Lessons From Prison

LESSONS FROM PRISON

The Attitude of Gratitude

INTRODUCTION

A. Some people perpetually cry, “Why me, Lord?”

B. Paul wrote Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians while imprisoned in Rome, not knowing whether he would be released or executed (Phil 1:21-26).

C. Despite his imprisonment and the cloud hanging over him, these three epistles were filled with hope and joy:

1. The theme of Ephesians is the riches found in Jesus Christ (1:7, 18; 2:7; 3:8, 16).

2. The theme of Philippians is Joy (1:4, 25; 2:2, 29; 4:1)

3. The theme of Colossians is thankfulness (1:3, 12; 2:7; 3:17; 4:2)

D. Whatever problems Paul may have had, they could not choke out his gratitude for the gospel, those who preached it, and those who obeyed it.

E. In the body of Christ, we should promote, preserve, and pass on a cultural of thankfulness for the gospel, for those who teach it, preach it, and live it, and for those who obey it.

I. BE THANKFUL FOR ITS NATURE: GRACE IN TRUTH (Col 1:3-6)

A. There are two perversions of grace:

1. Legalism, which is not law-keeping, but law-trusting (Gal 5:2-6; 1 Tim 1:8-11; Gal 3:19-22)

2. License (Jude vv.3-4).

B. Grace cannot be earned, but it can be abused.

II. BE THANKFUL FOR ALL WHO SPREAD THE GOSPEL (Col 1:7-8)

A. We all owe someone for teaching us:

1. Translator

2. Family member

3. Sunday school teacher

4. Preacher.

B. Paul Warned Against Idolization (1 Cor 3:4-9).

III. BE THANKFUL FOR ALL WHO OBEY THE GOSPEL (Col 1:3-4)

A. The church was designed to be God’s melting pot (Gal 3:27-29; Rev 7:9-10).

B. Restaurants, sporting and entertainment events, schools and universities, etc. are not segregated, but tragically, too many churches are still segregated by race or socio-economic ideals.

IV. BE THANKFUL FOR ITS POWER: BEARING FRUIT (Col 1:3-6)

A. If the preaching of the gospel is not bearing fruit, there are two possible reasons:

1. It is not the gospel of grace.

2. The seed:

a. Fell by the wayside (Matt 13:4)

b. Fell on rocky ground (Matt 13:5-6)

c. Fell among thorns (Matt 13:7)

V. BE THANKFUL FOR ITS HOPE: LAID UP IN HEAVEN (Col 3:3-5; 2 Tim 4:6-8)

A. The fact that hope is laid up in heaven does not mean that Jesus has left us as street urchins (Rom 8:14-17; 1 John 3:1-3)

B. Paul is assuring us that the best is yet to come (1 Cor 15:12-19; 42-49)

CONCLUSION

A. Paul and Silas could sing praises during an earlier imprisonment (Acts 16:25).

B. Wherever circumstances may take us, let us sing and be happy, giving thanks for the gospel of grace.