MVCS In-Service Part 2

As most of your know, I have a love for theology and preaching of the Puritans and for Charles Spurgeon.

(Original manuscript page / Spurgeon Bobblehead)

This year’s theme of “Own It” reminded me of two incidents in Spurgeon’s ministry.

Late one night, encountered a drunk man on the streets who yelled, “Hey, Mr, Spurgeon do you remember me? I am one of your converts.”

Spurgeon replied: Well you must be one of mine; you’re certainly not one of the Lord’s.

Second incident: Membership interview at his church.

A woman who made her living as a servant maid was asked, “What makes you think you are really a child of God?” What has changed?

Replied: I don’t know if there is a change in all things, but there is one. I always sweep under the mats now.”

What should Owning It, Owning Your faith look like?

The letter of Colossians is one of Paul’s prison epistles. One reason to study Colossians is because it tells us how union with Christ should impact every area of our life.

Colossians 3:1-4:1 - Description of a Christ-Centered Life

Here we discover two marks of those who Own Their Faith.

3:12-14

I.YOU WILL INCREASINGLY REFLECT YOUR FAITH.

v.12 Put on then… - to clothe, envelope

Systematic Theology: Progressive Sanctification / Vivification - Living to Christ

a) This begins with knowing your identity in Christ

“in Christ” - proposition, 32x in the letter

v.12 chosen ones / holy / beloved

b) When you own your faith, your life will increasing reflect the Character of Christ.

vv.12-14 - Seven virtues / characteristics of godliness

Compassionate (bowels of mercy), Kindness (goodness), Humility (others first), Meekness (not over impressed with yourself), Patience / Bearing with one another (response to others / Love - unifying quality

3:18-4:1

c) Your faith will evident in your relationships

Shift from spiritual relationships to physical family

Husbands-Wives / Parents-Children / Master-Slaves

Household Codes like this issued by many ancient philosophers, but is distinct:

Husbands love your wives / recognition of children / slaves

General Principle repeated in 3:17, 23

Illustration: Nicholas Herman - grew up poor, joined the army to be able to have food, became a believer at 18. Age 40 he joined the Carmelite monks and became known as Brother Lawrence. Worked in the monastery as a dishwasher and later repaired the sandals.

Collection of his letters: The Practice of the Presence of God / Whatever we do can be done to the glory of God

2 Cor.3:18 - “…we reflect the Lord’s glory....are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” (mirror / metamorphoo)

Second mark:

II.YOU WILL INCREASINGLY IMPROVE UPON YOUR FAITH.

Puritan theologians often spoken of the believer’s responsibility to improve upon or further develop the spiritual graces they have received.

3:22-4:1

(Relationship of slaves / masters: Presence of Onesimus who is being returned to his master Philemon)

To improve and strengthen your faith, through the means of grace / spiritual disciplines highlights the need for spiritual accountability.

a) Accountability of All who will stand before the judgment seat (3:22; 4:1)

b) The promise of REWARD for those who improve upon their faith and service to the Lord.

2 Peter (written some 40-45 yrs after the resurrection)

2 Peter 1:5-9 - “make every effort to supplement / add..”

Conclusion:

Robert Traill (17th-18 preacher, scholar, exile) wrote these words to pastors, however they are applicable for every believer.

“…you are called to an high and holy calling. Your work is full of danger, full of duty, and full of mercy. You are called to the winning of souls, and the nearer your spirits are to be in conformity to His holy temper and frame, the fitter you are for, and the more fruitful you shall be in your work.”