Love Conquers All
class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1) 12-30-07…PM…SBC“Title”
Colossians 1:21-29
Introduction:
Zadok Nager, 35, and France Peretz, 28, proving that love conquers all, even the 13 machinegun bullets he shot into her, were married for the second time.
The couple, who had already divorced each other once, were courting again when Zadok suspected his ex-wife of being unfaithful and shot her.
After recovering from the shooting, France visited Zadok in jail, pending his trial for attempted murder. Zadok told a district court judge in Tel Aviv, “She forgives me and we love each other.”
Guarded by two plain-clothes policemen, the two were wedded. Then Nager was escorted back to his cell.[1]
1) Reconciliation implies that the parties being reconciled were formerly hostile to one another.[2]
2) Prior to Salvation provided by Jesus Christ, we were hostile towards God
3) Reconciliation is a relationship that moves from hostility to communion
4) Reconciliation is the work of God done through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ø Paul reminds the Colossians of the great change that had occurred in their lives, in order that this reminder may cause them to dread the very suggestion of returning to their former manner of life (cf. Col. 3:7). [3]
Proposition: When we see where we were before salvation and what Christ did for us through salvation it must cause us to strive for maturity in the faith first in our own lives and then in the lives of others.
Transition: Let look first at…
1) The Transformation of Salvation v21
A- In applying the work of Christ, Paul used a historical sequence of their lives before and after salvation.[4]
B- Paul is referencing the 180 degree change in one’s position at the moment of salvation
(What they were)
C- The Colossians “were once continuously and persistently out of harmony with God.”[5]
1- It is the ministry of reconciliation that provides this restoring of God’s relationship with man
2- It was man that moved out of fellowship with God and therefore it is man that must be reconciled to God
3- Genesis 3 – man’s attempt to live independently of God and his laws
4- The Colossians also had been “enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior” (1:21). Paul identified both the source and effect of their disposition toward God[6]
5- Evil works simply reveal the heart of the matter, which is the mind/ disposition[7]
D- Before becoming Christians, the Colossians were enemies of God because their mind/disposition was to do evil. An axiom of Scripture is that “by their fruit you will recognize them” (Matt 7:16); so here the mind produced the fruit of actions.[8]
(What they are because of Christ)
E- God has acted mightily on their behalf: he has brought them into a new relationship with himself and made changes in their attitudes.[9]
1- All this was achieved by Christ’s physical body through death[10]
2- As men and women who are forgiven and reconciled they are declared blameless (cf. Rom. 8:33–34), without fault or stain (cf. Eph. 1:4; 5:27; Phil. 2:15) on that final day.[11]
F- Paul taught that those who know the truth will continue in the truth. They will not fall away.[12]
1- They were encouraged to continue in the faith. There was no doubt that the genuine believers would continue. Even more, the fact that they did continue evidenced the reality of their commitments.[13]
Application:
) How much have you changed your old ways to harmonize with what God has done for you?
2) Does your life reflect the dissonance of two musical notes that don’t go together?
3) Don’t continue to live in hostility and rebellion to God because He has already changed that
4) When was the last time you thanked God for changing your position before Him
Illustration: Do you think Paul was thankful for reconciliation to Christ?
Transition: Theology should always cause us to do something, to act according to the knowledge we possess.
When Paul reflected on where he was before Christ it affected his actions and the way He lived.
Second of all Paul teaches us, by his own example, that…
2) Our transformation must change our purpose in life v24-27
A- He is even now reflecting on the afflictions of the Colossians and those which the Savior endured when he was on earth.[14]
B- Paul’s ministry is a commission given to him in accordance with the gospel-plan of God.[15]
1- What happened to Paul on the road to Damascus changed his calling in life
2- It made him live in light of his own reconciliation and transformation of the Gospel
C- Paul saw his role as a servant (diakonos) of the church.[16] v25
1- God selected Paul to complete what was lacking in understanding and fulfilling the Old Testament predictions of the future[17]
2- By his divinely appointed ministry, Paul encouraged a fulfillment of prophecy related to the Gentile mission. Until his day, these texts had been a mystery.[18]
3- Paul’s role for the church was to show them the role the Gentiles had to play in God’s plan of salvation
4- Up to this point there was much mystery of what the relationship of Jews and Gentiles was supposed to be and Paul, under inspiration, was saying that the blessings of Christ were available to everyone, even non-Jews.
Application:
Ø Paul’s life changed: When God got a hold of his heart there was a distinct difference
Ø His calling in life to persecute Christians took a dramatic turn around to the point where that is all he could now was proclaim Christ
Ø He became a servant, not to this church only, but to all the churches in which he had a chance to minister
? – In what ways could you increase being a servant to the church?
- I realize that our commission is not the same as Paul’s
- We are not bringing in new revelation to the church
- The principle though is universal –
- How can you serve the church?
- How might you be more of a servant to Christ and to this church?
· maybe by accepting Christ as your Savior and being saved
· maybe by joining our local assembly
· maybe by contacting our Sunday School Superintendent and volunteering for teaching or organization or teaching
· maybe by being on a snow removal crew
· maybe by visiting the elderly
· when new ministries are added be excited about the opportunity to serve in them
Transition: Paul had a reason behind what he was doing. He saw his life reconciled to Christ’s and it cause him to
serve. He served so that others may see Christ. Thirdly we see that…
3) Our purpose in life must be to proclaim Christ v28-29
A- Paul’s message was Christ. Clearly Paul conceived of the hope as Christians resting in a person[19]
1- The gospel is not a system, hierarchy, or set of regulations. It is the person and work of Jesus, which is, indeed, the message.[20]
B- Paul’s method of proclaiming this message is stated by two verbs in the sentence: admonishing and teaching.[21]
1- “Admonishing” in Scripture has the connotation of confronting with the intent of changing one’s attitudes and actions.[22]
- Here the term speaks to the task of calling to mind a correct course of action.[23]
2- “Teaching” is the orderly presentation of Christian truth for converts so that they may know how to grow.[24]
3- Paul’s methods called for both confronting and instructing.[25]
C- Paul’s purpose was “to present everyone perfect in Christ.[26]
1- in the closest possible union with him,
Application:
1- What kind of servant you are to others reveals in you a heart’s desire to proclaim Christ
2- Who have you lovingly admonished lately? Who have you help to regain their course?
3- What are you doing to promote maturity among this group of believers?
4- Our effect in the lives of others can only be done if we first examine our own union with Christ
5- How close are you to Christ?
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[1]Paul Lee Tan, Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations : A Treasury of Illustrations, Anecdotes, Facts and Quotations for Pastors, Teachers and Christian Workers (Garland TX: Bible Communications, 1996, c1979).
[2]Wood, D. R. W.: New Bible Dictionary. InterVarsity Press, 1996, c1982, c1962, S. 1002
[3]William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, vol. 6, New Testament Commentary : Exposition of Colossians and Philemon, Accompanying Biblical Text Is Author's Translation., New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953-2001), 83.
[4]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 229.
[5]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 230.
[6]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 230.
[7]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 230.
[8]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 230.
[9]D. A. Carson, New Bible Commentary : 21st Century Edition, Rev. Ed. of: The New Bible Commentary. 3rd Ed. / Edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), Col 1:21.
[10]D. A. Carson, New Bible Commentary : 21st Century Edition, Rev. Ed. of: The New Bible Commentary. 3rd Ed. / Edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), Col 1:21.
cf. compare
[11]D. A. Carson, New Bible Commentary : 21st Century Edition, Rev. Ed. of: The New Bible Commentary. 3rd Ed. / Edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), Col 1:21.
[12]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 234.
[13]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 234.
[14]William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, vol. 6, New Testament Commentary : Exposition of Colossians and Philemon, Accompanying Biblical Text Is Author's Translation., New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953-2001), 86.
[15]D. A. Carson, New Bible Commentary : 21st Century Edition, Rev. Ed. of: The New Bible Commentary. 3rd Ed. / Edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), Col 1:24.
[16]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 241.
[17]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 241.
[18]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 241.
[19]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 242.
[20]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 242.
[21]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 242.
[22]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 242.
[23]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 242.
[24]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 242.
[25]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 242.
[26]Richard R. Melick, vol. 32, Philippians, Colissians, Philemon, electronic ed., Logos Library System; The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2001, c1991), 242.