The Real Deal

Introduction:

Discerning the Genuine

Haddon Robinson, Biblical Preaching

A Chinese boy who wanted to learn about jade went to study with a talented old teacher. This gentle man put a piece of the precious stone into his hand and told him to hold it tight. Then he began to talk of philosophy, men, women, the sun and almost everything under it. After an hour he took back the stone and sent the boy home. The procedure was repeated for several weeks. The boy became frustrated. When would he be told about the jade? He was too polite, however, to question the wisdom of his venerable teacher. Then one day, when the old man put a stone into his hands, the boy cried out instinctively, &ls;That's not jade!'"

It can become a challenge in our times to spot what is real and what is fake. How do you tell the difference? Who is the Real Deal?

This Great book begins by recognizing the Real Deal had authored the Epistle and the Real Deal was the audience of the Epistle

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I. The Author and Associate of the Epistle 1:1

A. Paul was an “Apostle”

1. Paul … “Little One” . He was small by stature, but the name never seemed to bother him … Humility.

2. Paul was a scholar well qualified to write this letter under the inspiration of God.

3. Paul’s title of Apostleship is the office of spiritual dictatorship and absolute authority.

a. The word literally means … “sent one” but is weightier than even that. It is the authority to speak “ex-cathedra” both infalliably and authoritatively.

there were a total of 17 that could speak with this authority. the “11” , Paul, Barnabas, James, Apollos, Silas and Timothy. No other spiritual office popes, Mormon officials or Charasmatic leaders have this authority.

b. The double discipline involved in being an apostle.

“of Jesus Christ” - means a possession of “apo” … belong to … (bondslaves) a special member or a restricted group usually one that had been taught directly by Jesus. Paul was already challenged by this argument in “Do we begin again to commend ourselves”

2. “by the will of God”

King James Version (KJV)

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

“Idios”- “severally as He will” The Holy Spirit “does his Own thing,” we cannot.

B. Timotheous Our Brother:

1.They had been here both preaching before.

2. Timothy was a co-labour of Paul, and his spiritual son in the faith. I believe this was an incredible spiritual duo.

3. These two were very close friends that held the same doctrine that loved the Lord. , incredible testimony. Illustration.

II. The Audience of the Epistle 1:2

A. The “Saint” of the Epistle

1. Sainthood bestows equality.

2. Sainthood bestows sonship.

Sainthood is because of salvation and sainthood bestows equality. Outside of Christ there is no equality. Only God can make people equal.

B. The “Faithful Brethern” of the Epistle

1. It is one thing to be saved, but a whole other experience to be faithful.

Who is a person you know that has been faithful?

How do you measure faithfulness?

2. Sainthood is position, but faithful is experiencal

3. “Brethren” is a title for those that have experienced the new birth.

C. “in Christ” Most common N.T. term for God’s children and the opposite condition condemns one to hell.

D. “at Colosse” … local church

E. The Salutation … Makeup

1. Grace-

a. A one-word summary of God’s plan for the human race.

b. Grace is where God does all the planning and all the work. It is none of you.

2:8-9 OH YEAH and 10.

c. Grace places you in union with Christ.

d. Grace is all the that God is free to do for mankind on the basis of the work of Christ.

e. Grace exists apart from human good, because there is none. All works … filthy rages.

f. Grace always depends on God’s character … not ours. It is who and what He is not who and what we are.

2. Peace-

a. This is an act of reconciliation between man and God … Martin Luther a removal of judgement. What about that mean God of the Old Testament???

God was long suffering like 1000 years but the people were wicked in heart and action … Children sacrifice. Seems you want it both ways Why doesn’t God do something and when He does you still aren’t satisfied.

b. Mental attitude : freedom form worry, guilt and everything else

3. “From God … and Christ”

a. Grace and peace are absolutes

b. Thus the source must be absolute

Conclusion: A author, and audience that was the real deal because of Christ … because we are complete in Christ lacking nothing. Doctrinal truth is being laid down for you.

Have you experienced the grace and peach of God?

Are you a faithful brethren … loyal to the ministry and Pastor the Lord has called you to.