Rescued & Reconciled

Last Sunday Church Year • Sermon • Submitted 5 years ago

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Goal: That hearers would, in the midst of life's difficulties, believe anew that they live under the reign of Christ, and no longer under the authority of darkness.

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Darkness has been growing all around us for weeks, as the days get shorter and as daylight savings time is now only a memory. In ancient times, pagan peoples thought the darkness signaled the triumph of evil gods or a king of the underworld, over the gods of light. Of course, you and I know it’s just part of the creation’s rhythm, and though we may not like it, we’re used to darkness in our lives this time of year. But even though we’re used to it, we know as well that darkness has a certain power—and it’s not necessarily power for good. You can get lost in physical darkness, and you are more vulnerable; you can’t see danger coming in advance. And in these parts, at this time of the year, it’s common to have the deer out and about; Tanya comes upon them quite frequently when she leaves for work at 4:00 AM. Even physically, we human beings need light. Some people have to take steps to fight off depression and other maladies when it get dark so early. Physical darkness has a certain power.

The Last Sunday of the Church Year is variously named in modern Christendom: Sunday of the Fulfillment, Christ the King Sunday, and so on. In all of these variations of recent (and not-so-recent) liturgical innovations, one should never lose the end-time orientation of this Sunday.

The Old Testament Reading from Malachi records the faltering faith of some in Israel who have decided that “it is vain to serve God” (), since evil persists in the world. The prophet’s word invites such discouraged believers to look forward to “the day when I make up my treasured possession” (3:17). The Psalm, well-loved because of its association with Reformation Day, invites believers in Israel and today to be confident even in the midst of terrible troubles. The Psalm promises that even on the earth, Yahweh will be exalted above the nations (46:10)—one day!

The appointed Gospel, from the crucifixion scene in (23:27–43), may not at first seem to fit. Yet the repentant thief’s words to Jesus and the Lord’s reply do contain an “already and not yet” quality. Though we don’t know completely what was in the thief’s mind when he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (23:42), Christian readers today can validly think of the day when Christ comes again to rule the world. The Lord’s reply of rest and comfort already at the day of death (“Today you will be with me in Paradise,” 23:43) reminds us that even before the great Day, we are safe in the arms of Christ, and that not even death can separate us from his love.

Relevant Context

The great Christological affirmations that comprise the majority of the appointed text flow directly from the thanksgiving section of Colossians (1:3–8) and the apostle’s prayer that the believers be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. The result of that knowledge will be “to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord” (1:10), a series of four participles (“bearing fruit,” “increasing,” “[being] strengthened,” and “giving thanks,” 1:10–12) further describe how that “worthy walking” then follows.

The last participle (1:12), “giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light,” leads directly into the appointed Reading. The note of “with joy, giving thanks” can be related to the Reading as effect is related to cause. Believers, both then and now, can live in difficult times as they await the end, because the Father has done his great deeds in and through his great Son, who is the Father’s image. This “joyful” theme can serve as the conclusion of the sermon.

Textual Notes

This portion of Colossians contains one of the most exalted expressions of Christological truth in the entire Scripture. The so-called “Christ Hymn” runs (under most understandings) from v 15 through v 20; this text has been the center of controversy (especially during the Christological controversies of the fourth century). For orthodox Christians, however, it has proven to be one of the most powerful sources of teaching regarding the identity and the work of Jesus.

Vv 13–14 proclaim the Good News of what God the Father has done subjectively; that is, through Gospel and Baptism, he has rescued the believers from the authority of darkness and transferred us to the reign of his beloved Son; in the Son, we are redeemed and forgiven. Notice the importance of understanding “kingdom” (or “reign”) in v 13 in a dynamic way. It is parallel to “domain” earlier in the verse, and reflects the teaching of Jesus about the “reign of God,” namely, God’s breaking into history to re-establish his kingly rule in Jesus. Ultimately, the “reign of God” is an eschatological concept, still awaiting final manifestation at the parousia.

If vv 13–14 proclaim the Good News applied, vv 15–20 could be understood as the rock-solid, absolutely certain objective Good News—what God’s beloved Son is and what he has done outside of us. Although scholarly analyses of the structure of these verses vary, one can perceive two sections. Vv 15–17 proclaim Christ’s identity as creator, God over all things, while vv 18–20 proclaim him as the Church’s head, her future, and her chosen reconciler.

In v 15, the phrase “firstborn of all creation” gave rise to great controversy, since Arians and others read it to imply that Christ was a creature. But as LXX and Ps 88:28 show, the term firstborn does not necessarily imply “other siblings.” Indeed, v 16’s emphatic message that Christ created everything makes it impossible for “firstborn of all creation” to imply that Christ himself is only a creature—though surely he shares our creaturely existence as true man who, through the blood of his cross, saved us. In v 18, however, “firstborn from the dead” probably does imply a connection with us humans, since Paul elsewhere designates Christ as the first of many to rise ().

The overall movement of the text might be described as follows. The proclamation that God has saved us in Christ and transferred each believer to living under the reign of the Son is firmly and objectively rooted in the person and work of the Son, Creator of all and Head of the Church.

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Darkness has been growing all around us for weeks, as the days get shorter and as daylight savings time is now only a memory. In ancient times, pagan peoples thought the darkness signaled the triumph of evil gods or a king of the underworld, over the gods of light. Of course, you and I know it’s just part of the creation’s rhythm, and though we may not like it, we’re used to more darkness in our lives this time of year. But even though we’re used to it, we know as well that darkness has a certain power—and it’s not necessarily power for good. You can get lost in physical darkness, and you are more vulnerable; you can’t see danger coming in advance. Even physically, we human beings need light. Some people have to take steps to fight off depression and other maladies when it get dark so early. Physical darkness has a certain power.

Spiritual darkness has power too. In our world and in our lives, the darkness can seem very powerful at times—almost as if it controls and reigns over us. We know there really is a king of darkness, and he is very powerful. But even though we feel the power of darkness, God’s Word here in , holds out for us a tremendous promise.

A NEW KING—JESUS—IS REIGNING NOW AND THE AUTHORITY OF DARKNESS HAS BEEN BROKEN.

And this morning our Epistle reading will show how though the darkness seems so strong, God is stronger still, and yes, in Christ Jesus He breaks this power of darkness in our lives.

New King—Jesus—Is Reigning Now, and the Authority of Darkness Has Been Broken.

Darkness Seems so Strong!

Satan’s domain can well be described as a “domain of darkness.”

Satan trades in deception and temptation and fear.

1. Satan trades in deception and temptation and fear.

That is to say, his actions would look hideous in the light, so he keeps them from being exposed.

a. That is to say, his actions would look hideous in the light, so he keeps them from being exposed.

And what we can’t see either traps us if we’re unsuspecting or terrifies us if we know they’re lurking.

b. And what we can’t see either traps us if we’re unsuspecting or terrifies us if we know they’re lurking.

2. We were once in that kingdom of Satan, the “domain of darkness,” because sin cast us out of the kingdom of light.

We were once in that kingdom of Satan, the “domain of darkness,” because sin cast us out of the kingdom of light.

Even now, Satan and sin still pull at you and me.

B. Even now, Satan and sin still pull at you and me.

1. Pulling with deception: It (sin) and he (Satan) aren’t really as dangerous as all that. (Suggest specific ways we fall into this.)

Pulling with deception: It (sin) and he (Satan) aren’t really as dangerous as all that.

Eve was deceived in the garden. Satan twisted what our Lord said to them and she fell for it.

We listen to the lies of Satan as well, who tells us we can handle certain situations on our own; that we don’t need God’s help, nor do we need to pray about a particular situation.

Pulling with temptation: Is it really wrong? Television is not what it used to be, due to alternative lifestyles, and overt sexual situations that are in your face. Left unchecked, they turn our minds into a playground of thoughts unbecoming of one who has been rescued from the domain of darkness.

2. Pulling with temptation: Is it really wrong? (Suggest examples of what “it” might be.)

3. Pulling with fear: But I’m so sinful! Forgiveness is for good people. (Suggest sins that might seem unforgivable.)

Pulling with fear: But I’m so sinful! God cannot possibly forgive me for this! We all fall into sin that we cannot seem to get the upper hand with: sins we commit again and again, where we’ve gone to the Lord 1,000 times asking forgiveness for the same thing, AGAIN!

That pull of sin and Satan may deceive you and lead you into discouragement and despair.

C. That pull of sin and Satan may deceive you and lead you into discouragement and despair.

1. What’s wrong with me?

What’s wrong with me?

Maybe I should just give up the battle and stop trying to live for Christ?

2. Maybe I should just give up the battle and stop trying to live for Christ?

OT Reading: — “It is vain to serve God...” is what Satan is trying to get us to say when the battle gets too hard.

Malachi 3:14 NASB95

14 “You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God; and what profit is it that we have kept His charge, and that we have walked in mourning before the Lord of hosts?

But, dear friends in Christ,

God is Stronger!

He has rescued you and placed you under the authority of his Son

Colossians 1:13–14 NASB95

13 For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

God delivered you from the authority of darkness and transferred you to the reign of his Son.

1. It is the reign of the Son.

It is the reign of the Son. This is what Jesus invited the thief on the cross into; His reign.

2.He is ruling; he is your mighty King.

You see, Christ Jesus is ruling; He is your mighty King.

Notice and believe the past tenses in v 13. God rescued you; it’s already happened.

B. Notice and believe the past tenses in v 13. God rescued you; it’s already happened.

It happened because an event in history happened: redemption by the death of God’s beloved Son.

C. It happened because an event in history happened: redemption by the death of God’s beloved Son.

Jesus’ death on the cross paid for all our sins, bought us back from the domain darkness.

1. Jesus’ death on the cross paid for all our sins, bought us back from darkness.

Those sins we’ve toyed with because we thought they really couldn’t hurt that much — especially those impure thoughts that have romped around in the playground of our minds — have all been forgiven.

a. Those sins we’ve toyed with because we thought they really couldn’t hurt that much (previous examples) have been forgiven.

b. Those sins we tried to rationalize away (previous examples) have been forgiven.

Those sins we tried to rationalize away have been forgiven.

Even those sins we knew were wrong and know are deadly and even now are tormenting us with guilt — maybe it was an affair you had years ago, or an abortion — yes, they have been forgiven too.

c. Even those sins we knew were wrong and know are deadly and even now are tormenting us with guilt (previous examples), yes, have been forgiven too.

The redemption price was sufficient, the rescue was complete, because of who Jesus is.

2. The redemption price was sufficient, the rescue was complete, because of who Jesus is.

You see,

The Son Breaks the Power of Darkness!

This Son has the authority to break the power of darkness, now and forever (vv 15–20).

The Son is the precise image who has the same nature as the Father (v 15).

God doesn’t wish to keep us in the dark about his identity or his actions.

1.God doesn’t wish to keep us in the dark about his identity or his actions.

He reveals himself openly when we see Christ.

2. He reveals himself openly when we see Christ.

3. And in Christ we see that God’s actions are always gracious and loving and forgiving.

And in Christ we see that God’s actions are always gracious and loving and forgiving.

The Son made all things (v 16)—his ability to rule has no limit. Christ Jesus was there in .

B. The Son made all things (v 16)—his ability to rule has no limit.

He, not Satan, is the rightful King of the universe.

1. He, not Satan, is the rightful King of the universe.

When Jesus returns, we will see His throne established and the evil pretender cast down once and for all.

2. When he returns, we will see his throne established and the evil pretender cast down.

C. The Son sustains all things (v 17)—this is how vast his power is.

The Son holds all things together (v 17)—this is how vast his power is.

1. His power reaches to every dark corner where Satan might lurk.

His power reaches to every dark corner where Satan might lurk.

We really have nothing to fear—not Satan’s worst in this life, not hell in eternity.

2. We really do have nothing to fear—not Satan’s worst in this life, not hell in eternity.

Even in the OT Reading, Malachi’s words invites discouraged believers to look forward to “the day when I make up my treasured possession” .

The prophet’s word invites such discouraged believers to look forward to “the day when I make up my treasured possession” (3:17

D. Christ is the Church’s Head (vv 18–20).

Christ is the Church’s Head (vv 18–20).

He rose from the dead, as the first to do so (v 18b). Jesus’ return in glory is the day we will also rise!

1. He rose from the dead, as the first to do so (v 18b). Jesus’ return in glory is the day we will also rise!

Christ did what He did with all the fullness of God himself (v 19)! Because He is God!

2. Christ did what he did with all the fullness of God himself (v 19)! He is God!

Even when you and I don’t feel peaceful, Jesus has established peace between us and the Father—by taking all the hatred and evil of our sins in his own body on the cross (v 20)!

3. Even when you and I don’t feel peaceful, Jesus has established peace between us and the Father—by taking all the hatred and evil of our sins in his own body on the cross (v 20)!

Yes, the darkness does seem so strong, but God is stronger, and Jesus the Son breaks the power of darkness. So, when you feel the pull and the power of darkness—and every Christian feels it—hold fast to God’s promise. We are no longer under that condemnation, that danger, that fear. God has rescued us and transferred us to the reign of his Son. One day, that reign will come in glory! In Him, we rejoice.

When you feel the pull and the power of darkness—and every Christian feels it—hold fast to God’s promise. We are no longer under that condemnation, that danger, that fear. God has rescued us and transferred us to the reign of his Son. One day, that reign will come in glory! In him, we rejoice.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer of the Church

Last Sunday of the Church Year

24 November 2019

Almighty God, You have invited us to pray and promised to hear the prayers of Your people. We come before You this day in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, to offer You petitions and supplications on behalf of ourselves and all people who have need.

Last Sunday of the Church Year

Brief silence

We rejoice in Christ, dear heavenly Father, who displays His kingly reign first from the cross and on whom we wait for the revelation of all that is to come; may we may enter into our eternal rest by the merits of Christ alone.

24 November 2019

We give You thanks that You have granted us Your only Son and for His deliverance from the domain of sin and its darkness of death and for raising us up to be people of light. Give to us the courage we need to meet the troubled days ahead, and guard us against despair. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Sons and daughters of our heavenly Father, let us come in the name of Jesus and pray on behalf of ourselves and all people as they have need.

As Christ is head of the Church, so do we call upon You to guard His precious body against all the assaults of the enemy. Give to us faithful pastors and church workers who will not shrink from faithfulness in time of threat and who will deliver to us the whole counsel of Your Word. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lord Jesus, we rejoice that You have manifested love by going to the cross and uniting us with yourself in Holy Baptism through which we are made children of God and sustained by the rich food of Christ’s body and blood in the Eucharist, and that the Lord may preserve His Church holy and spotless to the day of His coming, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

Brief silence

In Christ, You have revealed the fullness of Your saving will and purpose. As He has forgiven us, teach us to forgive one another, that no one may be hindered in faith by a guilty conscience, no conflict or division distract us from the work He has given us to do, and we may live at peace by the blood of His cross. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

That the Lord may bless this congregation and His whole Church with faithful pastors and church workers who speak without embarrassment or apology the Gospel of Christ crucified and risen, and that we, as hearers of this Gospel, may respond with faith and thanksgiving, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

That the Lord may give release to the captive and freedom to those imprisoned in guilt and shame, bringing all people to repentance, that through the forgiveness of their sins and the gift of a clear conscience, they may be set free to live holy lives to the praise of His name, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

That we may rejoice in Christ, who displays His kingly reign first from the cross and on whom we wait for the revelation of all that is to come, and that we may enter into our eternal rest by the merits of Christ alone, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

Give to the nations and all who govern a sense of right and wrong and the courage to act decisively for good. Help us to honor the sacredness of life and to care for those least able to care for themselves, especially the unborn. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

That the Lord may bless all those who teach and learn His Word, that they may be kept from all error, given wisdom to recognize and reject all that is false, and be sustained in the truth that endures forever, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

Preserve among us the fruits of Your creation for the well-being of all people, and teach us to care responsibly for all that You have made. Guide us to honor the vocations You have given us, that we may serve You faithfully in home and at work, in neighborhood and nation, in labor and in leisure. Accept from our hands the offerings we bring as tokens of our gratitude and signs of our trust in Your mercy. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

That we may rejoice in Jerusalem on high, the holy city of God, manifested here by the Baptism through which we are made children of God and sustained by the rich food of Christ’s body and blood in the Eucharist, and that the Lord may preserve His Church holy and spotless to the day of His coming, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

That the Lord may preserve His people from all temptation and amid all trial, lest they give into the power of evil or despair, and that God’s people may be bold and faithful witnesses to all those around them, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

Give to the sick healing and to the suffering relief, according to Your will. [We pray especially for ____________ and all those hospitalized; for ____________ and all those recuperating at home; for ____________ and all in nursing homes; and all those in pain of body, mind or spirit.] Receive our thanks for the faithful who have gone before us and now rest from their labors [especially ____________]. Bring us at last with them to die in peace and awaken in Your arms in paradise. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

When Your Son was revealed as the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world, He did not shrink from the suffering that bore the fruit of our salvation. Keep us from the fear of our enemies, that we may not deny our Lord in the hour of trial but with good courage proclaim Jesus Christ to the end when we and all who live in Christ shall receive the great reward You have prepared for all who have loved His appearing. We pray You, O Lord, to grant us all things needful and to keep from us all things harmful, even as we pray in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

That the Lord may preserve our nation in peace; raise up faithful leaders; and bless our president and those who make, administer and judge our laws; and that we may be good citizens, who heed the call to integrity of life and service, manifesting the good works of the Kingdom within our daily callings as His people, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

That the Lord may deliver the poor from their want and grant employment to those who seek work, and that the Lord may grant His blessing to all the agencies and programs with which the Church supports those in need, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

That the Lord may grant healing and peace to all those afflicted in body or mind, that the Lord may relieve the suffering, and that the Lord may give peace to the dying and comfort to those who grieve, [especially ___________,] that in their need He may be their strength and peace, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

That the Lord may grant to us grateful hearts rejoicing in the mercies He makes new every morning, that He may supply wisdom to use faithfully and for His glory all the resources of this earth, and that we may cheerfully return to Him the tithes and offerings He is due, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

That the Lord may bring us to repentance and faith so we may rightly receive His body and blood, that we may manifest the unity of faith and witness before the world, and that we may bear in our lives the good fruits of His Spirit and this communion in holy words and holy works, let us pray to the Lord: Lord, have mercy.

That we may never forget the mighty works by which the Lord has saved us, that we may respond to His acts of deliverance with the song of praise and thanksgiving, and that we may give to these prayers the “Amen” of faith, confident of the Lord’s mercy and wisdom, let us pray through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

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