3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and [g]understood the grace of God in truth; 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.
Big Idea: The true Gospel is the basis of the Christian’s faith, love, and hope, and so should be treasured above all other messages we hear in the world.
Outline: 4 Gospel truths we should remember and relish to help us be reassured in our faith in Christ.
The Gospel is objective – it is the same word of truth everywhere (1:5b-6)
The Gospel is comprehensive – it is to be heard, understood, and learned (1:6, 7)
The Gospel is productive – it brings spiritual life and growth (1:6, 8)
The Gospel is undeservedly given – it is the grace of God (1:6e)
3 We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel 6 which has come to you, just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, even as it has been doing in you also since the day you heard of it and understood the grace of God in truth; 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf, 8 and he also informed us of your love in the Spirit.
Theme: Christians can and should be thankful to God that true believers have faith in Jesus Christ and love for all other believers, which come from the hope of the Gospel.
Outline: Christians can always be thankful to God for one another because:
True believers have faith in Christ – V. 1:4a
True believers have love for all believers – V. 1:4b
True believers have the hope of heaven via the Gospel – V. 1:5
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Theme: Christians are who they are in Christ by God’s will, set apart by God as spiritual family and recipients of God’s grace and peace.
Outline: Three realizations Christians should come to know about themselves in their relationship with God in Jesus Christ.
You have been chosen, converted and commissioned by the will of God. – v. 1:1
You have been set apart from this world to be faithful to God in this world. – v. 1:2a
You have been blessed with amazing grace and peace from God. – v. 1:2b
Men and women have distinct roles in their relationship – Man is provider and protector – Eph 5:22-33, Col 3:18-19, 1 Pet 3:1-7 – Woman is helper – Eph 5:22-33, Col 3:18-19 1 Pet 3:1-7, Prov 31, Titus 2:3-8
How did Jesus view women?
Jesus holds a high view of women. – He valued women as people – Matt 19:4, John 4:9-27 – He offered forgiveness equally to men and women – John 8:7-11
1. Jesus did not treat women as objects or property. They were protected – Mat 19:8-9
2. Jesus ministered to women – John 4:9-27, John 8:7-11, Luke 11:27-28, Mark 5:24-34
3. Jesus gave women dignity in His ministry – He taught women theological truth – Luke 10:38-42 – He had women participate in His ministry – Luke7:38-50, Matt 26:7-13, Mark 14:3-9 Luke 10:38-42, John 12:2-8, Luke 8:2-3 Matt 28:1-8
Theme: Christians should know clearly from the Bible what our purpose and part is in the local church, so that we can stay focused on the mission and move forward together under God’s direction.
Outline: The “Big 3” of God’s purpose for the local church, which must be our purpose as a church, in order to glorify Him:
Be a Worshiping Community – To Exalt the Lord
Be a Working Community – To Edify & Equip the Saints
Be a Witnessing Community – To Evangelize the Lost
12 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
Theme: Christians should know clearly from the Bible what our purpose and part is in the local church, so that we can stay focused on the mission and move forward together under God’s direction.
Outline: The “Big 3” of God’s purpose for the local church, which must be our purpose as a church, in order to glorify Him:
37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Theme: The Church is made up of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who continue in their devotion to Him and His Word, resulting in a life of true fellowship with one another and true witness to the lost.
Outline: Two critical characteristics of a true church
I. A true church consists of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ – vv 2:37-41; 44
a. Repentance / Faith b. Baptized
II. A true Church consists of believers who are devoted to the following:
a. A life of learning God’s Word together – vv 2:42-43 b. A life of genuine fellowship and love – vv 2:42; 44-47 c. A life of witnessing together for the Gospel – v 2:47
