Finding Our Identity and Unity in Christ
Summary
Today, we began our journey through the book of Colossians, a letter that speaks powerfully to a world full of competing voices and shifting identities. In a culture much like ours, the Colossians were tempted to blend the gospel with other philosophies, spiritualities, and cultural pressures. Paul’s words remind us that our truest identity is not found in our nationality, our affiliations, or our achievements, but in being “in Christ.” This is not just a theological statement—it’s a call to reorder our lives so that Christ is not just a part of our story, but the very center and point of it.
Paul opens his letter by affirming the genuine spiritual growth happening among the Colossians, evidenced by their faith, love, and hope. He commends their love for one another as the real fruit of the gospel, not just intellectual belief. This love is a sign of the hope stored up for us in heaven, a hope that is not rooted in present circumstances but in the future Christ has secured for us. Paul also highlights the importance of unity in Christ, breaking down old dividing lines of ethnicity, status, and background. In Christ, we are a new family, called to sacrificial love that transcends our differences.
We are challenged to examine what our faith is producing. Is it real fruit—love for God and neighbor—or is it a counterfeit shaped by the world’s values? Paul’s prayer for the Colossians is that they would be filled to the brim with the knowledge of God’s will, leaving no room for competing philosophies or distractions. This fullness is not about secret knowledge or mystical experiences, but about a life transformed by obedience, endurance, and gratitude, even in hardship.
At the heart of Colossians is the supremacy of Christ. Jesus is not just a wise teacher or a spiritual guru—He is the image of the invisible God, the creator and sustainer of all things, the one who reconciles us to God and holds all things together. Our hope is not just for personal transformation, but for the renewal of all creation under Christ’s lordship. The call is clear: let every part of our lives orbit around Jesus, who is above all, in all, and through all.
Key Takeaways
- Our Primary Identity Is “In Christ”
Paul’s greeting, “in Christ, in Colossae,” reminds us that our truest identity is not our location, background, or affiliations, but our union with Jesus. This identity supersedes all others and calls us to see ourselves and each other first as members of God’s family. When we let other identities take precedence, we risk division and lose sight of the unity Christ brings. Let us continually ask: Am I living as someone “in Christ” first, or am I letting other labels define me? [30:51]
- Genuine Gospel Fruit Is Love, Not Just Belief
The real evidence of hope in Christ is not mere intellectual assent, but sacrificial love for God and others. Paul commends the Colossians for their love, which is the fruit of the Spirit and a sign of true transformation. If our faith is not producing this kind of love, we must ask whether we are nurturing the real gospel or settling for a counterfeit. True hope always manifests in tangible acts of love, even toward those who are difficult to love. [42:44]
- Beware of Blending the Gospel with Other Influences
The temptation in Colossae—and in our own lives—is not always to abandon the gospel, but to mix it with cultural philosophies, legalism, or self-help spirituality. Paul warns that only the pure gospel produces real fruit; everything else is a knockoff that leaves us empty. We must be vigilant to keep Christ at the center, resisting the urge to supplement Him with anything that dilutes His supremacy. [44:14]
- Pray to Be Filled to the Brim with God’s Will
Paul’s prayer is not for escape from hardship, but for fullness—being so filled with the knowledge of God’s will and the Spirit’s power that there is no room for anything else. This fullness leads to endurance, patience, and joyful gratitude, even in suffering. Instead of seeking the easiest path, let us pray for a “compass heart” that follows Christ wherever He leads, trusting that His way, though narrow, leads to life. [49:39]
- Christ Is Not Just Part of Our Lives—He Is the Point
Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the creator and sustainer of all things, and the one who reconciles us to God. He is not just a piece of our story, but the very reason for it. Every part of our lives—our work, relationships, and dreams—should orbit around Him. Anything less is to miss the fullness of life He offers and the hope of all things being made new in Him. [01:00:27]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:52] - Opening Prayer and Hymns
[09:35] - Announcements and Community Life
[13:41] - Prayer for Needs and Mission
[16:22] - The Lord’s Prayer and Worship
[23:42] - Reading Colossians 1:1-23
[28:43] - Gospel Growth and Real Fruit
[30:51] - Our Identity: In Christ First
[32:03] - Radical Unity in Christ
[34:08] - Blending Beliefs: The Danger of Syncretism
[39:46] - The Value of Local Ministry
[42:44] - Love as the True Fruit of Faith
[44:50] - Praying for Gospel Fullness
[49:39] - Filled to the Brim with God’s Will
[51:04] - GPS Faith vs. Compass Heart
[52:46] - The Supremacy of Christ
[57:33] - Christ’s Lordship Over All Creation
[01:00:27] - Centering Our Lives on Christ
[01:01:10] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
[01:09:41] - Final Hymn and Sending
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Colossians 1:1-23 – “Centered on Christ”
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### Bible Reading
- Colossians 1:1-23
(This was the main text read and expounded in the sermon.)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Paul’s greeting to the Colossians, what two locations or identities does he mention for the believers? Why is the order significant? ([30:51])
2. According to Paul, what are the three qualities that show genuine spiritual growth among the Colossians? ([28:43])
3. What does Paul say is the real evidence or “fruit” of hope in Christ, beyond just belief? ([42:44])
4. How does Paul describe Jesus in verses 15-20? List at least two titles or roles he gives to Christ. ([53:30])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize being “in Christ” before being “in Colossae” (or any other identity)? What does this say about how Christians should view their primary identity? ([30:51])
2. The sermon mentions that love is the true fruit of the gospel, not just intellectual belief. Why might Paul (and Jesus) put such a strong emphasis on love as the sign of real faith? ([42:44])
3. Paul warns against blending the gospel with other philosophies or spiritualities. What are some modern examples of this, and why is it dangerous? ([44:14])
4. Paul prays that the Colossians would be “filled to the brim” with the knowledge of God’s will. What does it look like for someone to be so full of God’s will that there’s “no room” for other influences? ([49:39])
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### Application Questions
1. Paul challenges us to let our identity “in Christ” be greater than any other label—national, political, or personal. Are there any identities or affiliations in your life that sometimes take priority over your identity in Christ? How can you practically put your “in Christ” identity first this week? ([30:51])
2. The sermon says that real gospel fruit is sacrificial love for God and others, not just belief. Think of a recent situation where you had the chance to show this kind of love. Did you take it? If not, what held you back? ([42:44])
3. Have you ever been tempted to “blend” your faith with other beliefs, self-help ideas, or cultural values? What is one area where you feel this pressure most, and how can you resist it? ([44:14])
4. Paul prays for fullness, not escape from hardship. When you face difficulties, is your first prayer for God to remove the problem, or to fill you with strength and endurance? How could you shift your prayers this week? ([49:39])
5. The sermon uses the image of a “compass heart” instead of a “GPS faith.” What does it mean for you to follow Jesus as your compass, even when the path isn’t clear or easy? Can you share a time when you had to trust God without knowing all the steps? ([51:04])
6. Paul describes Jesus as the center and point of everything—not just a part of our lives. What is one area of your life (work, family, hobbies, etc.) that tends to “orbit” something other than Christ? What is one step you can take to re-center that area on Jesus this week? ([01:00:27])
7. The hope Paul describes is not just for personal change, but for the renewal of all creation. How does this bigger hope affect the way you see your daily life and struggles? ([57:33])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray that God would fill each person “to the brim” with the knowledge of His will, and that every part of their lives would orbit around Jesus, not just as a part, but as the very center and point.
Devotional
Day 1: The Supremacy of Christ—Jesus Is Above All
Jesus is not just a part of our lives; He is the source, the center, and the point of it all. In a world full of competing voices and distractions, we are reminded that everything was created by Him and for Him, and in Him all things hold together. There is no room for Jesus to be merely an accessory to our story—He is the very reason for our existence and the One who reconciles all things to Himself. When we truly grasp the supremacy of Christ, our lives begin to orbit around Him, and every aspect—our work, relationships, and hopes—finds its meaning in Him alone. [23:42]
Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV 1984)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Reflection: What is one area of your life that tends to orbit around something other than Jesus? What would it look like to intentionally center that area on Christ this week?
Day 2: Real Gospel, Real Fruit—Love and Hope as Evidence
The true gospel produces genuine fruit in our lives—faith in Christ, love for others, and hope stored up in heaven. These are not just ideals but tangible evidence of spiritual transformation. When we see sacrificial love and hope in the midst of trials, it is a sign that the Holy Spirit is at work within us. We are called to examine whether our faith is producing real fruit or if we are settling for a counterfeit, blending the gospel with other influences. The proof of our hope is seen in how we love God and our neighbors, especially those who are difficult to love. [42:44]
Colossians 1:3-6 (NIV 1984)
We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that is hard to love? How can you show them Christ-like, sacrificial love today as evidence of the real gospel at work in you?
Day 3: Filled to the Brim—No Room for Counterfeits
Paul’s prayer for the Colossians is that they would be filled to the brim with the knowledge of God’s will, spiritual wisdom, and understanding, leaving no room for competing philosophies or sin. When we are full of God’s presence and purpose, temptations and distractions lose their appeal. Instead of praying only for escape from hardship, we are invited to pray for God to fill us so completely that we are strengthened to endure, grow, and bear fruit even in the midst of challenges. A life filled with the Spirit leaves no space for gossip, slander, or anything that competes with Christ. [49:39]
Colossians 1:9-12 (NIV 1984)
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.
Reflection: What is one “competing thing” or distraction you need to ask God to fill you past, so there’s no room left for it in your heart?
Day 4: Our Identity—In Christ First, Then Everything Else
Paul reminds the Colossians that their primary identity is “in Christ,” not in their nationality, background, or affiliations. This new identity breaks down old dividing lines and unites believers as brothers and sisters, regardless of ethnicity or status. We are called to leave our other allegiances at the door and embrace our place in God’s family, loving one another above all else. When we truly live as those who are “in Christ,” our unity and love become a powerful witness to the world, and we resist the temptation to let lesser identities divide us. [32:03]
Galatians 3:26-28 (NIV 1984)
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: Is there any group, affiliation, or identity you tend to put before your identity in Christ? How can you intentionally put your “in Christ” identity first in your interactions this week?
Day 5: A Compass Heart—Trusting God’s Direction Over Our Own
Following Jesus is not about finding the easiest or most comfortable path, but about trusting Him to lead us, even when the way is unclear or difficult. God does not offer us a spiritual GPS with every turn mapped out; instead, He gives us a compass—pointing us to Christ and calling us to take the next faithful step. Growth in faith often means dying to our own desires and comfort so that we can live a new, redeemed life in Christ. When we pray for a compass heart, we ask God to guide us through uncertainty, trusting that He is leading us toward Himself, even when the journey is hard. [52:46]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV 1984)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to look for the “easiest route” instead of trusting God’s direction? What is one step of faith you can take today, even if the path is uncertain?
Quotes
When Christ is truly planted in us, what grows out of our faith is love and hope, not fear. Fear is a product of the enemy. I'm scared that if we don't do this, then this will happen. It's not from Jesus. Jesus gives us hope and faith. So what, if anything, have we put in front of Christ? Because the real gospel, it grows real fruit, not a counterfeit fruit. [00:44:04] (42 seconds)
Yeah, when we come into this church, we need to realize that we leave all of our other affiliations at the door. We are brothers and sisters in Christ, first and foremost. And anything else that breaks that is our own sin. It also means that to be in Christ, that they are joined to a new family where the old dividing lines of nationality and proximity, they're gone. Even political affiliation, they're gone. And if they aren't, we are at fault. [00:33:25] (39 seconds)
So I got humbled this week a little bit. But ultimately, in this section, Paul is encouraging the Colossian church that the true proof of having hope in heaven is that there's real fruit. What is that real fruit? It's love for God and love for others. Like sacrificial love. It's almost like Paul is echoing Jesus. Oh wait, he is. He was asked what the most important commandant was, if you remember this for Jesus. And Jesus says, Love the Lord God with all your heart, mind, and soul, like Matt shared last week out of the Shema. But then he also says, Love your neighbor as yourself. Paul is saying that if we have that in our lives, then that's actually not just commanded for us to do, but it's actually fruit of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. [00:41:51] (60 seconds)
When I wasn't following Jesus and loving him and loving my neighbor, very seldom would he ever ask me to do hard things. Why? Because I wasn't listening. He was telling and asking, but I was deaf. And what Paul's trying to say is, I pray for strength that you don't become deaf, blind, and dumb to the gospel. Now that I've been following Christ for a while, to be honest, his will for my life is way less comfortable than it used to be. I'm asked to forgive more, to be more holy, joyful, and even physically healthy. And surprisingly enough, it looks a lot more like what Scripture is telling me to do, rather than what I want to do. [00:46:43] (60 seconds)
If you've ever been out to eat at a good restaurant and the food is just so amazing, you don't want to stop eating, but you just can't put another bite in your mouth. And you get leftovers to take home. That's what Paul is praying for the Colossian church. Too often our prayers are centered on, Lord, get me out of this situation. Heal me of this sickness. Get me out of this sickness. Get me out of this mess. Rather than, Lord, fill me with your presence to make me holy, to make me wise and strong in the middle of it. [00:50:12] (44 seconds)
But if this is where he's calling us, I challenge us in my own self is to look not at a GPS, but a compass and point north to Jesus. Growing in faith isn't easy. But if we want to look like Jesus, Jesus, the cost of having eternal life with him is actually death to ourselves here. So that we may have a new and redeemed life with Christ while we live in the here and now. So my challenge to us is don't settle for a GPS faith. Pray for a compass heart. Pray for God to do a work in us in that hardship. [00:52:25] (54 seconds)
so in a culture where Jesus can be reduced to just a spiritual guru a guy that has good sayings Paul boldly declares he is the beginning Jesus is the beginning and the end the source and the goal the visible image of the invisible God for the Colossians and for us there is no room for Jesus just being part of our lives [00:56:18] (29 seconds)
There will be no more sickness, no more weeping, no more crying, no more loss. And that is the hope that the Colossians have, that Paul is speaking of here, and that is the hope that we have. That as bad as it can get here, our hope is not found here. Because Jesus is not just Lord of the Jews. Jesus is not just Lord of the Colossians. Jesus isn't just Lord of humans. He is Lord of all. [00:59:50] (30 seconds)
So as I opened our passage, our talk today, I talked about sometimes it feels like our lives are spinning, but they're around the wrong thing. I close us with this question is, what part of our life is orbiting something other than Christ? What part of our lives might be orbiting something other than Jesus? What would it look like for Jesus to be truly above all? Not just most of your life, but all. Let's pray. [01:00:46] (41 seconds)
Paul's asking for spiritual wisdom that leads to a worthy walk, bearing fruit, again, of loving God and loving their neighbor, growing in knowledge, being strengthened in endurance, and giving joy and thanks. He reminds them that they've been rescued from the dominion of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of Christ. Today, our spirituality is almost often seen as something private in a mystical experience. If I get those feels from that thing, Paul's praying for something more grounded, knowledge that leads to obedience and transformation. He knows they don't need just answers. They need strength to endure and gratitude to keep going. [00:45:54] (48 seconds)
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