The Gospel Gives New Reasons To Be Thankful!

What is the Biblical Solution? Paul, in verses 15 through 17 uses variations of the word thankful three time. That should be a flag for us! Three times means, “Hey! Pay attention!”

What do the hearers need to know? Well, what are we to pay attention to? Paul want the Colossians and us to be a thankful people! The world will never be thankful in a godly sense, but Christians? People that have put on the new self in Christ? That’s an altogether different story!

Main Textual Idea:

Main Idea: The New Self Has New Things to be Thankful for!

Interrogative: And who of us Christians do not know that we are to be thankful? But He gives, in this text, three specific areas in which we are to be thankful...

The Peace of Christ

The Word of Christ

The Name of Christ

Transition: Let’s take a look at the first...

Body (Satisfaction)

1. The New Self is Thankful for the Peace of Christ (vs. 15)

Lead in...What is the tension here? Paul is working very hard to make sure the church in Colossae is living out their New Life in Christ and the New Self is a Peaceful self! Take a look at the text!

Text -

Colossians 3:15 ESV

15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Explanation - Everyone on the planet is searching for peace and yet peace can be illusive! In large part because it is sought for in all the wrong places...

There was a time (and still is for some) that sin ruled in our hearts ().

We were slaves to sin and all we could do is obey its commands. But for the true believer in Christ, this is no longer the case!

Romans 6:17–18 ESV

17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.

Rom

We are no longer slaves to sin and sin no longer rules our hearts! We have something far, far greater ruling our hearts! The peace of Christ! And believers are to follow its rule!

What is the “Peace of Christ”? It is unlike anything else you can receive from the world. The Peace of Christ is different...

John 14:27 ESV

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Jesus says He gives, “my peace”! It’s his own personal peace!

Hughes says about this peace, “

Preaching the Word: Colossians and Philemon—The Supremacy of Christ The Fullness of His Peace (v. 15)

It is not just the peace we experience when there is no conflict. It is a sense of wholeness and well-being, completeness and totality. But it is even more—it is the presence of Christ.

And not only are we to enjoy this peace, but we are to have it “rule in our hearts!”

How does it “rule in your hearts”? Think of rule as “to umpire”. The peace of Christ is to “arbitrate” or “decide what is right in a contest.”

Preaching the Word: Colossians and Philemon—The Supremacy of Christ The Fullness of His Peace (v. 15)

The sense here is, “Let the peace of Christ be umpire in your heart amidst the conflicts of life. Let it decide what is right. Let it be your counselor.”

As a follower of Christ, we have a new force living within us that enables us to live out a peaceful existence in our world and especially in our church!

Illustration -

Preaching the Word: Colossians and Philemon—The Supremacy of Christ The Fullness of His Peace (v. 15)

An old story which comes from the Salvation Army in the last century tells of a strong-willed woman who had been nicknamed “Warrior Brown” because of her fiery temper. She was often belligerent and became enraged whenever she got drunk. Then one day she was converted. Her entire life was wonderfully changed by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. At an open-air meeting a week later, she told everyone what Jesus had done for her. Suddenly a scoffer threw a potato at her, causing a stinging bruise. Had she not been converted, she would have lashed out at the man furiously. God’s grace, however, had made such a profound change in her conduct that she quietly picked up the potato and put it into her pocket without saying a word. No more was heard of the incident until the time of the “harvest festival” months later. Then the dear lady who had been known as “Warrior Brown” brought as her offering a little sack of potatoes. She explained that after the open-air meeting she had cut up and planted the “insulting potato,” and what she was now presenting to the Lord was “the increase.” Warrior Brown had allowed “the peace of Christ” to be umpire of her life.

The PEACE in your HEART rules best if it acts like a strainer. In other words, everything thing that you deal with, every thought you think, every action you take should run first through the strainer of Christ’s Peace.

Argumentation - When you come to faith in Christ YOU WILL CHANGE!!! Why? Because the God of the Universe comes to reside in you and He brings with him a housewarming gift - THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING THAT WILL GUARD YOUR HEART AND YOUR MIND IN CHRIST JESUS!

And my dear friends, how would our lives change if we allowed the PEACE OF CHRIST TO BE THE UMPIRE OVER OUR LIVES!

Maybe we would love our enemies better?

Maybe we would be more kind to those who mistreat us?

Maybe we wouldn’t be so easily offended by others?

Maybe we would sleep better and be far less anxious about life if would just rest in the peace that already is in our hearts?

By the way, seemingly as a side note, Paul says, “And be thankful.” What does “And be thankful” have to do with the “peace of Christ?” Well, isn’t thankfulness the natural byproduct of living out a life of true, unadulterated peace? I think so!

Application - So here is my challenge to you this week. Before you react to any and all situations and provocations, let the peaceful umpire make his decision. You may get a few potatoes thrown at you, but, with the right peaceful attitude, you might turn those potatoes into an offering of praise and thanksgiving!

Review - The New Self Has New Things to be Thankful for!

The New Self is Thankful for the Peace of Christ

2. The New Self is Thankful for the Word of Christ (vs. 16)

Lead in...What is the tension here? Are you thankful for the Word of Christ? How does a Christian demonstrate his or her appreciation for the Word of God? By keeping their Bible pristine and in perfect condition?

No! Professor Grant Horner (creator of the Horner bible reading system) tells an interesting story about his bible...

I remember very clearly in 1983, when my soon-to-be father-in-law handed me his old but unused 1967 Scofield Study Bible as an off-the-cuff gift. I had never seen a good study Bible before, and was just starting to listen to MacArthur and Swindoll and Stanley on the radio. I was determined as a new believer to get to know the bible.

By the mid 1990s…that old Scofield was literally read to tatters by then -- covers absolutely gone, spine vanished away, glue-backing visible and all curled up, stitching coming apart, the preface material destroyed all the way up to and the concordance vanished past the entry for "sin." But as a poor grad student, I had no money for a quality re-bind.

Its present form dates from the mid-1990s when I was in doctoral work at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke and wanted to keep my head screwed on somewhat straight. That old Scofield was literally read to tatters by then -- covers absolutely gone, spine vanished away, glue-backing visible and all curled up, stitching coming apart, the prefatory material destroyed all the way up to and the concordance vanished past the entry for "sin." But as a poor grad student, I had no money for a quality re-bind.

Sometime later, I was flown out by Masters College for a 3-day interview/grilling process. The culmination was, of course, being ushered in to Dr. John MacArthur's private study, which is where he asked me his one question: "Can I see your Bible?"

I thought he would be horrified, because it looked like it had been through a typhoon -- it looked unloved and neglected. Something from a dumpster. It was unbound, with stringy mess and paper debris hanging out.

I was so embarrassed. I thought he would chastise me and recommend I get a new study Bible if I was serious about the Word.

Something from a dumpster. It was unbound, with stringy mess and paper debris hanging out. I was so embarrassed. I thought he would chastise me and recommend I get a new study Bible if I was serious about the Word.

However he flipped through it and handed it to his wife and said, "If your Bible is falling apart, you probably aren't." And I was basically hired on the spot.

This was Paul’s passionate desire for the church in Colossae! Not only are they to let the Peace of Christ ruler their hearts, but, look at the text...

Colossians 3:16 ESV

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

Colossians 3:17 ESV

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Explanation - Many in America are spending most of their time chasing the almighty dollar. And there is nothing wrong with earning money and growing wealthy. In fact...

Explanation -

Paul wants believers to grow rich as well!

Rich in His Word!

Psalm 119:14 ESV

14 In the way of your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.

Psalm 119

Paul’s desire is that you know the bible so well that the Living Word actually lives in you!

Preaching the Word: Colossians and Philemon—The Supremacy of Christ The Fullness of His Word (v. 16)

Mark Twain put it in perspective when he said, “Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture which they cannot understand; but as for me, I have always noticed that the passages in Scripture which trouble me most are those which I do understand.”

God, the supreme ruler of the universe has communicated His mind to us in a BOOK!

So how can we have the word live in us richly?

First, understand its supreme and comprehensive value! We spend times with that which we value...

I love this old anonymous poem...

This Book is the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation,

the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding;

its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, practice it to be holy.

It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s character.

Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.

Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully.

It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.

Follow its precepts and it will lead you to Calvary, to the empty tomb, to a resurrected life in Christ; yes, to glory itself, for eternity.

–Anonymous

God’s Word is our map, staff, compass, sword and our food. It is our life. And if you value it as you should, you will never neglect it or take it for granted!

We are to be “at home” with the Bible! The Word of God should feel at home in your heart! This is the idea behind the word “dwell.” And it is to be in our inner being abundantly or richly!

And when the Living word is living in you it will not be content in staying in you! Paul says it will pour out of the believer in three ways.

Illustration -

Teaching - “To educate To instruct”

It is a great privilege to expose the text of Scripture to others so that they have the “ah ha” moment! There are many things to teach others, but there is nothing more valuable to teach that God’s Word!

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Admonishing - “to put in mind, to warn, to counsel”

To lovingly come alongside someone and help them see from the Word how it is they are to live life. It is every believer’s great privilege to do this with one another!

Romans 15:14 NASB95

14 And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another.

We are to teach and admonish one another in all wisdom...

Who’s wisdom? I’m a wise guy at times, but any substantial, eternal wisdom I have is from the ALL WISE ONE!

What

The Colossians were gleaning their so called “wisdom” from traditions, mysticism and their worldly approach to God. The world’s wisdom is foolishness to God!

1 Corinthians 3:19 ESV

19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,”

What does teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom look like? It looks like singing! Wow! It’s not what I would have thought.

Singing - Specifically, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs...

Singing Psalms - “Refers to the Old Testament psalms” (ESC)

Psalm 147:1 ESV

1 Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.

Singing Hymns - “It is a song with religious content” (ESC) - Deeper theology set to music! “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” Rich, deep, moving and meaningful!

Singing Spiritual Songs - “It is about the spiritual life, emanating from or reflecting the spirit of the Christian.” (ESC)

Psalm 147:1 ESV

1 Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting.

Why does God bring up singing here?

It’s simple, really. If there is a heart richly full of God’s truth, singing is not far behind! God’s truth always resorts in thankful hearts that burst forth in praise!

Acts

Ephesians 5:18–20 ESV

18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Acts 16:25 ESV

25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,

James 5:13 ESV

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.

What does the Bible have to do with “thankfulness in your hearts to God?”

Argumentation - "If your Bible is falling apart, you probably aren't."

Application - I challenge you to get a bible, and read it until it falls apart! And don’t be surprised when your heart is so full of truth that you burst out with song! Genuine followers of Christ can’t help but sing because of the richness of the WORD OF CHRIST!

Review - The New Self Has New Things to be Thankful for!

The New Self is Thankful for the Peace of Christ

The New Self is Thankful for the Word of Christ

3. The New Self is Thankful for The Name of Christ (vs. 17)

Lead in...What is the tension here? “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! There’s just something about that name!”

What’s the big deal with the name of Christ? Actually, the name of Christ is the biggest deal there is! And that is why Paul says what he says in the next verse...

Colossians 3:17 ESV

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Text -

Explanation - “Whatever you do, in word or deed...”

Explanation -

That is a pretty broad spectrum! Those words cover a lot of ground.

There are two spheres that we traffic in most frequently and Paul lists them for us.

Things we say - everything that comes out of our mouth...

Matthew 12:36 ESV

36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

Things we do - Every action or none action we take! Eating, exercising, driving, cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, shopping, internet browsing, working, playing - everything!

And we are to channel all the things we say and all the things we do through and in the name of the LORD JESUS...”

What’s in a name? Identity! Your name is how you are identified! The same with the Second Person of the Trinity! Jesus Christ!

Why this name? His name is no ordinary name - His name carries great significance because of who His name represents! Look at some of the characteristics of the Name that is above every name!

His Name Has All Authority!

Philippians 2:10–11 ESV

10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

His Name is All Power!

Acts 4:7 ESV

7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”

Philippians 2:10 ESV

10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

His Name Brings Healing!

Acts 4:10 ESV

10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well.

His Name is Salvation!

Acts 4:12 ESV

12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

His Name is Sanctification!

1 Corinthians 6:11 ESV

11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Philippians 2:11 ESV

11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

His Name is Holy!

2 Timothy 2:19 ESV

19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

His Name is Love!

Romans 5:8 ESV

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Even Jesus’ NickNames are profound, meaningful and significant!

50 Names and Titles of Jesus:

1. Almighty One –

2. Alpha and Omega –

3. Advocate –

4. Author and Perfecter of Our Faith –

5. Authority –

6. Bread of Life –

7. Beloved Son of God –

8. Bridegroom –

9. Chief Cornerstone –

10. Deliverer –

11. Faithful and True –

12. Good Shepherd -

13. Great High Priest –

14. Head of the Church –

15. Holy Servant –

16. I Am –

17. Immanuel –

18. Indescribable Gift –

19. Judge –

20. King of Kings –

21. Lamb of God –

22. Light of the World –

23. Lion of the Tribe of Judah –

24. Lord of All –

25. Mediator –

26. Messiah –

27. Mighty One –

28. One Who Sets Free –

29. Our Hope –

30. Peace –

31. Prophet –

32. Redeemer –

33. Risen Lord –

34. Rock –

35. Sacrifice for Our Sins –

36. Savior –

37. Son of Man –

38. Son of the Most High –

39. Supreme Creator Over All –

40. Resurrection and the Life –

41. The Door –

42. The Way –

43. The Word –

44. True Vine -

45. Truth –

46. Victorious One –

47. – 50. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace –

https://www.crosswalk.com/blogs/debbie-mcdaniel/50-names-of-jesus-who-the-bible-says-christ-is.html

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus! There’s just something about that name!

Illustration - Have you ever learned the meaning of you name? My name, Mark, means “Mighty Warrior!” Stop laughing!

Argumentation - But Jesus’ name means everything to those who believe! And because of the powerful name of Jesus, whatever do or say. And here again, we are to be thankful! This time Paul says we are to give “thanks to God the Father through him.”

Why would Paul have the Colossians give thanks to the Father? Because it was the Father’s plan, before the foundation of the earth, before sin ever entered the scene, to enact a plan that would not only rescue the Colossians from certain eternal punishment in Hell, but to rescue you as well! And do you know who that singular rescue party would be?

His NAME is Jesus!

Application - Are you thankful for the name of Jesus? If you are that means you understand the significance of His name! That His name means “God saves.” And that it was through His name that you became a follower of Jesus.

What are you dealing with this week? What sin is overtaking you - meditate on His name! What frustration are you having with that other person in your life? - meditate on His name. What circumstance is getting you down and depressed - meditate on His name. Rest in His name! Trust in His name! Because “there is no other name under heaven by which you can be saved!” And that, my friends, when it is all said and done, is the most important thing!

If you

Are you thankful for His name?

Review - The New Self Has New Things to be Thankful for!

The New Self is Thankful for the Peace of Christ

The New Self is Thankful for the Word of Christ

The New Self is Thankful for The Name of Christ

Conclusion (Visualization)

Review opening illustration (if appropriate)

Are you a thankful person or an ingrate? As a Christian, you and I have no other option than to be thankful! If you just spend a minute thinking through the fact that you have peace with God because of Christ, that you have the mind of God accessible to you through the WORD of Christ and that through the NAME of Jesus you have eternal life, what in the world do you have to be unthankful about? No, we of all people in the world have great reason to give thanks!

1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Be a grateful Christian today and everyday of your life!

Action they should take

Land the Plane

Connection Group Reflection Questions

What encourages you most from this passage?

Discuss how best to allow the peace of Christ to rule or umpire in your life. What does this have to do with the body of Christ?

How often should a believer be in the Word of Christ? Discuss ways to have it dwell in you richly.

How can you teach the Word to others? How can admonish or counsel others?

What does singing have to do with God’s Word?

In what ways are you thankful for the Word of Christ?

We must filter all of our words and deeds through the name of Jesus. What does this mean and how does one accomplish this?