Reconciling All Things
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Tim Chang
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ
Colossians 1:15-23 (ESV)
15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
21 And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, 22 he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Sermon Outline
Why we need reconciliation (v.21)
How Jesus reconciles (v. 20-22)
What this means for how we live now (v. 23)
Prayer of Confession
Gracious God, you created the universe for wholeness and flourishing. Harmony and peace were meant to be ordinary elements of day to day life. But we have brought ruin and created distance from others, ourselves, and you. Forgive us for our evil deeds, both seen and unseen. Forgive us for our hostile thoughts. In your mercy and kindness, you did not start all over again, but you sent your Son, Jesus, to reconcile all things to himself. We do not deserve this gift of reconciliation. Help us to remain in Jesus and be firmly secured in the hope of the gospel. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What connected with you from the sermon or the passage?
The brokenness of the world reveals that there is distance from others, ourselves, and from God. Where do you feel this distance in your own life?
Sometimes, even the slightest doubt or suspicion can take away intimacy and contribute to more distance. How have you seen this to be true?
God is the one that initiated reconciliation. Why is this significant?
Jesus “presents us holy, blameless, and above reproach.” Reflect and mediate on this truth. How might this be an encouragement to your soul?
The gospel is meant to be our foundation for all of life. Describe how we might treat it as one option among many.
What might continuing in the faith look like for you in this season?
What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?