Untitled Sermon (7)

Introduction: Many of us are at the age where we begin to read the obituary section in the newspaper. Often noting the age of the deceased to see if they were younger than us.

In reading the obituary of Denis Salvil this week, a long time resident of Canaan, I couldn’t help but think: What does it mean to live a full life? (Is it measured by years?, the amount of friends you have?, or your contributions to the community?)

Colossians 2:6-15 stands at the heart of Colossians.

A full life is one that is lived under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is a life centered around three sequential actions: RECEIVING / ROOTED / RESTING

2:6 - “So then just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord...”

I.RECEIVING JESUS CHRIST

First two words “So then...” (Therefore) - Paul’s love and desire for the believers in Colossea.

a) Think Back on Their Conversion (Acknowledging Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord)

1:6a “…you heard it and understood it.”

What does it mean to “receive Christ as Savior and Lord”?

receive - belief and commitment to the person of Christ and the message of Christ

Christ Jesus as Lord - 3 titles

Christ (Anointed One) - Jesus (God saves) - Lord (all authority, owner)

Although 65% of Americans identify themselves as being a Christian, many would be unable to correctly define what a Christian is.

b) A Working Definition of a Christian

Romans 10:9-10 - Confess & believe from the heart in the revelation in Scriptures about Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is more than an example of faith, He is the object of the believer’s faith!

2:6b-7

II.ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN JESUS CHRIST

Series of three metaphors to depict what a gospel shaped life should look like.

a) Walk

2:6b “…continue to live in Him”

(live - walk, conduct)

True conversion results in a desire to walk with God.

2:7

b) Rooted - horticulture / perfect tense - emphasis on what God does for and in believers.

Luke 8:4, 8,11, 15 - Parable of the Sower (path, rock, thorns, good soil)

2:7

c) Built up (building / ESV established…) - present passive

Built up - edify, encourage

strengthened - present passive, steadfast

Your faith in Christ is to be immovable but not stationary. It must grow and develop.

How is the rooting and building up of the believer to take place?

2:7, 9-12- - sound doctrine

v.7 - “…as you were taught” (instruction in its widest sense)

v.9 “For...” - provides the reason why you shouldn’t settle for anything less than the Christ of the Scriptures.

vv.9-10 Fullness of God in Christ / the fullness of Christ in Believers

Isa.58:11; Philippians 4:19-20

vv.11-12 Undergone spiritual circumcision / union with Christ symbolized in baptism

2:8 - guarding your heart / your mind

Colossae Heresy : captive - carry off, seduced

Review: Received / Rooted & Built Up....

The assurance of salvation and its irreversible nature in 2:13-15 brings us to the third action of living under the Lordship of Jesus Christ...

III.RESTING IN OUR LORD AND SAVIOR (2:13)

a) We were completely powerless and enslaved to sin (You and I sinned b/c we are sinners)

Romans 5:8 - God demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

b) Jesus Christ accomplished what we could not, once and for all

2:13,14 - paid the debt for our sins

“…written code” (wiped away, certificate of debt)

Illustration: President Biden / Promise to forgive student loans

2:15

c) Jesus Christ’s victory over sin and death is the believer’s victory

disarmed …powers and authorities

public spectacle… - Christ triumphed openly

Imagery: Romans generals returning from military victory or war....

In Christ we are more than conquerors. However, not everything is presently under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, but it will be one day.

2 Cor.2:14 (Living Sacrifices, counted worth to suffer for Christ)

Application:

Christ is all and He is all you need!