Series: Action [#155]
GET CLOSER TO GOD- REPUTATION
Colossians 1:1-8
Introduction:
Since the beginning of humanity when Adam and Eve sinned, mankind has been spinning around in sin and no one could do anything about it. Sure, there have been some who thought they had the answers; but these were just feeble attempts. When it seemed that there was nothing that could be done, God the Father sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to this Earth to die on a cross so that we could be rescued from sin.
Colossians 1:13-14
Through His victory over sin, death, and Satan; Jesus has snatched us out of the grips of sin. When no one else could do anything, Jesus Christ saved us. Jesus died so that we could be rescued. Jesus is now at the right hand of God the Father; but He has sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in all believers which make up the Church. Every member of the Body of Christ is a part of the rescued.
Colossians 1:1-2
In the Book of Colossians, Paul was writing to a group of Christians that made up the local Church of Colosse. This Church was under attack of the Gnostics who believed that they had “the market” on God. These Gnostics were extremely arrogant and legalistic. They were also trying to shut down the local Church so that their “garbage doctrine” would not be contested. How did the Church of Colosse hold up and continue on? As we answer this question, we must ask ourselves the same question.
We live in a time when the Church is known for being a place of fighting, lying, cheating, stealing, gossiping, etc... Because of this, lost people are not drawn to the Church; many saved people don’t want to be a part of the Church; and the Church seems to just be spinning in circles. Our reputation as a Church matters to the cause of Christ.
Colossians 1:3-8
Notice the Colossian Church’s…
1. Faith, hope, and love.
Their faith in Jesus Christ was apparent by the way they loved. If we show love to one another, our faith in Jesus Christ is obvious. This must mean that the opposite holds true. If we are constantly tearing each other down and not showing love to one another then our faith in Christ is in question. How was this Church able to stay faithful and love one another during such hard times? Verse 5 says that their faith and love sprung up from their hope of Heaven. When they were told that the Word of God says that all believers in Jesus Christ will go to Heaven someday, they believed it. This hope is what pushed them daily to faithfully serve Jesus Christ. Their motive was Jesus Christ.
Maybe the reason that the Church of the 21st Century does not see faith and love evident, is because they have lost that burning hope of Heaven in their lives. Sometimes it seems that Christians are about as excited about leaving this Earth and going to Heaven as they are about going to the dentist. Christians, we need to let go of the things of the World that are holding us down. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes something bad happening in our lives to get our attention. Sometimes it even takes a near death experience to cause us to remember why we are here. Not only did Paul point out the evidence of their faith, hope, and love; but he also pointed out why it was evident.
Notice the Colossian Church’s…
2. Hearing and doing.
When they heard the Word of God, they didn’t just hear it with their ears, they heard it with their heart; and when they heard it, they put it into action and because of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ spread like “wildfire”. In a World where evil seems to be growing; Christians need to stop just “Amening” Sermons and then go home and not change anything. Just because you know what is right doesn’t mean you will do it. Christians, stop walking in the flesh and walk in the Spirit.
It is like the people who are suing McDonald’s because they got fat. Let me give those people a little hint, if you would stop eating 2 Big Macs, 2 Hot Fudge Sundays, and 2 lbs. of French fries; maybe you wouldn’t gain so much weight. Christians we need to be hearers and doers of the Word. Paul pointed out why there was evidence of faith, hope, and love. He then finishes this section by saying a word about the Pastor of the Colossian Church, Epaphras.
Notice the Colossian Church’s…
3. Faithful minister.
Paul points out why Epaphras was a faithful minister- He preached the Word. He taught them the truths of God with love. He wasn’t out playing referee for a bunch of fighting Christians. He was studying the Word, praying, and preaching the Word. Epaphras could lead the Church. He had time to do those things that God called him to do and when he led, the people followed.
I want to remind you that each of you have a ministry. I told my Sunday School Class a story this morning that I have not even told Karen yet. On Tuesday, we left for Karen’s Oncologist’s appointment in Lubbock at 8am. I wasn’t aware of what time her appointment was, so when we arrived in Lubbock we went to Mardels. After that, we went and ate some really good Thai food. As we were leaving, I asked what time her appointment was and she said 3:30; so we were 5 hours early and still had 3 hours before her appointment. She did not miss a beat- She said, “Take me to the Mall”; so, I did.
I asked if I could stay in the truck and she said, “Yes”. I was going to take a nap; but then I noticed a man standing by a car just waiting. It was a 100? and probably 120? on the Parking Lot, so I invited him to sit in my air conditioned truck. While we were sitting there, he began to talk about how he was going to steal that car; and that I should be very afraid of him. I told him that I was not afraid of him; and continued a conversation with him. In my mind, I was thinking, “Lord, send this person out because I cannot leave until this person comes out to their vehicle and leaves”. In about 1 minute, this young lady, (probably 16 or 17 years old) got into her vehicle and left. Now, this man was getting ready to leave and I told him that he had to stay- I listened to him and now he had to listen to me. I simply told him about Jesus and that Jesus did not care about his past. The man left, and then I thought, “Was that stupid or a moment that God was doing something big”?
God gives us moments like this to be faithful to His call on our lives. When people meet you, do they see Jesus or you? Be faithful in whatever ministry God has placed you in.
Conclusion:
When I preached a similar Sermon and Sermon Series 19 years ago, I was pleading with Bel Aire to pull it together and stop fighting. Today, I thank God that this is no longer our challenge. Keep growing Bel Aire.
