Scripture Reading: Colossians 1.3-13

Introduction:

It is good to make new beginnings. Let us, with anticipation & zeal talk about what we can do in the future – w/help of God!  He has blessed us so! Colossians 1:9-13 is our primary text today.  Let us take a closer look at these verses and see some things that should characterize our work together.

I. 1:9 – Filled with knowledge.

A.  Bible places a premium on “knowledge.”

1. Psalm 119:33-40 – the Psalmist longed for the precepts of God.
2. What does Paul suggest by being filled w/knowledge?
3. Two key ingredients in obtaining knowledge:
   1. Desire – Psalm 19:7-10
   2. Devotion to teaching – 1 Timothy 4:13, 15

II. 1:10 – Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.

1. This involves day-to-day life. See also Colossians 2:6-7
2. Put on righteousness and holiness. See Luke 1:74-75.
   1. We have Jesus to help us along the way – John 15:4-5
   2. We have the help of Jesus, because we have entered into a personal relationship with God.
   3. Colossians 1:10 – lead a fruitful life.
      1. Think how this reinforces Jesus’ teaching in John 15:8

III. 1:11 – Let us grow in strength.

A.  We must have a firmness of will, character, mind, and purpose.

1. Strength is not in self – but in God according to His glorious might.
   1. Eph. 6:10-13 – we stand, not in our strength, but God’s.
   2. God will not leave us alone as we fight through a myriad of battles in this life.
      1. Deity has a very strong “hands on” approach with our salvation.
      2. Hebrews 13:20-21
      3. This should bring joy to our soul! (Col. 1:11c)

IV. 1:12 – Live in thankfulness.

1. Our life should reflect profound gratitude and thankfulness.
2. 1:13 – we been delivered from the domain of darkness.
3. 1:13 – Christians have been transferred to the kingdom of His beloved Son.
   1. Compare Ephesians 1:3-8a.
   2. Ephesians 2:1 – we were dead in our trespasses.
   3. Eph. 2:4-6, 8-10 – this is done by the grace of God.

Conclusion:

1. Today we have taken an in-depth look at Paul’s prayer for the Colossians. Do you need to make a fresh start? Have a new beginning?

Related posts

• Minute in the Word: Colossians 3.12-14
• Character Qualifications for Deacons
• 1 Timothy 3:11-12 - Qualifications for Wives & Family
• Look But Don't Touch
• The Choices We Make
• Light in a Dark World
• Moving Forward in Faith
• How to Have Joy During Difficult Times
• These He Also Glorified
• A Reason for Living

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Tags: Character, Colossians, Perseverance, Thankfulness

This entry was posted on April 10, 2010 at 20:02 and is filed under Sermons 2010-Present. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.