Our Guide in Maturing
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ
Colossians 1:1-8 (ESV)
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
2 To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
Sermon Outline
With Christ as our guide we can enter Colossians with expectations of maturing and fruitfulness.
1. Who is this letter from?
vv5-6 “the truth, the gospel, which… is bearing fruit”
v1 “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God”
2. Who is this letter for?
v2 “To the saints and faithful brothers”
v2 “Grace to you and peace from God our Father”
v2 “in Christ at Colossae”
Prayer of Confession
Our Father, forgive us. We have squandered the grace and peace you have granted to us. We have not lived holy lives. Forgive every corrupt thought, word or action. Forgive us for how we have not honored you or our neighbors. We thank you for eternal life that is ours in Christ, for the forgiveness of all that is past, and our hope for all that is ahead. Sanctify us by your grace. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
As we enter the book of Colossians, what do you hope you can gain from the book? How might time in this particular book help you grow?
What power does the Gospel message have? How is it that the “good news” about Jesus can be transformative? Can you think of any examples of the gospel “bearing fruit”?
What can you infer about Colossians from Paul identifying himself as a messenger of Christ? Are these simply his thoughts? How can you learn from Christ as you read the book?
What practices could enhance what you get from a sermon? What things can you do prior to church? What can you do during the sermon? What might you do after the sermon?
How do your own attitudes and expectations shape how you engage reading the Bible? What changes if the reader understands themselves to be a saint, set apart and part of the family of God?
What does the greeting “grace and peace from God our Father” convey?
What does it mean to be “in Christ”? How are Christians “in Christ” while also being in a particular physical location? What are some implications of being “in Christ” wherever you are?
How can you experience eternal life today? How is the gospel enough for today’s needs, and how can you be more present, with God, in each moment?
Are there ways you are stuck in the past? How can the gospel free you?
Are you anxious about the future? How does Christ provide strength for today? How can you live wisely in the moment without be overwhelmed with trying to control the future?