2 Cor. 7:8-10 - The Blessing of Repentance

The Blessing of Repentance

2 Cor. 7:8-10

What is Repentance?

- Change of heart/change of action

- The flip side of faith (Acts 20:21)

- Gift of God (2 Tim. 2:25)

- Initial and Ongoing (1 John 1:9)

- Heart/Mind/Will (Job 42:5-6, Psalm 32:5, Matt. 3:8)

Why Practice Repentance?

- Those who don’t repent do not know Jesus and are destined for God's wrath. (Luke 13:3, 5)

- Those who don't repent don't grow in holiness. (2 Cor. 7:10)

- Those who don't repent open themselves up to depression. (Psalm 32:3-4)

- Those who don’t repent lose the joy of salvation. (Psalm 51:12)

- Those who don’t repent do not impact the world for Jesus. (Rev. 2:5)

Audio:

Joshua 24:15 - Father's Day

Joshua 24:15
Father's Day

1. A Father points his children towards the Ultimate Goal
2. A Father maintains the Faith
3. A Father breaks the Bonds
4. A Father is the image of the Heavenly Father
     a. Discipline
     b. Love and Compassion

Audio:

Colossians 4:2-18 - Greater Impact (Part 9)

Colossians 4:2-18
Greater Impact
Greater

1. Behind the Scenes - Pray Consistently (4:2-4)
A. How to Pray
- Steadfast
- Alert
- Thankful
B. What to Pray For
- Open doors
- Clear speech
2. In the trenches - Live Wisely (4:5-6)
A. Plan
- Contact with unbelievers
- Take advantage of every opportunity
B. Speak
- Let grace flow
- Show that the gospel is satisfying with your words.
- Answer individuals

Audio:

Colossians 3:19-4:1 - Greater Household (Part 8)

Greater, Part 8
Greater Household
Colossians 3:19-4:1

I. Christ has a design for you as a new creature (vs. 3:1-4)

• Your "blueprint" design (Psalm 139:13; Jeremiah 1:5; Galatians 1:15)
• Your "born again" design (John 3)

• Our "journey" design (Colossians 1:28)\
• Our "destination" design (Revelation 7:9)

II. Christ is developing a new household (vs. 3:18-4:1)

• Know your foundation options (Matthew 7:24-27)
• Lives' venues are opportunities for us to develop toward our design (Romans 8:28)
• Pre-venue counseling
• The value of being a believer who is single (1Corinthians 15:54-58)
• The value of being married (Joshua 10:25)
• The value of being married without children or with children (1Peter 1:3-6)
• Mid-venue counseling
• Single believer Mid-Course Renewal Alerts
• Wife and husband Mid-Course Renewal Alerts
• Parents and children Mid-Course Renewal Alerts

• Spiritual Renewal Course (Colossians 3:12-17)
• Single and never alone
• Married with purpose
• Family road trip
• THE WHY! (3:18, 19) "as is fitting in the Lord;" "for this is well pleasing to the Lord"
• Life as a slave is a present brutal reality! (Colossians 3:22-25)
• How does a born again believer in Jesus Christ live as a slave?
• Know who you are in Christ!
• Your sincere heart and service and obedience depends on who the Lord is
• Your work will be as for the Lord
• THE WHY! It's not about your reward on earth (3:24) "Know that you will receive the reward of your inheritance"
• How does a born again believer in Jesus Christ live as a slave owner?
• Grant justice and fairness
• THE WHY! It's not about your status (4:1) "Know that you have a master in heaven"

III. Christ is preparing a place for us! (John 14:1-3)

• Our transforming completeness in Christ is our preparation for that heavenly household
• We put on the attitude and distinctions of Christ (Colossians 3:12-17)
• We are participating in a greater renewal (Colossians 3:11) "Christ is all and in all."
• Earthly distinctions will no longer be emphasized (Galatians 3:28) "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself in Christ."
• Try to see our greater household as John the Beloved sees it when he is taken into glory (Revelation 7:9-17)
• THE BIG WHY! (Revelation 7:17)

Audio:

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: