Colossians 1:21-23 (NIV)

21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.

I.        Introduction:

II.      End an Ongoing Relationship of Hostility

A.      Estranged from God

B.      Enemies of God

1.       Hostile in Attitude

2.       Hostile in Action

III.   Enter an Ongoing Relationship of Harmony

A.      Reconciliation Initiated by God

B.      Reconciliation Achieved through Christ

1.       In the Flesh: A Man

2.       On the Cross: A Mediator

C.      Reconciliation Accomplished for Man

1.       Standing in God’s Presence

2.       Standing in Moral Purity

a)       Standing in Individual Holiness

b)       Standing in essential Spotlessness

c)       Standing in Legal Blamelessness

IV.    Enjoy an Ongoing Relationship of Fidelity

A.      A Relationship Based on Trust

B.      A Relationship Based on Assurance

1.       A Solid Faith

a)       Established in the Exercise of Faith

b)       Firm in the Grip of Faith

2.       A Sure Hope

a)       Hope that is unwavering

b)       Hope that is in the Gospel

(1)     The Gospel Personally Heard

(2)     The Gospel Publicly Announced

(3)     The Gospel Plainly Declared

V.      Conclusion: