We Are God's Reflection

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Colossians 3:12-14

“We are God’s Reflection”

“The People of God are to reflect the qualities of God.”

02.03.08

Intro:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1e0EQlQXoEo

(Start with title and text)

Intro:

That’s a good song – it’s horrible theology. Let’s see if you are awake this morning – finish this verse – (Advance) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him…shall not perish but have eternal life. Who doesn’t know that verse, right? From the time our children are small we teach them about God’s love. We explain God’s love in terms that it has been demonstrated. (Advance) Romans 5:8 (NIV)But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, (What did Christ do?) Christ died for us.

Discussion:

I want to suggest something this morning – our world – the one the Bible says God loved so much – our world doesn’t have a clue about the love of God. It’s not that God stopped loving the world. God has always and will always love the world. The world doesn’t have a clue about the love of God because His people (that’s us) we can demonstrate something less than his love. We can demonstrate something less than his holiness, and his compassion. If the church (that’s us) doesn’t really embrace and live out the love of God – the world (those outside the church) will never have the opportunity to embrace his love for themselves. It’s easy for the world to get the idea that God is in heaven waiting for them to fail, and fall, and sin – so that he can cut them down and cut them off. Church, they only get that idea because sometimes we (his people) don’t reflect the God we serve.

Please don’t take this as preaching against Johnny Cash or that song or that video – I wouldn’t waste your time with that. What I want us to do this morning is take the impression the video gives us and learn from it – and realize – we might be the only reflection of the demonstration of God’s love. There are many people, who are living the idea that God hates them, or doesn’t have a plan for their lives, or that they are worthless – when the truth is God loves them very much. God’s desire for them and for us is salvation – Paul says, (Advance) 1 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV) This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. – Jesus tells us in John that HE is truth. It is the desire of God for people to come and know his son, not just know him but to embrace the love he represents. How can they do that – unless you and I embrace it, and live it, daily in our own lives. Why would they want to – if we don’t embrace and live it daily. (Advance) The people of God are to reflect the qualities of God. If there is a quality of God that will bring people to know and love him and understand his love for them – it is our duty and our purpose to live out those qualities.

Turn with me if you have your Bibles this morning Colossians 3:12-14 (Read) (Advance)

Our text tells us three things we should reflect as the people of God.

(Advance)

I. Reflect Your Chosenness

That’s a new word – chosenness. God has chosen you for a purpose – (Advance)

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

a. You have a purpose

i. But it’s not just to warm a chair – sing a few songs – hear some excellent preaching and go home. – Your Purpose

ii. Is to do good works – according to what he has prepared for you to do

1. They will not be independent of a prayer life

2. They will not be independent of personal study

3. As you grow in your Christian walk – God will put people and service opportunities in front of you – so that you can glorify him and continue to grow.

b. You have a place – you were chosen – the Biblical picture is ADOPTION (Advance)

Ephesians 1:5 (NIV) he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—(Advance)

– Look at the titles he gives to the church – (Advance) God’s chosen people

1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.