Paul is still in prison. This time however, he is writing to the Colossians. Christ centred theology allows Paul to affirm what salvation truly means for reconciled sinners. Read and be blessed.
Colossians 1: Greeting
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you,
4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,
5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel,
6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and growing---as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth,
7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf
8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.
11 May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy,
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.
13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
The Preeminence of Christ
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities---all things were created through him and for him.
17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.
19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell,
20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,
22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,
23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Paul's Ministry to the Church
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,
25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,
26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.
27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.
29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
Things to think about…
1. We can find almost anything to gripe about if we want to. Wouldn’t you agree? We seem to make up any excuse possible to whine about our life or circumstances. But have a look at Paul. Here he is in prison, yet the guy exudes joy and thankfulness Col 1:1-12. He gives thanks to the church at Colossae for their love for the truth and each other. I give thanks that we have a good measure of these things at CBC. But let’s never take it for granted.
2. All the theology you ever need to know to be saved is found in Col 1:13-23. Here we have a rich body of what we are, who Christ is and what needs to happen as a result. Have a look at Col 1:19. Deity in humanity. This is another good verse to show our Jehovah’s Witness friends. Salvation must bear fruit and display evidence of salvation, Col 1:23 says we must continue in “the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard”. If these things are not on display, maybe there is no salvation of the soul to begin with.
3. A full theology of Christ is on full display Col 1:15-20. He is the image of the invisible God. An exact imprint – creator of everything, seen and unseen. Paul here is showing the full weight of the deity of Christ. Confusion has come in where it says “firstborn of creation”. All this means is preeminent and over creation. Not that He was created. He holds all things together. What is Paul’s point in all of this. He brings it back to the central work of Christ – the church, vs 18. The fulness of God reconciling all things through Himself, by His blood. How does He do this? The cross, vs 20. The cross of Christ and the exalting of the church, especially the local expression of it is core to the heart of Christ. Any true Christian who has Christ as their Saviour needs to have these 2 truths lived out in their lives. People who talk about Jesus but don’t mention the cross are sharing a message of sentimentalism. By the same token, churchless Christians miss the central heart and work of Christ, the gathering of His people together to worship Him as their Saviour corporately together. There will be no online church in heaven. No individuals will be staying at home in their mansions. We will all be praising Christ together around the throne. Be filled enough with the Holy Spirit to do the same this side of glory and encourage others to do the same, Heb 10:25.
4. What is our status and standing through the cross? He is able to “present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,”, vs 22, this is our status now. But beware there is a caveat, “if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard”, vs 23. This is not a works-based theology being presented by Paul. It is simply the outward expression of those who have been truly saved by grace. If the works aren’t there, then grace has not been received either. Anyone who says otherwise is deceiving themselves and are not truly saved. Blunt, but true.
5. Paul wants everyone to be mature in Christ, Col 1:28, hence our need to engage our brains. I hope you don’t mind having your minds stretched on a Sunday. Let’s never allow ourselves to be lazy in our theology or our practise. The goal is to gain more wisdom, both of ourselves and Christ as we continue our journey together. What areas within your theology or witness could do with a tune up?
6. As we strive in our efforts in the gospel, Paul’s testimony is that “he powerfully works within me”, Col 1:28. If we want to see Christ bless us with a harvest, we must work in His field.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “Be careful what you eat” – Reading Prov 23:1-8
1. Graham said on Sunday that where you put your money, that’s where your heart is. In the light of Prov 23:4 where is your heart on this. If someone looked at your bank account would they see your obvious love for Jesus and His Great Commission?
2. Have you known people that have gained and lost wealth quickly – maybe a lotto windfall or inheritance? You cannot serve both God and money – you either love one and hate the other or vice versa. How would you understand and apply Prov 23:5?
3. Read Prov 23:6-8. What is your understanding of the meaning of these verses? Give some examples?
4. God so loved the world that He gave us His Son. Discuss how we might give and love as a church better by giving ourselves to the gospel.
Prayer Points
1. Covid and flu recovery
2. Ministry leaders within the church.
3. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
4. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
5. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. Graham’s preaching on Sunday
2. Give thanks for Sam and Krystal Beatty – wedding honoured Christ, was a real joy to be part of.
3. Many returning back to full health.
4. Worship on Sunday – thankyou Paul, Suzy, Gina, Zac, Richard, Bec, and Tim.
5. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
6. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
1. Remember to check your duty rosters.
2. Members’ meeting 28th August after the morning service.
3. Church bank details bsb:- 704 913 and Acc number:- 4000 4388 1
4. Tune in again this week on our youtube page. Subscribe to the CBC channel Chuwar Baptist YouTube channel.
Catechism question for August...
Q. 7. What is hell? A. A place of dreadful and endless punishment & torment.
