Posts tagged Grace

How to Live the Normal Christian Life? | Matthew 13:53-14:36

Series: All!

Scripture: Matthew 13:53-14:36

Title: “How to Live the Normal Christian Life” (Darien Gabriel)

Outline inspired by David Platt

Bottom line: The normal Christian life is built on the belief that God cares and is able to do something about it through his people as they suffer.

Discussion questions for group and personal study.

Reflect and Discuss

1. How can the rejection of Jesus by His own hometown serve as a warning for you?

2. Why is costly faith better than convenient unbelief? What means of grace does God use to strengthen our faith?

3. Explain the difference in merely being amazed at Jesus' miracles and responding in faith.

4. Why did John the Baptist lose his head?

5. What was John’s character like?

6. How does what John experience discourage you? Encourage you?

7. How do you view suffering in the Christian life? Cf. Matt 16:24

Final Questions (optional or in place of above)

What is God saying to you right now?
What are you going to do about it?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Q. What do I want you to know?

A. That true, genuine belief in the power and person of Jesus Christ leads to worship and evangelism.

Q. Why?

A. Because the American church is largely missing these fruit of belief indicating there are a lot of people deceiving themselves thinking that they are trusting in Jesus Christ alone.

Q. What do I want you to do?

A. Evaluate your life.

Do you believe that Jesus is who he says he is and that he’ll do all he’s promised to do?
Do you worship him with a sense of awe and wonder at what he can do and does?
Does your faith lead you to worship and then overflow into sharing good news with those around you?

Q. Why?

A. Because if you are not walking out true, genuine faith, you want to know so you can repent and believe.

Intro

Headline on the AP app stated:

“AP’s top 2022 photos capture a planet bursting at the seams”

“Amidst the turmoil in this world, we sometimes find ourselves longing for good news—good news on the economic front, good news in the political world, good news in the educational realm, good news in our personal lives. These looming issues can tend to overshadow that which is the most important, the most essential, the most eternal good news—the “good news of great joy” for all people (Luke 2:10).

In our longing for things to change in this temporal world, let us not lose sight that the greatest news has already been announced.” —Truth78 (book)

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

This naturally could lead us to ask God, "What are you going to do about this? Where are you?"

We just celebrated Christmas—the first Christmas where the world felt like it was bursting at the seams too. And they were asking the same question then too.

God answers the question when are you going to do something with I have, am, and I will.

The real question for me is how do we live in the meantime?

The answer is found in the normal Christian life.

The answer is not found in a baptized version of the American dream (life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, house, spouse, 2.5 kids, cat and dog).

I love this tweet by Ian Harbor:

“At the end of the day, I’m just convinced that there was a guy who was killed by the state and religious leader of his time and three days later he wasn’t dead anymore. Everything else is just trying to figure out what to do with that.” @IanHarber

What does this look like?

In a nutshell, it looks like someone who’s compassionately helping people through life as they themselves suffer believing that the one who died yet lives is worth living for and even dying for.

Let’s see how Matthew tells us over the next half hour.

Context

If someone were to ask you, what does the normal Christian life look like, how would you respond? What would be your answer to the question, what does the normal Christian look like? What does biblical Christian faith look like? That’s our question today.

First a little context. Back in 13:53-58 we see an example of what a hard heart looks like. We mention this because Matthew just wrote 8 parables of Jesus the first of which was the parable of the sower. And the 4 different soil types represent 4 different spiritual heart conditions. The first being hard, like the Pharisees giving Jesus such a hard time. (No pun intended)

But here in 13:53-58 we see another group of people giving Jesus a hard time—his hometown. Sad but true. The home crowd is the hardest to reach. Why? They remember you when you were young.

I remember reconnecting with a high school classmate (I went to SHS) online after about 35 years. When I told him I was a pastor, he said, “You are a pastor?!” We didn’t know each other that well. But I was a practicing Christian at that time. I went to church nearly every Sunday. Now, did I live like one? No. Was I truly one? No. That came later. Apparently he’d seen enough to respond that way 35 years later. Just reminds us that God is in the miracle business.

So as we head into this chapter on what does biblical Christianity look like, let us remember our hearts drift towards hardness. Let’s invite God to search our hearts for unbelief so that we can repent and believe anew.

I. Two pictures of unbelief. (13:53-58)—

A. Here we see it’s not just the Pharisees who have hard hearts unwilling to believe. It’s Jesus’ earthly family that’s not there yet.

B. Here we see the hard heart of Herod Antipas and his family and his court.

II. Two pictures of belief. (14:1-32)—

A. Belief is by the crowd. Disciples, not so much.

B. Belief is by Peter, then the Disciples.

III. A picture of genuine worship with words. (14:33) They see and recognize Jesus and are moved to believe on the heals of the feeding of the 5,000.

IV. A picture of genuine worship as life.

It feels like this is just tacked on. But it adds an important evidence of true, genuine belief that springs from worship—evangelism.

Evangelism comes from Greek word evangelion = good news. (Aka Gospel) It can be used in many settings.

Ex. When I talk about how awesome my new Smart Wool socks are, and I can’t stop talking about how amazing they feel and where has then been all my life, I’m sharing what I perceive to be good news. That’s me being a Smart Wool sock evangelist.

Do we talk about Jesus and his kingdom this way? Ever? This is an important question. Because, as Ken talked about last week, if we believe something is truly good news, we can’t help but tell others about it. Even if our motives tend to be a bit selfish, we still do it. (Not that we want that but we’re not perfect)

“Normal Christianity”

Chinese pastor Christian Watchman Nee wrote a book called Normal Christianity. He wrote,

“(It’s) not so much about suffering as it is about living the so-called ‘victorious Christian life.’

Yet, to borrow his title, I will say this about how the apostles defined the normal Christian life.”

What’s a normal Christianity look like? Let’s see what Peter and Paul said:

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you (suffering is the normal Christian life). But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings (cf. Roman’s 8:17), that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed (at his return). If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Peter 4:12-14

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12

I would wager in America it looks more like a baptized version of the American Dream:

Good career arc that is up and to the right.
Good marriage or relationship heading towards, “And they lived happily ever-after”
2.5 kids (boy and girl, of course), dog, cat (that get along and do great reels on insta).
Family and friends around during the holidays at just the right time and place.
A life that reflects our instagram pics (we wish)
Healthy mind and body. Maybe lost a few pounds this year.
Feeling some relief or easing of stresses of life. Maybe a vacation or weekend trip to remember.

These things are fine in and of themselves. But are they what the early church would have recognized as normal, biblical Christianity? After all, they lived in a day when their government was at times aggressively persecuting Christians.

Conclusion:

Bottom line: The normal Christian life is built on the belief that God cares and is able to do something about it through his people as they suffer.

As we head into this new year, will you courageously, purposefully evaluate your life through this lense?

Will you assess your belief?

Will you assess your worship of the power and person of Jesus Christ?

Will you assess your enthusiasm for sharing the good news?

What is God saying to you? What are you going to do about it?

Pray

References/Bibliography:

“Preaching the Word” Commentary, Douglas Sean O’Donnell, Edited by Kent Hughes

“Matthew” by RC Sproul

“CSB Christ Chronological,” Holman

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

“Exalting Jesus in Matthew” by David Platt (CCE)

Outline Bible, D Willmington

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB)

ESV Study Bible

Darien GabrielJanuary 1, 2023Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Ladson, SC, Darien Gabirel, Grace, bible believing, Matthew, ALL, normal christian life

How to Walk in Freedom in a World Constantly Entrapping You | Colossians 2:16-23

Series: Colossians: Supreme!

Title: “How to walk in freedom in a world constantly entrapping you”

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

(Commentary helps listed at the end)

Bottom line: Walk in freedom in Christ and avoid the dangerous ways of the world apart from Christ by remembering who you are and what Christ has done for you.

If I was to yell at the top of my lungs, who would you say that I am? Dave Ramsey? Nope. I’d be Mel Gibson playing William Wallace in the movie Braveheart.

FREEEEEEEDOOOOOOOOM!!! -William Wallace, Braveheart

Today we’re answering the question, “How do I walk in freedom in a world trying to intrap me and contain me and control me?“

Opening story:

I was listening to the Knowing Faith podcast with Jen Wilkins, Kyle ?, and JT English. They were all asked what book of the Bible they find themselves re-reading a lot and why. JT, author of Deep Discipleship, answered Colossians. He said in effect, it addresses things we’re going through today and gives us the answer to the philosophies of this world: the supremacy of Christ. A high Christology is the answer to the “isms” of this world.

Would be good to share a story about being entrapped in something of this world like a cult like Mormonism, a conspiracy, false religion like Jehovah Witnesses, Christian nationalism, …

Amazingly, when Epaphras visits Paul who then writes this letter about being free in Christ, Paul is physically in prison!

Story of a little girl enslaved physically and spiritually that led to a Jailer and his family being freed spiritually. See Acts 16:16-38

“Paul recognized that civic freedom did not always equate to authentic liberty.”

“Perhaps this understanding of true freedom was most influenced by his experience in Macedonia with Silas (Acts 16:16-38). As they were spreading the gospel, they were harassed by a young girl who was enslaved in every way. Physically, she was a slave to her masters who were exploiting her for financial gain. Spiritually, she was possessed by a demonic spirit who had seized control of her life. By the power of Christ, Paul instantly freed her from both.

As a result, Paul and Silas were flogged and imprisoned. The Scriptures vividly describe how they were heavily guarded, thrown into the most secure area of the jail, and their feet were shackled with chains. Yet none of these could restrain their hearts from worshiping. As they expressed their praise to God, an earthquake shook the prison, the doors opened, and their bonds were broken. While others may have fled and sought what they supposed was freedom, Paul and Silas continued to operate in the spiritual liberty they had never lost. Paul reassured the jailer that they had not escaped, and the guard responded with a request for true freedom, salvation in Christ.” -Pace, p. 70-71

Paul and Silas, arrested and imprisoned in the most secure dungeon in Philippi, maintained their joyous freedom in Christ despite their outward circumstances. This was because of leading this twice-enslaved girl to freedom in Christ and led others to freedom in Christ as well.

Outline: (based on Willmington)

Paul WARNS 2 churches against 4 dangerous -ISMS or philosophies that rob us of our freedom in Christ.

From railroad crossing signs to skull and crossbones on bottle of rubbing alcohol, we’re surrounded by warnings.

Children need to be taught to heed these warnings while adults need to be reminded that familiarity breeds contempt. -W Wiersbe

Paul gives us 4 warnings against losing our freedom in Christ. (Based on Willmington’s Outline)

Gnosticism (8-10)
1. Fiction (8): Gnostics diminish Christ to an angel.
2. Facts (9-10): Christ incarnate was God in bodily form. Jesus of Nazareth was God in the flesh.
Legalism (11-17) “Let no one judge you”
1. Paul describes the LOVE of Christ (11-15)
  1. We’ve been CRUCIFIED and RAISED to new life with him (11-12).
  2. He has FORGIVEN our sins (13).
  3. He has “CANCELED the charge” against us “NAILING it to the cross” (14-15).
2. Paul describes the LIBERTY in Christ (16-17). Because of this, believers should not criticize (aka judge) each other…
  1. In matters of diet (16a): Food or drink like alcohol, meat, pork, sugar, caffeine, etc.
  2. In matters of days (16b-17): Sabbaths, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Passover, the liturgical calendar, feasts, etc.
Mysticism (18-19) “Let no one disqualify you”
1. Fiction (18): Mysticism teaches that God can be KNOWN through 2 METHODS:
  1. Through worship of ANGELS (18a…in addition, myths abound…
    1. .People DO NOT “get their wings” and become angels at death.
    2. Christ was NOT a super angel. HE CREATED angels!
  2. Through seeing of VISIONS (18b)
2. Fact (19): One can only know God THROUGH CHRIST, who is the head of the body, the Church.
Asceticism (20-23) “let no one enslave you”
1. Fiction (21-22): Asceticism teaches that one can PURIFY the spirit by PUNISHING the body.
2. Facts (20, 23):
  1. The spirit cannot be purified by PUNISHING the body. (23)
  2. The believer’s body and spirit have been CRUCIFIED with Christ. (20)

Conclusion

Bottom line: Walk in freedom in Christ and avoid the dangerous ways of the world apart from Christ by remembering who you are and what Christ has done for you.

“Until I first read Colin Urquhart’s book, In Christ Jesus, I had never realized how significant that little word “in” is in the New Testament. Understanding that, as a Christian, you are “in” Christ Jesus revolutionizes how you see yourself, your self image, your identity and how you understand your value to God.”

“Take out a piece of paper, write your name on a piece of paper. Take hold of your Bible to represent Christ. Place the paper in the book and close it. You are in Christ. Where the book goes you go. Where the paper goes he goes. You are not part of the book, but you are now identified totally with the book.” —Nicky Gumbel

Pray

Lord’s Supper, 1 Corinthians 11:17-32

Other

Pace Outline:

Bottom line: “Through the power of the gospel and according to our identity in Christ, we have been delivered from the demands of religious performance and are free to live for his glory through loving obedience.”

I. Our death in Christ releases us from the law. (16-23)

A. We are free from the shackles of reputation. (16, 18)

B. We are free from the bondage of religion. (16-19)

C. We are free from the chains of regulations. (20-23)

All of these admonitions hinge on the conditional clause in v. 20: “If you died with Christ…”

The finished work of Christ

+ Their corresponding participation in his death

= Frees them from the related obligations of the false teaching

Hughes’ outline:

The Guarding of Your Treasure

A warning against legalism. (16-17) “Do not let anyone judge you”
A warning against mysticism. (18-19) “Let no one disqualify you”
A warning against asceticism. (20-23) “Let no one enslave you”

OTHER ILLUSTRATIONS:

“Several years ago Royal Robbins, a professional mountain climber, wrote an article for Sports Illustrated(March 6, 1978) that demonstrates the importance of seeing ourselves and life as we really are. He wrote:

‘If we are keenly alert and aware of the rock and what we are doing in it, if we are honest with ourselves beyond what we know is safe, then we will climb safely. For climbing is an exercise in reality. He who sees it clearly is on safe ground, regardless of his experience or skill. But he who sees reality as he would like it to be, may have his illusions rudely stripped from his eyes when the ground comes up fast.’

This reality is this: ‘In him (Christ) the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,’ and him we have been made full (2:9, 10). But we can lose the benefits of that fullness very easily. We can fall to legalism…” -Hughes, p. 292

As I reflect on Tim Keller’s summary of Larry Hurtado’s main points in his book, I see a lot of wisdom to help me lead our church going forward.

I learned about this article while having lunch with Neal McGlohon. He summarized the o

5 points in a slightly different order . Neal shared it this way:

1. The early church was multi-racial and experienced a unity across ethnic boundaries that was startling. (Democrat, Progressive concerns)

3. The early church was famous for its hospitality to the poor and the suffering. (Democrat, Progressive concerns)

2. The early church was a community of forgiveness and reconciliation. (What both sides thinks it’s doing when in fact what we see is fighting for power)

4. It was a community committed to the sanctity of life. (Republican; conservative concerns)

5. It was a sexual counterculture. (Republican; conservative concerns)

MAIN COMMENTARY HELP:

Exalting Jesus in Colossians by Scott Pace
Preaching the Word: Philippians, Colossians and Philemon commentary by R. Kent Hughes
ESV Global Study Bible
Bible in One Year by Nicky Gumbel
Bible Knowledge Commentary
The Outline Bible, Wilmington
Paul for Everyone, The Prison Letters, NT Wright’s commentary on Philippians and Colossians
Gospel Transformation Bible
NIV Study Bible
The Bible Exposition Commentary, Warren Wiersbe

Darien GabrielFebruary 6, 2022Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Grace, Darien Gabriel, Bible-believing, Colossians, Colossians 2, how to walk in freedom

How to Bear Fruit in Every Good Work | Colossians 1:9-14

Colossians 1:9-14 (NIV)

How to Bear Fruit in Every Good Work

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We

continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and

understanding that the Spirit gives, [a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please

him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being

strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great

endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you [b] to

share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from

the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we

have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Verse 9: For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for

you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and

understanding that the Spirit gives,

Paul asks God to fill them with knowledge of God’s will “in all spiritual wisdom and

understanding”

It is significant that Paul is praying for knowledge for the Colossians – they were under siege by

people who were telling them that they needed a better knowledge: a gnosis. The Gnostics

were teaching that Christ was a good place to begin but there was so much more they could

know and experience if only they would incorporate the Gnostic system of passwords, rites and

initiations.

These folks were know-it-alls. They were elitists and intimidating, and some of the

Colossians were falling for it…feeling like they were lacking.

Paul’s prayer hit the problem head-on.

The Gnostics word for knowledge was “gnosis”, but Paul used the word “epignosis”

which was closer to “full knowledge”…which was significantly spiritual.

Paul knew that spiritual knowledge is foundational to a sound, fruitful Christian life.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,

but fools [a] despise wisdom and instruction.

This knowledge starts with a proper attitude towards God.

Right knowledge leads to right behavior

Romans 1:28

28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God

gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

The wisdom and understanding that Paul prays for are inseparable from the knowledge

of God and His will.

When praying for knowledge of God’s will, he is not just praying for them to know what

God wants them to do…it’s bigger

+ Filled with an understanding of God’s entire plan and scope for salvation.

…an understanding for God’s full saving purpose for man

…an understanding how God views us, and His purposes for us in Christ Jesus

Do we really want to know God’s will? You know, it might conflict with ours…

Praying for business…

This knowledge of God’s will only comes by spiritual wisdom and understanding

“Spiritual understanding” references understanding through the Holy Spirit

The scriptures are the primary source of knowledge for the believer as they are studied in the

power of the Holy Spirit. This produces a person whose life, through their actions, bears fruit

and pleases God.

When we pray for others, we often pray for healing, well-being and spiritual growth. Maybe we

should be praying for people to have “knowledge of His will in all wisdom and understanding”

We should be praying that for each other, for our pastors, our family and new believers.

We need to be prepared to be part of the answer to our own prayers too…HOW? Read

and meditate on God’s word.

We need to be able to filter out OUR culture’s gnosis through the filter of God’s

epignosis.

Examples of cultural influence in our knowledge…

Verse 10: …so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing

fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

Knowing God’s will and being obedient to it are the only way we’re going to be able to

live a life that even comes close to being worthy of Him.

“Bearing fruit” in every good work – does that describe us?

Pray that your knowledge increases so you can live and follow in the way that God

wants for our lives. When you do that, you can begin to understand God’s will and live a

life that pleases Him…live out the desires He has for us. In turn, you will see God’s will

more clearly.

Obedience to the knowledge of God which has already been received is a necessary and

certain condition for the reception of further knowledge.

In the Hebrew mind, knowledge and conduct were bound together.

From their perspective, a person did not know something unless they did it.

– true spiritual knowledge means ACTION.

- Paul prayed that they walk their talk…DO WE?

These days, people of knowledge, don’t seem to be people of action. (except Gene). And

people of action tend to neglect the pursuit of knowledge.

-an ignorant “soul-winner” who only knows a pattern of tracts through scripture may not

have a thought-through of his own. On the other hand, a Biblical scholar who has never

led a soul to Christ.

WE NEED BALANCE – a profound knowledge should profoundly affect one’s walk.

Any doctrine that isolates the believer from the needs of the world is not a spiritual

doctrine.

The result bears fruit – a constant, ongoing reality.

Why did Paul add … growing in the knowledge of God, again? He knew that once you start to

bear fruit in every good work, you naturally open yourself to “increasing in the knowledge of

God”.

It’s an upward spiral: the more one truly serves Him, the more one increases in the

knowledge of Him…and the more one knows Him, the more one wants to serve Him.

John 7:17 – Jesus made it clear that doing the Father’s will made possible the reception of the

knowledge of the Son.

17 Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes

from God or whether I speak on my own.

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a

living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not

conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you

will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Conform to the pattern set before us…die that we might live

We are told to “die to self”, but it’s critical that as we die to self, we grow in understanding of

what it means to die to self…what it means to live in Christ.

Verse 11: being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may

have great endurance and patience

Power of His Glorious might – the power of God - the creation, parting the red sea, the

virgin birth, raising Lazarus from the dead and the resurrection of Jesus.

- with that power, Paul prays that they would have endurance and patience

Paul was praying for them to have the steadfastness that which enables one to hold

one’s position in battle. There were forces in the Lycus valley who were looking to

destroy the Colossian Church.

Paul was praying that they would stand…endure…persevere…remain steadfast…

stay at it.

As Winston Churchill told students at his former school “never give up. Never

give up. Never give up. Never. Never. Never!”

- If you’re going to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, and live a life that please

Him, you’ll need both, endurance and patience.

Endurance is a reference to adverse circumstances. Patience is a reference to difficult

people. Possessing endurance, does not mean one will succeed in patience.

Endurance and patience, when combined together, are beautiful. Of course, they exist perfectly

only in Jesus. Paul knew that, which is why they should be strengthened with all

power according to his glorious might…

The church with “endurance and patience” is a great church…a church that walks in a manner

worthy of the Lord”

Where do we stand with this? Where do you stand with this?

Verse 12: …and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you [b] to share in the

inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light

Now He is starting to talk about our inheritance

We also walk in a worthy manner by being thankful. We cannot walk worthy of God without

joyfully giving thanks to our God for our salvation. WHY? Paul gives 3 reasons:

1. He has qualified us to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of

light. Not through anything we have done. We are now in the realm of LIGHT.

2 Corinthians 4:6

6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” [ a ] made his light shine in

our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the

face of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:5

5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the

night or to the darkness.

2. We are rescued

Verse 13: For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the

kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

We have been rescued!

The 4 R’s of our testimony: Rescue – Renew - Resource – and Release

We have been rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the

kingdom of the Son He loves.

He rescued us from THIS kingdom and released us into His

Stockholm Syndrome – emotional connection with captors

3. Reason 3 comes in Verse 14: in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

We have been purchased for a price…fully redeemed and fully healed in Christ. Free from sin.

Summary: Interceding for each other is remarkably valuable…

A church that is growing in the knowledge of Christ and His will, and consequently is walking

worthy of Him, will do great things for Him. Let’s commit ourselves to this…if we haven’t yet,

let’s start now.

PRAY

Scripture References (NIV)

“How to Bear Fruit in Every Good Work”

(slides)

Colossians 1:9-14

Colossians 1:9

Proverbs 1:7

Romans 1:28

Colossians 1:10

John 7:17

Romans 12:1-2

Colossians 1:11

Colossians 1:12

2 Corinthians 4:6

1 Thessalonians 5:5

Colossians 1:13

Colossians 1:14

Darien GabrielNovember 7, 2021Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Grace, bible, bible believing, Colossians, bear fruit

What Does a Healthy Church Look Like? | Colossians 1:1-8

Series: Colossians: Supreme!

Title: “What does a healthy church look like?”

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-8; Col 2:6, 3:1; Gen 1:28; Mark 4:8; Acts 18:18-19:22

(Commentary helps listed at the end)

Need: Grow in Christ-like character summed up as faith, hope and love.

Bottom line: We become a healthy church as each person grows in their faith in Christ, love for each other, and hope in the future.

INTRODUCTION

Opening story: Ken and I are going to play in our first Ultimate frisbee tournament next week in Sarasota, FL. I tell you this for 2 reasons:

We want to represent Christ well and play well. (And not get broken in the process)
It is an opportunity for me to explain to you a pivotal rule in the game. The Spirit of the Game.
1. The SOTG rule in short is to treat other players and fans as you’d like to be treated. If that sounds familiar, that’s probably because you’re familiar with the golden rule of Jesus.
2. The way it works in reality is that there are no referees in Ultimate. When a foul is called by a player, the opposing player either agrees and the penalty is assessed, or he disagrees. If he or she disagrees, they then take a couple of minutes to share their position. If they then agree, the penalty is assessed. If they still disagree, they part ways and the play is done over. The spirit of this rule is we’re not trying to get away with something but to honor the players by following the rules the best we can.

CONTEXT

The apostle Paul is going to hear about the Colossian church from Epaphras. He’s going to hear:

About their faith, love and hope.
About the false teachings that are moving in and infecting the church family.

It is in response to this second point that moves Paul to write this letter to them. He wants them to remain spiritually healthy in Christ.

The bullseye of discipleship at Grace CF is Christ-like character and competency. That’s high faith, love and hope according to Colossians 1 and Philemon 5.

Mark 4:8 and John 15:16 is all about us being fruitful by grace through faith. Are we?

THEME

Absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as the head of all creation and of the church.

3:1 Overall exhortation/application: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is (for now) seated at the right hand of God.”

2:6 Says it another way: “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.”

Bottom line: We reverse the curse in our own lives when we believe the word of God in word and action.

OUTLINE (Willmington’s Outline Bible)

Paul and the Church at Colossae (1:1-14, 24-29)

A. The apostle’s praise of this church. (1:1-8)

How they received the gospel (1-6); Paul commend them in regard to 3 things:
1. Their faith toward the Lord. (1-4a)
2. Their love toward one another. (4b)
3. Their hope toward the future. (5-6); They are looking forward to the joy of heaven (the best is yet to come)
From whomever they received the gospel. (7-8) Epaphras shared Christ with them and is now ministering with Paul.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: We become a healthy church as each person grows in their faith in Christ, love for each other, and hope in the future.

Pray

Lord’s Supper, 1 Corinthians 11:17-32

OTHER NOTES:

From Warren Wiersbe’s commentary:

“Do the heavenly bodies have any influence over our lives? The millions of people who consult their horoscopes each day would say, “Yes!” In the United States, there are about 1,750 daily newspapers, and 1,220 of them carry astrological data!

Is there any relationship between diet and spiritual living?

Does God speak to us immediately, in our minds, or only through His Word, the Bible?

Do the Eastern religions have something to offer the evangelical Christian?

These questions sound very contemporary. Yet they are the very issues Paul dealt with in his magnificent Epistle to the Colossians. We need this important letter today just as they needed it back in a.d. 60 when Paul wrote it…

…All kinds of philosophies mingled in this cosmopolitan area, and religious hucksters abounded. There was a large Jewish colony in Colossae, and there was also a constant influx of new ideas and doctrines from the East. It was fertile ground for religious speculations and heresies!” - W Wiersbe

Our goal at Grace isn’t to become famous, but to be known for our love and faith…wow!

“Colossae was one of three cities located about 100 miles inland from Ephesus. The other two cities were Laodicea and Hierapolis (Col. 4:13, 16). This area was a meeting point of East and West because an important trade route passed through there. At one time, all three cities were growing and prosperous, but gradually Colossae slipped into a second-rate position. It became what we would call a small town. Yet the church there was important enough to merit the attention of the Apostle Paul...

“Colossae probably would never have been mentioned in the New Testament had it not been for the church there. The city is never named in the Book of Acts because Paul did not start the Colossian church, nor did he ever visit it. Paul had heard of their faith (Col. 1:4, 9); but he had never seen these believers personally (Col. 2:1). Here was a church of unknown people, in a small town, receiving an inspired letter from the great Apostle Paul!”

During Paul’s ministry in Ephesus, at least two men from Colossae were brought to faith in Jesus Christ—Epaphras and Philemon (see Phile. 19). Epaphras apparently was one of the key founders of the church in Colossae, for he shared the Gospel with his friends there (Col. 1:7).

Philemon had a church meeting in his home (Phile. 2). It is likely that Apphia and Archippus, mentioned in this verse, were respectively the wife and son of Philemon, and that Archippus was the pastor of the church (Col. 4:17).

OTHER ILLUSTRATIONS:

OUTLINES

Willmington’s Outline: (Bold would be this week)

I. Paul and the Church at Colossae (1:1-14, 24-29)

A. The apostle’s praise of this church. (1:1-8)

How they received the gospel (1-6); Paul commend them in regard to 3 things:
1. Their faith toward the Lord. (1-4a)
2. Their love toward one another. (4b)
3. Their hope toward the future. (5-6); They are looking forward to the joy of heaven (the best is yet to come)
From whomever they received the gospel. (7-8) Epaphras shared Christ with them and is now ministering with Paul.

B. The apostle’s prayer for this church. (9-14)

C. The apostle’s proclamation to the church. (1:24-29)

II. Christ and the Church at Colossae (1:16-23)

A. Who Christ is. (1:15)

B. What Christ has done. (1:16-23)

C. What we “get” to do as a result of who we are in Christ. (My addition)

Kent Hughes’ outline:

Background, context

I. A Celebration of Joy (1-2)

II. A Celebration of Thanksgiving (3-5a)

III. A Celebration of the gospel (5b-8)

OTHER NOTES

NT Wright notes:

Main thing: “He (Paul) is delighted to hear that the wonderful new plant of the gospel has been planted in Colossae, and that it’s bearing fruit and growing, as indeed it’s doing in the rest of the world.” P. 142

“He’s thanking God that it’s taking root with them, and he wants to tell them how to nurture it and help it to bear more fruit.” (Cf. John 15:16)

Fruit = love (fruit of the Spirit; Gal 5:22-23); Replaces fruit of flesh

How? “The word of truth of the gospel” is powerful!

cf. Mark 4:8 Parable of the Sower

Gen 1:28 “Be fruitful and multiply”

3 main features of this fruit: faith, love and hope. (Cf. 1 Cor 13:4-8)

“The faith that reaches out to grasp what God offers in King Jesus;’ the lovewhich binds the community together; the hope that looks eagerly forward to the time when God completes what he began in Jesus.” P. 144

Kent Hughes notes:

Dominant theme: Absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as the head of all creation and of the church.

3:1 Overall exhortation/application: “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is (for now) seated at the right hand of God.”

2:6 Says it another way: “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.”

Hughes’ hope: That our view of Christ will be so expanded and permanently impressed on us that we will as a habit seek those things that are above (as we walk in him).

Background and context:

80 miles from Ephesus on the coast in western Turkey in the Lycus Valley.

A bit in the shadow of Hieropolis and Laodicea.

Probably came into being during Paul’s 2-year Ministry in Ephesus (Acts 15:10) because it says that during that time, “All the residents of Asia [which included Colossae] heard the word of the Lord.” P. 212

Epaphroditus and Philemon came to Christ during this time. Philemon later hosted a church in his home. Epaphras became a lieutenant in evangelizing the Lycus Valley.

Gnostics—those who professed superior knowledge—were a group of self-proclaimed spiritual elites who propagated a false gospel.

Base doctrine was basically dualism (Platonic) which said anything physical or created was evil and that only the spirit was good.

“To the gnostics, Christ was not Creator, the incarnation Was not real, adn Christ was not enough!”

This gnostic system was made up of ascetic disciplines (borrowed from Jewish legalism) designed to help you work your way up to God. Secret passwords, astrology and elements of Christianity all mixed up.

Very complex and proudly intellectual who looked down on the simple Colossian believers.

This is the alarming message Epaphras brought to Paul as he waited in prison.

Paul’s response presents Christ as Creator and fully sufficient Redeemer! Christ isn’t part of the answer—he’s all of the answer!

His celebration of them is ours too for we are the church.

I. Celebration of Joy (1-2)

A. Saints (holy ones)

B. Faithful brothers (family) in Christ.

C. “In Christ” i.e.

We all partook of all that Christ has done,
All that he was (and is)
And all he’d ever be
“Archeologists tell us that many of the nameless slabs in the catacombs of Rome carried the inscription “in Christo” (in Christ) and significantly also bore on the same slab its spiritual corollary “In pace” (In peace), testifying to the radical newness and joy that came in Christ.”

D. “Grace and Peace” are a Christian blend of Hebrew and Greek greetings.

Customary Greek greeting was chairen, a form of grace, meaning greetings. Paul made it charis or grace celebrating the work of grace in their lives.
Customary Hebrew greeting shalom or peace means more than simply the absence of trouble, but well-being that springs from a sense of the presence of God.
“It is the same for all people: there must be grace before we experience the shalom of God. Grace (God’s work) comes before peace (our new relationship).

II. Celebration of thanksgiving (3-5a)

A. Faith, hope and love are mentioned throughout the NT as a sort of “apostolic shorthand” for genuine Christianity. They can’t be manufactured by people—only from God.

Faith—
1. always named first because apart from faith in Jesus Christ, there’s no Christian experience of love and hope.
2. Jesus is the object of our faith. We either do or don’t believe that he is who he said he is and that he’ll do all that he’s promised to do.
3. Faith = putting your full weight on or trusting (think stool or plane ticket) Illustration: When I got on the plane to go to China in 2003 without meeting any of the team.
Love—
1. Love for all the saints. I.e. Christians or the Church.
2. Loving God is seen in how we love our neighbors. But our church family is even more important than that. (John 13:34-35) It’s not enough to be orthodox in your faith. There must be the fruit of love towards your spiritual family.
3. In that world, they were to love barbarian, Scythian, slave and free, male and female, Jew and Greek, learned and ignorant…joining hands around the table. It doesn’t matter what they look like, sound like or even smell like. We love them up close and personal.
Hope—
1. “The hope laid up for you in heaven” is another way of saying, “The best is yet to come.” This is the point of our series through Revelation we just finished.
2. Hope in heaven brings joy as you live in light of eternity where things will be so much better.

III. Celebration of the gospel (5b-8)

A. Paul celebrates the fruit of the gospel.

It’s power transforming power)
It’s reach (the whole region)

MAIN COMMENTARY HELP: (UPdate)

Exalting Jesus in Colossians
Preaching the Word: Philippians, Colossians and Philemon commentary by R. Kent Hughes
ESV Global Study Bible
Bible in One Year by Nicky Gumbel
Bible Knowledge Commentary
The Outline Bible, Wilmington
NT Wright’s commentary on Philippians and Colossians

Darien GabrielOctober 31, 2021Grace Christian Fellowshipnon-denominational church, Bible-believing, Darien Gabriel, Colossians, healthy church, Ladson, SC, Grace

Repent from the Tolerance of Sin | Revelation 2:18-39

Repent from the Tolerance of Sin | Revelation 2:18-39. If we want to rule with Jesus in the future, we need to be faithful to Him in the present. Remember, in the case of Thyatira, -Tolerance is not love, it is unfaithfulness

Though we are cultural outcasts now, or ridiculed now…we will rule. If we’re not outcasts now because of our faith, or ridiculed now because of our faith, then maybe we look too much like the culture.

Daniel SammsFebruary 10, 2021Grace Christian FellowshipRevelation 2:18-39, Revelation, Repentance, Sin, Love, Grace, God, Christianity, Church

Truth: God Revealed It. We Teach It. | Titus 2

The Main Thing

“The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” Keith Eitel

Bottom line:

•When we see God as he truly is, it reveals to us how we are to live. [Principle]

•When we see God as Truth, we teach it with character and competency so that God’s people live good, godly lives.

Most people are blind to the truth. That’s why they don’t teach it.

Sons & Daughters, Saved, Selected, & Sent to Serve | Titus 1:1-4 | Undeserved Grace

Have you ever felt like a failure, or of no use to God, or thought that God wouldn’t want to answer your prayers?

Until I first read Colin Urquhart’s book, In Christ Jesus, I had never realized how significant that little word ‘in’ is in the New Testament. Understanding that, as a Christian, you are ‘in’ Christ Jesus revolutionizes how you see yourself, your self-image, your identity and how you understand your value to God.

Write your name on a piece of paper. Take hold of your Bible to represent Christ. Place the paper in the book and close it. You are in Christ. Where the book goes you go. Where the paper goes he goes. You are not part of the book, but you are now identified totally with the book.

Paul uses this expression, ‘in Christ Jesus’, over and over again. God has taken hold of you and placed you inChrist. In Christ, you have received ‘every spiritual blessing’ (Ephesians 1:3). All of the blessings, including those that the Old Testament speaks about, are yours in Christ.

Who are we? Why are we (still) here?

Daniel SammsOctober 8, 2020Grace Fellowship ChurchGrace, Undeserved, Christian, Salvation, Christianity, Bible, Church, Saved, Sons and Daughters, Titus 1:1-4, Christ

Sermons

Series: Colossians: Supreme!

Title: “How to walk in freedom in a world constantly entrapping you”

Scripture: Colossians 2:16-23

(Commentary helps listed at the end)

Bottom line: Walk in freedom in Christ and avoid the dangerous ways of the world apart from Christ by remembering who you are and what Christ has done for you.

If I was to yell at the top of my lungs, who would you say that I am? Dave Ramsey? Nope. I’d be Mel Gibson playing William Wallace in the movie Braveheart.

FREEEEEEEDOOOOOOOOM!!! -William Wallace, Braveheart

Today we’re answering the question, “How do I walk in freedom in a world trying to intrap me and contain me and control me?“

Opening story:

Would be good to share a story about being entrapped in something of this world like a cult like Mormonism, a conspiracy, false religion like Jehovah Witnesses, Christian nationalism, …

Amazingly, when Epaphras visits Paul who then writes this letter about being free in Christ, Paul is physically in prison!

Story of a little girl enslaved physically and spiritually that led to a Jailer and his family being freed spiritually. See Acts 16:16-38

“Paul recognized that civic freedom did not always equate to authentic liberty.”

Paul and Silas, arrested and imprisoned in the most secure dungeon in Philippi, maintained their joyous freedom in Christ despite their outward circumstances. This was because of leading this twice-enslaved girl to freedom in Christ and led others to freedom in Christ as well.

Outline: (based on Willmington)

Paul WARNS 2 churches against 4 dangerous -ISMS or philosophies that rob us of our freedom in Christ.

From railroad crossing signs to skull and crossbones on bottle of rubbing alcohol, we’re surrounded by warnings.

Children need to be taught to heed these warnings while adults need to be reminded that familiarity breeds contempt. -W Wiersbe

Paul gives us 4 warnings against losing our freedom in Christ. (Based on Willmington’s Outline)

Gnosticism (8-10)

Fiction (8): Gnostics diminish Christ to an angel.

Facts (9-10): Christ incarnate was God in bodily form. Jesus of Nazareth was God in the flesh.

Legalism (11-17) “Let no one judge you”

Paul describes the LOVE of Christ (11-15)

We’ve been CRUCIFIED and RAISED to new life with him (11-12).

He has FORGIVEN our sins (13).

He has “CANCELED the charge” against us “NAILING it to the cross” (14-15).

Paul describes the LIBERTY in Christ (16-17). Because of this, believers should not criticize (aka judge) each other…

In matters of diet (16a): Food or drink like alcohol, meat, pork, sugar, caffeine, etc.

In matters of days (16b-17): Sabbaths, Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Passover, the liturgical calendar, feasts, etc.

Mysticism (18-19) “Let no one disqualify you”

Fiction (18): Mysticism teaches that God can be KNOWN through 2 METHODS:

Through worship of ANGELS (18a…in addition, myths abound…

.People DO NOT “get their wings” and become angels at death.

Christ was NOT a super angel. HE CREATED angels!

Through seeing of VISIONS (18b)

Fact (19): One can only know God THROUGH CHRIST, who is the head of the body, the Church.

Asceticism (20-23) “let no one enslave you”

Fiction (21-22): Asceticism teaches that one can PURIFY the spirit by PUNISHING the body.

Facts (20, 23):

The spirit cannot be purified by PUNISHING the body. (23)

The believer’s body and spirit have been CRUCIFIED with Christ. (20)

Conclusion

Bottom line: Walk in freedom in Christ and avoid the dangerous ways of the world apart from Christ by remembering who you are and what Christ has done for you.

Pray

Lord’s Supper, 1 Corinthians 11:17-32

Other

Pace Outline:

Bottom line: “Through the power of the gospel and according to our identity in Christ, we have been delivered from the demands of religious performance and are free to live for his glory through loving obedience.”

I. Our death in Christ releases us from the law. (16-23)

A. We are free from the shackles of reputation. (16, 18)

B. We are free from the bondage of religion. (16-19)

C. We are free from the chains of regulations. (20-23)

All of these admonitions hinge on the conditional clause in v. 20: “If you died with Christ…”

The finished work of Christ

+ Their corresponding participation in his death

= Frees them from the related obligations of the false teaching

Hughes’ outline:

The Guarding of Your Treasure

A warning against legalism. (16-17) “Do not let anyone judge you”

A warning against mysticism. (18-19) “Let no one disqualify you”

A warning against asceticism. (20-23) “Let no one enslave you”

OTHER ILLUSTRATIONS:

“Several years ago Royal Robbins, a professional mountain climber, wrote an article for Sports Illustrated(March 6, 1978) that demonstrates the importance of seeing ourselves and life as we really are. He wrote:

This reality is this: ‘In him (Christ) the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,’ and him we have been made full (2:9, 10). But we can lose the benefits of that fullness very easily. We can fall to legalism…” -Hughes, p. 292

As I reflect on Tim Keller’s summary of Larry Hurtado’s main points in his book, I see a lot of wisdom to help me lead our church going forward.

I learned about this article while having lunch with Neal McGlohon. He summarized the o

5 points in a slightly different order . Neal shared it this way:

1. The early church was multi-racial and experienced a unity across ethnic boundaries that was startling. (Democrat, Progressive concerns)

3. The early church was famous for its hospitality to the poor and the suffering. (Democrat, Progressive concerns)

2. The early church was a community of forgiveness and reconciliation. (What both sides thinks it’s doing when in fact what we see is fighting for power)

4. It was a community committed to the sanctity of life. (Republican; conservative concerns)

5. It was a sexual counterculture. (Republican; conservative concerns)

MAIN COMMENTARY HELP:

Exalting Jesus in Colossians by Scott Pace

Preaching the Word: Philippians, Colossians and Philemon commentary by R. Kent Hughes

ESV Global Study Bible

Bible in One Year by Nicky Gumbel

Bible Knowledge Commentary