The Power To See It Through Series

-CHRIST IN THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING-

POWER TO SEE IT THROUGH

Colossians 2:6-15

Introduction

In our look at Colossians, we have noted the theme that Christ is in the Center of Everything. The center of our faith and prayers. He is in the center because of who He is. That Christ in us is our only hope of glory. Still, Christians can get discouraged, disenchanted, disappointed.

Rick Warren identified four causes of discouragement for Christians:

#1 Cause – Fatigue

When you’re physically or emotionally exhausted, you’re a prime candidate to be infected with

discouragement. Your defenses are lowered and things can seem bleaker than they really are.

When we are dealing with something as massive as the pandemic, it’s easy to feel tired -

sometimes when we can’t identify a physical reason.

#2 Cause – Frustration

When unfinished tasks pile up, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. And when trivial matters or the

unexpected interrupt you and prevent you from accomplishing what you really need to do, your

frustration can easily produce discouragement.

Can anyone identify with the place that frustration has had in our lives?

#3 Cause – Failure

Sometimes your best laid plans fall apart, the project collapses, the deal falls through, no one

shows up to the event. How do you react? Do you give in to self-pity? Do you blame others?

As one man said, “Just when I think I can make ends meet, somebody moves the ends!”

That’s discouraging!

#4 Cause – Fear

Fear is behind more discouragement than we’d like to admit. The fear of criticism (What will they think?), the fear of responsibility (What if I can’t handle this?), and the fear of failure (What if I blow it?) can cause us to lose our energy for serving in the Kingdom.

How does Christ give us the power to see it through - to continue to live our lives in Him? In our text we will notice FIVE POWER WORDS that remind us that we can find traction in our spiritual lives and never give up!

1. CONTINUE

Colossians 2:6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him

We received Christ as LORD! Not as advisor, counselor, friend, good luck charm, or magic genie in a bottle. He is Lord. Colossians 1:3 Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

AND our commitment to Him is to be continued throughout our lives.

Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

1 John 2:28 And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

The first power word to give us the power to see it through is CONTINUE - don’t give up!

2. STRENGTHEN

Colossians 2:7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Strength comes from being firmly rooted in the teachings of Christ.

AMP: Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him…

Psalm 1:1-3 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.

Jeremiah 17:8 They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

How do we strengthen our faith - how do we establish deep roots of faith in our heart?

- Build your life on the truth of Christ and His Word.

- Cultivate Gratitude - As you grow in faith you will Overflow with thankfulness

- Be Patient and Diligent - Know that it doesn’t happen fast. "Nature makes trees put down deep roots before having them bear fruit, and even this is done gradually." - Vincent de Paul

The stronger our connection with God’s word, the greater our faith and gratitude.

3. FOCUS

Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

There are many systems, beliefs, and ways of thinking in our world that are hollow and

deceptive - focused on everything except Christ.