TC 3.1 | Honor Christ in Everything
TC3 | Colossians • Sermon • Submitted
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Prop Statement
You must carry the banner of Christ by honoring Him in everything.
Alternative: As a servant of Christ, you are to honor your Lord in everything
Introduction
Introduction
Attention: Have you ever known someone who, no matter where you were, or what you were doing, showed Christ’s heart so well that you could feel it?
Need: This quality that we see in God’s people, this godliness that is so different… it tugs at our hearts because it is not natural. Not to us.
Topic: And this character is what God calls you to… As slaves of Christ, ministers of His Body, chosen and beloved by God, your calling is clear: You must carry the banner of Christ, and honor Him in everything.
Transition: You must aim to honor Christ as your lifelong pursuit, not by serving in a few ministry opportunities here and there, but by being wholly devoted to Him. It is a marathon, not a sprint. And like every good sermon, our passage today gives us three challenges. Three distinct areas in which we are to honor Christ. The first challenge given to you is to…
How do I honor Christ? How do I properly carry His banner?
REFLECT the heart of Christ (v.12-14)
REFLECT the heart of Christ (v.12-14)
Put on His Character
24 and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Pardon the sins of others
3 “Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.
GOSPEL
“just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you”
This is the glorious truth of the Gospel.. that though we were wretched sinners...
6 For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.
He demonstrated His love...
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
And reconciled us to Himself...
10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Leading to our forgiveness..
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace
Practice unity in the body (in love)
16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.
Illustration
Illustration
<Parallel to parenting, an experience we all can share>
Have you ever noticed that your children pick up on your tendencies? They oftentimes will talk about the same things you talk about, and even start doing some of the same things that you do!
MAGNIFY the peace of Christ (v.15)
MAGNIFY the peace of Christ (v.15)
27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
“Let the peace of Christ rule”
Peace is not just to be something we desire, but something that we LOOK TO as a means of honoring Christ.
Peace must be upheld in our hearts as the guide rail, keeping us on the path of righteousness.
The peace of Christ is to mediate our thoughts; it is to act as a judge, upholding truth and justice in the courtroom of your mind.
Illustration
Illustration
Before modern day technology, sailors used to use the stars to navigate on their journey. The North Star stands as a clear landmark, since it is the last star on the “handle” of the Little Dipper, as well as the Southern Cross, which is also pretty easy to identify. Once you locate these two constellations, you can easily orient yourself without a compass.
The peace of Christ, similarly, is a means to orient the heart of the believer...
Remember Paul’s teaching on the peace of Christ?
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
His peace guides our way, guards our hearts, and gives us hope...
EMBRACE the Word of Christ (v.16)
EMBRACE the Word of Christ (v.16)
4 Make me know Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.
3 For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes,
And I have walked in Your truth.
30 I have chosen the faithful way;
I have placed Your ordinances before me.
Minister with the Word
Sing praise with the Word
Conclusion
Conclusion
Who’s banner do you carry? Does your ministry show Christ clearly, or yourself?
If you are not reflecting Christ, you will be reflecting something lesser.
As we go, let me give you two things to ponder:
What do you pursue, what do you need to put on, to better represent Christ?
Choose 1 or more of the virtues that Paul lists here in our passage and practice it this week.
Parents: Hone your humility. The next time your daughter kicks up the drama, in all the rebellious manner, remind yourself that Christ was “gentle and lowly.” He is the King, yet He humbled Himself, and calls you to humility as well. Your response should be radically different from the typical worldly outrage.
Employees: Practice compassion; when your friend Tim at work totally fails to finish his part of the project, let compassion stir you to mercy. You could lash out and belittle him, he surely did fail. But God’s glory is shown in a heart that is ready to forgive, and to show grace. There may be consequences for Tim, but they must not be relational.
How can you magnify Christ in difficult times like these?
Boldly proclaim; As you engage with co-workers who are discussing the difficulties of the political landscape, honor Christ by reminding them that Jesus is King.
Let peace rule; In your own heart, when you see your bank account drop to the last few dollars, honor Christ by trusting that God is able to bring food for the sparrows and clothing to the flowers.