That I May Know Him Series

That I May Know Him

Colossians 1:1-12

We are beginning a sermon series through the book of Colossians on Sunday mornings. The apostle Paul wrote this wonderful book. It is known as a prison Epistle because Paul wrote this under house arrest during his first imprisonment in Rome.

Ephesians is widely known as portraying the “church of Christ” and Colossians is know as portraying the “Christ of the church.” Ephesians is all about the body of Christ and Colossians focuses on the Head of the body.

Paul’s purpose in writing this book is to show that Christ should be preeminent—first and foremost in everything in the church and in the lives of every Christian. Our lives should be evident that Jesus is #1.

Paul said it this way in Philippians 3:10, “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,” (NKJ)

Paul says I want to know everything about Jesus and get so close to Him that I learn everything about Him. Paul is saying folks Just give me Jesus.

The world and major religions of the world have a completely different viewpoint of who this Jesus is. Of the four major world religions tonly Christianity claims an empty tomb for its founder. Our verse said that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection—why is that important?

In 1900 B.C. Judaism’s Father Abraham died. In 483 B.C. Buddhist writings say Buddha died “with that utter passing away in which nothing whatever remains behind.” June 6, 632 A.D. Mohammed died. . In 33 A.D. Jesus died but came back to life appearing to 500 people over a period of 40 days.

The Bible says in 1Corinthians 15:14, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

If Jesus didn’t rise from the dead than He’s no different than any of the others.

But I think to really understand this book of the Bible we ourselves have to ask the question Who is Jesus to us? I mean is Jesus first and foremost in our lives?

See I believe that the preeminence of Christ should not be a slogan or a statement we just agree with it should be lived our practically in our lives.

I believe the church needs today more than anything else to fall in love with Jesus all over again. That’s my prayer and passion for this series.

So the question is...are you ready?

How is it evident in the life of a Christian when Jesus is #1?

I. We hear and believe the Gospel (v.1-6)

This is what separates Christians from non-Christians. All hear the gospel story but few believe by putting their faith in Jesus. But to really understand this the Bible tells us here:

A. What the Gospel is (v.4-5, 6b)

The word “Gospel” means “good news.” Well what’s the good news? It’s two-fold:

1. It’s all about Jesus (v.4a)

The good news is the story of Jesus Christ. His story of His life, death and resurrection is recorded in the Gospels. The good news is we have a savior who died for our sins. The Gospel is not a way to God it is the way to God. Because of Jesus there is hope for all the world.

2. It’s the Word of Truth and Grace (v.5, 6b)

This means that the Gospel came from God and it can be trusted. John 17:17 says, “Thy Word is truth.” There are many things that can be called true. My love for my wife and my boys that is true. Your love for your family is true. However, there is only one thing that can be called truth. VBS motto and verse. Absolute truth is found in God’ Holy Word.

But notice the phrase “grace of God” in v.6. Grace gives us what we don’t deserve. Sometimes we give our children grace. After a speeding ticket, or when one brother hits the other. I better changed subjects…

Sometimes we need grace to put up with our children...can I get a witness. I hear people say I’m not looking forward to the empty nest...Have you lost your mind!! I’m counting the days! Noah is getting kicked out the day he turns 18—6/12/2016.

2,912 days.

The grace of God. We don’t deserve it. That He would die for me and for you goes against every other religion and every bit of worldly wisdom.

Chuck Swindoll in "The Grace Awakening" wrote this: “If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer. But our greatest need was forgiveness, So God sent us a Savior!”