their bodies.

Baptism: Not water baptism but being identified with Christ.

The identification is so strong through our union with Christ that in a similar way that God raised Jesus from the dead, God has raised us from the dead (spiritually).

P: Jesus’ physical resurrection makes our spiritual resurrection possible.

Our Response: Praise God for it or wrestle with it. What is my response?

“And you who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh” Building on his previous ideas from v. 11-12. Description of our spiritual condition before we turn from sin and begin to follow Jesus.

“God made alive together with him”   Points back to v. 11-12. Current spiritual reality

“having forgiven us all our trespasses” Action with ongoing implications.  

“by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands” Unclear on the exact meaning. Likely, like an I.O.U. for indebtedness to God. Most likely the demands of God’s Law that shows we are sinners. Jesus paid it in full.

“This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”  Unclear, could be a reference to parchment that was nailed to the cross when someone was crucified indicating their crimes. Symbolic meaning indicating the finality and fullness of Jesus’ payment for sin.

P: If we have been made alive together with Christ, God has fully and finally forgiven all of our sins.

The Good News for Us:

1.      Jesus died the death we should have died for our sins-all of them.

a.      We can be made alive with Christ by turning from our sins and trusting Jesus. There is no sin too wicked to be forgiven.

Have my sins been forgiven because of Jesus death on my behalf? Am I overwhelmed with gratitude?

2.      There is “no condemnation” for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 8:1)

a.      We have “no past” with God.

Am I allowing something from “my past” to ruin “my present” with God?

3.      There is no need to fear.

a.      Death? Man? Money? Losing our jobs?

b.     Those things matter but what is Ultimate? Our sins are forgiven!

Am I using the Gospel against my fear?

4.      Jesus also lived the life we should have lived-He fulfilled God’s Law.

a.      He provides us an example for how God wants us to live.

b.     He offers us the power we need to follow that example.

Am I depending upon Jesus to follow His example or am I just “trying hard” to obey God and

follow Jesus in my own strength?

“He disarmed the rulers and authorities”  Rendered ultimately powerless.

“and put them to open shame by triumphing over them in him.” Imagery of a humiliating Roman procession. Profound, powerful image.

P: Jesus decisively defeated the devil and his demons through the cross.

The Good News for Us:

1.      The devil and his demons could not stop God’s plan for salvation.

2.      Though we battle against them, Jesus has ultimately already won the war. 

3.      We need to be aware of our spiritual enemies but not afraid of them.

Do I have the right, balanced perspective on the spiritual war that we are engaged in? Do I see Christ as the ultimate Victor?

The Gospel is Our Good News for Easter and Every Day.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Messages by Darrin Patrick, John Piper, Tim Keller, AT Robertson’s Word Pictures, NIV Application Bible

8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:8-12                                      

“See to it”- Blepete-to see.  Here, to beware as a warning.

Matt.7:15-“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

“takes you captive”-  literally, “booty” and “ago,”  to kidnap/enslave.

Gal 5:1- “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

Our Emptiness

“philosophy”-  concerning the theories about God, the world, and the meaning of life.

“empty deceit”-this describes the philosophy.

            -“empty”-not what it appeared to be.

            -“deceit”- better than it looked.

2 sources for these philosophies

1. “human tradition” Mark 7:8-9, “You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” 1 Peter 1:18, “knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers.”
2. “elemental spirits of this world”

“elemental spirits”-Stoicheia-Literally, “things in a row.”  Refers to the alphabet.

“and not according to Christ.”- He is the answer to our search.  He is what we are chasing.

His Fullness

“fullness”- pleroma-same as in 1:19.  

“deity”- the divine nature, God-ness, God-hood.

“Dwells”- makes a home continually abides.

Christ is the “pleroma” of God and we are filled with his “pleroma.”

How?

“In Him”

“Circumcision”-sign of covenant, separate-ness and sinfulness.

“of Christ”- differs from the previous religious views

“buried with Him in baptism.” Death, in order to have life. 

“raised with Him through faith”- New birth.

By emptying Himself, Christ entered our emptiness so that we could know and experience His fullness.

Works Consulted: NIV Application Commentary by Scot McKnight,  Tyndale New Testament Commentary by Wayne Grudem, New American Commentary by Thomas Schreiner, and  sermons by John Piper and Gregg Heinsch.

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. 6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.  Colossians 2:1-7 ESV

“how great a struggle…”   ‘exerting,’ where we get ‘agony.’ Not for pity party but to show his concern for them. He is in jail so he is likely talking about his prayers for them.
“Laodicea”  Nearest city to Colossae, only 9 mi. away. Close relationship. Revelation.
“for all who have not seen me face to face”  He has a ministry to others he has not seen also.

P: As followers of Jesus, we should struggle in prayer for one another-even those we don’t know.
Am I struggling in prayer for fellow believers, those around me, even those I don’t know?

“that their hearts may be encouraged”  call alongside, strengthened ag. onslaught of error.
(by) “being knit together in love”  lit. compacted, welded together in genuine unity, the means by which the encouragement will take place.
“to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding”  a byproduct of being encouraged.
“and the knowledge of God’s mystery which is Christ”  Same thought…Concealed/revealed.
“in whom are hidden”  Means stored up like a treasure.
“all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”             Against false teachers.

P: Community is an essential part of God’s plan for us to deeply know Jesus.
Am I fully participating in this dimension of the faith? What is the next step for me to take? Am I doing anything that could disrupt unity within the Body?

P: In Jesus, we have all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Am I living like this is true? Is there something that I need to examine in this area?

“I say this” All that he has just said about Christ in v.3
“in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.”  Being led away by false reasoning and smooth-talk spirituality.

P: We must be on guard against ’smooth-talk’ spirituality.
Am I on guard against this and growing in my knowledge of the Scriptures to be able to combat it?

“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit”       He is no detached bystander.
“rejoicing to see your good order”         Military term, orderly array of disciplined soldiers.
“and the firmness of your faith in Christ.”    Stiffness, ref. to unyielding nature of their faith.

P: Our faith should grow stronger and sturdier as we mature.
Is this happening in my life? If not, what needs to change?
“Therefore” He is about to make application. “Because what I said is true, then do this.”
“as you received Christ Jesus the Lord” Confession of historic Christianity and yours.
“so walk in him”  Cultural way of saying “live out what you believe.”

P: All who have embraced Jesus as Lord should live like it.
Overarching : Is Jesus the Ultimate Leader of my life?
Moment by Moment : Am I doing what Jesus wants to do in this situation?

1. The Bible tells us what Jesus wants done.
2. Practice the ‘pause and pray’ for God’s guidance in the moment.

“rooted” Perfect tense. A one time event with ongoing implications.
“and built up in him” Present tense, what he is encouraging to be happening now.
“and established in the faith just as you were taught” Strengthened in what you began with.
“abounding in thanksgiving.” Like a river overflowing its banks.

P: As followers of Jesus, we should be overflowing in thanksgiving.
As a follower of Jesus, am I growing in thankfulness?

The Gospel is where all of these points converge and real spiritual change begins.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Messages by Darrin Patrick, John Piper, Tim Keller

28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.  29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:28-29 ESV

“teaching everyone with all wisdom”     Carefully teaching those who are following Jesus.

P: “Teaching everyone with all wisdom” is an important part of our proclamation of Jesus.

CHURCH:

Public teaching of the Bible on Sundays. Community Groups working through sermons. Little Groups. Men’s / Women’s Ministries. Mentoring.
Relationships are an important part of the process for us.

INDIVIDUALS:
Am I taking full advantage of the opportunities before me? To be taught? To teach?
As parents, am I taking advantage of every opportunity to teach my kids?

How to Do This :

1. Ask what they are learning (church, school, friends, etc.)
2. Take advantage of every opportunity. Look for teachable moments.
3. Tell stories and use illustrations. Use what is around you.
4. Share what you are learning.  (church, personal devotional times, group, etc.)
5. Remember the goal is not just information but transformation.

“that we may present everyone mature in Christ”          The reason why he does what he does.

P: The goal of our proclamation should be moving people toward maturity in Christ-including ourselves.

What does Spiritual Maturity look like? (Think TREE.)

P: Maturity in Christ ultimately looks like-Christ (Lk. 6:40).
As time progresses, am I looking more and more like Jesus?

Read the Gospels and ask yourself questions like these:

• “Do I do the things that I see Jesus doing?”(teaching, serving, bringing healing, loving the unloved)
• “Do the things that make Jesus happy make me happy?”    (eg. children, seeing people meet God)
• “Do the things that make Jesus mad make me mad?”    (hypocrisy, taking advantage of the poor)

P: The Greatest Commandment is a good guiding principle (Mk. 12:30).
Am I loving God with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength? Am I loving my neighbor as myself? Am I growing in these areas? If not, why not?

What areas do I see that most need to grow in maturity?  Personal devotional life, Relationships, Husband/Wife, Parenting, Identity in Christ, Financial Life, Addiction.
How Do We Get There? :
P: Growing in maturity is a silent, progressive, PROCESS. (Tree growing.)

• Both a FORMAL and INFORMAL PROCESS.
• Both GRADUAL and includes KEY EXPERIENCES (both Life and Church).
• Both INDIVIDUAL and COMMUNAL.
• Both ACTIVE and PASSIVE in nature.
• NOT a STRAIGHT LINE. (Ups & downs, rapid & slow, can even go backward.

P: Moving toward Maturity is a PARTNERSHIP between the Holy Spirit, the individual, and the Church. (A tree needs certain things to grow.)

The Spirit’s Role: Work Internally and Externally to make us like Jesus.
Internally: Convict us of sin, draw us toward God’s Word, God’s people and God’s will (as revealed in Scripture-all we should be and do).
Externally: Providential Intervention in all our circumstances. Life is learning.

The Church’s Role: Provide teaching, shepherding, environments and opportunities where maturity can happen.
This includes serving in various ways. Also, understanding that community is not just for us, but also for how we can minister to others.

The Individual’s Role: Listen to the Spirit, partner with the Church, fulfill our personal responsibility.
Includes, but is not limited to: Personal study of the Bible, prayer, ‘active involvement’ in a solid church, repentance as a way of life, giving of our resources, practically serving other people, suffering and sacrifice, sharing Jesus, looking and listening for what God is up to in our lives, etc.

Am I participating in all aspects of the partnership and fulfilling my responsibility?

“For this I toil”           Strong word meaning ‘working to the point of exhaustion.’
“struggling”               Strong word; where we get ‘agonize,’ showing intense exertion.
“with all his energy that he powerfully works within me”       God’s power at work within Him.

P: Like Paul, we should strive in God’s strength to see maturity become reality-both for others and ourselves.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Phil. 2:12-13 ESV

Am I walking in the appropriate BALANCE of how maturity takes place in my life?
Am I seeking to move myself and others toward maturity in Christ?

Teaching, maturity and healthy, balanced striving, all begins with and flows from the Gospel.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Messages by Darrin Patrick, John Piper, Tim Keller

28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.  29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Colossians 1:28-29 ESV

“Him”             Clear reference to Christ-the reason for Paul’s ministry.
“we proclaim”           Big word, means to announce.

P: As followers of Jesus, our proclamation should be Jesus.

CHURCH:

1. This is why we lead with the Bible do the type of teaching we do.
2. This is why we stay out of politics and other potential distractions.
3. This is why we try to always tie everything back to Jesus and the Gospel.

INDIVIDUALS:

1. Am I proclaiming anything about the faith?
   • If not, why not? (Fear…Lack of knowledge…Don’t know how…?)
   • What needs to change?
2. What am I proclaiming?
   • Jesus or …something else?
   • Testimony: How bad I was or how good God is? Superchristian?
   • The ‘Jesus test’ : How often do you specifically say Jesus (not just God)? Listen to what you say. Ask a friend/spouse/coworker.
3. How do I proclaim Jesus?
   • Make sure you have the Gospel right.
     • Sin. Separation. Jesus. Restoration.
     • Specific Outlines:  Do vs. Done, Bridge to Life, etc.
     • Turn from sin and Trust in Christ.
     • He is our only hope.
   • Within the context of ‘relationship.’
     • As much as you can develop in the time you have.
     • Recognize God’s sovereignty in your spheres of influence.
   • With gentleness and respect.
   • With spiritual sensitivity and good-naturedness.
   • With humility and without self-righteousness.
   • With conviction, clarity and boldness.
   • With anticipation of pushback and potential suffering.
   • With belief in the power of the Gospel, expectation of God to move.
   • In word AND deed.  (eg. Medical Clinic, Sat. Mar. 28, 10-2 PM).

“warning everyone”    Warning those who aren’t yet following Jesus, also gently admonishing/rebuking about life and practice.

P: Warning/admonishing those both outside and inside the faith is part of our proclamation of Jesus.

CHURCH:

1. This is why we talk about sin and hell and not just ‘your best life now.’
2. This is why we practice redemptive church discipline if we have to.
3. This is why we seek to ’speak the truth in love’  (Eph. 4:15) to one another.

INDIVIDUALS: (Speaking the Truth in Love-Do the Right Thing the Right Way)
As we proclaim Jesus, do we ever warn anyone about not following Jesus?

• If not why not?

How To Warn Someone of the Danger of Rejecting Jesus:

• See everything from ‘Proclaiming Jesus’
• Make sure you have the right goals in mind-God’s glory and their good.
• Make sure you see the gravity of the situation-eternity for their soul.
• Make sure they see the gravity of the situation-speak as strongly as the situation calls for as the Holy Spirit leads.
• Stress the provision of Jesus as God’s provided escape.

Does anyone ever admonish/gently rebuke me? If not, why not?
Do I ever gently rebuke anyone? Do I know how to do this the ‘right’ way?

How To GIVE an Admonishment/Rebuke: (Speaking the Truth in Love)

1. Make sure you have the right goal in mind-God’s glory and their good.
2. Pray for wisdom about how _____ needs to be handled. Get counsel.
3. Recognize your tendency toward conflict-avoidance or ‘crushing.’
4. Pray that God would prepare you, purify your heart and motives and that He would prepare their heart to hear what needs to be said.
5. Make sure the person knows you love them and want the best for them.
6. Speak to the person the way you would want to be spoken to (Golden Rule). Find personal parallels with your own life and struggles.
7. Speak clearly (no confusion) & encouragingly.  Think OREO.
8. Remind them of the hope of the Gospel for us to change and grow.
9. In the moment, be careful of your tone, body language, and ‘wimping out.’
10. Follow up. (Especially on difficult conversations.)

How To RECEIVE an Admonishment/Rebuke:

1. Be open to what God is doing in the situation. “What is God saying here?”
2. Look for the heart of the person rebuking you.  Think UNCUT DIAMOND.
3. Recognize that we are all sinners and all have blind spots.
4. Remember Prov. 27:6 “Faithful are the wounds of a brother…”
5. Recognize the role of community in the process of our growth.

The strength we need to ‘proclaim Jesus,’ ‘warn everyone’ and receive correction all flows from the Gospel.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Messages by Darrin Patrick, John Piper, Tim Keller, Word Pictures by AT Robertson

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,  25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,  26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.  27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.  29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.  Colossians 1:24-29 ESV

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings” – Completely counterintuitive. How can this be?
“for your sake” – His suffering has a purpose—for their growth.
“in my flesh” – Suffering in his own physical body, prison, hardships etc.
“I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions…” – Several possibilities. Most likely that He is continuing the ministry of Jesus which leads to suffering.
“for the sake of his body, that is, the church” – Restatement of the purpose of the suffering.

P: We can rejoice in our suffering when we see its significance.
Can I see what God is doing in the midst of my suffering? Am I moving toward rejoicing?

P: The Gospel does not advance without suffering.
Is there any suffering in my life because of the Gospel? If not, why is this the case?

P: When we suffer for Jesus, we suffer with Jesus.
When I suffer, do I know that Jesus suffers with me?

“I became a minister according to the stewardship from God” – A calling, a sacred trust.
“that was given to me for you” – Who, in particular, the stewardship is for.
“to make the word of God fully known” – And also beyond them to the world.

P: The ‘Stewardship’ of sharing the Gospel is for all of us—not just pastors and missionaries.
Am I playing my part in sharing the Gospel goes in both Louisville and beyond? 

P: All of us have been given specific ‘stewardships’ by God.
Do I know what my ‘stewardship’ is? Am I carrying it out? If I am working toward it, am I being faithful with what is before me at this moment and doing all I can in the meantime?

“the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints” – The Big Story.
“To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles” – The inclusion of outsiders.
“are the riches of the glory of this mystery” – An inexhaustible storehouse of treasure.

P: The Gospel makes outsiders insiders.
Do I recognize that I was an outsider who has now been made an insider by God’s grace?

P: We can never say enough about the goodness of the Gospel.
When is the last time I stopped and thought about how good the Gospel really is?

“which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” – The indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

P: The content of the mystery is that God now dwells inside of us.

What This Means for Us Practically (Not an Exhaustive List):

1. If the Spirit is within us, we are never truly alone.
2. The Holy Spirit helps us understand the Bible.
3. The Holy Spirit guides us in prayer and in making decisions.
4. The Holy Spirit works within us to empower and encourage our faith.
5. The Holy Spirit works within us to make us holy (like Jesus).

“Him we proclaim” – Jesus was Paul’s message. It should be the same for us.

P: Our proclamation is a Person—not a religion or set of rules.
Are we proclaiming Jesus or religion when we talk about our faith?

“warning everyone” – Warning those who aren’t yet following Jesus, gently rebuking.
“and teaching everyone with all wisdom” – Carefully teaching those who are following Jesus.

P: “Warning” and “teaching” are part of proclaiming Jesus.
Are both warning and teaching part of our proclamation?

“that we may present everyone mature in Christ” – The goal of ministry.

P: The goal of our proclamation should be moving people toward maturity in Christ—including ourselves.
Am I seeking to move myself and others toward maturity in Christ?

“For this I toil” – Strong word meaning working to the point of exhaustion.
“struggling” – Another strong word showing intense exertion.
“with all his energy that he powerfully works within me” – God’s power at work within Him.

P: Like Paul, we should strive in God’s strength to see maturity become reality.
Do I have the proper balance/understanding in place? Am I striving in God’s strength?

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Messages by Darrin Patrick, John Piper, Tim Keller

21And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,  23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:21-23 ESV

“And you” – Connector phrase showing how what was said in v. 20 specifically applies to followers of Jesus.
“who once were” – Past tense. Description of their previous state.
“alienated” – literally estranged, cut off, separated (Eph. 2:12).
“hostile in mind” – literally hateful, enemies with God.
“doing evil deeds” – The natural outworking of being alienated and hostile in mind.  

P: Before we begin to follow Jesus, we are in a desperate spiritual condition (v. 21).

We are sinners by birth. (Rom. 5:12)
We are sinners by choice. (Mt. 22:37-39)
It is worse than we think!  (Ps. 51:1-2)

Our natural tendency is to think:

1. We really aren’t that bad…
2. These terms should be reserved for really bad people.   

Do I recognize the gravity of this spiritual condition? Have I dealt with this condition?

P: How well we understand our alienation from God determines how much we appreciate our reconciliation to God (v. 21-22).

“he has now” – Verbs show this is something that has taken place. Present reality.
“reconciled” – Enemies of God have now been made friends.

P: We were once enemies of God, but have now become friends.
When is the last time I stopped and meditated on this fact?

“in his body of flesh” – Likely a counter to false teaching about Jesus/redemption.
“by his death” – The way that God made this reconciliation possible.

P: The literal, physical death & resurrection of Jesus matters.

P: Our sin is such a serious offense that somebody has to pay. 
Is the value of the cross expanding in my life?

“in order to present” – He begins to lay out the ultimate purpose.
“holy” – Consecration and devotion.
“blameless” – Without spot or blemish, OT word.
“above reproach before him” – Free from accusation.

P: The ultimate purpose for our reconciliation is our holiness—both now and then.
In anticipation of that day, am I living out of the Gospel? Am I seeking holiness today?

P: God uses everything in our lives to make us holy (like Jesus.)
Do I recognize this is what is going on in the difficulties of my life?

“if indeed you continue in the faith” – Encouragement to and assumption they will.

P: All who have truly turned from sin and trusted in Christ will persevere in their faith.

P: Our responsibility is to continue to believe and live out our faith in the strength God gives us.

“stable and steadfast” – Same thought as Jesus describing building on the rock.
“not shifting” – literally settled, firm resolve to stay the course.
“from the hope of the gospel that you heard” – They are part of something larger.

P: The Gospel is a message of hope—both for eternity and now.
Am I hoping in the Gospel both today and for eternity?

“which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven” – Throughout the earth.
“and of which I, Paul, became a minister.” – Editorial comment.

P: The Gospel is for everyone everywhere.
Am I sharing in the Mission of God to see that the Gospel goes out?

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Messages by Steve Hart, Jonathan MacIntosh, John Piper, Tim Keller

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:9-14 ESV

BIG IDEA: Paul is praying that they would grow spiritually. His requests should be our goals.

“And so, from the day we heard” From Epaphras, connected back to last week.
“we have not ceased to pray for you” Shows Paul’s devotion. Gives us an example.

P: Our prayers should be consistent and persistent.
Could those words be used to describe our prayers? What can help you take the next step?

P: Our prayers should be varied—including for Spiritual Growth.
Do we ever pray like this or is it strictly ‘need based’? Pray this for your Community Group, Spouse, Children, Kids you teach in little groups, etc.

“filled” Important word, lit. ‘to the brim and overflowing’ “knowledge Imp. word. Deep, thorough knowledge and understanding.
“of his will” Primarily, what God has done in Christ. Possible individ. appl.
“in all spiritual wisdom and understanding” Unclear, but ultimately, same outcome.

P: We should seek to know God and His will as thoroughly as possible.
Is this desire at work in our hearts? Are we doing our part to see this happen?

“so as” Indicates purpose, what follows is what he is praying for.
“to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” To live in a way that is consistent with
who Jesus is what He has done for them.
“fully pleasing to him” Choosing what God wants in the every day life.

P: We should seek to live lives that are ‘fully pleasing’ to God.
What is in my life that I know is not pleasing to God? How do I need to address this?

“bearing fruit in every good work” Like Eph. 2:10. Serving God & others.

P: We should seek to ‘bear fruit’ in serving God and others.
Where should I be bearing more fruit? What is the next step I need to take in this direction?

“increasing in the knowledge of God.” Growing the knowledge of who God is.

P: We should always seek to increase in the knowledge of God.
Am I taking advantage of all my opportunities to see this happen?

“May you be strengthened with all power” Spiritual power was important to them.
“according to his glorious might” Acc. to the ‘might of his glory,’ His attributes.
“for all endurance” Bear up under difficult circumstances.
“patience” Bear up with difficult people.
“with joy” To be joyful in the process, a truly unique Christian virtue.

P: Our spiritual strength should come from God—not ourselves.
Are we turning to God for strength or trying to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps?

P: Part of the fruit of our faith is endurance with difficult situations and patience with difficult people.
Do you see this at work in your life? In which area, do you most need to see the most growth?

“giving thanks to the Father” The source of all good things.

P: Another fruit of growing into our faith is gratitude.
P: God has given us so much to be thankful for in the Gospel.

“who has qualified you” lit. “to make fit, able”
“to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.” OT language applied to them.
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness” Picture of rescue.
“transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” Reestablished in a new land.
“in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” Bought back, forgiven.

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, NIV Application Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Messages by Steve Hart, Darrin Patrick

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing- as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:1-8 ESV

“Paul” Great Christian missionary, (human) author of most of the NT.
“an apostle of Christ Jesus” “Sent one,” authorized spokesman, spiritual authority.
“by the will of God” This was God’s doing, not Paul’s.

P: Real change is possible.
Has God changed me? Where do I need God to change me?

“Timothy our brother” Paul’s ministry apprentice/encourager.

P: Real help is needed to spread the Gospel.
Am I doing my part to help encourage ministry and spread the Gospel? If not, what needs to change?

“the saints” Those who have turned to follow Jesus, set apart for work and worship.
“faithful brothers” They were faithful to the message of historic Christianity.
“in Christ at Colossae” Colossae was their city. Heaven was their true City.

P: Followers of Jesus have two addresses.
Am I rightly concerned about both of my addresses? Am I living from my ‘in Christ’ address?

“Grace…and peace” The saving work of Jesus, spiritual prosperity.
“from God our Father” The source of grace and peace is God.

P: True grace and peace are only found in God.
Am I looking for grace and peace elsewhere? Do I recognize that ultimately those won’t satisfy?

“God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” Defining “God,” reinforcing divinity of Jesus.

P: When it comes to spirituality, it is important to define the teams.
Am I able to do this in an effective, winsome way? If not we would love to help.

“since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints”

P: Our faith in Jesus and love for His people should be evident.
Is this a reality in my life? If not, what needs to change?

“because of the hope laid up for you in heaven…the gospel” Security and source.

P: Our faith and love flow from the Gospel.

“which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world” Purposeful overstatement.

“bearing fruit and growing” The Gospel is powerful and effective.

P: The Gospel is alive—like a tree.
Where do I need the Gospel to bear fruit In my life?

“just as you learned it from Epaphras” Likely a Colossian converted in Paul’s ministry.

P: The Gospel needs messengers.
Am I being faithful to proclaim the Gospel in my sphere of influence? If not, what needs to change?

Works Consulted: Expositor’s Commentary, NIV Application Commentary, Life Application Bible, MacArthur Study Bible, ESV Study Bible, Messages by John Piper, Darrin Patrick