July 23, 2023: Colossians 1:24-2:5
Who was Paul?
Your past cannot disqualify you from a future with God
Every single thing was created through Jesus and for Jesus
I was created for Jesus
Jesus holds all creation together
Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body
The world is the creation of Christ, the church is the new creation of Christ.
Through him God reconciled everything to himself
Paul suffered for this message
Colossians 1:24-2:1 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church.
God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you.
This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, mature in their relationship to Christ.
That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally.
Paul suffered, struggled, agonized for this message
Why?
It’s that good.
It’s that important.
Jesus, the creative force behind everything that is, invites you to be reconciled to him.
Jesus, the creative force behind everything that is, invites you to be re-created in him.
Colossians 1:27 Christ lives in you.
Colossians 1:29 Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Is this truth reflected in your priorities?
Colossians 2:4 I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments.
Seek God’s guidance for your life through community, scripture and prayer
Colossians 2:2-3 I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.Seek God’s guidance for your life through community, scripture and prayer
Summer is a great time to refocus your priorities
Get curious about what “Christ’s mighty power that works within you” could look like