COLOSSIANS: A FRESH PERSPECTIVE
Message by Josh Mutter – May 12, 2024
Colossians 2:4 NIV I tell you this so that no one may deceive you with fine-sounding arguments.
Big Idea: When our attention is on Jesus, he will give us insight into how to navigate life’s complexities and opportunities.
Colossians 1:24-25 (NIV) Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness…
Colossians 1:26-29 (NIV) …the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully.
1. When we internalize that Jesus is in us, then our ability to understand and navigate our world changes.
Colossians 2:1-5 (NIV) I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
2. When Jesus is a part of our lives, we are given a fresh perspective on life that will challenge our assumptions about life.
Mark 10:17-22 (NIV) As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’” “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.” Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
REFLECTIONS:
1. An improper relationship with wealth will hold us back.
2. The wealth we have is to be freely used to help others.
You can listen to the sermon on YouTube here.
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