WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.520 Colossians chapter 2. 00:00:04.520 --> 00:00:06.480 We look again at verse 6. 00:00:06.799 --> 00:00:13.019 We're going to look at an overview of what we read from verse 6 to the end of the chapter. 00:00:13.019 --> 00:00:14.719 Just read again at verse 6. 00:00:15.399 --> 00:00:22.379 Therefore as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him, 00:00:22.820 --> 00:00:28.560 and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. 00:00:30.859 --> 00:00:35.500 As Paul is writing to the church at Colossae, he's writing to a church, 00:00:35.579 --> 00:00:38.200 as is often the case when you're reading Paul's letters, 00:00:38.200 --> 00:00:42.700 a church that is young in the faith and with many different challenges. 00:00:43.020 --> 00:00:44.220 All around them. 00:00:45.560 --> 00:00:48.640 There's a phrase that's used that you maybe hear. 00:00:49.460 --> 00:00:54.920 They stand out in a crowd or they wouldn't get lost in a crowd. 00:00:55.400 --> 00:00:56.140 What does it mean? 00:00:57.060 --> 00:01:01.520 Well it usually applies to someone maybe of a certain appearance. 00:01:01.880 --> 00:01:02.940 It might be their height. 00:01:02.940 --> 00:01:07.760 That means that they wouldn't get lost in a crowd or you would notice them in a crowd. 00:01:08.580 --> 00:01:11.600 Or it may be something to do with how they dress. 00:01:11.599 --> 00:01:15.000 That they're dressed differently to everybody else. 00:01:15.079 --> 00:01:18.000 Therefore they wouldn't get lost in that crowd. 00:01:19.119 --> 00:01:23.799 And in a sense, Paul as he's writing to the church at Colossae and other churches, 00:01:25.099 --> 00:01:27.359 and it was a read of in the New Testament here, 00:01:28.019 --> 00:01:31.979 he's writing to encourage the believers to be different. 00:01:31.980 --> 00:01:36.240 To be different in the midst of the crowd that they're in. 00:01:36.740 --> 00:01:38.760 To stand out in the crowd. 00:01:38.859 --> 00:01:42.079 To have something different about them. 00:01:42.760 --> 00:01:45.579 And he's highlighted that already in this letter. 00:01:46.140 --> 00:01:48.780 In verse 27 of chapter 1 he says, 00:01:48.780 --> 00:02:01.439 So he's already making it clear there to the Christians, 00:02:01.859 --> 00:02:06.840 there's something about you that is different to everybody else around you who doesn't have Christ. 00:02:07.480 --> 00:02:09.240 You have Christ in you. 00:02:09.719 --> 00:02:10.840 The hope of glory. 00:02:11.759 --> 00:02:16.659 And so as he's going on from there, he's explaining how this impacts their life. 00:02:16.659 --> 00:02:21.579 In chapter 2, verse 5, he says there, 00:02:21.979 --> 00:02:36.780 So again, he's just outlining there that there's something about these believers 00:02:36.780 --> 00:02:41.939 that is showing that they are different to the rest of the people around them who have not Christ. 00:02:42.419 --> 00:02:47.259 They are standing in the firmness of their faith in Christ. 00:02:48.699 --> 00:02:50.780 And this would not be something easy to do. 00:02:51.199 --> 00:02:53.500 Just as it isn't easy in our own day at times. 00:02:53.560 --> 00:02:56.479 It's not easy to stand up on the side of Christ. 00:02:56.599 --> 00:03:02.479 And to stand up for Christ in our society and among the people around us. 00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:08.739 But Paul is writing to encourage them to be different to everybody else around them. 00:03:09.399 --> 00:03:14.019 And many ways as we go through chapter 2, verse 6 down to the end, 00:03:14.539 --> 00:03:17.419 he's showing us ways that they are to be different. 00:03:18.459 --> 00:03:20.419 And it's a little like maybe you've played the game, 00:03:20.919 --> 00:03:22.079 Spot the Difference. 00:03:22.339 --> 00:03:28.620 When you have two pictures in front of you and there's maybe ten different things in one picture to the other. 00:03:28.620 --> 00:03:30.280 And you have to find the difference. 00:03:30.340 --> 00:03:31.819 You have to spot the difference. 00:03:32.560 --> 00:03:33.539 And some can be very easy. 00:03:33.620 --> 00:03:34.620 They stand out immediately. 00:03:35.319 --> 00:03:39.500 But others you have to really study hard to see where is the difference. 00:03:40.500 --> 00:03:43.900 Well, in Colossus, the Christians were to be different. 00:03:44.080 --> 00:03:45.620 And some of these differences you could spot. 00:03:46.980 --> 00:03:48.560 And others were maybe more difficult. 00:03:49.620 --> 00:03:54.000 And the same is true for ourselves as Christians in the world. 00:03:54.140 --> 00:03:57.340 Is it obvious to others that we're Christians? 00:03:57.340 --> 00:03:59.960 Would they be able to look at us and see, 00:04:00.659 --> 00:04:02.700 There's the difference in that person. 00:04:03.539 --> 00:04:04.759 There's where they're different to me. 00:04:04.840 --> 00:04:06.420 Because this is what they believe. 00:04:06.539 --> 00:04:07.580 This is who they trust. 00:04:07.680 --> 00:04:08.560 This is how they live. 00:04:09.379 --> 00:04:12.219 Is it easy to spot the difference? 00:04:13.379 --> 00:04:15.800 Well, Paul highlights in these verses, 00:04:15.960 --> 00:04:17.259 Verse 6 down to the end, 00:04:17.800 --> 00:04:19.500 Five differences. 00:04:20.300 --> 00:04:21.120 Five differences. 00:04:21.120 --> 00:04:23.019 This is how the believers had called us. 00:04:23.120 --> 00:04:25.360 Who were to be different to others around them. 00:04:25.540 --> 00:04:29.340 Who didn't believe in Christ with all their hearts. 00:04:30.240 --> 00:04:33.040 And the first thing we see is in verse 6 to 8. 00:04:33.959 --> 00:04:37.899 And here the difference is whose teaching we are under. 00:04:38.379 --> 00:04:39.780 In verse 6 to 8. 00:04:39.779 --> 00:04:41.559 So he's saying to them there, 00:04:41.619 --> 00:04:42.899 You have received Christ. 00:04:43.579 --> 00:04:46.039 Now walk in him, rooted and built up in him, 00:04:46.119 --> 00:04:48.619 Established in the faith, just as you were taught, 00:04:49.159 --> 00:04:50.479 Abounding in thanksgiving. 00:04:51.059 --> 00:04:53.399 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy, 00:04:54.059 --> 00:04:56.819 An empty deceit, according to human tradition, 00:04:57.000 --> 00:04:59.879 According to elemental spirits of the world, 00:05:00.299 --> 00:05:02.899 And not according to Christ. 00:05:02.899 --> 00:05:06.799 And so there's this idea here, 00:05:06.879 --> 00:05:10.879 That the foundation of their faith is the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:05:11.179 --> 00:05:16.459 But all around them are those who seek to lead them astray. 00:05:16.560 --> 00:05:20.139 To take them captive, as it says there in verse 6. 00:05:20.539 --> 00:05:24.799 To take them away from the faith that they have in Jesus Christ. 00:05:25.500 --> 00:05:28.139 And Paul is saying this is where you are to be different. 00:05:28.979 --> 00:05:32.399 That you are rooted in Christ Jesus. 00:05:32.399 --> 00:05:35.560 Built up in him, established in the faith. 00:05:35.639 --> 00:05:37.120 This is your foundation. 00:05:37.839 --> 00:05:40.000 This is where your strength is. 00:05:40.679 --> 00:05:44.000 That you have Christ in you, the hope of glory. 00:05:45.060 --> 00:05:47.000 And so don't get pulled away. 00:05:47.539 --> 00:05:49.819 Don't just get pulled back into the crowd 00:05:49.819 --> 00:05:53.000 Who are believing in all these different philosophies. 00:05:53.120 --> 00:05:57.599 Empties, deceits, human traditions, as he's calling them there as well. 00:05:58.099 --> 00:06:00.539 Elemental spirits of the world. 00:06:00.540 --> 00:06:03.600 And there's so many things he lists off. 00:06:03.879 --> 00:06:08.520 There's so many things going on in Paul's day there that still go on in our day as well. 00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:13.420 We're trying to be, people are trying to pull the Christian away back into the world. 00:06:13.939 --> 00:06:15.060 But Paul's saying no. 00:06:15.580 --> 00:06:16.879 Stand out from the crowd. 00:06:17.080 --> 00:06:18.040 Dare to be different. 00:06:18.920 --> 00:06:22.060 Bear to have that faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:06:22.520 --> 00:06:25.379 Established and rooted in him. 00:06:25.379 --> 00:06:31.379 And so he's telling them here, you stay firm in the midst of all of these challenges. 00:06:32.219 --> 00:06:33.839 Don't change anything. 00:06:34.300 --> 00:06:37.980 But remain firm and rooted in Christ. 00:06:37.980 --> 00:06:40.939 But what do we see in the world? 00:06:43.319 --> 00:06:44.560 In which we live. 00:06:45.200 --> 00:06:49.840 We see people constantly wanting to change the Christian faith. 00:06:50.720 --> 00:06:52.700 And you hear it more and more. 00:06:52.759 --> 00:06:54.600 You see it more publicly as well. 00:06:54.600 --> 00:06:59.720 A couple of years ago, there was a program on television. 00:06:59.960 --> 00:07:02.400 Piers Morgan was on it. 00:07:02.879 --> 00:07:04.780 And he was speaking about the Bible. 00:07:05.620 --> 00:07:08.140 And he was speaking to Christians about the Bible. 00:07:09.280 --> 00:07:13.080 And the Christians were saying how they believed in the word of God. 00:07:13.079 --> 00:07:18.199 But Piers Morgan was saying, but surely the word of God needs updating. 00:07:19.039 --> 00:07:24.899 Surely now in the 20th century, 21st century, we need to update the word of God. 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:26.639 So it makes sense to people today. 00:07:27.019 --> 00:07:29.419 To bring everybody under its banner. 00:07:29.539 --> 00:07:31.240 To give everybody their rights. 00:07:31.879 --> 00:07:35.459 And he was talking about it in the midst of all these different issues. 00:07:35.599 --> 00:07:37.860 Whether it was gay and transgender issues. 00:07:38.060 --> 00:07:39.639 That they have to be brought in. 00:07:39.639 --> 00:07:43.680 And the Bible needs to be updated to accommodate them and their rights. 00:07:44.659 --> 00:07:45.779 He was saying it's flawed. 00:07:46.719 --> 00:07:48.459 But the Christians were adamant saying, no. 00:07:49.060 --> 00:07:51.139 The word of God cannot be changed. 00:07:51.240 --> 00:07:53.219 It's God's law to us. 00:07:53.339 --> 00:07:55.399 It's the teaching that we are under. 00:07:55.500 --> 00:07:57.599 We don't change it to suit ourselves. 00:07:58.740 --> 00:08:02.159 We don't change it because our views we want to change. 00:08:02.519 --> 00:08:05.000 We have to find ourselves under what God is saying. 00:08:05.839 --> 00:08:08.360 Taking his teaching seriously. 00:08:08.360 --> 00:08:11.360 And listening to what the word of God is saying. 00:08:12.580 --> 00:08:18.980 And so there we see the first difference is to stand out in the crowd in terms of the teaching that we are under. 00:08:19.060 --> 00:08:22.160 We are under the authority of the word of God. 00:08:22.240 --> 00:08:25.780 The teaching of the word of God. 00:08:27.080 --> 00:08:28.680 And then the second thing as we go on. 00:08:28.740 --> 00:08:30.819 We see in verse 9 to 12. 00:08:30.920 --> 00:08:34.259 We see that sense of whose authority we're under. 00:08:35.420 --> 00:08:36.879 Whose authority we're under. 00:08:36.879 --> 00:08:40.799 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily. 00:08:41.179 --> 00:08:46.580 And you have been filled in him who is the head of all rule and authority. 00:08:46.580 --> 00:08:47.240 In him. 00:08:47.779 --> 00:08:52.820 You see how often the word in him, in him, in him is used there. 00:08:53.360 --> 00:08:56.820 And he is the one who has all rule and authority. 00:08:56.820 --> 00:08:59.940 So whose authority are we under? 00:09:00.580 --> 00:09:02.400 Who is it that we're going to listen to here? 00:09:03.780 --> 00:09:07.500 Recognition by others is something that's often a temptation. 00:09:08.440 --> 00:09:12.800 A temptation just to do something that's going to please others. 00:09:12.799 --> 00:09:16.039 But everything we do is to please Christ. 00:09:17.179 --> 00:09:20.659 And so it's his authority that we're under. 00:09:21.559 --> 00:09:24.899 And you think of Daniel in the Old Testament. 00:09:25.919 --> 00:09:28.759 Who wouldn't change whose authority he was under. 00:09:28.839 --> 00:09:30.679 No matter what they threatened him with. 00:09:31.099 --> 00:09:34.779 He was always going to be obedient to God as his Lord. 00:09:34.779 --> 00:09:38.539 And nothing they could do or say was going to take that from him. 00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:40.799 But do we have that strength? 00:09:41.079 --> 00:09:43.159 Do the church at Colossae have that strength? 00:09:43.279 --> 00:09:45.879 To remain under the authority of him. 00:09:46.079 --> 00:09:49.339 Who is the head of all rule and authority. 00:09:49.340 --> 00:09:52.620 And so there's the challenge for them. 00:09:53.680 --> 00:09:57.680 It's about a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:09:58.940 --> 00:10:03.200 And you see here he talks about it in the way of circumcision as well. 00:10:04.160 --> 00:10:07.840 Being circumcised, made by hands. 00:10:07.980 --> 00:10:10.399 It's talking about here he talks about not made by hands. 00:10:10.500 --> 00:10:12.320 We're looking at something different. 00:10:12.480 --> 00:10:14.080 Dare to be different here. 00:10:14.700 --> 00:10:17.100 And many religions have their add-ons. 00:10:17.100 --> 00:10:23.920 And this was something that the false teachers were seeking to keep added in to their faith. 00:10:24.000 --> 00:10:25.899 You still need to be circumcised. 00:10:26.560 --> 00:10:29.700 And they're saying we're still under the authority of the old ways. 00:10:30.680 --> 00:10:33.139 But they're starting to say no, we're under the authority of Christ. 00:10:33.279 --> 00:10:34.620 All that has changed. 00:10:35.620 --> 00:10:37.480 He circumcised the heart. 00:10:38.159 --> 00:10:40.340 He lays us bare before God in our heart. 00:10:40.740 --> 00:10:43.720 Not what we do physically, but what we are within. 00:10:43.720 --> 00:10:46.519 And we are complete in him. 00:10:47.100 --> 00:10:50.720 And he has authority over all things. 00:10:51.800 --> 00:10:53.320 In verse 12 he makes that clear. 00:10:53.420 --> 00:10:59.000 Having been buried with him in baptism in which you were also raised with him through faith. 00:10:59.460 --> 00:11:03.019 In the powerful working of God who raised him from the dead. 00:11:04.259 --> 00:11:06.379 So there's all authority here. 00:11:07.300 --> 00:11:09.659 From birth to death to eternity. 00:11:10.240 --> 00:11:11.980 In him is the way. 00:11:12.840 --> 00:11:14.639 In the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:11:14.639 --> 00:11:18.340 It's Christ authority that we're under. 00:11:18.340 --> 00:11:23.600 And are we submitting ourselves to that authority? 00:11:24.860 --> 00:11:29.159 Or do we seek to kind of add things to our own faith? 00:11:29.539 --> 00:11:30.759 Many places do. 00:11:30.860 --> 00:11:35.939 But we are to remain firm and rooted in the faith in Christ Jesus. 00:11:35.940 --> 00:11:39.240 Who has all rule and authority. 00:11:39.560 --> 00:11:41.480 Trusting in him. 00:11:42.480 --> 00:11:47.720 The greatest honour we can have is to be known as the children of God. 00:11:48.560 --> 00:11:49.500 And that is what we are. 00:11:49.840 --> 00:11:52.020 Through faith in him. 00:11:53.160 --> 00:11:54.640 So we're under his authority. 00:11:54.760 --> 00:11:55.660 To be different. 00:11:56.060 --> 00:11:59.000 To stand out as being under his authority. 00:11:59.000 --> 00:12:03.419 The third difference we see here in verse 13 to 15. 00:12:04.600 --> 00:12:07.039 Whose grace are we under? 00:12:08.159 --> 00:12:11.559 And this is maybe the most easy of the spot. 00:12:11.679 --> 00:12:13.480 The difference that we have here. 00:12:14.200 --> 00:12:15.340 In verse 13. 00:12:15.419 --> 00:12:18.240 And you who were dead in your trespasses. 00:12:18.240 --> 00:12:21.139 Dead in your trespasses. 00:12:21.600 --> 00:12:23.460 And the uncircumcision of your flesh. 00:12:23.700 --> 00:12:25.779 God made alive together with him. 00:12:25.879 --> 00:12:28.399 Having forgiven us all our trespasses. 00:12:28.980 --> 00:12:31.240 So similar to what he writes to the Ephesians. 00:12:32.360 --> 00:12:34.180 For you were dead in your trespasses and sins. 00:12:34.240 --> 00:12:36.180 But you were made alive together with Christ. 00:12:36.620 --> 00:12:38.419 By grace you have been saved. 00:12:38.919 --> 00:12:39.600 Very similar. 00:12:39.700 --> 00:12:41.379 He's talking about the same thing here. 00:12:41.759 --> 00:12:44.440 Whose grace are we coming under? 00:12:44.440 --> 00:12:48.520 We see here that it is in Christ Jesus. 00:12:48.860 --> 00:12:50.380 That we are made alive. 00:12:51.280 --> 00:12:54.120 And he has done this as it goes on to say in verse 14. 00:12:54.300 --> 00:12:56.080 By cancelling the record of debt. 00:12:56.300 --> 00:12:58.940 That stood against us with its legal demands. 00:12:59.460 --> 00:13:00.480 This he set aside. 00:13:00.800 --> 00:13:02.500 Nailing it to the cross. 00:13:03.520 --> 00:13:05.420 He disarmed the rulers and authorities. 00:13:05.580 --> 00:13:07.400 And put them to open shame. 00:13:07.520 --> 00:13:10.540 By triumphing over them in him. 00:13:11.640 --> 00:13:13.540 So again we're looking to Christ. 00:13:13.539 --> 00:13:15.299 We're looking to the cross. 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:17.740 That is the way of salvation. 00:13:18.379 --> 00:13:20.219 The way of salvation for so many others. 00:13:20.319 --> 00:13:22.039 We're looking for many different ways. 00:13:22.639 --> 00:13:23.839 Many different gods. 00:13:24.459 --> 00:13:28.000 Many different ideas of how we're going to be saved. 00:13:29.019 --> 00:13:31.480 But here we see it's by grace. 00:13:31.939 --> 00:13:32.839 And grace alone. 00:13:33.360 --> 00:13:34.399 That we are saved. 00:13:35.279 --> 00:13:36.779 And that's the difference. 00:13:37.399 --> 00:13:39.360 You notice at the end of verse 15. 00:13:39.360 --> 00:13:42.860 By triumphing over them in him. 00:13:43.200 --> 00:13:44.519 In the ESV Bible. 00:13:44.639 --> 00:13:46.440 It's got a little note beside it there. 00:13:46.500 --> 00:13:47.180 Number four. 00:13:47.899 --> 00:13:49.899 Which is to say or in it. 00:13:50.360 --> 00:13:52.180 Which is the cross. 00:13:53.000 --> 00:13:54.100 So it's in him. 00:13:54.539 --> 00:13:55.600 Or in it. 00:13:55.940 --> 00:13:57.000 But they mean the same thing. 00:13:57.060 --> 00:13:59.960 It's always pointing to him on the cross. 00:14:00.639 --> 00:14:02.300 That that is the way of salvation. 00:14:02.300 --> 00:14:03.159 By grace. 00:14:03.560 --> 00:14:05.620 In the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:14:05.620 --> 00:14:05.980 Christ. 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:08.820 And so we have that hope. 00:14:09.279 --> 00:14:11.440 Of glory through Christ Jesus. 00:14:11.440 --> 00:14:14.560 Who has gone to the cross for us. 00:14:15.720 --> 00:14:16.580 Then we move on. 00:14:16.679 --> 00:14:19.120 We see verse 18 and 19. 00:14:20.299 --> 00:14:21.740 And here it's speaking about. 00:14:21.940 --> 00:14:23.100 Kind of the predictions. 00:14:23.899 --> 00:14:24.799 That we're under. 00:14:24.940 --> 00:14:26.779 They're looking to the future. 00:14:27.440 --> 00:14:28.560 And how we can discern. 00:14:29.000 --> 00:14:30.480 What lies ahead of us. 00:14:30.480 --> 00:14:32.420 In verse 18. 00:14:32.420 --> 00:14:33.100 Let no one. 00:14:33.779 --> 00:14:34.460 Disqualify you. 00:14:34.659 --> 00:14:35.960 Insisting on asceticism. 00:14:36.060 --> 00:14:37.100 And worship of angels. 00:14:37.460 --> 00:14:38.659 Going on in detail. 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:39.539 About visions. 00:14:39.759 --> 00:14:40.320 Puffed up. 00:14:40.440 --> 00:14:41.659 Without reason. 00:14:41.800 --> 00:14:43.279 By his sensuous mind. 00:14:43.899 --> 00:14:45.019 And not holding fast. 00:14:45.120 --> 00:14:45.759 To the head. 00:14:46.180 --> 00:14:47.420 From whom the whole body. 00:14:47.560 --> 00:14:48.779 Nourished and knit together. 00:14:49.000 --> 00:14:50.440 Through its joints and ligaments. 00:14:51.220 --> 00:14:52.680 Grows with a growth. 00:14:52.800 --> 00:14:53.820 That is from God. 00:14:54.860 --> 00:14:55.480 So again. 00:14:55.620 --> 00:14:55.920 It's. 00:14:56.180 --> 00:14:57.039 How are we looking. 00:14:57.500 --> 00:14:58.899 Ahead to the future. 00:14:59.039 --> 00:14:59.860 Whose predictions. 00:14:59.860 --> 00:15:01.659 Are we coming under. 00:15:02.680 --> 00:15:03.460 And the people. 00:15:03.639 --> 00:15:04.300 In Colossae. 00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:05.460 As they had in the past. 00:15:05.539 --> 00:15:05.800 Are being. 00:15:06.320 --> 00:15:07.060 Tempted away. 00:15:07.159 --> 00:15:07.539 To go and. 00:15:07.919 --> 00:15:08.600 Look at all these. 00:15:08.759 --> 00:15:09.919 Different ways. 00:15:11.500 --> 00:15:12.220 Insisting on. 00:15:12.440 --> 00:15:13.440 Worship of angels. 00:15:14.300 --> 00:15:14.820 Visions. 00:15:16.139 --> 00:15:17.220 Sensuous mind. 00:15:17.800 --> 00:15:19.100 It's all these ideas. 00:15:19.100 --> 00:15:20.539 That come to people. 00:15:21.200 --> 00:15:22.399 That this is what we need. 00:15:22.399 --> 00:15:23.379 To guide us. 00:15:23.820 --> 00:15:24.740 In the way forward. 00:15:24.879 --> 00:15:25.019 Where. 00:15:25.500 --> 00:15:25.879 No. 00:15:26.560 --> 00:15:27.440 Our growth. 00:15:27.680 --> 00:15:28.860 Is from God. 00:15:28.860 --> 00:15:29.360 God. 00:15:29.360 --> 00:15:30.220 And we are under. 00:15:30.600 --> 00:15:31.200 His. 00:15:31.680 --> 00:15:32.120 Predictions. 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:34.320 How many people. 00:15:34.820 --> 00:15:35.500 In our world. 00:15:35.600 --> 00:15:35.919 Today. 00:15:36.560 --> 00:15:36.680 Their. 00:15:36.820 --> 00:15:37.960 Their daily reading. 00:15:38.519 --> 00:15:39.399 Is the horoscope. 00:15:40.120 --> 00:15:41.000 What's the horoscope. 00:15:41.139 --> 00:15:41.879 Going to say to me. 00:15:41.960 --> 00:15:42.659 For this day. 00:15:42.980 --> 00:15:44.000 For this week. 00:15:44.240 --> 00:15:45.480 Or for this year. 00:15:46.240 --> 00:15:47.720 They're looking to the stars. 00:15:47.919 --> 00:15:48.960 They're looking in all kinds. 00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:49.919 Of different places. 00:15:49.919 --> 00:15:50.620 To find. 00:15:51.039 --> 00:15:51.620 A way. 00:15:51.720 --> 00:15:52.300 To the future. 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:53.399 This is their predictions. 00:15:53.600 --> 00:15:54.960 This is what lies ahead of them. 00:15:54.960 --> 00:15:56.860 Well we are to be different. 00:15:57.000 --> 00:15:57.280 And say. 00:15:57.340 --> 00:15:58.860 Well God has told us. 00:15:59.920 --> 00:16:01.120 God has shown us. 00:16:01.500 --> 00:16:02.160 Our future. 00:16:02.240 --> 00:16:02.920 We don't know. 00:16:03.340 --> 00:16:04.980 Everything that's involved in it. 00:16:05.540 --> 00:16:07.019 But we know the security. 00:16:07.780 --> 00:16:09.180 Of what he's saying to us. 00:16:09.280 --> 00:16:09.580 That for. 00:16:10.420 --> 00:16:11.300 To know Christ. 00:16:11.420 --> 00:16:12.019 Is to know that. 00:16:12.420 --> 00:16:13.620 Hope of glory. 00:16:14.580 --> 00:16:16.160 That whatever this world brings us. 00:16:16.240 --> 00:16:17.400 We have that security. 00:16:18.040 --> 00:16:18.680 In him. 00:16:18.679 --> 00:16:21.299 It's interesting. 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:22.419 In terms of. 00:16:23.579 --> 00:16:24.799 What you hear. 00:16:25.259 --> 00:16:26.599 When you go to a funeral. 00:16:27.659 --> 00:16:28.279 And especially. 00:16:28.279 --> 00:16:29.559 When you go to the cemetery. 00:16:30.500 --> 00:16:32.599 And you have different conversations. 00:16:32.599 --> 00:16:33.620 With different people. 00:16:34.519 --> 00:16:36.039 But probably one of the most. 00:16:36.479 --> 00:16:36.959 Recurring. 00:16:37.679 --> 00:16:38.199 Comments. 00:16:38.199 --> 00:16:39.120 That I hear is. 00:16:39.759 --> 00:16:41.039 Well you just don't know. 00:16:41.219 --> 00:16:41.759 What's ahead. 00:16:43.099 --> 00:16:45.099 And you can see the truth. 00:16:45.219 --> 00:16:45.500 In that. 00:16:45.659 --> 00:16:46.519 You never know. 00:16:47.019 --> 00:16:47.539 The moment. 00:16:48.679 --> 00:16:49.699 So we don't know. 00:16:49.799 --> 00:16:50.019 And it's. 00:16:50.279 --> 00:16:51.859 A good thing is often added to that. 00:16:51.919 --> 00:16:53.239 It's a good thing we don't know. 00:16:54.859 --> 00:16:55.839 But then you look at it. 00:16:55.879 --> 00:16:56.819 The other hand as well. 00:16:56.879 --> 00:16:57.599 We are walking. 00:16:58.379 --> 00:16:58.779 Towards. 00:16:59.259 --> 00:16:59.819 A grave. 00:17:01.179 --> 00:17:02.099 And we do know. 00:17:02.299 --> 00:17:03.019 What's ahead of us. 00:17:03.939 --> 00:17:04.919 Because it's there. 00:17:05.079 --> 00:17:05.859 In front of us. 00:17:06.599 --> 00:17:07.639 That there is an end. 00:17:07.940 --> 00:17:08.740 For everyone. 00:17:10.220 --> 00:17:10.960 So yes. 00:17:11.179 --> 00:17:11.839 We don't know. 00:17:11.960 --> 00:17:12.700 What's ahead of us. 00:17:12.740 --> 00:17:13.639 In one sense. 00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:14.700 We don't know. 00:17:14.819 --> 00:17:15.799 What a moment. 00:17:15.919 --> 00:17:16.319 Or a day. 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:16.940 Will bring. 00:17:16.940 --> 00:17:18.880 But on the other hand. 00:17:19.120 --> 00:17:19.559 We know. 00:17:20.059 --> 00:17:20.620 What's ahead. 00:17:20.779 --> 00:17:21.080 Because. 00:17:21.720 --> 00:17:22.580 The word of God. 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:23.400 Tells us. 00:17:23.779 --> 00:17:25.580 And we see it all around us. 00:17:25.960 --> 00:17:26.660 Every day. 00:17:27.660 --> 00:17:28.200 We are all. 00:17:28.500 --> 00:17:29.059 Destined. 00:17:29.620 --> 00:17:30.380 For that grave. 00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:31.360 Unless the Lord. 00:17:32.120 --> 00:17:32.799 Returns. 00:17:33.080 --> 00:17:33.500 That is. 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:35.500 The prediction of God. 00:17:35.600 --> 00:17:36.960 That's what he is telling us. 00:17:37.340 --> 00:17:38.519 And there is no way. 00:17:38.900 --> 00:17:40.740 To avoid any of these issues. 00:17:41.519 --> 00:17:42.600 The matter of life. 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:43.140 And death. 00:17:43.220 --> 00:17:44.360 They belong to God. 00:17:44.359 --> 00:17:47.099 And so these are the predictions. 00:17:47.099 --> 00:17:47.919 And the promises. 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:49.599 That the word of God. 00:17:49.599 --> 00:17:50.219 Tells us. 00:17:50.279 --> 00:17:50.859 The people here. 00:17:50.919 --> 00:17:51.379 You could see. 00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:53.459 They could look into their visions. 00:17:53.659 --> 00:17:54.799 And their worship of angels. 00:17:54.919 --> 00:17:56.059 And all of these things. 00:17:56.819 --> 00:17:57.819 Their minds. 00:17:57.919 --> 00:17:58.740 Trying to discern. 00:17:59.119 --> 00:17:59.979 What lay ahead of them. 00:18:00.019 --> 00:18:00.639 In the future. 00:18:01.639 --> 00:18:03.500 But it was all about God's predictions. 00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:05.359 And the will. 00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:06.439 Of God. 00:18:06.539 --> 00:18:07.219 And seeking. 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:08.539 That will. 00:18:09.919 --> 00:18:11.139 So whose predictions. 00:18:11.140 --> 00:18:12.720 We are to be different. 00:18:12.820 --> 00:18:13.920 By reminding ourselves. 00:18:13.920 --> 00:18:14.540 And others. 00:18:15.020 --> 00:18:16.700 That we are under God's word. 00:18:16.780 --> 00:18:18.120 That tells us exactly. 00:18:18.400 --> 00:18:19.240 What we have. 00:18:21.040 --> 00:18:22.320 That we have life. 00:18:23.080 --> 00:18:23.900 And death. 00:18:24.660 --> 00:18:25.740 And eternity. 00:18:26.960 --> 00:18:27.759 These are the. 00:18:28.140 --> 00:18:28.660 Guaranteed. 00:18:28.800 --> 00:18:29.220 For us. 00:18:29.960 --> 00:18:31.160 We don't know the times. 00:18:31.840 --> 00:18:32.920 Or the moment. 00:18:33.980 --> 00:18:34.880 But we know the truth. 00:18:34.920 --> 00:18:35.800 Of the word of God. 00:18:35.880 --> 00:18:36.680 That tells us. 00:18:37.520 --> 00:18:38.160 And the only way. 00:18:38.220 --> 00:18:39.360 To be secure in that. 00:18:39.359 --> 00:18:41.079 Is to be faith. 00:18:41.199 --> 00:18:41.879 To have faith. 00:18:42.379 --> 00:18:44.000 In the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:18:44.099 --> 00:18:44.579 To dare. 00:18:45.079 --> 00:18:45.839 To be different. 00:18:46.439 --> 00:18:47.359 And to remind others. 00:18:47.979 --> 00:18:48.479 Christ. 00:18:49.059 --> 00:18:49.899 Is what we need. 00:18:50.219 --> 00:18:51.339 For these things. 00:18:52.659 --> 00:18:53.839 The final thing. 00:18:53.939 --> 00:18:54.699 We see here. 00:18:54.779 --> 00:18:55.659 Is in verse 16. 00:18:55.699 --> 00:18:56.279 And 17. 00:18:56.399 --> 00:18:56.779 And there's. 00:18:57.119 --> 00:18:58.500 Also verse 20. 00:18:59.079 --> 00:18:59.959 To 23. 00:19:00.159 --> 00:19:00.899 And we see here. 00:19:01.039 --> 00:19:02.959 It's all about rules. 00:19:04.279 --> 00:19:05.319 In verse 16. 00:19:05.639 --> 00:19:06.579 To 17. 00:19:06.579 --> 00:19:07.819 You have these rules. 00:19:07.819 --> 00:19:09.019 Of questions. 00:19:09.019 --> 00:19:09.700 Of food. 00:19:09.819 --> 00:19:10.319 And drink. 00:19:10.419 --> 00:19:11.159 Of festivals. 00:19:11.339 --> 00:19:11.819 The new moon. 00:19:11.939 --> 00:19:12.519 Or the Sabbath. 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:14.799 So there's all these. 00:19:15.559 --> 00:19:16.000 Rules. 00:19:16.119 --> 00:19:16.819 That they're coming under. 00:19:16.919 --> 00:19:17.839 How you do this. 00:19:18.539 --> 00:19:19.240 And then you have it. 00:19:19.299 --> 00:19:20.220 In verse 20. 00:19:20.419 --> 00:19:21.359 To 23. 00:19:21.599 --> 00:19:22.159 As well. 00:19:23.879 --> 00:19:25.000 Do not submit. 00:19:25.159 --> 00:19:25.919 To regulations. 00:19:26.259 --> 00:19:27.019 Do not handle. 00:19:27.179 --> 00:19:27.919 Do not taste. 00:19:28.159 --> 00:19:29.059 Do not touch. 00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:30.579 There's all these. 00:19:30.740 --> 00:19:31.159 Rules. 00:19:31.159 --> 00:19:31.720 That people. 00:19:32.339 --> 00:19:32.879 Are trying. 00:19:33.200 --> 00:19:33.799 To bring in. 00:19:33.799 --> 00:19:34.519 And to keep. 00:19:34.759 --> 00:19:35.639 As the forefront. 00:19:35.639 --> 00:19:36.960 Of their mind. 00:19:38.039 --> 00:19:38.579 But what. 00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:40.519 Paul is reminding them. 00:19:40.639 --> 00:19:41.759 Of here as well. 00:19:42.440 --> 00:19:42.859 Is in like. 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:44.379 It says in verse 17. 00:19:44.639 --> 00:19:45.759 These are a shadow. 00:19:46.220 --> 00:19:47.619 Of the things to come. 00:19:48.159 --> 00:19:49.200 But the substance. 00:19:49.440 --> 00:19:50.019 Belongs. 00:19:50.720 --> 00:19:51.379 To Christ. 00:19:52.460 --> 00:19:53.299 Or as he says. 00:19:53.839 --> 00:19:54.720 In verse 23. 00:19:54.859 --> 00:19:55.339 These indeed. 00:19:55.339 --> 00:19:56.119 Have an appearance. 00:19:56.119 --> 00:19:56.859 Of wisdom. 00:19:56.859 --> 00:19:57.519 And promoting. 00:19:57.779 --> 00:19:58.399 Self-made. 00:19:58.819 --> 00:19:59.299 Religion. 00:19:59.460 --> 00:20:00.299 And asceticism. 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:01.519 And severity. 00:20:01.519 --> 00:20:02.240 Of the body. 00:20:02.659 --> 00:20:04.240 But they're of no value. 00:20:04.700 --> 00:20:05.319 In stopping. 00:20:05.480 --> 00:20:06.980 The indulgence. 00:20:07.279 --> 00:20:08.259 Of the flesh. 00:20:09.599 --> 00:20:10.599 So in both. 00:20:10.680 --> 00:20:11.419 These situations. 00:20:11.539 --> 00:20:11.819 He's saying. 00:20:11.899 --> 00:20:12.519 There's all these. 00:20:12.659 --> 00:20:13.059 Rules. 00:20:13.859 --> 00:20:14.720 But if that's all. 00:20:14.799 --> 00:20:15.319 You have. 00:20:16.119 --> 00:20:17.379 They're of no use. 00:20:17.539 --> 00:20:17.940 To you. 00:20:20.039 --> 00:20:21.399 Everything belongs. 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:22.779 To Christ. 00:20:23.980 --> 00:20:25.319 And all the rule. 00:20:25.759 --> 00:20:26.859 And all authority. 00:20:27.500 --> 00:20:28.579 And all the predictions. 00:20:28.579 --> 00:20:30.439 All of these things. 00:20:31.079 --> 00:20:32.119 They all belong. 00:20:32.799 --> 00:20:33.439 To Christ. 00:20:34.679 --> 00:20:35.339 And that is. 00:20:35.539 --> 00:20:37.119 What makes us stand out. 00:20:37.599 --> 00:20:38.379 In everything. 00:20:39.339 --> 00:20:40.559 To spot the difference. 00:20:40.679 --> 00:20:41.299 Is to say. 00:20:41.879 --> 00:20:43.059 We are standing. 00:20:43.679 --> 00:20:44.519 In Christ. 00:20:45.819 --> 00:20:46.980 Go back to verse 6. 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:48.299 Therefore as you received. 00:20:48.439 --> 00:20:49.819 Christ Jesus the Lord. 00:20:50.559 --> 00:20:51.819 So walk in him. 00:20:52.299 --> 00:20:52.899 Rooted. 00:20:53.259 --> 00:20:54.419 And built up in him. 00:20:54.480 --> 00:20:55.179 And established. 00:20:55.179 --> 00:20:55.899 In the faith. 00:20:56.099 --> 00:20:57.199 Just as you were taught. 00:20:57.200 --> 00:20:58.400 Abounding. 00:20:58.960 --> 00:20:59.940 In thanksgiving. 00:21:01.240 --> 00:21:01.819 There is. 00:21:02.460 --> 00:21:03.240 The firmness. 00:21:03.380 --> 00:21:04.319 There is the difference. 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:06.360 In all of these things. 00:21:07.299 --> 00:21:08.960 That we have Christ. 00:21:09.799 --> 00:21:11.160 That we are standing fast. 00:21:11.240 --> 00:21:11.720 In him. 00:21:12.240 --> 00:21:13.620 That we are seeking to obey. 00:21:14.000 --> 00:21:14.900 His rule. 00:21:15.340 --> 00:21:16.220 His authority. 00:21:16.779 --> 00:21:17.700 His word. 00:21:18.580 --> 00:21:19.840 And that is what matters. 00:21:20.380 --> 00:21:21.140 For us. 00:21:21.140 --> 00:21:22.740 Christ. 00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:22.820 Christ. 00:21:23.380 --> 00:21:24.259 Is all. 00:21:24.820 --> 00:21:25.160 We need. 00:21:26.700 --> 00:21:27.820 We have him. 00:21:28.320 --> 00:21:29.380 We have the hope. 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:30.720 Of glory. 00:21:31.640 --> 00:21:32.680 And that is what Paul. 00:21:33.080 --> 00:21:34.380 Is reminding the church. 00:21:34.540 --> 00:21:35.020 At Colossae. 00:21:35.080 --> 00:21:35.680 You have. 00:21:36.200 --> 00:21:36.800 Christ. 00:21:37.120 --> 00:21:37.820 In you. 00:21:38.580 --> 00:21:39.240 The hope. 00:21:39.320 --> 00:21:39.920 Of glory. 00:21:40.700 --> 00:21:41.460 That will make you. 00:21:41.740 --> 00:21:42.300 Stand out. 00:21:42.380 --> 00:21:42.980 In a crowd. 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:44.680 That will make people see. 00:21:45.000 --> 00:21:45.800 There is something. 00:21:46.240 --> 00:21:46.640 Different. 00:21:47.240 --> 00:21:47.980 About you. 00:21:48.819 --> 00:21:49.599 And that is the same. 00:21:49.740 --> 00:21:50.420 For ourselves. 00:21:50.420 --> 00:21:50.940 Today. 00:21:51.460 --> 00:21:52.680 We have that same. 00:21:52.680 --> 00:21:53.180 Christ. 00:21:53.279 --> 00:21:53.680 In us. 00:21:54.160 --> 00:21:54.839 The hope. 00:21:55.299 --> 00:21:56.019 Of glory. 00:21:56.839 --> 00:21:57.759 But do we see. 00:21:57.860 --> 00:21:58.539 Ourselves. 00:21:58.900 --> 00:21:59.759 So different. 00:21:59.880 --> 00:22:00.420 To the rest. 00:22:00.539 --> 00:22:01.240 Around us. 00:22:02.099 --> 00:22:03.019 Do we stand out. 00:22:03.079 --> 00:22:03.799 In the crowd. 00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:05.880 In all of these ways. 00:22:06.680 --> 00:22:07.960 That the love of Christ. 00:22:07.960 --> 00:22:08.740 That we have. 00:22:09.360 --> 00:22:10.579 Is what others see. 00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:12.099 Or are we just. 00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:12.700 Blending. 00:22:13.220 --> 00:22:14.180 In with the rest. 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:16.579 May the love of Christ. 00:22:16.579 --> 00:22:17.460 In our hearts. 00:22:17.519 --> 00:22:18.679 And the hope of glory. 00:22:19.179 --> 00:22:19.799 In us. 00:22:19.960 --> 00:22:20.339 Be something. 00:22:20.439 --> 00:22:21.079 That makes us. 00:22:21.359 --> 00:22:22.000 Stand out. 00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:23.460 And to be different. 00:22:23.639 --> 00:22:24.179 And to say. 00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:24.879 We have. 00:22:25.379 --> 00:22:26.259 This Christ. 00:22:27.019 --> 00:22:27.699 We love him. 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:29.480 With all our hearts. 00:22:30.099 --> 00:22:31.179 And we will stand. 00:22:31.759 --> 00:22:32.319 For him. 00:22:33.159 --> 00:22:33.980 Let us pray. 00:22:38.619 --> 00:22:40.419 Lord our gracious God. 00:22:40.539 --> 00:22:42.079 As we read these words. 00:22:42.199 --> 00:22:43.079 And as we think of. 00:22:43.819 --> 00:22:45.159 The days in the church. 00:22:45.160 --> 00:22:45.900 In Colossae. 00:22:45.900 --> 00:22:46.740 When there were so many. 00:22:47.019 --> 00:22:48.180 Challenges around them. 00:22:48.320 --> 00:22:49.279 Challenges abounding. 00:22:49.800 --> 00:22:51.360 In so many different ways. 00:22:51.980 --> 00:22:53.040 And we see the similar. 00:22:53.259 --> 00:22:54.440 Challenges that we face. 00:22:54.700 --> 00:22:55.180 Ourselves. 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:56.340 In our own day and age. 00:22:56.880 --> 00:22:58.060 And see how the world. 00:22:58.060 --> 00:23:00.060 Is always talking about. 00:23:00.200 --> 00:23:01.220 Change for the better. 00:23:02.019 --> 00:23:02.940 Yet we are no better. 00:23:02.940 --> 00:23:03.980 When we drift away. 00:23:04.140 --> 00:23:04.740 From Christ. 00:23:05.440 --> 00:23:06.800 We have made no progress. 00:23:06.940 --> 00:23:08.160 When we go away from him. 00:23:08.800 --> 00:23:09.980 And so we pray Lord. 00:23:10.040 --> 00:23:11.100 That we will be led back. 00:23:11.100 --> 00:23:11.580 To him. 00:23:11.980 --> 00:23:12.860 Even as Paul. 00:23:12.859 --> 00:23:14.240 Sought to lead the people. 00:23:14.359 --> 00:23:15.279 To walk closely. 00:23:15.699 --> 00:23:17.039 With him as their Lord. 00:23:17.179 --> 00:23:18.319 We pray that you will help. 00:23:18.719 --> 00:23:19.959 Us as your people. 00:23:20.059 --> 00:23:21.719 And all of your people. 00:23:21.859 --> 00:23:22.719 Near and far. 00:23:23.359 --> 00:23:25.079 To stand out in the crowd. 00:23:25.159 --> 00:23:25.899 Of this world. 00:23:26.039 --> 00:23:26.859 To stand up. 00:23:27.219 --> 00:23:28.599 On the side of Christ. 00:23:28.719 --> 00:23:29.819 To acknowledge him. 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:31.539 And to seek to walk. 00:23:32.199 --> 00:23:33.279 Closely with him. 00:23:33.399 --> 00:23:33.759 Rooted. 00:23:34.279 --> 00:23:35.519 And built up in him. 00:23:35.599 --> 00:23:36.419 And established. 00:23:36.899 --> 00:23:37.599 In the faith. 00:23:37.639 --> 00:23:38.319 Even just. 00:23:38.719 --> 00:23:39.819 As we have been taught. 00:23:39.819 --> 00:23:40.460 Ourselves. 00:23:40.539 --> 00:23:42.259 Over all of our days. 00:23:42.799 --> 00:23:43.259 So Lord. 00:23:43.319 --> 00:23:43.819 Guide us. 00:23:43.899 --> 00:23:44.279 We pray. 00:23:44.399 --> 00:23:45.379 Continue with us. 00:23:45.759 --> 00:23:46.220 Pardon us. 00:23:46.279 --> 00:23:47.159 In all our sin. 00:23:47.659 --> 00:23:48.460 As all we ask. 00:23:48.519 --> 00:23:49.919 We ask in his precious name. 00:23:50.500 --> 00:23:50.919 Amen.