Colossians

‘Need something else to be a real Christian?’ (Colossians 2:6-23)

AudioPhilip

Have you ever had someone tell you that you’re not quite there as a Christian, that you need to do something else, fulfil some extra requirement, maybe have some sort of extra experience? if you do that then you’ll be a real Christian! In preaching on Colossians 2:6-23 back in September 2014, Steve Blyth points out how the Apostle Paul says very clearly that authentic Christianity is all about Jesus. If you have Him – you have everything you need. It’s through keeping Jesus at the very centre of our focus that we grow in the way God wants us to and become the type of people He’s created us to be. Beware of people who tell you otherwise.

Service

00:00 Welcome
Song: Oh Christ in Thee
00:17 Introduction
00:36 Prayer
05:04 Bible reading: Isaiah 42:1-17
Song: Jesus Paid It All
08:06 Shorter Catechism Introduction
09:34 Catechism Questions 43-47
12:06 Bible reading: Colossians 2:6-23
Song: Jesus Thank You
Sermon: Colossians 2:6-23
Song: In Christ Alone
14:49 Closing

Outline

The Christian Life (6-7)

  • Life in Jesus
  • Growing in Jesus
  • Understanding Jesus

Don’t be taken captive by things not about Jesus (8)

Three truths about Jesus (9-10, 11-15)

  • In Him we have all we need (11-13)
  • God was in Him defeating our sin (14)
  • Jesus is victorious over all so remain in Him (15)

You don’t need more than Jesus (16-23)

  • Not traditions (16-17)
  • Not extra spirituality (18-19)
  • Not rules (22-23)

In Christ alone

‘Standing firm in an age of Jesus-plus-something’ (Colossians 2:8-12)

AudioPhilip

The first century Christian church faced all kinds of trials from within and without. It was a time of much persecution and false teachers and teachings. In Colossians 2:8-12, Paul urged his readers to stand firm in Christ, but also told them why they should do that and in doing so, shed some light on the work of Christ on our behalf and the connection between circumcision and baptism.

‘Prayer: For Saints, Servants and Souls’ (Phil 1:9-11, Rom 15:30-33, Col 4:2-6)

AudioPhilip

Guest preacher, Rev Stuart Withers (Rochester Presbyterian), preached from three main texts in his message on the importance of prayer (Philippians 1:9-11, Romans 15:30-33 and Colossians 4:2-6.). Just as Paul exhorted us to make ‘all kinds of prayers for all the saints’ (Ephesians 6:18), so also in these texts we are reminded that prayer is the key for the encouragement of God’s people, the strengthening of His gospel workers and the means by which unbelievers are brought into the Kingdom of God. Great things happen when God’s people pray!

‘The Christ of Christmas – who He really is’ (Colossians 1:15-18)

AudioPhilip

In a world where people are happy enough to enterain thoughts and listen to songs about Jesus in the manger, Colossians 1:15-18 brings another perspective. The Apostle Paul tells us that Jesus is no longer in the manger as a harmless child, but is fully God, to whom all things belong and for whom all things exist, who demands the absolutely first place in our lives. He can demand this because He is Lord and because He proved His love for mankind by paying the price of our sins by His own blood.

‘Need something else to be a real Christian?’ (Colossians 2:6-23)

AudioPhilip

Have you ever had someone tell you that you’re not quite there as a Christian, that you need to do something else, fulfil some extra requirement, maybe have some sort of extra experience? if you do that then you’ll be a real Christian! In preaching on Colossians 2:6-23, Steve Blyth points out how the Apostle Paul says very clearly that authentic Christianity is all about Jesus. If you have Him – you have everything you need. It’s through keeping Jesus at the very centre of our focus that we grow in the way God wants us to and become the type of people He’s created us to be. Beware of people who tell you otherwise.

‘The significance of Christianity’ (Colossians 1:1-14)

AudioPhilip

Both Christians and non-Christians alike seem to drastically underestimate the significance of the Christian faith in our world today. In Colossians 1:1-14, Paul seeks to rectify such false conclusions by showing us not only the eternal significance of God’s saving purposes through His Son Jesus, but also how such salvation significantly transforms Christians in the here and now, setting them apart to fulfil God’s purposes in God’s world.