AN ATTITUDE THAT TRANSFORMS OUR ACTIONS-Colossians 1:1-8
Proposition: The attitude of thankfulness due to God’s grace transforms both our beliefs and our actions.
Objective: My purpose is to challenge God’s people to become more thankful for what God had done for us in our spiritual life as we serve the Lord Jesus Christ.
INTRODUCTION:
Sometimes the news can be confusing! In our day of crime and global terrorism, we really need some good news. There’s a song from the 1970s recorded by Ann Murray:
There’s a local paper rolled up in a rubber band
One more sad story’s one more than I can stand
Just once how I’d like to see the headline say
“Not much to print today, can’t find nothin’ bad to say,”
Because–nobody robbed a liquor store on the lower part of town
Nobody OD’ed, nobody burned a single buildin’ down
Nobody fired a shot in anger, nobody had to die in vain
We sure could use a little good news today.
Well, now for some really good news–it is the truth about the Gospel of God’s amazing grace and the all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ. One day Epaphras came to Paul in prison and said: “I’ve got some good news and some bad news. Which do you want first?” The good news is, “Many have experienced the grace of God and are serving the Lord there and need your prayers.” (1:3) The bad news is that there are some people saying, “Christ is not the Creator, the Incarnation is not real & Christ is not enough. They give Christ a place but not the supreme place. You need something more.” (2:8-10) It was a negative outlook that stated, “God is far away, matter is evil and demonic forces are constantly threatening us.”
This church was located in what we now call Turkey, in the Roman province of Asia Minor, about one hundred miles south and east of Ephesus. The focus of our text today is the power of the truth of Christ to change us. He speaks of the transforming power of the Gospel in our lives as we come more to understand God’s grace in all its truth that changes our attitude from negative to positive. The word Gospel means "good news" and it is the good news of God’s grace. The word grace
means "unmerited favor." The good news is that Jesus Christ has paid the penalty for our sin and we can be set free through Him. We can be changed forever. Paul proclaims the absolute supremacy and sole sufficiency of Jesus. (Read 2:9-10).
1. Note an apostolic declaration of authority (v. 1) “Paul, an apostle of
Jesus Christ by the will of God”—He belongs to Jesus Christ, serving by a divine appointment, not self-appointed. This is the authority for his writing. Paul has confidence in his apostleship.
2. Note an apostolic estimation of the believers (v. 2a) “To the saints
and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colossae”-- Saints means that they are separated to God from the world and that as a result they should lead holy lives. Faithful brethren indicates that they are children of a common Father through faith in the Lord Jesus; they are believing brothers and sisters. They are in Christ, joined to Him as closely as limbs are joined to the body of which they are a part. It is by virtue of this union with Christ that they are both saints and brothers.
3. Note an apostolic salutation for the church (v. 2b) “Grace to
you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”-- Grace was a common Greek expression, while peace was the common Jewish greeting; and the words were used at meeting or parting. Grace pictures God stooping down to sinful, lost humanity in loving and tender compassion. Peace summarizes all that results in the life of a person when he accepts God’s grace as a free gift. The order of the words is significant: grace first, then peace. Grace (God’s work) comes before peace (our new relationship).
Thankfulness, then, means to rejoice in God’s presence for blessings freely received from Him. It is joy expressed in word and deed toward God for His grace. God’s mercies are new for me every morning; so I ought to always be thankful. There is a hymn that says "Count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what God has done."
I. BE THANKFUL FOR A SAVING EXPERIENCE OF THE GOSPEL (vvs. 3-5) "We give thanks to…God…your faith…your love…the hope laid up for you”-- After Paul’s greeting in the name of God, there comes his gratitude to God for the Colossians. It seems that Paul always began his prayer with praise to the Lord and this is a good example for us to follow.
1. The trust of faith: Faith looks upward to God (vvs.. 3-4a) “”We give thanks to…God since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus”-- This is a Christ-centered faith since the Colossian’s faith is anchored in Him. The Lord Jesus is set forth as the Object of faith. A person might have unbounded faith in a bank, but that faith is only valued as long as the bank is reliable. The faith itself will not insure the safety of one’s money if the bank is poorly managed. In our spiritual life, our faith must be centered in the Lord Jesus Christ. Faith is commitment to Jesus Christ.
Illus: When missionary John G. Paton was translating the Bible in the Outer Hebrides, he searched for the exact word for "believe." Then he discovered it: the word meant "lean your whole weight upon." That is what true saving faith is--leaning your weight upon Jesus Christ.
2. The truth of love: Love looks outward to others (v. 4b) “Your love for all the saints”-- The love of the Colossians went out to all the saints. There was nothing local or sectarian about their love. They did not love only those of their own fellowship, but wherever they found true believers, their love flowed out freely and warmly. We should recognize the sheep of Christ wherever they are found, and manifest our affection to them wherever possible.
Illus: “Love nevers asks how much must I do, but how much can I do?”
Illus: I heard about a preacher who was preparing a sermon on loving one another. He recently poured concrete for a new driveway at his house. As he was working on his message, he heard some kids laughing. He investigated to discover some neighborhood boys were walking through his driveway, leaving their footprints in the concrete. In fury, he ran out of the house screaming for the boys to get out of his driveway. They quickly dispersed, he returned to his study. His wife thought she’s kid him by saying, “I thought we are supposed to love one another. It didn’t sound like you loved those boys very much!” The pastor said, “I DO love them. I love them in the abstract but not in the concrete!”
3. The triumph of hope: Hope looks forward to the future (v. 4b) "Because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven”-- Hope is knowing that Jesus lives in me! He gives thanks for their hope of heaven. This refers to the glorious reward, that is, the future heavenly blessedness, of the people of God. Faith rests on the past work of Christ; love works in the present; and hope anticipates the future. This confident expectation of Christ’s return, called "the blessed hope" (Titus 2:13), influences the believers’ conduct (1 Thess. 4:13-18, 1 John 3:3).
Illus: Gilbert M. Beenken stated, "Other men see only a hopeless end, but the Christian rejoices in an endless hope."
II. BE THANKFUL FOR A SUCCESFUL EXPANSION OF THE GOSPEL (v. 6) "It…is bringing forth fruit”-- It always bears fruit in holy lives wherever received.
1. For every going out of the Gospel (v. 6a) “which has come to you as it has also in all the world”—The Gospel had come to them, being now spread abroad in all the world. This affirms the wide diffusion of the gospel.
2. For every growth of the Gospel (v. 6b) “And is bringing forth fruit” having in his hand a live coal”—The further the Gospel in the world the more it enriches human lives. The Gospel always bears fruit in changed lives wherever received. This is stated to show the supernatural character of the gospel. In nature, a plant does not usually bear fruit and increase at the same time. Many times, it has to be pruned in order to bear fruit, for if it is allowed to grow wild, the result is that all the life of the plant goes into leaves and branches rather than into fruit. But the gospel does both at the same time. It bears fruit in the salvation of souls and in the upbuilding of the saints, and it also spreads from city to city and from nation to nation.
3. For every giving out of the Gospel (v. 6c) “as it is also among you since the day you heard”—The day the Colossians heard the good news is their happy day.
4. For every bit of the grace of the Gospel (v. 6d) "and knew the grace of God in truth”-- The grace of God is used here as a lovely description of the Gospel message. What could more beautifully summarize the glad tidings than the wonderful truth of God’s grace bestowed on guilty men who deserve God’s wrath! They heard the gospel from Epaphras and at once recognized and accepted (to know fully or in addition). They fully apprehended the grace of God and should be immune to the shallow belief and conduct of the Gnostics.
Illus: Ten Little Christians
Ten Little Christians came to church all the time;
One fell out with the pastor, then there were nine.
Nine little Christians stayed up very late,
One slept too late on Sunday,
then there were eight.
Eight little Christians on their way to Heaven,
One took the low road, then there were seven.
Seven little Christians chirping like some chicks,
One disliked the music, then there were six.
Six little Christians seemed very much alive,
but one lost his interest then there were five.
Five little Christians pulling for Heavens shore,
but one stopped to rest, then there were only four.
Four little Christians, each busy as a bee
One got his/her feelings hurt, then there were three.
Three little Christians knew not what to do,
One joined the sporting crowd, then there were two.
Two little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done,
differed with each other, then there was one.
One little Christian, can’t do much ’tis true;
Brought his friend to Bible Study -- then there were two!
Two earnest Christians, each won one more,
that doubled the number, then there were four.
Four sincere Christians worked early and worked late,
Each won another, then there were eight.
Eight splendid Christians, if they doubled as before,
In just a few short weeks, we’d have 1,024.
In this little jingle, there is a lesson very true,
You either belong to The Building, Or
To the wrecking crew!
III. BE THANKFUL FOR A SATISFYING EXPRESSION OF THE GOSPEL (vvs. 7-8) “a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf who also declared to us your love in the Spirit”
1. Mutual labor (v. 7a) "Who is a faithful minister”-- This shows that Paul had developed a deep bond with Epaphras. It is possible, as has been conjectured, that there was a party in the church at Colossae opposed to Epaphras and to the doctrines which he preached, and if this were so, Paul’s strong expression of attachment for him would do much to silence the opposition. This means that He was, like Paul, a bondslave of Jesus Christ and that Paul looked on him as a valued comrade in the Lord’s work.
Illus: "Set it down as a fact to which there are no exceptions, that we must labor for all that we have, and nothing is worth possessing or offering to others, which costs us nothing." Sunday School Times
2. Mutual loyalty (v. 7b) “of Christ on your behalf”-- Maclaren: "Probably Epaphras founded the Colossian church and did so in pursuance of a commission given him by Paul."
3. Mutual love (v. 8b) "your love in the Spirit"-- Loving one another is evidence of a right relationship with God. A loving church is filled with loving Christians. It’s easy to talk about love in general terms, but when it boils down to loving ALL the saints, it’s not as easy as it sounds. There’s a little poem that says, “To live above with saints we love; oh, that will be glory; but to live below with saints we know; now, that’s a different story!” This is the mutual love implanted and fostered in their hearts by the Holy Spirit who dwells within them and united them in a living bond.
Illus: Four-year-old Martha, hugging a doll in each of her pudgy little arms, looked wistfully up at her mother and said, "Mamma, I love them and love them and love them, but they never love me back."
CONCLUSION: In closing, remember:
1. Thank God for our salvation when we trust Christ as our Savior. Here is a short and brief description of what is central in the Christian life: faith, hope and love.
2. Thank God for every success in sharing the Gospel. Here is a stimulating description of the Christian life: fruitful and growing.
3. Thank God for the satisfaction experienced in knowing Christ. “Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before.” Here is a satisfying description of the minister of the Gospel: faithfulness, beloved colleague & loyalty to God’s people.
4. This will transform any proper attitude into proper action in your service for the Lord Jesus.
As the hymn says, “My hope is built on nothing less; than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame; But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.”
Illus: Minister in Texas preached a funeral service for a man who had not attended church regularly. As he stood at the head of the casket, the man’s 8 year old son walked up to the pastor, tugged his sleeve and asked: “Mister, are you God?” The pastor was caught by surprise, but answered, “No son, but I work for Him and I know Him quite well.” That makes all the difference in the world and will transform a proper attitude into proper action for God.
Illus: An African pastor said to a missionary leaving Africa, “Please tell our friends in America that that we do have refrigerators and other modern conveniences. Tell them we could even dispense with automobiles, but tell them we cannot do without the Gospel of the Son of God.”
Illus: A minister tells this: When we started the PCA (Presbyterian Church in American) in 1973, we had no money—not a dime—and we were going to start a new denomination. One group gave us $90,000 for world missions. The only two missionaries we had were down in Acapulco. We had Dick Dye and a young lady named Ellen Barnett.
Dick Dye was down there for about 2 months, and he was discouraged. He looked up every day, and on top of one of those mountains of Acapulco was a huge cross, and that encouraged him. Finally, after about 2 months of looking at it, he drove up there to find out about that cross. And when he did, he found it in a big hotel.
He drove in and asked the secretary, "Can I speak to the man who runs this whole establishment?" "Do you have an appointment?" "No appointment, I just want to tell him something." "What do you want to tell him?" "I want to tell him thank you." "Okay." So she got the owner. He was a German. Dick Dye explained: "I’m a missionary from the U.S., here in Acapulco. I’ve been discouraged. It’s been 2 months, and I see that cross and it so encourages me, and I want to thank you for having it up there."
The man looked at Dick Dye, put his head down on his desk, and began to weep. And he wept, and he wept, and he wept. Finally, he raised his head and said: "That cross has been up there for years. All I’ve heard is criticism. You’re the first man that ever said ’thank you.’ Now, who are you and what do you need?" "Well, I’m just a missionary," Dick answered. "Where do you meet?" "We don’t meet anywhere. I don’t have any place to meet." The owner said, "Come with me." He took Dick to a beautiful chapel and said: "We have church here at 9 A.M. and 11 A.M. But from now on, at 10 A.M., it is yours. You begin services next week." That was the beginning, and within a matter of years, we turned four congregations over to the Presbyterian Church of Mexico. How did it start? With one guy who said "Thank you."
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