Colossians Pt. 4: The Struggle for Simplicity
Chapter 1:28 – 2:10
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.
Proclaim, Convict, & Inform EVERYONE… Led by God’s Wisdom (H.S.)
We are guided in our own discipleship and the discipleship of others by The H.S.
This is how we create a culture of discipleship (every generation builds their own)
We have a lofty goal: All followers of Jesus Christ growing to maturity (‘Perfect’)
That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally.
The ‘That’s’ here is the vision of disciple building
Do we have a vision of ‘Biblical Disciple Building’?
That vision is dependent on Christ’s power, not our programs and organization
It doesn’t just serve our own church but even those we do not know personally
Paul had a special burden… should we have some burden?
I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
What Christ’s Disciples are to live like, that means US… NOW!
Focus on Christ…
Author and Perfecter
The Way, The Truth and The Life
The person of Jesus Christ, in all that He is & has done & will do is our simple focus
I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.
Purpose in focus on Christ: (knowing the truth is the cure for deception)
The idea of ‘The Church of Christ’s Disciples’ all being one body with one goal
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
It takes God’s power and faith in it to get ‘Saved’, same with discipleship
Root your life on Christ: Roots are the source of growth & stability
Strong rooting (foundation) in the person of Jesus Christ is the plan
Doing it right will make us thankful to God
Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.
We need this warning just like they did…
Our ‘Media / Entertainment’ is Corrupt, Godless and Destructive
For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
Everything we need to know about God is contained in The Christ of Scripture
Being united with Christ by God’s Spirit is all we need: Connected to the Top!
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
What is your role in ‘presenting others perfect in their relationship to Christ’?
What are opportunities to participate in building disciples personally & corporately?
How might you be more intentional in your focus on THE PERSON of Jesus Christ?
What are ways to strengthen your faith in Christ?
What would it look like to build more of your life on ‘Christ as Lord’?
In what ways are you letting ‘Wisdom of this World’ influence you rather than Christ?
What things can keep you from union with Christ?