Colossians 3:12-17 - Greater Pursuits (Part 7)

Greater, Part 7
Colossians 3:12-17
Greater Pursuits

1. How are these commands different than legalism?
- Heart level focus
- Gospel-rooted

2. When we understand our new identity, what things will we pursue?
- Pursue Christlike Character (3:12-14)
a. Live like Jesus
b. Reactive AND proactive
- Pursue Christ-Centered Community (3:15-17)
a. Peace
b. The Gospel
c. Jesus' Glory

Audio:

Colossians 3:1-11 - Greater Identity (Part 6)

Colossians 3: 1-11 Greater Identity

 A: Seek Heavenly (1-4)

1. What does it mean to seek things that are above

• Conscious choice to direct the heart toward God. Phil 4:8
• You have been raised with Christ
• Create discipline to follow make Christ our ultimate treasure, Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

2. Why does it matter

• Because Christ is seated at the right hand of God, this reminds us of Christ’s exalted position with God the Father.
• His promises remind us that He will not leave you as orphans, because I live, you will live also.
• For you have died and therefore we do not have any obligation to live like how we used to live. Romans 6: 3-13, Galatian 2:20
• Our life is hidden with Christ: This gives security that our life is hidden with the One who is seated at the right hand of God.

B: Die to Earthly things (5-9)

1. We must put to death the sensual sins:

• Sexual immorality
• Impurity
• Passion
• Evil Desire
• Covetousness, which is idolatry
• Jesus reminded us to pluck out our eye if it causes us to sin (Mt 5:29-note). He didn't mean to cause harm to our bodies, but rather we are to take strong action when we are tempted to sin.

2. We must put to death the social sins:

• Anger
• Wrath
• Malice
• Slander
• Obscene talk
• Do not lie
• Because believers have a new identity in Christ, you are continually being renewed in Him. Believers are completely united and identified with Jesus and we have died and have been raised with Christ.

C: Display Liberty (10-11)

• We display Christ by our words and actions
• In Christ, we are declared "new"
• We are all united and equal in Him
• Christ is all in all! Referring to our liberty and worth in Christ. 

Audio:

Colossians 2:16-23 - Greater than Legalism (Part 5)

Greater than Legalism
Colossians 2:16-23

1. What is legalism? (put each of the below definitions on their own slide)
- Legalism teaches that one must perform certain ethical/moral actions - even biblical commands - in order to earn salvation.
- Legalism teaches that extra-biblical ethics are required to really be a spiritual Christian.

2. Legalism is empty and can't save you.
- Legalism tells true Christians they’re not saved.
- Legalism misses the point.
- Legalism OR Jesus?

3. Legalism is ineffective and can't grow you.
- You died to the world.
- Legalism has an appearance of radical righteousness.
- Legalism doesn't work in fighting the flesh.


Audio:

1 Samuel 1:21-28 - Mother's Day 2015

1 Samuel 1:21-28

1. The Influence of a Mother

2. The Labor of a Mother

3. The Heart of a Mother

Some other scriptures that I'll reference, in this order:

Proverbs 1:7-8

Proverbs 31:21-24

Deuteronomy 32:9-11, and 18

Audio:

Collossians 2:1-15 - Greater than Worldly Wisdom (Part 4)

Greater, Part 4
Greater than Worldly Wisdom
Col. 2:1-15


1. The goal of growth - 2:1-5
- Love AND knowledge
2. The path of growth - 2:6-7
- Christianity is a complete lifestyle of discipleship.
- The same way we started is the way that we grow.
- Abounding in thanksgiving
3. The hindrance towards growth - 2:8-10
4. The power for growth - 2:11-15
- Jesus circumcises our old selves.
- Jesus buries us and raises us as new creatures.
- Jesus forgives all our sins.
- Jesus absorbs all our debt.
- Jesus conquers all our enemies.

Audio: