1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Theme: Christians are who they are in Christ by God’s will, set apart by God as spiritual family and recipients of God’s grace and peace.
Outline: Three realizations Christians should come to know about themselves in their relationship with God in Jesus Christ.
You have been chosen, converted and commissioned by the will of God. – v. 1:1
You have been set apart from this world to be faithful to God in this world. – v. 1:2a
You have been blessed with amazing grace and peace from God. – v. 1:2b
Men and women have distinct roles in their relationship – Man is provider and protector – Eph 5:22-33, Col 3:18-19, 1 Pet 3:1-7 – Woman is helper – Eph 5:22-33, Col 3:18-19 1 Pet 3:1-7, Prov 31, Titus 2:3-8
How did Jesus view women?
Jesus holds a high view of women. – He valued women as people – Matt 19:4, John 4:9-27 – He offered forgiveness equally to men and women – John 8:7-11
1. Jesus did not treat women as objects or property. They were protected – Mat 19:8-9
2. Jesus ministered to women – John 4:9-27, John 8:7-11, Luke 11:27-28, Mark 5:24-34
3. Jesus gave women dignity in His ministry – He taught women theological truth – Luke 10:38-42 – He had women participate in His ministry – Luke7:38-50, Matt 26:7-13, Mark 14:3-9 Luke 10:38-42, John 12:2-8, Luke 8:2-3 Matt 28:1-8
Theme: Christians should know clearly from the Bible what our purpose and part is in the local church, so that we can stay focused on the mission and move forward together under God’s direction.
Outline: The “Big 3” of God’s purpose for the local church, which must be our purpose as a church, in order to glorify Him:
Be a Worshiping Community – To Exalt the Lord
Be a Working Community – To Edify & Equip the Saints
Be a Witnessing Community – To Evangelize the Lost
12 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied. 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21 For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.
Theme: Christians should know clearly from the Bible what our purpose and part is in the local church, so that we can stay focused on the mission and move forward together under God’s direction.
Outline: The “Big 3” of God’s purpose for the local church, which must be our purpose as a church, in order to glorify Him:
37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 “For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Theme: The Church is made up of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who continue in their devotion to Him and His Word, resulting in a life of true fellowship with one another and true witness to the lost.
Outline: Two critical characteristics of a true church
I. A true church consists of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ – vv 2:37-41; 44
a. Repentance / Faith b. Baptized
II. A true Church consists of believers who are devoted to the following:
a. A life of learning God’s Word together – vv 2:42-43 b. A life of genuine fellowship and love – vv 2:42; 44-47 c. A life of witnessing together for the Gospel – v 2:47
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. 10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.
Theme: God describes His own glorious Word, and through it you can receive the blessings of personally knowing, trusting, and obeying Him.
Outline: Eight descriptions and blessings of God’s Word that reveal its wonderful character and worthiness for you to live by.
Six Descriptions and Blessings of God’s Word (vv 7-9)
1. Law of the Lord … Perfect / Restoring 2. Testimony of the Lord … Sure / Making Wise 3. Precepts of the Lord … Right / Rejoicing 4. Commandment of the Lord … Pure / Enlightening 5. Fear of the Lord … Clean / Enduring 6. Judgments of the Lord … / Are Righteous
Two Further Descriptions of God’s Word (v 10)
It is exceedingly Precious It is highly Palatable
Two Further Blessings of God’s Word (v 11)
It is the source of Admonition It holds the promise of Obedience
21 Jesus went away from there, and withdrew into the district of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And a Canaanite woman from that region came out and began to cry out, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is cruelly demon-possessed.” 23 But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, “Send her away, because she keeps shouting at us.” 24 But He answered and said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 But she came and began to bow down before Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” 26 And He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” 27 But she said, “Yes, Lord; but even the dogs feed on the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus said to her, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed at once.
Definitions: Faith: Trust or Dependence on God based on the fact that we take Him at His word and believe what He has said. Saving Faith: Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as a living person for forgiveness of sin and eternal life with God.
Four qualities of great faith that you should emulate because our Savior is trustworthy.
1. Great faith is centered on knowledge of Christ – VV 15:21-22, 25, 27.
What she calls Him: Son of David, Lord
What she asks Him for
2. Great faith is dependent on Mercy – VV 15:22-23, 25. 3. Great faith is persistent – VV 15:22-27. 4. Great faith is humble – VV 15:22-27.
