Summary: What defines a spiritually rich church? Consider the Colossian church. If the churches of the 21st century would possess half of the qualities of that church, our ministries and our lives would be much more fulfilling.

The Spiritually Rich Church

Colossians 1:1-29

I. Fervent Faith (v. 3-8)

a. Produced love (v. 4; Galatians 5:6)

b. Hoped for Christ’s soon return (v. 5; 2 Timothy 4:8)

c. Bore fruit for the gospel (v. 6-7; John 15:4)

II. Prayers of Their Ministry Partners (v. 9-12)

a. For wisdom (v. 9; Ephesians 1:15-17)

b. For sanctified lives (v. 10; Ephesians 4:1)

c. For spiritual power (v. 11; 1 Corinthians 16:13)

III. Joy in Jesus (v. 13-23; John 15:11)

a. Because of His rescue (v. 13-14)

b. Because He is God (v. 15-17)

c. Because of His divine leadership (v. 18-20; Ephesians 1:22)

d. Because of His friendship (v. 21-23; Romans 5:10)

IV. Laboring Leaders (v. 24-29)

a. Who took on struggles for the church’s sake (v. 24; 2 Corinthians 12:15)

b. Who preach the Word in its entirety (v. 25-28)

c. Who are consumed by God’s power (v. 29)

REFERENCE NOTES

Galatians 5:6— 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

2 Timothy 4:8— 8in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.

John 15:4— 4"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.

Ephesians 1:15-17— 15For this reason I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which exists among you and your love for all the saints, 16do not cease giving thanks for you, while making mention of you in my prayers; 17that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him.

Ephesians 4:1— 1Therefore I, (A)the prisoner of the Lord, (B)implore you to (C)walk in a manner worthy of the (D)calling with which you have been (E)called,

1 Corinthians 16:13— 13(A)Be on the alert, (B)stand firm in the faith, (C)act like men, (D)be strong.

John 15:11— 11"(A)These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your (B)joy may be made full.

Ephesians 1:22— 22And He (A)put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as (B)head over all things to the church

Romans 5:10— 10For if while we were (A)enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved (B)by His life.

2 Corinthians 12:15— 15I will (A)most gladly spend and be expended for your souls If (B)I love you more, am I to be loved less?