Series: Church On The Move (Colossians)[#4]
IMPRINT
Colossians 1:24-2:5
Introduction:
As I was doing a little cleaning the other day, I found one of Kaitlyn’s Sunday School projects from 3 years ago. It was an imprint of her hand. I am one to throw things away; but I found myself keeping it because it brings back good memories.
Although it’s not usually physical imprints, we do leave imprints of our presence everywhere we go. Who are these people? [Show pictures of Billy Graham, Adolf Hitler, Osama Bin Laddin, and George Washington.] All of these people have left imprints of their lives; some good and some bad.
Most of us will never be remembered in the history books or by the masses; but you do leave impressions on those people that you went to school or church with, those you used to work with, etc…
Paul wanted to leave an imprint that brought glory to the name of Jesus. I want to look at 3 categories of imprints you can leave and how they affect others.
Category #1: Missed
It has often been said that sometimes you don’t know what you have until it is gone. Some Christians are this way. They are faithful to do what God has called them to do. Paul gives us some characteristics of this type of person and when they leave they are missed.
Colossians 1:24-2:5 (NIV)
[24] Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. [25] I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness-- [26] the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. [27] To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. [28] We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. [29] To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. [2:1] I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. [2] My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [4] I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. [5] For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
A missed Christian…
Serves Others
This person always thinks of others first. They love others with the love of Christ and give their lives as servants so that the Kingdom of God will be furthered.
A missed Christian…
Serves God
They are obedient to God and strive to please God. The pleasures of the world do not slow them down. They get their direction from God. They place God at the top.
A missed Christian…
Serves Through God’s Power
The only source of power you will ever find that will work in all situations is God’s power. This person does not seek man’s approval but God’s direction and this will result in mighty things happening.
Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
[13] I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
This person takes Jesus seriously when He said, ”If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
This type of Christian touches our lives in ways that they probably never realize. These are the people that draw the lost to Jesus Christ. They encourage the saints to keep pushing on. They pick up the wounded and guide them to recovery.
At this time I would like to stop and thank God for these people. As we pray, thank God for those people who left an imprint of Christ in your life. [Prayer]
Category #2: Finally Gone
Unfortunately we don’t hear much about those people who have been a blessing to us; but we do hear often about those who seem to be a curse.
There are some people in our lives that when they leave, we breath a sigh of relief. This type of person also has an impact upon our lives; but it’s not a positive one. These people push “lost” people away from Jesus. They discourage the saints and cause them to want to quit. They kick the wounded and hold them down.
At this time I would like to stop and ask God to be with these people that have hurt you and that they would not hinder you from serving God or you hinder them. [Prayer]
Category #3: Forgotten
There are those who impact our lives positively and negatively; and then there are those who have no impact at all.
This type of person never has time to form relationships outside of their “little circle”. They are always on the outside looking in. There is not much to say about this type of person. It is almost like they never existed.
At this time I would like to stop and ask God to convict and burden these people to become a part of what He is doing. [Prayer]
Conclusion:
What category do you fall into? Each of our goals should be to leave imprints that will leave imprints of Christ upon other’s lives. If you are doing this, keep doing it. If not, why not change?
