Jesus at the Center
What does it mean to follow Jesus in our daily lives individually and together? The Apostle Paul writes to the church of Colossae one of the most succinct descriptions of what it means to be the people of God in the world. We will journey through the book of Colossians immediately after Easter to return to the heart of our faith where Christ is the center of everything.
Devoted to Christ
Everything in Paul’s letter to the Colossians winds up with some final words about living a devoted life to Christ in Colossians 4:2-18. Sermon Outline “I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” (Colossians 4:18) Devoted with Words (Colossians 4:2-6) Words with God Words of gratitude Words about others Words with Others Words that are right on-time Words that connect Devoted with People (Colossians 4:7-18) Companions in service Companions in the journey DISCUSSION…
Relationships with Jesus at the Center
Even our relationships should be transformed with Christ at the center. Jesus changes everything, including the way we relate with our family, friends, co-workers, and more. In Colossians 3:18-4:1, Paul takes us into these intimate places of our lives so that nothing is left untouched by Messiah Jesus. Sermon Outline We Have Been Changed in ________________________: Four Images of Who We Are Now (Colossians 1:2, 18) The ________________________ – new identity The ________________________ – new belonging The ________________________ – new…
Oriented to Christ
If we have been set free through the gospel with a new identity through the centrality of Jesus Christ’s work, then our lives should be different. Our thoughts, our words, and our actions should reflect the new beginning won for us in Christ. Pastor Ruth Carver unpacks Paul’s words in Colossians 3:1-17. Sermon Outline Orient your life to Christ by setting your mind on these things (v. 1-4) Your identity is in Christ Your life is hidden in Christ You will…
Dying to Live
In Colossians 2:16-23, Paul addresses the tendency to be deceived by human rules or pseudo-spirituality, calling believers toward the heart of spiritual formation, which is about growing in Christ through the gospel. Sermon Outline “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules?” (Colossians 2:20) Don’t Let Anyone Judge You (2:16-17) Rules based in religious observance Shadows of realities found in…
Rooted in Jesus
In Colossians 2:6-15, Paul builds upon the centrality of Christ with a call toward spiritual growth individually and corporately. This is rooted in the gospel and contrasts with our own abilities and any sort of false spirituality built upon human activity. Sermon Outline “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7)…
Jesus, God’s Secret Revealed
Continuing with deep exploration of Christ as the revelation of God’s mystery and the gospel in Colossians 1:24-2:5, Paul talks about his defense of the gospel. This hints that there may be something within the Colossian setting threatening their faith in the pure gospel. For Paul it is all about Christ and the gospel. Sermon Outline “God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”…
Jesus the Revelation of God
Paul’s strong statement in Colossians 1:15-23 sets the tone of this whole section: “the Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” With a summary of the gospel and a deepened Christology than almost any other place in the New Testament canon, we encounter a powerful teaching on Jesus. Sermon Outline The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.” (Colossians 1:15) Christ and Creation (Colossians 1:15-18a) The image The…
Praying to the Center
Prayer is the environment in which we connect deeply with God and one another through the gospel. In the beginning of his letter to the Colossians, Paul doesn’t merely talk about prayer, but prays into the presence of God as he opens the letter (Colossians 1:1-14). This shows us the priority and place of prayer in our lives. Sermon Outline “We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you” (Colossians 1:3) Starting with…