CHRIST, WHO IS OUR LIFE--COLOSSIANS 3:1-4

CHRIST, WHO IS OUR LIFE

COLOSSIANS 3:1-4

Introduction:

The Lord during His life on this earth always did the will of His Father. His love for His Father was the motivating force in His life and He sought to implant that love in the hearts of men. He is the source of life according to John 1:1-3.

He is the Creator and created everything in this world and He found it good. In the following message we will look at the Lord and His ministry and the good things He sought to give to us.

I. CHRIST IS THE SOURCE OF OUR LIFE

A. We were spiritually dead, Ephesians 2:1, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”

B. The same voice that raised Lazarus made us alive, John 11:43-44, “And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.”

1. This is the voice that called the devils out of men, Luke 4:41, “And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.”

2. This is the voice that the sheep hear and know, John 10:16, 27, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:”

II. CHRIST IS THE SUBSTANCE OF OUR LIFE

A. It is by his life that we live, v. 4, “When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.” John 11:25, “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”

B. He is in us, 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”

1. The hope of glory, Colossians 1:27, “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

2. The motivation behind our actions, Psalm 119:59, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.”

III. CHRIST IS THE SUSTENANCE OF OUR LIFE

A. What can the Christian feed upon but Jesus’ flesh and blood? John 6:56, “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.”

B. "This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die," John 6:51, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

C. He satisfies the hunger of the lost sinner, Psalm 65:4, “Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.”

IV. CHRIST IS THE SOLACE OF OUR LIFE

A. All our true joys come from him.

1. Job’s testimony, Job 8:19-20, “Behold, this is the joy of his way, and out of the earth shall others grow. 20 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, neither will he help the evil doers:”

2. The testimony of the psalmist, Psalm 32:11,“Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.”

B. His lovingkindness is better than life! Psalm 36:7, “How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.”

1. It continues in the lives of those who love the Lord, Psalm 36:10, “O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.”

2. It will never be taken from us, Psalm 89:33, “Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.”

V. CHRIST IS THE OBJECT OF OUR LIFE

A. He hastens the believer towards the haven of his Savior’s bosom, Hebrews 4:9-11, “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.”

B. The Believer moves toward perfection in his fellowship as an arrow flies toward its target, 1 Corinthians 13:10-12, “But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

C. He is the Captain of our salvation, Hebrews 2:10, “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”

VI. CHRIST IS THE EXAMPLE FOR OUR LIFE

A. He always did the will of the Father, John 5:30, “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”

1. He spoke the words of the Father, John 17:8, “For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.”

2. He went to the Cross and bore our reproach, Romans 15:3, “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.”

B. He became obedient unto death, Philippians 2:8, “And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”

CONCLUSION

Everything that Jesus did here He did in order to bring men unto Himself that they might have life. He is our life and without Him we are dead in our sins. He died on the Cross that you and I might have life and live in the presence of God the Father for eternity.

THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS--COLOSSIANS 1:1

The Book of Colossians
COLOSSIANS  1:1-

Introduction:

The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Church at Colosse because of the threat of false teaching brought in by professed “Christian” Jews. These men came to be known as “Gnostics” taken from the Greek word for Knowledge.

“The Gnostics claimed a special, hidden knowledge not available to ordinary Christians. But their beliefs in fact contradicted basic Bible truths!” ---Mathew Henry

I. THE TEACHINGS OF GNOSTICISM

A. It was JEWISH stressing the need to observe OLD TESTAMENT laws and ceremonies.

B. It was PHILOSOPHICAL, putting emphasis on some special or deeper knowledge (Greek=gnōsis).

C. It involved the WORSHIP OF ANGELS as MEDIATORS to God, Colossians 2:18, “Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,”

D. It stressed a SPECIAL PRIVILEGE and “perfection” of those SELECT FEW who belonged to this philosophical elite.

E. Gnosticism DENIED THE DEITY OF CHRIST, thus calling forth one of the greatest declarations of Christ’s deity found anywhere in Scripture.

1. He is the image of the invisible God, Colossians 1:15-16, “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16- For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:”

2. The fullness of the deity dwells in Christ, Colossians 2:9, For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”

II. THE APOSTLE PAUL RESPONS TO THE CHALLENGE BY AFFIRMING THE BASIC TENETS OF THE BIBLICAL FAITH

A. He made it clear just what God is like.

1. He is HOLY and RIGHTEOUS,

2. He is JUST,

3. He is LOVE,

B. He made it clear who Jesus is.

1. The SON of God,

2. The SAVIOR of mankind,

a. The WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, John 14:6,

b. The Bread of LIFE,

c. The Water of life,

d. The Great Shepherd of the Sheep,

C. He made it clear how we come to know God,

D. He made it clear how we can experience a vital spiritual life through relationship with the Lord.

CONCLUSION

THE EPISTLE TO PHILEMON--BY THE APOSTLE PAUL--COLOSSIANS 4:7-9

THE EPISTLE TO PHILEMON
COLOSSIANS 4:7-9

Introduction:

The epistle addressed to Philemon is one of the Prison Epistles probably sent about 51 AD. It is a letter of intercession written by the Apostle Paul and sent to Philemon at Colosse, Colossians 4:7-9.

Philemon was apparently a member of the church at Colosse, which seems to have held its assemblies in his house, Philemon 2. His benevolence, Philemon 5-7, and Paul’s request for him to prepare a lodging, Philemon 22, indicate that he was a man of some means. As Paul had never been in Colosse, Colossians 2:1, Philemon must have met him elsewhere, possibly in Ephesus, which was not far away. It would seem that he owed his conversion to the apostle, Philemon 19.

Onesimus was a runaway slave of Philemon. It is inferred that he robbed his master and fled to Rome, Philemon 18. Here he came under the influence of Paul and was converted, Philemon 10. He became a devoted disciple of Christ, Colossians 4:9. Paul would have chosen to have detained him in Rome as a helper, Philemon 13, but not having the consent of Philemon, Philemon 14, he felt it was his duty to send the slave back to his master. So the apostle writes this beautiful letter of intercession, pleading with Philemon to forgive and restore Onesimus to favor.

The book “is of priceless value as a teaching…

(1) In practical righteousness;

(2) In Christian brotherhood;

(3) In Christian courtesy;

(4) In the law of love.” --- Scofield.

Synopsis: The divisions are four:

I. Greeting, vv. 1-3.

II. The character of Philemon, vv. 4-7.

III. Intercession for Onesimus, vv. 8-21.

IV. Salutations and conclusion, vv. 22-25.

GOD, OUR FATHER--COLOSSIANS 1:2

GREAT BIBLE WORDS

GOD, OUR FATHER

Colossians 1:2

Colossians 1:2, “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Introduction:

This is an interesting theme. The world has their opinion about who the sons of God might be, but their opinion does not agree with what the Scriptures teach.

Jesus Christ is the Son of God and has a very unique relationship with God the Father that is different from that of the believer in Jesus Christ. Consider the following.

I. GOD IS PRESENTED AS FATHER TO ISRAEL

A. God’s care for Israel is spoken of as being a fatherly relation, Deuteronomy 8:5, “Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.”

1. God’s fatherly relationship with Israel is seen in the reason why He corrected them, Proverbs 3:12, “For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”

2. His concern was that of a father, Jeremiah 31:9, “They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.”

B. Since God was caring for them as a father He demanded of them obedience as sons, Malachi 1:6, “A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?”

C. However, God is presented in a more restrictive view in Scripture, that of the SPIRITUAL FATHER rather than a national father, Psalm 103:12, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.” The word “pitieth” means: to love, love deeply, have mercy, be compassionate, have tender affection.

1. Here the Lord refers to His “jewels” or His “special treasure,” Malachi 3:17, “And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.”

2. This “special treasure” is made of up of those who are God’s sons by faith in Jesus Christ, Exodus 19:5-6, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: 6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.”

3. This is His “peculiar” people, Deuteronomy 26:18, “And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;”

II. GOD IS FATHER TO THE GENTILES WHO RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR

A. Jesus Christ had a peculiar relationship with God the Father that is different from that of the Believer, Romans 15:6, “That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1. Christ standing with the Father is unique, intimate and unparalleled, Matthew 11:27, “All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.”

2. Jesus Christ is the great “I AM,” John 8:58, “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”

3. Jesus and the Father are one, John 10:30, 38, “I and my Father are one. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.”

4. Jesus came from the Father, John 16:28, “I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.”

B. This is a different relationship than that mentioned in Romans 1:7, “To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

1. Our relationship with God our Father is by faith in His Son, John 1:12-13, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”

2. Christ’s relationship with the Father is that of “the only begotten of the Father,” John 1:14,“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

III. THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF MAN

A. This is the philosophy of the world today.

B. The Apostle Paul refutes this in Galatians 3:26, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”

C. No one is a child of God unless he believes in Jesus Christ as his Savior, John 8:42-43, “Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.”

D. If God is not our Father then Satan is, John 8:44-45, Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.”