A Life Filled With Meaning & Purpose

Conrad Hilario
1 Corinthians 9:16-17

Paul explains to the Colossians the costliness of their reconciliation: Christ's death on the cross. He expresses how salvation has impacted his life purpose such as being able to understand suffering, having a passion to share the gospel, and a deep commitment to instructing others. Paul's life showcases an example of a sanctified life that Christians today should aspire to.

The Cross: God's Radical Provision

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 2:8-15

False teachers were trying to influence young Christians in Colossae away from Christ and toward religious practices so they would become enlightened. Paul wrote this letter to refute the false teachers, to instruct the Colossians about the deity of Christ and to explain how His death on the cross is God's radical provision for us. It is a provision for us in three ways: 1) it has canceled our certificate of debt; 2) it has given us a spiritual ?circumcision?; 3) it has disarmed the demonic forces that oppose us. God has given us all the resources we need to mature in Him.

Paul's Vision For Spirituality

Dennis McCallum
Colossians 1:1-11

Paul's vision for spirituality has to do with increasing faith, hope, and love. God wants to transform our values, mindset, and actions. All of this change is based on God's grace given through the cross.

Walk!

Jim Leffel
Colossians 2:6-15

According to the Bible, the way forward in the Christian life is just the same as it begins. We are to be rooted in our new future, new relationship with God, new life, and our justification. We are to be built up through learning and believing the truth from God. And finally, these things are to overflow into a heart of gratitude.

Bearing Good Fruit

Scott Risley
Colossians 1:1-12

Paul begins his letter to the church at Colossae with a prayer. Paul encourages this group for their love for people and the way God has grown them to this point. Paul also prays for the ongoing spiritual growth of this community. Paul encourages the church to bear good fruit for God strengthened by His power and love.

Key Ingredients of Spiritual Maturity

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 2:4-7

Paul instructs the Colossians on four key ingredients to spiritual maturity: 1) receiving Christ; 2) ongoing instruction about Christ; 3) resistance to spiritual deception; and 4) being ?in formation? with other Christians. All of us tend to specialize in one or two of these areas, but no amount of proficiency in any one area can make up for a deficiency in the others. All are needed if we want to mature spiritually.

Joyful Suffering (Part 2)

Jim Leffel
Colossians 1:24-2:5

The Christian life involves activities that bring with them, at the same time, suffering and joy. One of these is the process of helping others along to spiritual maturity, which is an extremely fulfilling interpersonal process that comes with relational risk. Another is the commitment to unity in the church, which is incredibly rewarding but can grate against our selfish nature.

Disciple-making

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 1:28-29

Paul instructs the Colossian believers about the importance of disciple-making (intentionally helping individual Christians grow in spiritual maturity). This ministry is for all believers, not just Paul. There is diversity in how we go about it (e.g., spiritually younger, peer-to-peer, one or two at a time, etc.). There is also unity in what we do: 1) regular study and application of God's Word; 2) intentional effort given over time; 3) regular prayer for each other; 4) dependence on God's Spirit to supply His dynamic energy. Imagine what God will do through our lives if we let Him use us in this way!

Jesus Our Rescuer

Mike Sullivan
Colossians 1:13-23

False teachers infiltrated the church at Colossae and were leading them away from focusing on Jesus and the gospel. Paul clearly communicates to them that Jesus rescued them from a very desperate spiritual situation. Jesus alone is uniquely qualified to rescue. Just like the Colossians, we must get educated and be convinced of our faith and then stay focused on Jesus and His rescue or we will drift away!