Colossians 1:21-23 (Pt. 2 of 2)

Since Jesus is a big deal, what does that mean for me?

What did we talk about last week?

Last week, we asked the question: “What’s the big deal about Jesus?”

In Colossians 1:15-20, we discovered:

Jesus is God Himself- God the Son

He is the image of the invisible God

All things were created through Him and for Him

He is eternal and comes first in all things

He gave His life for the payment of sins and to make peace

… These are a few of the many other things we delved into

We saw that Jesus is indeed a REALLY BIG DEAL.

Tonight, in part two of our series, we ask the question: “Why should Jesus be a big deal to me?”

Read Colossians 1:21-23

Pray

Wanda Maximoff, “The Scarlet Witch”

Avengers: Age of Ultron

Was Wanda one of the good guys or bad guys to begin with?

She was a bad guy on the Hydra side.

Is Wanda a good guy or bad guy by the end of the movie?

But Wanda would soon side with the Avengers- the good guys

v. 21 - “You were alienated and hostile”

Just like Wanda was hostile to the Avengers originally, we find ourselves on the wrong side against God due to our rebellion and sin.

Although evil comes from within our hearts (Matthew 15:18), there is an evil one to blame for the origin of this evil.

Who is our great spiritual enemy?

We have an enemy that seeks to keep us on the wrong side of the battle. Satan is much like a predatory animal by the way he tempts and deceives us.

Speaking of animals… Who in here likes orca whales?

What do you envision when you think about orcas?

I don’t know about you, but when I think about orcas I think about a family-friendly, stuffed toy on your bed, SeaWorld-like animal.

It is a part of the dolphin species!

However, an orca is known as a “killer whale” and an apex predator.

Story of how a pack of orcas will even kill great white sharks and blue whales.

In our darkened, evil minds, Satan deploys traps and devices like that are designed to attack and destroy us, like orcas and other sea creatures.

Is anyone in here facing a sin struggle or spiritual battle in your life?

Whatever your situation may be, we have great news in 1 Corinthians 10:13.

This promise is guaranteed! Christ won the war by the victory of the cross and resurrection, but there are daily spiritual battles that rage on. We are continually playing a role in these battles, whether for Christ or for darkness.

v. 22 - Jesus has reconciled you!

Who has a person in their life that promises they’ll be there for you if you ever need anything- but never actually delivers?

What type of friend is better- one that says they’ll do anything for you, or one that actually backs up their words and faithfully has your back?

As Revelation 19:11 tells us, Jesus is indeed Faithful and True.

Jesus came in the flesh and sacrificed everything for us- He got the job done.

Even when our backs were turned to Him, He remained faithful and loved us even unto death.

He did this so we could be presented faultless and blameless before God.

Who sometimes feels like they’ve done too much for God to forgive them? That you are an unlovable, lost cause?

Here is good news- God loving us and forgiving us has nothing to do with us. It is all about Jesus.

We come as we are… dirty, grimy, tattered clothes. However, God has given us robes of white and a feast prepared for us.

Who in here likes food?

Revelation 19:9

The Bible talks about feasting and dining often (Psalm 23. Gospel). We see and know it was important to Jesus.

We have nothing to give, but God has prepared a table for us. A feast where we can sit, enjoy Him, and find true fellowship and acceptance (Chandler).

v. 23 - Remain grounded and steadfast

Can you lose your salvation, or is your salvation safe and secure?

Let’s get one thing straight- your salvation in Jesus Christ is eternally secure.

When God begins something, He finishes it (Philippians 1:6).

You are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14).

God chose us, as in “whoever shall believe in Jesus,” and will make us holy (Ephesians 1:4, Romans 8:28-30) - and God is faithful to do all He promises.

“Those truly reconciled must truly persevere” - The truth remains- Satan is out to steal the seed of the Word in our lives (Matthew 13) .

With all this in mind, we must battle and fight daily! (Galatians 6).

Who likes war history and movies, battle scenes, and the simple thought of warriors battling for a cause?

Who considers themselves a warrior for God? Or do you find yourself just floating by and giving in to sin and passivity all too often?

We still have a part to play. God has accomplished so SO much for us, but He also invites us to become a warrior and follow after Jesus’ lead.

Open up your Bible! Pray! Fight!

God fought for you and continually fights for you. He has gone to the degree of accomplishing eternal victory for us.

How does Revelation end?

Spoiler alert- Satan loses in the end. “The ancient dragon” that is Satan will be bound and thrown into fiery sulfur for eternity. “ (Revelation 20:10)

God put the cookies on the bottom shelf (Chandler).

This should be comforting to us… although we don’t know what tomorrow holds or the day after that, we know exactly what our eternity holds because of God.

In closing…

When God sees you, He sees His Son Jesus Christ. Therefore, you know what team you have been placed on if you believe in Jesus Christ.

Who has had a concussion before?

Story of Tanner Pelfrey with a concussion.

Don’t live like you are playing for Satan (Romans 6).

Therefore, don’t live life trying to be saved. This comes through obligation and guilt… live life in a godly, joyful way because you are saved.

There is only one Name and one Gospel by which we are saved (Acts 4:12)- and it can be found throughout all creation.

“There’s freedom in surrender. Lay it down and let it go.” Casting Crowns

What do you need to let go of tonight? If you confess with your mouth “Jesus is LORD and believe God raised Him from the grave, you will be saved.” It’s not “stop doing this or do that.” Find the freedom that God gave to you, bought with the precious blood.

Pray