Sermon Central
-
Timeless Truths For The Every-Changing Times
Contributed by Don Campbell on Apr 2, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: We live in a world of rapid change, much of which is bad. God's word provides believers with stability, which allows them to be a peace because they are living in grace. Paul's introduction to each of is epistles are timeless.
TIMELESS TRUTHS FOR THE EVERY-CHANGING TIMES
INTRODUCTION
A. We often fail to study and teach the whole Bible!
1. I’m not talking about the Old Testament, although we don’t.
2. I’m not talking about the Book of Revelation, although we don’t.
B. I’m talking about the first few verses of every epistles, the salutations. We believe, perhaps, that they are
a stylistic convention, like our “Dear Sir,” or we believe that they are too specific to be of any relevance to
us.
C. Let’s notice Paul salutation to the Colossians: “To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae”
(1:2).
I. PAUL ASSERTED HIS APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY (v.1)
A. He did not receive his authority from men and would therefore tolerate no challenge to it (Gal 1:11-17; 6-
9).
B. Paul zealously upheld his authority, but he was not jealous of sharing his ministry (Col 1:7).
II. EVANGELISTIC AUTHORITY IN THE 21ST CENTURY
A. It is not derived from an ordaining body, nor from the people who support him.
B. It is inherent in the apostolic word, which must be faithfully preached (2 Tim 1:13-14; 2:1-2; 3:16 – 4:5).
C. The apostolic authority is timeless and universal and is present in the word preached as well as the word
revealed.
III. THE RELEVANCE OF PAUL’S SALUTATION TO THE 21ST CENTURY CHURCH
A. It is addressed to the saints and faithful in Christ and at Colosse.
1. The first identifies their spiritual location and is timeless.
2. The second is their local address, which is temporary and incidental.
B. The letter is relevant to us because we are in Christ—at Puryear, Hong Kong, or London—is only
temporary and incidental.
III. THE SALUTATION: GRACE AND PEACE
A. Our first clue that this is more than a stylistic device is that it is not the ordinary greeting of the day, but
combines the Hebrew Shalom (peace), with the uniquely Christian “Grace.”
B. The problems differed from congregation to congregation, but Paul blesses them all with “grace and peace”
(Rom 1:7, 1 Cor 1:3, 2 Cor 1:2, Gal 1:3, etc.)
C. Both grace and peace are in Christ (Col 1:15-23).
IV. THREE TIMELESS AND TIMELY TRUTHS
A. The authority of the Scriptures is timeless and universal.
B. The brotherhood is timeless and universal.
C. The need for grace and peace is timeless and universal.
CONCLUSION
A. Paul faced dangers from the outside and struggles within (2 Cor 7:5).
B. If we are living for Christ, we will experience these same battles.
C. Grace and peace from God the Father and is Son Jesus Christ is the antidote for fear.
