Colossians 1:1-14 Gospel Hope
Big Idea: The Gospel changes everything; your past, present & future. Trouble in the early church was caused by Judaizers preaching that Jesus + rules + philosophers + mysticism = true Christianity.
Paul’s message to the Colossian church is simple, yet powerful: Jesus is Lord overall, and He is enough for every part of your life.
Jesus is enough (Eph 2:8) He is overall, He is sufficient. Jesus + nothing = everything.
Three ways the Gospel changes everything:
1. The Gospel changes your past (vs 12-14) …rescued from the domain of darkness… (see Psalm 103:12)
2. The Gospel changes your present (vs 9-11) …filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding… Does God’s acceptance matter more to you than the applause of men?
3. The Gospel changes your future (vs5-6.12) …the hope laid up for you in Heaven constantly bearing fruit… to be absent the body is to be present with the Lord.
What is one step you can take this week to live like a rescued person?
Six things for you to consider:
1. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romand 1:16)
2. The Gospel is the foundation of our faith (1 Cor 15:3-4)
3. The Gospel guards us from false teaching (2 Tim 3:16-17)
4. The Gospel transforms our lives ( Col 1:7-9a)
5. The Gospel keeps Jesus at the center of(John 15:5)
6. The Gospel is our mission. (Matt 28:19)
A Grace Filled Community Colossians 4:7-18
Big Idea: Following Jesus and being the church is a team sport!
The Gospel doesn’t just save people, it creates a community.
As the church, we are called to be part of a grace-filled Gospel community:
1. True gospel community encourages one another (vs 7-9). Kingdom impact happens behind the scenes. (Philemon 1:10) Encouragement is oxygen. The Gospel doesn’t just change your eternity, it changes your identity. (2 Cor 5:15,17). Jesus doesn’t cancel people, He transforms them.
2. True Gospel community is diverse but unified (vs 10-14). The Church is built on Christ-centered unity within God-designed diversity. (Gal 3:28).
3. True Gospel community finishes the mission together (vs 15-18). Complete the mission God has given you. We are saved to serve others.
Who am I encouraging? Who am I serving alongside? What is my part in the mission?
