Embracing the Everyday Power of the Gospel
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasized the importance of holding onto the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the most significant aspect of our faith. I stressed that we already have all we need in Christ and His message of grace. I shared my experiences during the global pandemic and the racial justice issues, highlighting that despite not being an expert in these areas, I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ and that's what we have to offer. I also discussed the life of the Gospel, explaining that it's not just a message you believe once, but an everyday power at work in us. I encouraged the congregation to be filled with the knowledge of God's will and all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. I concluded by reminding everyone that we don't have to measure up or qualify, as Christ has qualified us, delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us into His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
- The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most significant aspect of our faith, and we already have all we need in Christ and His message of grace. [ 25:40]
- The Gospel is not just a message you believe once, but an everyday power at work in us. [ 26:48]
- We should strive to be filled with the knowledge of God's will and all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. [ 27:23]
- We don't have to measure up or qualify, as Christ has qualified us, delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us into His kingdom. [ 35:27]
- Grateful hearts are joyful hearts, and the way we endure with patience and joy is by giving thanks to the Father. [ 34:19]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 1:3-8 #!!20:15!!#
2. Colossians 1:9-11 #!!27:23!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says the Colossians have been "filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding"?
2. How does Paul describe the impact of the Gospel on the Colossians and the world?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Paul's prayer for the Colossians in verses 9-11 reflect the power and influence of the Gospel?
2. What does it mean to be "filled with the knowledge of His will" and how does this relate to the Gospel?
Application Questions:
1. How can you demonstrate the Gospel's power in your life this week, as described in Colossians 1:9-11?
2. Can you think of a situation in your life where you need to be "filled with the knowledge of His will"? How can you seek this understanding?
3. How can you show love to others in your community, as the Colossians did, because of the hope you have in Christ?
4. How can you ensure that the Gospel is not just something you heard once, but a daily power at work in your life?
5. How can you pray for others in a way that reflects Paul's deep, Gospel-informed prayers for the Colossians?
Devotional
Day 1: The Gospel Grows and Strengthens
The Gospel is not a static message, but a dynamic force that grows and strengthens us. It fills us with spiritual wisdom and understanding, enabling us to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. It is an everyday power at work in us, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing our knowledge of God. [27:59]
Ephesians 3:16-17 - "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith."
Reflection: Reflect on how the Gospel has grown and strengthened you in your spiritual journey. How has it filled you with wisdom and understanding?
Day 2: The Fullness of God in Christ
In Christ, we are filled to overflowing with the fullness of God. We need not look to anyone or anything else for fulfillment. This fullness is not dependent on our circumstances but is a constant reality for those who are in Christ. [37:28]
Colossians 2:9-10 - "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness."
Reflection: How does the reality of being filled with the fullness of God in Christ impact your daily life and decisions?
Day 3: The Gospel Cannot Be Preached Without Words
The Gospel is a message that must be verbally communicated. It is the story of Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, which cannot be fully expressed non-verbally. Our lives should demonstrate the Gospel's impact, but we must also be ready to share it verbally. [22:32]
Romans 10:14 - "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"
Reflection: How can you more effectively communicate the Gospel verbally in your daily interactions?
Day 4: The Gospel Changes Lives
The Gospel has the power to transform lives and societies. It turns thieves into honest people, addicts into sober individuals, and broken marriages into restored relationships. The Gospel changes things both internally and externally. [24:24]
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Reflection: Reflect on the changes the Gospel has brought about in your life. How can you share these transformations with others?
Day 5: Stay Focused on What Matters Most
In the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties, we must stay focused on what matters most - the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is our mission, our message, and our whole life. We already have the fullness of God in Him. [26:13]
Hebrews 12:2 - "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: How can you maintain your focus on the Gospel amidst the distractions and challenges of daily life?
Quotes
1. "Don't lose your grip, don't look for anything else. You already have the fullness of God in Christ and his message of Grace. As a church, we've got no other message. As a pastor, I've got no other message." - 25:03
2. "You cannot preach the gospel without words. The gospel is the Lord Jesus Christ gave his life for you on a cross where you deserve to die. He died in your place to free you from your debt of sin to liberate you from the power of sin. He rose from the grave assuring your salvation. How are you going to say that non-verbally? You can't." - 22:21
3. "You don't have to measure up or qualify, he has qualified you. He's delivered you from the domain of Darkness that baggage which weighs you down. The shame or guilt or wounds of your past, he's cut you free from. You no longer carry that as a weight." - 35:13
4. "Your life, where you live, your career, your friendships, your influence, your sphere is by the will of God. We think of Our Lives as like where I live because I chose it. No, I live where I live, I have the job that I have, the friends that I have by the will of God." - 14:53
5. "If you have given your life to Jesus, you've trusted him for forgiveness of your sins, it means that you know that your only hope for this life and for eternity is the Lord Jesus Christ, you are a saint in the Lord." - 14:53
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