Category: Sermon Notes

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Be Careful What You Pursue!

Scripture:  Colossians 3:1-17

I.    CHALLENGE #1: SEEK THINGS ABOVE    

A parallel Scripture: “I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me…” Gal.2:20

When Paul tells us to focus on things above what does he mean? Not physical but on God’s (character), His (presence), His (heavenly joys).  We don’t seek heaven, we see (the One who lives there).

II.   CHALLENGE #2: GET RID OF GARBAGE          

Paul tells us to get rid of things:

1. (Sensuality)
2. (Materialism)
3. (Negative emotions)

III.  CHALLENGE #3: ADD THE ESSENTIALS  

This new kind of life does not begin with self-reformation or us turning over a new leaf. It isn’t pulling ourselves up by our own bootstraps. It isn’t something we can do on our own!

“Wherever, Whatever, Whenever, However…Christ!” (Swindoll commentary)

1. (Word)- Deals with everything we say.
2. (Deed)- Deals with everything from our daily routine.

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Family Matter- Col. 3:18-4:1

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Counter Measures Required

Scripture:  Colossians 2:16-23

I.    LEGALISM             

Bill’s definition: “Living a life of rules and regulations, of do’s and don’ts, of “you must avoid and must do these things.”

Many times legalism is used (to ride herd) and as (gauges for spirituality).  They are often used as (weapons) to keep people in line.

Legalism is the religion of (human achievement).

3 thoughts about legalism:

1. 1. 1. 1. Legalism is (joyless).
         2. Legalism is (uniformity).
         3. Legalism is (surface).

II.   SPIRITUALISM                 

A pop culture way of saying this is (mysticism).

Paul has dire warning against this garbage. They were (pretenders). They were guilty of (spiritual pride) and devoid of the (Holy Spirit).

III.  ASCETICISM 

Webster: “The practice of strict self-denial as a measure of person and especially spiritual discipline; rigorous abstention from self-indulgence.”

“Ascetic religion is basically godless, for its practitioners essentially worship themselves.” Alexander McClaren

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Be Careful What You Pursue!- Col. 3:1-17

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Choose!

Scripture:  Colossians 2:8-15

I.   THE DEFICIENCY OF PHILOSOPHY   

Philosophy comes from two Greek words: phileo which means “to love” and sophia which means “wisdom.” So philosophy is the love and pursuit of wisdom.

Paul gives four characteristics of this dangerous seductive philosophy:

1. It was (deceptive).
2. It claimed (good origins).
3. It was (demon controlled).
4. It was (enslaving).

II.   THE SUFFICIENCY OF CHRIST

What separates a cult from real truth and orthodox Christianity is what they (think about Jesus).

Verse 9- One commentator: “It presents the glorious majesty of Christ’s Person and His complete sufficiency.”   This verse is telling us Jesus is more than just godlike. He is telling us Jesus is God and in Him is all the fullness of God.

Everyone has a choice, whether to follow (human wisdom) or to (follow Christ).

Paul’s next words describe this completeness in practical terms.

1. He refers to (circumcision).
2. He refers to (burial).
3. He refers to a (resurrection).

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Counter Measures Required- Col. 2:16-23

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: More Than a Man

TITLE: Seriously?

Scripture:  Acts 2:29-36

“Neutrality is not an option. Either Jesus rose and rightly demands your attention, repentance, trust and obedience, or he stayed dead. If he only became a rotting corpse why should you follow Him?  (Quote by John MacArthur in Risen With Christ by Andrew Warnock-p.43)

I.    FICTION OVER FACT?           

Some of the theories put forth:

1) The disciples knowingly lied.
2) The disciples stole the body.
3) The authorities hid the body.
4) Jesus just swooned on the cross.
5) The disciples just hallucinated when they saw Jesus afterwards.

II.   FACT OVER FICTION?              

“The keys of death were hung on the inside of Christ’s tomb.” Piper

“The resurrection of Jesus is God’s gift and proof that His death was completely successful in blotting out the sins of His people and removing the wrath of God.” Piper

“The only possible reason why early Christianity began and took the shape that it did is that the tomb really was empty and that people really did meet Jesus, alive again.” N.T.Wright

Peter believed in and staked his life on the resurrection. See I P.1:3

Paul used the resurrection to describe what happens to those who are baptized. See Rom.6:4

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Choose! Col.2:8-15

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: More Than a Man

TITLE: Why?

Scripture:  Isaiah 52:13-53:12

I.    THE CERTAINTY OF HIS DEATH          

Did Jesus really die? Some facts:

1. Jesus repeatedly said this would happen.
2. Pilate delivered Him to be crucified.
3. The Romans designed crucifixion to make sure the person was dead.
4. The Romans scourged Jesus within an inch of his life.
5. The centurion at the cross pronounced him dead.
6. They put Him in a tomb guarded by centurions.

II.   THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HIS DEATH              

Please turn to Acts 8 for an important exchange.

3 highlights found in our Scripture passage:

1) 52:13-15- Revealed Israel’s Messiah and King would both (suffer and be exalted).
2) 53: 4-6- Graphic description of Jesus’ suffering and death.  You are reading about a doctrine called (penal substitution). It is a fancy way of saying, “Jesus paid the penalty for our sin.”

• • • • • • The wrong perception in this verse: “by his stripes we are healed.”

3) 53: 7-10- Jesus was (submissive) to His Father in His death.

• • • • • • Check out I P.2:21b-24.

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: More Than a Man (2 weeks)

Title: Seriously? – Acts 2: 29-36

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: A Burden Worth Carrying

Scripture:  Colossians 2:1-7

I. THE INTENSITY OF THE BURDEN

Jesus is our example of (love for the church).

1) Acts 20:28
2) Ephesians 5: 25

Paul loved the church.

1) Phil.1:7
2) 2 Cor. 6:11
3) 2 Cor. 12:15

Paul’s love goes even deeper. [See 2:1] The word struggle is our word (agony).

II. THE FOCUS OF THE BURDEN

For us to grow in our faith, there must be two insights we have to acknowledge: an (increased
knowledge) of God’s Word and a (focus) upon Christ. What you think of Christ, your
perception of Him, is (everything).

What is Paul’s burden?

1. They will be (strong in heart). (v.2a)
2. They will be (united in love). (v.2b) See Ephesians 4:16
3. They will be (settled in their understanding). (v.2c)
4. They will not be (deluded). (v.4)
5. They will grow in their (walk in Christ). (6-7)

Next week: Theme: Truth!/ Series: More Than a Man (2 weeks)
Title: – Isaiah 52:13-53:12

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Why We Do What We Do

Scripture:  Colossians 1:19-29

I.    THE PURPOSE OF GOD        

No one else can say what Jesus says: He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, the preeminent one. He is the highest in rank. He is the first in everything. He is to have first place.

Look ahead to Colossians 2:9. All the (divine power and attributes) of God are in Christ.  To put it one way: Jesus Christ is the (exhaustion of God).

1. 1. 1. 1. In justification, the sinner stands before God guilty and condemned, but is (declared righteous).
         2. In redemption, the sinner stands before God as a slave, but is granted (freedom).
         3. In forgiveness, the sinner stands before God as a debtor, but the debt is (paid and forgotten).
         4. In adoption, the sinner stands before God a stranger, but is made a (son)
         5. In reconciliation, the sinner stands before God as an enemy, but become a (friend).

II.   THE PURPOSE OF MAN           

The positives in suffering:

1. 1. 1. 1. It (brought good) to the church.
         2. His suffering (filled up) what was lacking in Christ’s suffering.

Paul’s statement to what his purpose is: (proclaiming Christ).

Here is a non-negotiable: The Gospel is for all people for all time.

Next week: Theme: Truth/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  A Burden Worth Carrying- Colossians 2: 1-7

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: Above All

Scripture:  Colossians 1:15-19

I.    SUPREME IN RELATION TO GOD  

The Bible is supremely a book about Jesus.

1. The OT records the (preparation) for His coming.
2. The gospels present Him as (God in human flesh).
3. Acts shows us the spread of the message of (salvation).
4. The epistles give us our (theology) and show Christ in (His Body), the church.
5. Revelation presents Christ (triumphant).

Heresy definition: a bad idea about Jesus.

Paul’s powerful descriptions of Jesus:

1. The image of the invisible God.
2. The firstborn of all creation.

II.   SUPREME IN RELATION TO CREATION 

How is He supreme?

1. He is the (Creator).
2. He was (before all things).
3. He holds (all things together).

III.  SUPREME IN RELATION TO THE CHURCH 

The church is a (Body), and Christ is the Head of that Body. The church is not a (business); it is a (living organism) and it is inseparably tied together by the (living Christ). He controls (every part) of it and gives it (life and direction). As members of that Body, we are (totally dependent) upon the Head.

Jesus is what no one else can say: the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, the preeminent one. He is the source. He is the highest in rank. He is the first in everything.

Next week: Theme: Truth/ Series: Supremacy

        Title:  Why We Do What We Do- Colossians 1: 19-29

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Supremacy

TITLE: A Prayer for the Church!!

Scripture:  Colossians 1:9-14

I.    A PRAYER FOR KNOWLEDGE

The prevailing philosophy was called (Gnosticism). Taught Christ was a good place to begin but so much more.  Incorporated a system of passwords, rites, and initiations. What came along was the superior, (know-it-all) attitude.

Paul prayed for personal knowledge of (Christ and His will).

What is important about this knowledge is that it is not given to the follower of Christ in (inform) them, but to (transform) them.

II.   A PRAYER FOR WALKING WELL

4 marks of a pleasing walk:

1. It connects (knowledge and conduct).  (10a)   True spiritual knowledge means (action).
2. It produces (fruit). (10b)  Good fruit is the outgrowth of (God’s work) in our lives.
3. It increases our (knowledge). (10b)  The word for increases denotes (constant growth).
4. It builds our (strength). (11)

Next week: Theme: Truth/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  Above All- Colossians 1: 15-18

2020 THEME: TRUTH

SERIES: Faithful

TITLE: Celebrate!!

Scripture:  Colossians 1:1-8

I.    CELEBRATING THE PAST  

The author of the book: (Paul) with a little bit of help from (Timothy).

More importantly: Why the book?  Jesus Christ is sufficient as our (Lord), our (Life), and our (Leader). It appears the young believers at Colossae still lacked the deep-rooted, mature faith in the (sufficiency of the person and work of Christ) that would enable them to stand against the onslaught of (worldly philosophies) and (man-made religions).

II.   CELEBRATING THE PRESENT         

What does Paul celebrate?

1. There is a celebration of (joy).  He calls them “saints and faithful brothers in Christ.”

2. There is a celebration of (thanksgiving).  He gives us sort of an “apostolic shorthand” for genuine Christianity.

1) He is thankful for their (faith) in verses 3-4a.
2) He is thankful for their (love) in verse 4.
3) He is thankful for this (hope) in verse 5.

3. There is a celebration of (the gospel).

Next week: Theme: Truth/ Series: Supremacy

Title:  A Prayer for the Church/ Colossians 1: 9-14