Transformative Power of Jesus: A Journey Through Colossians
Summary
### Summary
Today, we began our service with a sermon to break the predictability and increase the impact of our worship. We celebrated the transformative power of Jesus, sharing stories of people who have recently come to faith, chosen life over abortion, and found freedom from long-standing sins. This is a testament to Jesus being at the center of our lives. We are starting a series on the book of Colossians, which emphasizes the preeminence and superiority of Jesus. Paul wrote this letter while in prison, highlighting that God can use anyone, anywhere, regardless of their circumstances.
Paul's letter to the Colossians addresses the heresies that were creeping into the church, emphasizing that faith in Jesus alone is sufficient. He calls the believers "saints," a term that was traditionally reserved for Jews, thus including Gentiles as God's holy and devoted people. Paul underscores that Jesus is the sovereign king of the universe, and our identity is secure in Him. He encourages the Colossians to live lives that reflect their faith, love for fellow believers, and hope in the gospel.
Paul's prayers for the Colossians include thanksgiving for their faith, love, and hope, and a petition for them to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, leading to a life that pleases the Lord. This knowledge is not esoteric but starts with a reverence for God. It leads to transformation, bearing fruit, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Paul also prays for their endurance and patience with joy, even in difficult circumstances, because Jesus is the foundation of their lives.
We concluded by reflecting on the significance of the Lord's Supper, a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and our redemption. We are called to live with gratitude, bear fruit, and grow in the knowledge of God's will, knowing that we are redeemed and forgiven.
### Key Takeaways
1. Transformation Through Jesus: The stories of people coming to faith, choosing life, and finding freedom from sin highlight the transformative power of Jesus when He is at the center of our lives. This transformation is not just about personal change but also about impacting others around us. [18:00]
2. The Preeminence of Jesus: The book of Colossians emphasizes the superiority and preeminence of Jesus. Paul, writing from prison, underscores that Jesus is the sovereign king of the universe, and our identity is secure in Him. This truth is foundational for our faith and daily living. [20:02]
3. Faith, Love, and Hope: Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith in Christ, love for fellow believers, and hope in the gospel. These three virtues are interconnected and essential for a vibrant Christian life. Our faith in Christ should naturally lead to love for others and a hopeful outlook on life. [30:39]
4. Knowledge of God's Will: Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, which leads to a life that pleases the Lord. This knowledge is not hidden or special but starts with a reverence for God. It transforms our character and aligns our lives with God's purposes. [37:22]
5. Endurance and Joy: Paul prays for the Colossians to have endurance and patience with joy, even in difficult circumstances. This joy comes from keeping Jesus at the center of our lives. It is a testament to the unshakeable foundation that Jesus provides, regardless of our external situations. [45:28]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Changing the Service Order
[1:00] - Stories of Transformation
[18:00] - Invitation to the Lord's Supper
[18:39] - Testimonies of Faith
[20:02] - Introduction to Colossians
[21:19] - Background of Colossae
[22:43] - Paul's Imprisonment and Letter
[24:02] - Confronting Heresies
[25:16] - Saints in Colossae
[26:41] - Cosmic Realities of Jesus
[27:58] - Reading Colossians 1:3-8
[29:19] - Jesus at the Center
[30:39] - Prayer of Thanksgiving
[32:00] - Gratitude in Difficult Circumstances
[33:28] - Faith, Love, and Hope
[34:48] - Who Was Epaphras for You?
[36:02] - Being an Epaphras to Others
[37:22] - Prayer of Petition
[38:49] - Knowledge of God's Will
[40:15] - Transformation Through Knowledge
[41:25] - Bearing Fruit
[42:41] - Strengthened with Power
[43:59] - Endurance and Patience with Joy
[45:28] - Jesus as the Foundation
[46:56] - Why We Do It
[48:35] - Assurance of Redemption
[50:07] - Jesus Can Use Anyone
[51:21] - Worship Through Music
[01:06:46] - Introduction to the Lord's Supper
[01:12:45] - The Peace of Christ
[01:13:16] - Symbolism of the Lord's Supper
[01:14:37] - Taking the Lord's Supper
[01:16:12] - Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Colossians 1:3-14
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the three virtues Paul thanks God for in the Colossians? ([30:39])
2. How does Paul describe the knowledge of God's will in his prayer for the Colossians? ([37:22])
3. What does Paul say about the endurance and patience with joy that he prays for the Colossians? ([43:59])
4. How does Paul describe the transformation from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of Jesus? ([46:56])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the preeminence and superiority of Jesus in his letter to the Colossians? ([20:02])
2. How are faith, love, and hope interconnected according to Paul's letter and the sermon? ([30:39])
3. What does it mean to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, and how does it lead to a life that pleases the Lord? ([37:22])
4. How does the concept of endurance and patience with joy apply to the challenges faced by the Colossians and by believers today? ([43:59])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you experienced a significant transformation in your life. How did keeping Jesus at the center influence that change? ([18:39])
2. Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God's will. What steps can you take this week to deepen your understanding of God's will for your life? ([37:22])
3. Think about a time when you needed endurance and patience. How did your faith in Jesus help you maintain joy during that period? ([43:59])
4. Paul emphasizes the importance of faith, love, and hope. Identify one way you can demonstrate love for fellow believers this week. ([30:39])
5. The sermon mentioned stories of people finding freedom from long-standing sins. Is there a sin or habit in your life that you need to surrender to Jesus? What practical steps can you take to seek freedom? ([18:39])
6. Paul calls the Colossians "saints" and includes Gentiles as God's holy people. How does this inclusive view of God's people challenge or encourage you in your interactions with others? ([25:16])
7. The Lord's Supper is a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and our redemption. How can you live with greater gratitude and awareness of your redemption in your daily life? ([46:56])
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Through Jesus
The transformative power of Jesus is evident in the lives of those who come to faith, choose life, and find freedom from sin. When Jesus is at the center of our lives, He brings about profound changes that not only affect us personally but also impact those around us. This transformation is a testament to the power of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. By sharing stories of transformation, we celebrate the ongoing work of Jesus in our community and are reminded of His ability to change hearts and lives.
In the book of Colossians, Paul emphasizes the importance of Jesus being at the center of our lives. He highlights the transformative power of Jesus, which is not just about personal change but also about impacting others around us. This transformation is a testament to the power of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. By sharing stories of transformation, we celebrate the ongoing work of Jesus in our community and are reminded of His ability to change hearts and lives. [18:00]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Think of a recent change in your life that you attribute to Jesus. How can you share this story with someone who might need encouragement today?
Day 2: The Preeminence of Jesus
The book of Colossians emphasizes the superiority and preeminence of Jesus. Paul, writing from prison, underscores that Jesus is the sovereign king of the universe, and our identity is secure in Him. This truth is foundational for our faith and daily living. Understanding the preeminence of Jesus helps us to place our trust in Him, knowing that He is in control of all things and that our lives are secure in His hands.
Paul's letter to the Colossians addresses the heresies that were creeping into the church, emphasizing that faith in Jesus alone is sufficient. He calls the believers "saints," a term that was traditionally reserved for Jews, thus including Gentiles as God's holy and devoted people. Paul underscores that Jesus is the sovereign king of the universe, and our identity is secure in Him. He encourages the Colossians to live lives that reflect their faith, love for fellow believers, and hope in the gospel. [20:02]
Colossians 1:17-18 (ESV): "And 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, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to acknowledge Jesus' preeminence? How can you surrender these areas to His control today?
Day 3: Faith, Love, and Hope
Paul thanks God for the Colossians' faith in Christ, love for fellow believers, and hope in the gospel. These three virtues are interconnected and essential for a vibrant Christian life. Our faith in Christ should naturally lead to love for others and a hopeful outlook on life. By cultivating these virtues, we can live lives that reflect the transformative power of the gospel and bring glory to God.
Paul's prayers for the Colossians include thanksgiving for their faith, love, and hope, and a petition for them to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, leading to a life that pleases the Lord. This knowledge is not esoteric but starts with a reverence for God. It leads to transformation, bearing fruit, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Paul also prays for their endurance and patience with joy, even in difficult circumstances, because Jesus is the foundation of their lives. [30:39]
1 Thessalonians 1:3 (ESV): "Remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate your faith, love, and hope in your daily interactions with others this week?
Day 4: Knowledge of God's Will
Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, which leads to a life that pleases the Lord. This knowledge is not hidden or special but starts with a reverence for God. It transforms our character and aligns our lives with God's purposes. By seeking to understand and follow God's will, we can live lives that are pleasing to Him and reflect His love and grace to those around us.
Paul's prayers for the Colossians include thanksgiving for their faith, love, and hope, and a petition for them to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, leading to a life that pleases the Lord. This knowledge is not esoteric but starts with a reverence for God. It leads to transformation, bearing fruit, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Paul also prays for their endurance and patience with joy, even in difficult circumstances, because Jesus is the foundation of their lives. [37:22]
Ephesians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to seek a deeper understanding of God's will for your life? How can this knowledge transform your daily actions and decisions?
Day 5: Endurance and Joy
Paul prays for the Colossians to have endurance and patience with joy, even in difficult circumstances. This joy comes from keeping Jesus at the center of our lives. It is a testament to the unshakeable foundation that Jesus provides, regardless of our external situations. By focusing on Jesus and relying on His strength, we can endure challenges with a joyful heart and bring glory to God through our perseverance.
Paul's prayers for the Colossians include thanksgiving for their faith, love, and hope, and a petition for them to be filled with the knowledge of God's will, leading to a life that pleases the Lord. This knowledge is not esoteric but starts with a reverence for God. It leads to transformation, bearing fruit, and increasing in the knowledge of God. Paul also prays for their endurance and patience with joy, even in difficult circumstances, because Jesus is the foundation of their lives. [45:28]
James 1:2-3 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you shift your focus to Jesus and find joy in the midst of this difficulty?
Quotes
1. "The ultimate test of discipleship is to love your neighbor, to love your enemy. You're probably thinking, I have a visceral reaction. In the last week, there have been stories after stories after stories of people putting Jesus at the center of their life. I mean, people who come to faith in Christ that were not Christians, people who wanted to terminate a pregnancy, people who hated other people, a high school student who was getting after in terms of following after Christ, one couple who has been so enslaved in sin for decades. In the last several months, they've been walking in freedom because of what Jesus has done. Y'all, Jesus is on the move." [20:02] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God can use you wherever you are. God is using Paul to save you. He's using Paul to save you. He's using Paul to save you. He's using Paul in a prison to encourage and impact and influence believers hundreds of miles away. So wherever you are, I want you to know, you may think God can never use me. It's not true. God can use anybody anywhere. He's using Paul in a prison and we're reading the letter that Paul penned almost 2,000 years ago. It's pretty awesome." [22:43] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "For Paul, there was a lot of things in life and your life and my life that are gray, nuanced or not, you know, you got a camps over here and that's okay if you believe that. There's some things we can be charitable, maybe second tier, third tier issues. But for Paul and for you, if you're a believer, there are some things that are black and white, right? There's some things that are clearly right. There's some things that are clearly wrong. He talks about the kingdom, the dominion of the son, the authority of the son, Christ Jesus. Light darkness. And Jesus stands sovereign over all darkness, over all brokenness and chaos and strife because he is the king of the universe." [24:02] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If Jesus is at the center of your life, even in the midst of imprisonment, I don't know anybody in here who's currently in prison. Maybe you're online. We're grateful you're watching. I don't know anybody who's about to go through, and execution for their faith. I mean, sometimes comparison helps us to have some perspective. But if Jesus is at the center of your life, if he's the foundation of your life, even in the midst of troubling circumstances, you can have gratitude. What does Paul thank them for in the midst of his letter? He thanks them for their faith. He thanks them for their love for fellow believers. And he thanks them for their hope in Christ." [32:00] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Faith in Jesus, love for God's people and a hope for heaven. These are foundational to our lives. And then he moves into a prayer of petition. He's asking. I think prayer sometimes gets a bad rap. When we think of prayer, we only ever typically think of asking. And when you grow in your walk with Christ, sometimes you think asking God is like irreligious, not spiritual. Jesus says you have not because you, what? Ask not. We should ask all the time. Like all the time, we should be asked. We should ask God for everything. We are needy, dependent, reliant children. I'm not just talking about big things. I'm talking about little things. I'm talking about everything. We should come to the Father." [37:22] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Do you trust the character of God? Do you trust the personhood of God? If you trust God, you'll yield your life to how God has revealed himself to us in the Bible. You'll trust his ways. You'll trust that that is the key to flourishing. So has the spirit moved and refreshed and challenged you to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord is to walk in a manner where you're transformed by what the knowledge of God's will. So what you and I need in our life to walk in transformation, to walk in a way that's worthy of the Lord, to walk in a manner that whereby we are going to flourish and have a deep abiding sense of fulfillment. What we need is the knowledge of God." [40:15] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Living things grow. Living things grow. You are called to bear fruit. He says you're to increase in the knowledge of God. That's this, this circular, circular argument. Knowledge of God's will leads to living in a manner worthy of God. And as you live in a manner worthy of God, you're going to increase in your knowledge of God's will. It's like, so where does it stop? It doesn't stop. It just keeps going. There's always things that we need to learn, always things that we need to grow. And we want our character to be continually changed by the spirit of God through the work of Christ." [43:59] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "There have been so many, so many, so many of you that have walked through sicknesses, financial hardships, marriage difficulties, difficulty with kids, difficulties with grieving the death of a loved one. And there have been so many people that I met with that have exuded a joy. Why? Jesus is the foundation of our life, and you can't rock that foundation. can't change it. Something outside of us that is timeless, that's not contingent upon the ups and downs of our circumstance." [45:28] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins. He says, and the first part, he has qualified you to share in the inheritance and the light. You and I did not bring anything to the table that merits us being qualified to share in the realities of heaven. What has Christ given to us? Why has he done it? Purely by his grace, he has qualified you to share in the inheritance and the saints and the light." [46:56] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The incomparable, the one who is superior, the one who is the best, the one who is the best, the one who is the best, the one who is the one who is majestic and transcendent, the one who is preeminent, redeems us, saves us from the tyranny of sin, hopelessness, and death. His name is Jesus. He's the center of all that we do." [50:07] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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