Sunday, May 24, 2015

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. 


Sunday, May 17, 2015

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:

Sunday, May 10, 2015

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:

Sunday, May 3, 2015

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:

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Colossians 1:24-29 - Christ In You (Part 3)

Greater, Part 3
Christ In You
Colossians 1:24-29

I. "Christ in You" Resets Your Purpose! (vs. 24-27a)
- The Gospel of Paul (Col. 1:1- 23)
- Paul's Gospel Ministry
- Paul's Gospel Defense
a) Gnostic Creation
b) Gnostic Jesus
c) Gnostic Holiness
- Paul's Gospel Ministry
- Your Gospel Ministry

II. "Christ in You" Overcomes our Differences! (vs. 1:27b)
-  God's Mystery is Christ Himself (Col. 2:3)
- "You are all brothers (and sisters)" (Matt. 23:8)
- "Make disciples of all the nations
   (ethnos)" (Matt. 28:19)
-  Discern Differences, But Don't Idolize
   Differences

III. "Christ in You" Reconciles You To Holiness! (vs. 28)
- Reconciled to Holiness (Col. 1:21-23)
- Commanded to be Holy (Col. 1:23; 3:12)
- Required to be Holy (Heb. 12:14)
- Truth of Holiness (1 John 4:4)


IIII. "Christ in You" Establishes Your Vocation in Christ!   (Col. 1:29)
-  Paul's Unremitting Purpose was his Vocation
-  Your Context of Reality Prioritizes your Labor
   (Luke 12:32-34)
- "Christ in You" Makes All the Difference

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Colossians 1:15-23 - The Greater God (Part 2)

The Greater God
Colossians 1:15-23

1. Christ rules over Creation as Creator
-  He is the creator in the beginning.
- He is the sustainer in the present.
- He is the purpose in the end.

2. Christ rules over the Church as Head and Redeemer.
- He gives leadership.
- He gives life.
- Christ and you.

Audio:

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Colossians 1:1-14 - Power of the Gospel (Part 1)

Power of the Gospel  Colossians 1:1-14

1. Power of Faith and Love:
• Faith: Paul had heard about their saving faith as well as how they were living out faith
• Faith: We are to believe and obey our Lord Jesus Christ
• “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1
• “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” Hebrews 11:6.
• Love: Faith of this church was evident through their love for the saints
• Cause behind faith and Love is hope
• Because of the hope laid up for you in heaven
• Love and faith are evidence of hope and the power of the Gospel.

2. Power of the Gospel
• verb euangelizo, meaning “to bring or announce good news.” Both words are derived from the noun angelos, “messenger.” Taken from Bible.org
• It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, Romans 1:16
• Good News of Grace Acts 20:24
• The Gospel was not only bearing fruit in their lives, but throughout the whole world (v6)

3. Power of Truth
• Understanding that we are delivered from the domain of darkness
• From Darkness we have been transferred to the kingdom of Jesus Christ
• We are forgiven of Sins


Audio: