Passage: Colossians 1:15–23
Theme: Jesus Christ, the Embodiment of the Gospel
Main Idea: The gospel begins and ends with the person and work of Jesus Christ.
1. Jesus Christ is the supreme being in all creation (15–20).
a. He is the supreme Creator of all things in creation (15–16).
i. Jesus is the image of God (15a).
ii. Jesus created everything, all physical and spiritual realities (15b–16a).
iii. Jesus is the goal of all creation (16b)
b. He is the supreme Sustainer of all things (17).
i. Jesus eternally existed before anything else and thus ranks preeminent over everything.
ii. Jesus sustains all that he has created.
c. He is the supreme Beginning of the church (18–20).
i. Just as with creation, Jesus brought the church into existence and thus serves as its head.
ii. Jesus began the new creation by rising from the dead to demonstrate his supremacy over all.
iii. In Jesus, the fullness of deity dwelt to reconcile all things to and for him.
2. Jesus Christ has used his supreme position to reconcile you (21–22).
a. As sinners, we are alienated from God and enemies of his as demonstrated through our evil behavior (21).
b. Yet, Jesus through his death on the cross has reconciled us to himself to present us holy before himself (22).
Will you respond to this good news by continuing to believe, obey, and proclaim Jesus Christ (23)?
Application Questions:
• What emotional reactions do you have to this description of the person and work of Jesus? What things has this passage caused you to appreciate afresh about Jesus?
• How should the fact that Jesus is the supreme sustainer and goal of all creation affect the way that you look at our present circumstances in America today?
• What is reconciliation? In this passage, who initiates and accomplishes reconciliation? How does this differ from the typical understanding of reconciliation today? What might this mean for our treatment of others?
• If Jesus has accomplished all of this for us, what is Paul trying to get us to see in v. 23? How do we continue in the faith?
January 17, 2021
COLOSSIANS :: Jesus Christ, the Embodiment of the Gospel
January 17, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Colossians 1:15–23
March 28, 2021
March 28, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Colossians 4:7–18
Theme: Gospel Modeled Passage: Colossians 4:7–18 From the models of the Gospel Paul provides us here, we recognize Christ’s Lordship over our lives by submitting to the following directives: 1. Maintain the familial bond we have with one another 2. Display our equality with one another in service to the Lord 3. Strive to help one another thrive a. Through prayer for one another b. Through labor for one another Main Idea: We demonstrate our faith in the Gospel by our attitudes and actions toward one another. Application Questions: • Do you have someone that you can point to in your life that has modeled the Gospel for you? Describe that relationship. Are you modeling the Gospel for someone else? • What phrases and individuals in this section point to the family relationships that exist between believers? What can we do to maintain the familial bond that we possess with one another? • How does the equality that Paul describes here differ from the concept of equality in our culture and context today? What should Christian equality look like in practice? • How can we go about striving to help one another thrive in prayer and through our labor?
March 21, 2021
March 21, 2021 • Pastor Phil Burggraff • Colossians 4:2–6
Passage: Colossians 4:2–6 Theme: Gospel Proclamation Main Idea: We must see ourselves as God’s instrument to reveal the Gospel to the world around us. Two actions to do this: 1. Pray (2–4) a. How? i. Devotedly ii. Urgently iii.Thankfully b. For what? Gospel Proclamation i. Opportunity ii. Confidence 2. Walk wisely before the world ... (5–6) a. by using your time well. b. by flavoring your speech with the Gospel. Our speech should be ... i. Grace-filled ii. Appealing iii. Appropriate Application Questions: • How would you characterize your prayer life? • How does Paul’s direction for prayer in this passage differ from your prayers? In what ways should this passage impact your prayer life? • Do you find that you spend the majority of your time around believers or unbelievers? How might vv. 5¬–6 affect your time spent among unbelievers? • Why is flavoring your speech with the Gospel important, especially in our present context? • What are some ways that you can flavor your speech with the Gospel?
March 14, 2021
March 14, 2021 • Pastor Josh Kee • Colossians 3:22–25, Colossians 4:1
Colossians 3:22-4:1 Colossians Series Main Idea: Paul elevates the lowliest (slaves/ bondservants) as the primary model for followers of Christ. Paul’s view on slavery i.. Cultural context matters ii.. “Slave” or “bondservant” – broad terms of servitude, indicating that one belonged to a master and was bound to live in obedient servitude, though conditions and terms of service varied iii. Paul, James, and Peter use the term “doulos” (slave, bondservant, or servant) to identify themselves in relation to Christ (Romans 1:1, James 1:1, 2 Peter 1:1) iv.. The gospel transforms all relationships – (Colossians 3:11; see also Philemon 15-17) v.. Paul points to those in this lowly state, dignifies them, and sets them up as examples for all believers 1. Obedience from the heart is evidence that one fears God (3:22) a. Slaves were to seek the good of their masters in everything, whether observed or not b. Mere (or begrudging) compliance is insufficient for believers in relationship to those in authority over them 2. Obedience from the heart is ultimately an act of worship (3:23) a. God observes our lives and we are to work unto him, which should improve the quality and character of the Christian’s work b. Submission to human authority is an act of faith and worship c. God’s authority stands behind human authority, so long as human representatives do not require behavior contrary to God’s character 3. Obedience from the heart flows from a heart set on Christ’s kingdom (3:24) a. Every act of submission done in faith will be rewarded by Jesus himself b. Our identity in and inheritance with Christ free us to joyful submission because we have been given the highest status as citizens of Christ’s kingdom (1:13) 4. Obedience from the heart entrusts injustice to God (3:25) a. The children of God will not ultimately be taken advantage of b. God will exact justice on all wrongdoing 5. Earthy masters are to represent God’s authority to those under their care. (4:1) God’s strategy for accomplishing his redemptive mission in the world is for every member of his church to follow Christ by taking a posture of servitude. POINT: The humility displayed in the life and death of Jesus Christ is the model of obedient servitude for every believer (David Pao). Discussion Questions: 1. How does Jesus’ humble servanthood enable a posture of servitude among his followers? Take some time to consider the following passages and allow them to lead you in worship of Jesus: Isaiah 53; Mark 10:44-45; Luke 22:42; John 1:11; John 13:1-17; Acts 4:27-28; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 8:9; Philippians 2:1-10; 1 Peter 2:21-25) 2. Are you prone to view “obedient servitude” as a non-negotiable or as an optional ideal for those who follow Christ? Explain? 3. When you consider the implications of following Christ by identifying with a slave, what about Christ’s servanthood makes you most uncomfortable? 4. Where are you most reluctant to “willingly condescend” in service to others? (Your home, workplace, the church, your “enemies”?) 5. What would the body of Christ be like if every member willingly took a servant’s posture in relationship to their brothers and sisters in Christ? How can you contribute to that kind of body? 6. Where is repentance needed in your life? In the body of Christ? How can you apply the gospel to these areas?