WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:15.519 Greetings from Colossians chapter 1, beginning at verse 24 and continuing on into chapter 2, up to verse 5. 00:00:16.260 --> 00:00:22.039 And so that starts on page 1182 of the Red Church Bible. 00:00:22.519 --> 00:00:24.199 So Colossians chapter 1. 00:00:24.199 --> 00:00:37.399 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body which is the church. 00:00:38.700 --> 00:00:44.359 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness, 00:00:44.739 --> 00:00:50.920 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord's people. 00:00:50.920 --> 00:00:59.579 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 00:01:01.079 --> 00:01:09.980 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 00:01:11.060 --> 00:01:16.620 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. 00:01:16.620 --> 00:01:25.859 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not met me personally. 00:01:26.780 --> 00:01:34.200 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, 00:01:34.740 --> 00:01:42.640 in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 00:01:42.640 --> 00:01:48.780 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 00:01:50.260 --> 00:01:59.879 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. 00:01:59.879 --> 00:02:07.839 Thank you, Chris. 00:02:07.899 --> 00:02:09.439 Let's pray, if we could, please. 00:02:11.299 --> 00:02:12.799 Father, we thank you for your word. 00:02:13.240 --> 00:02:16.280 We thank you for the truths that are contained within. 00:02:16.280 --> 00:02:30.240 We thank you, Lord, that we have here in front of us the answer to the mysteries, that we have your full treasure trove. 00:02:31.719 --> 00:02:36.819 We ask, Lord, that you would open our eyes, that we would see, open our ears, that we would hear. 00:02:37.879 --> 00:02:41.159 Would the seeds of your truth be sown deeply in our hearts? 00:02:42.360 --> 00:02:43.939 Would Christ be glorified? 00:02:44.939 --> 00:02:45.280 Amen. 00:02:45.280 --> 00:02:45.420 Amen. 00:02:46.280 --> 00:02:50.319 Well, superheroes have taken over Hollywood. 00:02:52.719 --> 00:02:55.020 Superheroes are invading planet Earth. 00:02:57.379 --> 00:02:59.740 Superheroes are smashing box office records. 00:03:01.500 --> 00:03:03.379 What if we could all be a superhero? 00:03:04.680 --> 00:03:06.560 Why can't we all be superheroes? 00:03:06.560 --> 00:03:11.759 These are the headlines from several magazines back in the States a few months ago, 00:03:11.759 --> 00:03:21.359 as Marvel's Avengers Endgame literally broke global box office records, reaching $2.5 billion in revenue in 20 days. 00:03:22.199 --> 00:03:32.180 To put that in perspective, the next closest or the previous record holder was Avatar, which was 72 days to reach the same amount of profit. 00:03:32.180 --> 00:03:44.240 Superhero movies, in fact, over the last 10 to 15 years have gained such a following that even psychologists today have begun to weigh in on what is it that's going on? 00:03:44.240 --> 00:03:49.980 How come superhero films in particular are reaching more than just comic fans? 00:03:49.980 --> 00:03:51.620 How are they reaching people of all ages? 00:03:51.620 --> 00:03:54.600 How are they reaching people from all different walks of life? 00:03:54.599 --> 00:04:00.939 And they're starting to zoom in on some things which are unique but common to all of humanity. 00:04:01.759 --> 00:04:06.120 They say that in superhero movies, we find a person who has a purpose. 00:04:06.120 --> 00:04:09.819 And they're out to fulfill some sort of purpose. 00:04:09.819 --> 00:04:13.420 And they realize at some point that they can't do it alone. 00:04:14.840 --> 00:04:18.079 And so then they introduce a love interest or a partner. 00:04:18.220 --> 00:04:19.660 Batman gets his Robin. 00:04:19.780 --> 00:04:22.720 Or in the case of the Avengers, they get a whole team of superheroes. 00:04:22.959 --> 00:04:29.079 They gather together and then they find this energy that is supernatural to them. 00:04:29.079 --> 00:04:34.180 And that this energy through this community helps them to fulfill their purpose, 00:04:34.300 --> 00:04:37.000 whether it's to overcome evil or save the world. 00:04:37.099 --> 00:04:39.680 Once again, we've been saved so many times by the superheroes. 00:04:39.979 --> 00:04:41.779 We owe them such a debt of gratitude. 00:04:42.399 --> 00:04:45.199 And in the next movie, I bet you they save the world again. 00:04:46.240 --> 00:04:50.639 But they fulfill this purpose through their community and this supernatural energy. 00:04:51.519 --> 00:04:55.079 And psychologists are saying that that is connecting with humans 00:04:55.079 --> 00:04:58.439 because we too have these same desires. 00:04:59.079 --> 00:05:02.399 That we want to have a sense of purpose. 00:05:03.199 --> 00:05:05.959 That we want to belong to a community. 00:05:07.519 --> 00:05:12.560 And that we need the energy to overcome life's obstacles. 00:05:14.759 --> 00:05:18.819 Last week, we looked at Colossians 1, 15-23. 00:05:19.079 --> 00:05:25.620 And we saw that Jesus Christ, Paul says, is the Lord of all creation and new creation. 00:05:25.719 --> 00:05:27.479 And that new creation is the church. 00:05:27.480 --> 00:05:29.460 They are Christians, his people. 00:05:30.300 --> 00:05:35.560 And this week, Paul is going to start to say, because of who Jesus Christ is, that's our main idea, 00:05:35.640 --> 00:05:44.000 because of who Christ is, we can, as new creation, begin to live as we truly long to live. 00:05:45.259 --> 00:05:51.580 Because of who Jesus Christ is, we can begin to live as we truly long to live. 00:05:51.579 --> 00:05:54.399 Specifically, Paul is going to point out to these three things. 00:05:54.399 --> 00:05:58.419 That we have a purpose, the purpose we desire, Paul is going to speak to. 00:05:59.139 --> 00:06:01.339 He is going to speak about the community we crave. 00:06:02.459 --> 00:06:04.279 And then the energy we need. 00:06:05.079 --> 00:06:09.799 The purpose we desire, the community we crave, and the energy we need. 00:06:09.800 --> 00:06:12.560 So first, Paul speaks to the purpose we desire. 00:06:13.920 --> 00:06:19.319 In 2013 article in Psychology Today, they said that the need for purpose, 00:06:19.699 --> 00:06:25.600 the need for purpose is one of the defining characteristics of human beings. 00:06:25.600 --> 00:06:35.480 That human beings desperately desire purpose and suffer serious psychological difficulties when we don't have it. 00:06:35.560 --> 00:06:40.200 That's part of why we connect with superhero movies, because they've got a sense of purpose. 00:06:40.540 --> 00:06:45.120 And to be human means to desire to have some sort of purpose. 00:06:45.120 --> 00:06:50.780 They say when you have a strong sense of purpose, life is less complicated. 00:06:51.579 --> 00:06:52.920 It's less stressful. 00:06:53.800 --> 00:06:55.860 You become monofocused. 00:06:56.060 --> 00:06:57.540 You have a singular focus. 00:06:57.699 --> 00:07:03.500 And like an arrow flying towards its target, you are taught and strong and aimed at an objective. 00:07:06.079 --> 00:07:09.040 But often our purposes in this life, they become muddled. 00:07:09.180 --> 00:07:10.340 They become confused. 00:07:10.339 --> 00:07:17.319 They become disappointing or they are found to be without purpose when we're honest with ourselves. 00:07:19.379 --> 00:07:26.779 So it's no wonder that in a recent survey, the Barna Group found that two-thirds of people who come to church, 00:07:28.159 --> 00:07:32.379 they do so for the first time looking to find a sense of purpose. 00:07:33.620 --> 00:07:35.639 If you're new here today, you're welcome. 00:07:35.799 --> 00:07:36.799 We're glad that you're here. 00:07:37.219 --> 00:07:39.959 Odds are that maybe you're looking for a sense of purpose. 00:07:41.339 --> 00:07:49.119 And that even people who continue within the church, within the faith, we still struggle with what is my purpose. 00:07:50.579 --> 00:07:53.479 It's because we desire to have a purpose in life. 00:07:53.659 --> 00:07:59.559 Paul speaks to this purpose when he says here in Colossians that as new creation, 00:08:00.639 --> 00:08:04.339 the purpose that we so desperately desire that God has put in front of us 00:08:04.339 --> 00:08:08.699 is to be presented fully mature in Christ. 00:08:08.699 --> 00:08:12.120 He says in Colossians 1.28, 00:08:12.120 --> 00:08:14.819 Christ is the one that they proclaim, 00:08:16.199 --> 00:08:18.599 admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, 00:08:19.019 --> 00:08:23.839 so that they may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 00:08:23.839 --> 00:08:34.559 That is our purpose as new creation, to be conformed to the image of Jesus. 00:08:34.939 --> 00:08:43.519 To be as conformed to the image of Jesus as is humanly possible to be presented fully mature in Christ. 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:48.539 In fact, there's several catechisms out there. 00:08:48.620 --> 00:08:52.220 Many will say, what is the chief end or what is the purpose of mankind? 00:08:53.419 --> 00:08:56.179 The answer will be to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. 00:08:56.179 --> 00:09:00.599 And we can ask, well, how is God most glorified? 00:09:00.679 --> 00:09:06.779 And I would argue, God is most glorified in the person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ. 00:09:08.099 --> 00:09:12.819 God is most glorified in the person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ. 00:09:12.939 --> 00:09:16.059 Therefore, the more we are conformed to the image of Christ, 00:09:16.159 --> 00:09:19.179 the more we are fully mature in Christ, 00:09:19.179 --> 00:09:22.739 the more God is glorified in who we are. 00:09:24.139 --> 00:09:27.279 And you say, well, what does that mean to be fully mature in Christ? 00:09:27.399 --> 00:09:28.399 Do I need to look like the picture? 00:09:28.539 --> 00:09:30.659 Do I need to have the long flowing hair? 00:09:30.979 --> 00:09:33.219 Or should my baby have a halo over their head? 00:09:33.259 --> 00:09:35.899 What does that mean to be fully mature in Christ? 00:09:35.959 --> 00:09:37.719 Or to be conformed to the image of Christ? 00:09:38.339 --> 00:09:40.099 Paul speaks to two specific things. 00:09:40.179 --> 00:09:43.039 There's several, but two Paul speaks to here are 00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:46.559 to enjoy God's presence in unashamed purity 00:09:46.559 --> 00:09:49.839 and serve His will and gladness. 00:09:51.359 --> 00:09:51.779 It's interesting. 00:09:52.079 --> 00:09:54.500 Both are purposes which we were originally created for. 00:09:55.519 --> 00:09:58.859 In Genesis 1 and 2, we see Adam and Eve naked and unashamed. 00:09:59.039 --> 00:10:02.659 They're unashamed in God's presence in their purity. 00:10:03.639 --> 00:10:06.000 And we see them working and keeping the garden. 00:10:06.159 --> 00:10:07.779 They're serving the Lord. 00:10:07.779 --> 00:10:10.779 Even before sin, they're serving the Lord. 00:10:12.279 --> 00:10:14.159 Both are fractured by the fall. 00:10:14.159 --> 00:10:17.939 And then both are spoken to by Paul here in Colossians 00:10:17.939 --> 00:10:21.579 as being possible in this life, on this earth, 00:10:21.699 --> 00:10:24.740 and then in their fullness in the world to come. 00:10:25.879 --> 00:10:28.419 So enjoying God's presence in unashamed purity. 00:10:28.879 --> 00:10:30.100 Originally, Adam and Eve do that. 00:10:30.299 --> 00:10:33.779 But then in the fall, we see in Genesis 3, 8-10, 00:10:33.879 --> 00:10:36.500 that man and his wife, they heard the sound of the Lord 00:10:36.500 --> 00:10:37.980 coming in the cool of the day. 00:10:38.059 --> 00:10:40.079 They had sinned, and they heard God coming, 00:10:40.179 --> 00:10:40.919 and so they hit. 00:10:40.919 --> 00:10:44.039 And the Lord calls out to him. 00:10:44.099 --> 00:10:45.039 He says, where are you? 00:10:45.259 --> 00:10:48.459 Adam says, I heard you coming, and I hid. 00:10:50.199 --> 00:10:51.299 I was afraid. 00:10:53.339 --> 00:10:54.879 He had lost his purity. 00:10:56.159 --> 00:10:57.339 He was ashamed. 00:10:59.279 --> 00:11:00.240 He was afraid. 00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:03.879 And Paul says in Colossians 1, 22, 00:11:04.080 --> 00:11:09.440 that God has reconciled us back to Christ's body through death 00:11:09.440 --> 00:11:11.879 to present us wholly in his sight, 00:11:11.960 --> 00:11:14.019 without blemish and free from accusation. 00:11:15.700 --> 00:11:17.220 And then in Revelation 21, 00:11:17.340 --> 00:11:18.960 in the new heaven and the new earth, 00:11:19.060 --> 00:11:21.279 we read that from the throne, 00:11:21.399 --> 00:11:24.680 they say, look, God is dwelling among his people. 00:11:24.840 --> 00:11:26.240 He is with them. 00:11:26.240 --> 00:11:29.340 They are his people, and God himself is with them 00:11:29.340 --> 00:11:30.399 and is their God. 00:11:30.680 --> 00:11:36.200 We return to the state of unashamed and pure in God's presence, 00:11:37.659 --> 00:11:41.100 restored to the way we were supposed to be. 00:11:43.159 --> 00:11:45.159 There's an interesting little book called 00:11:45.159 --> 00:11:46.639 Practicing the Presence of God. 00:11:47.779 --> 00:11:50.340 And in it, the author talks about a man named Brother Lawrence, 00:11:50.340 --> 00:11:52.680 and he says, this guy, as he goes along his day, 00:11:52.860 --> 00:11:54.420 any time, any time, 00:11:55.200 --> 00:11:57.100 he thinks of a sin he's committed, 00:11:57.220 --> 00:11:58.000 he just stops, 00:11:59.200 --> 00:12:01.600 and he just prays and confesses that sin, 00:12:02.680 --> 00:12:05.160 and then he thanks God for his forgiveness in Christ, 00:12:05.920 --> 00:12:07.980 and he goes right back to whatever he was doing. 00:12:09.620 --> 00:12:11.300 Because that's how simple it is for a believer. 00:12:12.399 --> 00:12:14.460 That any time, no matter what you're doing, 00:12:14.560 --> 00:12:16.040 when the enemy accuses you of something, 00:12:16.139 --> 00:12:17.200 you can just stop and go, 00:12:17.720 --> 00:12:19.320 yeah, that was wrong, I shouldn't have done that. 00:12:20.620 --> 00:12:21.560 Please forgive me, Lord, 00:12:21.600 --> 00:12:23.820 and thank you for the forgiveness I have in Christ, 00:12:23.879 --> 00:12:25.399 and continue right about your business 00:12:25.399 --> 00:12:28.540 in unashamed purity in the presence of God. 00:12:30.680 --> 00:12:34.600 Paul also says that we are to serve God's will and gladness. 00:12:34.600 --> 00:12:38.019 That's part of what it means to be fully mature in Christ. 00:12:38.980 --> 00:12:41.160 Again, we see this in original creation. 00:12:41.280 --> 00:12:43.019 As Adam and Eve, they work the garden. 00:12:45.780 --> 00:12:47.240 And then in Genesis 3.17, 00:12:47.240 --> 00:12:50.860 God curses the land because of sin. 00:12:53.799 --> 00:12:55.580 And yet, somehow in the midst of that, 00:12:55.659 --> 00:12:59.180 Paul's able to write in Colossians 1.24-25 00:12:59.180 --> 00:13:03.740 that I rejoice in what I am suffering for you. 00:13:04.500 --> 00:13:07.000 He says, I rejoice in what I am suffering for you. 00:13:07.960 --> 00:13:09.820 Somehow, in gladness, 00:13:09.820 --> 00:13:12.520 he is able to serve God 00:13:12.520 --> 00:13:15.700 despite the fact that he is still in a fallen world. 00:13:17.600 --> 00:13:19.240 And ultimately, in the world to come, 00:13:19.300 --> 00:13:21.100 in Revelation 22.3, 00:13:21.220 --> 00:13:22.100 it still says 00:13:22.100 --> 00:13:24.320 that we will serve God. 00:13:24.379 --> 00:13:24.660 It says, 00:13:24.760 --> 00:13:26.760 no longer will there be any curse. 00:13:28.020 --> 00:13:29.400 The throne of God and the Lamb 00:13:29.400 --> 00:13:30.300 will be in the city, 00:13:30.640 --> 00:13:32.700 and His servants will serve Him. 00:13:34.100 --> 00:13:36.060 We will be fully mature in Christ, 00:13:36.059 --> 00:13:38.239 serving God in gladness. 00:13:39.779 --> 00:13:42.279 So what does it mean to have a purpose? 00:13:42.419 --> 00:13:44.839 It means to be conformed to the image of Christ, 00:13:44.939 --> 00:13:47.099 to be presented fully mature in Christ, 00:13:47.639 --> 00:13:50.039 namely, to enjoy God's presence in unashamed purity, 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:53.019 and to serve His will in gladness. 00:13:53.679 --> 00:13:55.399 This is the purpose we have as Christians. 00:13:55.399 --> 00:13:59.299 And so let me just pause and ask you, 00:13:59.819 --> 00:14:01.879 what is your purpose? 00:14:03.500 --> 00:14:04.879 What is your purpose in life? 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:07.100 Here's the thing about Christianity that I love, 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:10.559 is you don't have to change 00:14:10.559 --> 00:14:13.399 what you're doing or where God has you 00:14:13.399 --> 00:14:15.980 to fulfill that purpose. 00:14:17.500 --> 00:14:19.220 Whatever vocation you're in, 00:14:20.199 --> 00:14:23.519 whatever your Monday through Saturday looks like, 00:14:23.519 --> 00:14:25.360 and Sunday too, if you have to work Sunday, 00:14:25.399 --> 00:14:27.559 wherever God's got you, 00:14:28.340 --> 00:14:30.179 you can still do those things 00:14:30.179 --> 00:14:31.480 and serve this purpose. 00:14:32.840 --> 00:14:36.019 You can be fully matured in Christ 00:14:36.019 --> 00:14:38.059 right where He has you. 00:14:40.539 --> 00:14:41.939 But we do have to ask, 00:14:42.079 --> 00:14:42.840 what is our purpose? 00:14:43.539 --> 00:14:45.699 And oftentimes we have to continually come back to that 00:14:45.699 --> 00:14:46.340 because we drift. 00:14:47.139 --> 00:14:47.639 We drift. 00:14:49.159 --> 00:14:50.860 I know I spent a lot of time this year 00:14:51.100 --> 00:14:52.740 even just reflecting on that myself. 00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:56.960 Sometimes one of the dangers in ministry 00:14:56.960 --> 00:14:59.279 or in anything you do within the church 00:14:59.279 --> 00:15:00.639 or within Christianity 00:15:00.639 --> 00:15:02.600 or even in your workplace 00:15:02.600 --> 00:15:03.759 and you're working 00:15:03.759 --> 00:15:04.940 is you start to think, 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:06.419 I'm doing this for God. 00:15:08.680 --> 00:15:11.399 And we forget about the greatest thing 00:15:11.399 --> 00:15:12.360 that could ever be done, 00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:14.639 which has been done in Jesus Christ. 00:15:14.639 --> 00:15:18.100 When we get tricked into thinking, 00:15:18.240 --> 00:15:19.879 I'm doing something for God 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:20.879 rather than, 00:15:20.939 --> 00:15:21.259 you know what, 00:15:21.279 --> 00:15:22.519 God is most glorified 00:15:22.519 --> 00:15:24.919 in the person and work of Jesus Christ 00:15:24.919 --> 00:15:28.080 and He's called me to be matured in Him, 00:15:28.159 --> 00:15:31.259 to be conformed to His image. 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:34.679 And I want you to notice 00:15:34.679 --> 00:15:36.199 some of the words Paul uses here, 00:15:36.319 --> 00:15:37.960 striving, contending, 00:15:38.679 --> 00:15:40.059 suffering towards this image. 00:15:40.960 --> 00:15:42.740 It's not something that just happens overnight. 00:15:42.740 --> 00:15:43.659 It takes time. 00:15:45.200 --> 00:15:47.759 And I'm not talking about our legal standing. 00:15:47.860 --> 00:15:50.379 I'm not talking about our justification before God. 00:15:50.460 --> 00:15:52.799 I'm talking about our progressive sanctification, 00:15:52.960 --> 00:15:54.700 our maturing in Christ. 00:15:54.820 --> 00:15:55.919 And we naturally know 00:15:55.919 --> 00:15:57.659 it takes time to mature. 00:15:58.820 --> 00:16:00.919 You've probably seen my little one-year-old 00:16:00.919 --> 00:16:02.620 starting to walk around. 00:16:03.500 --> 00:16:04.600 He's just getting going. 00:16:05.820 --> 00:16:06.779 And I find it interesting 00:16:06.779 --> 00:16:08.960 that when he took his first couple steps 00:16:08.960 --> 00:16:10.019 and fell, 00:16:10.919 --> 00:16:12.080 nobody yelled at him. 00:16:13.360 --> 00:16:14.740 We cheered for him 00:16:14.740 --> 00:16:17.019 because he took a couple steps. 00:16:18.360 --> 00:16:19.379 And then even now, 00:16:19.460 --> 00:16:20.700 he'll take 7, 8, 9, 10 00:16:20.700 --> 00:16:21.600 and you see it coming 00:16:21.600 --> 00:16:22.740 and he's leaning and he's leaning 00:16:22.740 --> 00:16:23.180 and you're like, 00:16:23.279 --> 00:16:24.039 oh, Toby, Toby. 00:16:24.200 --> 00:16:25.480 And boom, he falls over. 00:16:25.799 --> 00:16:26.340 And we still, 00:16:26.460 --> 00:16:27.799 ah, good job, Toby. 00:16:28.899 --> 00:16:29.799 All right, if an adult, 00:16:29.940 --> 00:16:31.460 if a 40-year-old came in here 00:16:31.460 --> 00:16:32.720 and took eight steps and fell over, 00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:34.960 we probably wouldn't cheer for that person. 00:16:34.960 --> 00:16:38.920 But for someone who's young and maturing, 00:16:39.080 --> 00:16:39.600 we would. 00:16:40.660 --> 00:16:43.680 And we recognize that it's 8, 9, 10 steps today 00:16:43.680 --> 00:16:46.700 and next week it might be 11, 12 steps. 00:16:46.780 --> 00:16:47.740 It takes time. 00:16:47.740 --> 00:16:51.240 And Cassie and I will hold his hand 00:16:51.240 --> 00:16:52.019 while he's walking 00:16:52.019 --> 00:16:54.620 because we recognize he's maturing. 00:16:55.560 --> 00:16:57.200 He's just getting into this. 00:16:58.580 --> 00:17:00.220 And it's the same in our faith. 00:17:01.500 --> 00:17:03.860 Becoming fully matured in Christ 00:17:03.860 --> 00:17:05.940 takes time 00:17:05.940 --> 00:17:09.980 and also takes a community. 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:11.420 Like I said, Cassie and I 00:17:11.420 --> 00:17:12.900 will hold his hands. 00:17:14.220 --> 00:17:14.900 We don't say, 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:16.240 oh, you've got four steps down. 00:17:16.400 --> 00:17:16.960 You go ahead. 00:17:17.259 --> 00:17:17.860 What do we call it? 00:17:17.980 --> 00:17:18.720 Sidewalk in America. 00:17:18.860 --> 00:17:19.740 You guys call it pavement. 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:20.940 We don't say, 00:17:21.000 --> 00:17:22.640 you just go right along the street there, Toby. 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:23.400 You got this now. 00:17:23.500 --> 00:17:24.559 Four or five steps fell over. 00:17:24.660 --> 00:17:26.299 Ooh, glad he didn't go in the road that time. 00:17:26.339 --> 00:17:27.839 No, we grab his hands 00:17:27.839 --> 00:17:29.440 and we guide him along 00:17:29.440 --> 00:17:30.860 as a family, 00:17:30.960 --> 00:17:31.599 as a community. 00:17:31.860 --> 00:17:33.519 And that's what Paul speaks of next. 00:17:33.519 --> 00:17:35.360 He speaks to the community we crave. 00:17:36.980 --> 00:17:37.420 Notice, 00:17:37.420 --> 00:17:39.400 everything in this passage 00:17:39.400 --> 00:17:40.100 is in the plural. 00:17:41.420 --> 00:17:42.420 Everything so far 00:17:42.420 --> 00:17:43.080 has been in the plural. 00:17:45.279 --> 00:17:47.460 Even the authorship of Colossians 00:17:47.460 --> 00:17:49.240 is in the plural. 00:17:49.720 --> 00:17:51.460 Paul and Timothy 00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:52.500 working together. 00:17:53.720 --> 00:17:55.519 And if you look to the end of Colossians, 00:17:55.580 --> 00:17:56.560 if you look to chapter 4, 00:17:56.640 --> 00:17:58.920 you'll see there's a whole bunch of dudes. 00:17:59.039 --> 00:18:00.640 There's the California right there. 00:18:00.779 --> 00:18:02.000 There's a whole bunch of dudes 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:02.960 at the end. 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:04.080 And they're all working together. 00:18:04.259 --> 00:18:05.560 There's a bunch of people 00:18:05.560 --> 00:18:06.420 in community 00:18:06.420 --> 00:18:07.400 working together. 00:18:07.420 --> 00:18:08.440 And then if you look back 00:18:08.440 --> 00:18:09.580 in Colossians 1-2, 00:18:09.880 --> 00:18:10.840 who's he writing to? 00:18:10.940 --> 00:18:12.580 God's holy people, 00:18:12.800 --> 00:18:13.080 plural, 00:18:13.900 --> 00:18:15.019 the faithful brothers 00:18:15.019 --> 00:18:16.779 and sisters in Christ, 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:17.300 plural. 00:18:18.340 --> 00:18:19.779 So everywhere we're reading 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:20.640 where Paul says, 00:18:21.180 --> 00:18:21.440 you, 00:18:21.740 --> 00:18:23.440 we should interpret that to mean 00:18:23.440 --> 00:18:24.400 as they say in Texas, 00:18:24.600 --> 00:18:24.920 y'all. 00:18:25.580 --> 00:18:26.800 That's who Paul's writing to. 00:18:27.440 --> 00:18:27.960 Y'all. 00:18:28.180 --> 00:18:29.840 I want to see you dudes 00:18:29.840 --> 00:18:30.940 as we say in California. 00:18:31.160 --> 00:18:32.920 Or y'all as they say in Texas. 00:18:33.039 --> 00:18:33.519 We want to see, 00:18:33.620 --> 00:18:35.220 how do you say the plural in Ireland? 00:18:35.220 --> 00:18:35.819 Ye. 00:18:36.819 --> 00:18:37.579 There we go. 00:18:37.640 --> 00:18:39.700 We want to see ye fully matured 00:18:39.700 --> 00:18:40.660 in Christ. 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:41.519 It's plural. 00:18:41.799 --> 00:18:44.059 It's a community of people. 00:18:45.660 --> 00:18:47.059 And it is the community 00:18:47.059 --> 00:18:49.000 that we crave. 00:18:50.680 --> 00:18:52.200 In Colossians 2-2, 00:18:52.299 --> 00:18:52.880 Paul says this, 00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:53.220 he says, 00:18:53.220 --> 00:18:56.460 my goal is that they, 00:18:56.600 --> 00:18:57.700 that's all Christians, 00:18:58.779 --> 00:19:00.400 may be encouraged in heart 00:19:00.400 --> 00:19:01.660 and united in love 00:19:01.660 --> 00:19:04.360 so that they may have 00:19:04.360 --> 00:19:04.980 the full riches 00:19:04.980 --> 00:19:06.160 of complete understanding 00:19:06.160 --> 00:19:07.759 in order that they 00:19:07.759 --> 00:19:09.140 may know the mystery of God, 00:19:09.500 --> 00:19:10.279 namely Christ, 00:19:10.400 --> 00:19:11.180 in whom are hidden 00:19:11.180 --> 00:19:12.339 all the treasures 00:19:12.339 --> 00:19:14.420 of wisdom and knowledge. 00:19:14.539 --> 00:19:16.220 Paul says that they, 00:19:16.400 --> 00:19:17.059 that churches, 00:19:17.259 --> 00:19:18.039 that Christians, 00:19:18.500 --> 00:19:20.579 are to be encouraged in heart 00:19:20.579 --> 00:19:22.319 while being knit together 00:19:22.319 --> 00:19:23.240 in love. 00:19:25.099 --> 00:19:26.240 And you'll notice 00:19:26.240 --> 00:19:27.039 in 1-28, 00:19:27.220 --> 00:19:28.659 he says that this is happening 00:19:28.659 --> 00:19:29.579 as he's teaching 00:19:29.579 --> 00:19:30.720 and admonishing 00:19:30.720 --> 00:19:31.460 in all wisdom. 00:19:31.859 --> 00:19:32.639 That's him 00:19:32.639 --> 00:19:33.819 and the other apostles, 00:19:33.980 --> 00:19:34.899 the leaders in the church. 00:19:35.119 --> 00:19:35.799 And if you look at 00:19:35.799 --> 00:19:36.919 Colossians 3-16, 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:38.359 he calls the church 00:19:38.359 --> 00:19:39.179 in Colossians, 00:19:39.379 --> 00:19:40.139 in Colossae, 00:19:40.480 --> 00:19:41.460 to do the same. 00:19:41.659 --> 00:19:42.779 To teach and admonish 00:19:42.779 --> 00:19:43.500 in all wisdom. 00:19:44.099 --> 00:19:44.740 So he says what, 00:19:44.799 --> 00:19:45.480 what we, 00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:46.119 the apostles, 00:19:46.119 --> 00:19:46.659 are doing 00:19:46.659 --> 00:19:47.639 is the same thing 00:19:47.639 --> 00:19:48.679 that y'all, 00:19:48.680 --> 00:19:49.200 the church, 00:19:49.360 --> 00:19:49.560 ye, 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:50.700 the church should be doing. 00:19:50.820 --> 00:19:51.620 You dudes are supposed 00:19:51.620 --> 00:19:53.259 to do what the apostles do 00:19:53.259 --> 00:19:55.299 because you're in community together. 00:19:55.740 --> 00:19:57.279 That's the community we crave. 00:19:57.640 --> 00:19:58.440 That's the community 00:19:58.440 --> 00:19:59.320 that God has put 00:19:59.320 --> 00:20:00.700 His people into 00:20:00.700 --> 00:20:02.220 as they fulfill 00:20:02.220 --> 00:20:03.460 His purpose in their life, 00:20:03.560 --> 00:20:04.600 which is to be 00:20:04.600 --> 00:20:06.019 matured in Christ. 00:20:07.480 --> 00:20:08.140 And he says 00:20:08.140 --> 00:20:09.039 the way we do this 00:20:09.039 --> 00:20:10.160 is as a community, 00:20:10.600 --> 00:20:12.360 we assure each other 00:20:12.360 --> 00:20:15.060 through our growing 00:20:15.060 --> 00:20:16.400 understanding of the gospel. 00:20:16.400 --> 00:20:19.120 That's Paul's next point 00:20:19.120 --> 00:20:20.280 about the community we crave 00:20:20.280 --> 00:20:21.920 is that we assure each other, 00:20:22.019 --> 00:20:23.320 we build each other up, 00:20:23.580 --> 00:20:25.140 we help fight the doubts 00:20:25.140 --> 00:20:26.280 that come at us 00:20:26.280 --> 00:20:29.780 by helping each other grow 00:20:29.780 --> 00:20:31.280 in our understanding 00:20:31.280 --> 00:20:32.060 of the gospel. 00:20:34.060 --> 00:20:35.880 So as doubts creep in, 00:20:36.920 --> 00:20:39.360 as life circumstances get hard, 00:20:40.360 --> 00:20:43.200 we continue to remind each other 00:20:43.200 --> 00:20:44.880 who God is, 00:20:44.880 --> 00:20:46.220 who we are, 00:20:46.480 --> 00:20:48.260 and what He has accomplished 00:20:48.260 --> 00:20:49.580 in Christ, 00:20:49.740 --> 00:20:50.700 in whose image 00:20:50.700 --> 00:20:52.420 we are being matured into. 00:20:52.840 --> 00:20:54.420 That happens as a community. 00:20:57.000 --> 00:20:57.740 And he says, 00:20:57.840 --> 00:20:58.920 we continue then 00:20:58.920 --> 00:21:01.400 to learn about 00:21:01.400 --> 00:21:03.220 who Jesus is 00:21:03.220 --> 00:21:06.460 and how redemptive history 00:21:06.460 --> 00:21:07.920 has been carried out in Him. 00:21:09.820 --> 00:21:11.240 Notice several times now 00:21:11.240 --> 00:21:12.280 that in this letter, 00:21:12.279 --> 00:21:14.339 Paul has gone out of his way 00:21:14.339 --> 00:21:15.099 to point out 00:21:15.099 --> 00:21:16.940 the urgent need 00:21:16.940 --> 00:21:18.000 that the churches have 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:18.799 to be grounded 00:21:18.799 --> 00:21:21.059 in who Jesus is 00:21:21.059 --> 00:21:23.839 so that they will not be deceived 00:21:23.839 --> 00:21:24.779 by false teachings. 00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:27.399 And last week, 00:21:27.440 --> 00:21:28.359 we looked at how Jesus 00:21:28.359 --> 00:21:30.579 is the author of creation 00:21:30.579 --> 00:21:31.819 and new creation. 00:21:31.960 --> 00:21:32.460 And this week, 00:21:32.519 --> 00:21:34.420 we see Jesus is the answer 00:21:34.420 --> 00:21:35.819 to the mysteries of God. 00:21:35.819 --> 00:21:39.579 And He's God's treasure trove 00:21:39.579 --> 00:21:41.200 of wisdom and knowledge. 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.200 And we're going to, 00:21:44.519 --> 00:21:45.319 over the next few weeks, 00:21:45.419 --> 00:21:47.139 really dig into the answers 00:21:47.139 --> 00:21:48.439 of the mysteries of God 00:21:48.439 --> 00:21:51.839 and how Jesus is God's treasure trove. 00:21:51.839 --> 00:21:53.839 But think about this. 00:21:53.879 --> 00:21:55.279 If you were to literally ask God, 00:21:55.980 --> 00:21:58.019 give me your greatest treasure, Lord. 00:21:58.019 --> 00:22:01.579 If God were to just say, 00:22:01.759 --> 00:22:02.839 what is it you desire? 00:22:02.940 --> 00:22:03.259 And you would say, 00:22:03.319 --> 00:22:05.119 God, give me your greatest treasure. 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:07.920 Give me the greatest thing you have. 00:22:09.599 --> 00:22:11.720 He would and has given us Jesus. 00:22:14.019 --> 00:22:16.740 He is the treasure 00:22:16.740 --> 00:22:20.039 of all of God's wisdom and knowledge. 00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:24.579 And in the community 00:22:24.579 --> 00:22:26.139 that we crave, 00:22:26.220 --> 00:22:27.359 that God has put us in, 00:22:28.700 --> 00:22:30.240 we've been uniquely designed 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:31.779 so that we can encourage each other 00:22:31.779 --> 00:22:33.619 while being knit together in love, 00:22:33.920 --> 00:22:34.920 while pressing each other 00:22:34.920 --> 00:22:36.000 deeply into the gospel, 00:22:36.379 --> 00:22:38.740 as we see who Jesus is 00:22:38.740 --> 00:22:42.259 and how all of redemptive history 00:22:42.259 --> 00:22:44.119 has been accomplished in Him. 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:48.700 And I'll give you just a couple 00:22:48.700 --> 00:22:49.599 practical tips, 00:22:49.599 --> 00:22:51.059 because that can sound like a lot. 00:22:51.839 --> 00:22:52.599 Here's a... 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:55.919 Ralph had this at his house, 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:56.980 so if this is heresy, 00:22:57.099 --> 00:22:58.259 then that's on Ralph. 00:22:58.359 --> 00:22:59.219 But this is just called 00:22:59.219 --> 00:23:01.159 the Jesus Storybook Bible, 00:23:01.240 --> 00:23:01.679 and it's not. 00:23:01.719 --> 00:23:02.259 It's wonderful. 00:23:04.159 --> 00:23:05.419 It's the Bible, 00:23:06.199 --> 00:23:07.759 we can say for kids, 00:23:08.139 --> 00:23:08.740 but it's okay. 00:23:08.879 --> 00:23:09.699 Adults can read it. 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:12.419 And it takes all the stories 00:23:12.419 --> 00:23:12.919 of the Bible, 00:23:13.000 --> 00:23:14.099 the Old Testament stories, 00:23:14.419 --> 00:23:15.699 and it takes you through them. 00:23:15.819 --> 00:23:17.839 It's not the same as the Bible. 00:23:17.959 --> 00:23:18.619 It's an interpretation, 00:23:18.619 --> 00:23:20.219 but it's going to give you the story, 00:23:20.459 --> 00:23:21.579 and it's going to tell you 00:23:21.579 --> 00:23:23.819 how that story points to Jesus. 00:23:25.579 --> 00:23:26.279 And sometimes, 00:23:26.479 --> 00:23:27.799 as big people, 00:23:28.799 --> 00:23:30.559 we forget that as Christians, 00:23:30.699 --> 00:23:31.879 we start out as little people. 00:23:33.339 --> 00:23:34.079 That a new Christian 00:23:34.079 --> 00:23:35.179 is just like my little Toby 00:23:35.179 --> 00:23:35.859 walking along, 00:23:35.939 --> 00:23:36.500 and he needs someone 00:23:36.500 --> 00:23:37.459 to come along 00:23:37.459 --> 00:23:38.139 and grab his hand 00:23:38.139 --> 00:23:39.279 and guide him 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:41.399 and just read stories to him. 00:23:41.500 --> 00:23:42.439 And that's great. 00:23:42.539 --> 00:23:43.139 It's fine. 00:23:43.559 --> 00:23:44.219 It's beautiful. 00:23:44.220 --> 00:23:47.279 But you can get this on Amazon. 00:23:47.559 --> 00:23:48.640 If you need help getting it, 00:23:48.660 --> 00:23:49.500 I'll be more than happy. 00:23:50.039 --> 00:23:50.980 I would give you this, 00:23:51.039 --> 00:23:51.759 but it's Ralph's. 00:23:51.860 --> 00:23:52.740 Well, I'd still give you this. 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.480 So if you need one, 00:23:53.799 --> 00:23:54.539 you just come see me. 00:23:54.579 --> 00:23:55.220 We'll give you Ralph's. 00:23:55.259 --> 00:23:56.460 We'll get him a new one. 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:58.640 But it's a great tool 00:23:58.640 --> 00:24:00.039 for just starting to see 00:24:00.039 --> 00:24:02.380 how Jesus is the answer 00:24:02.380 --> 00:24:03.720 to all of God's mysteries, 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:05.640 how he truly is the treasure, 00:24:06.039 --> 00:24:07.559 how all of Scripture is about him. 00:24:07.559 --> 00:24:10.559 And then secondly, 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:13.940 as God's in his providence, 00:24:14.059 --> 00:24:15.440 he's provided Dr. Wellham right here, 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.539 and he's doing that this week. 00:24:17.779 --> 00:24:19.639 They didn't have to pay me 00:24:19.639 --> 00:24:20.980 to give the advertisement this week. 00:24:21.359 --> 00:24:23.179 It's just Dr. Wellham's here, 00:24:23.339 --> 00:24:25.240 and he will help you from Hebrews 00:24:25.240 --> 00:24:27.519 see Christ in all of Scripture. 00:24:28.919 --> 00:24:30.059 It's a great opportunity. 00:24:30.139 --> 00:24:31.700 Even if you only make one night, 00:24:32.539 --> 00:24:33.980 I think it's in the evenings here 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:35.500 at the Youth Center, 00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:36.980 or it's midday this week 00:24:36.980 --> 00:24:37.740 in Middleton, 00:24:37.960 --> 00:24:38.740 if I got that right. 00:24:39.599 --> 00:24:40.140 Say again? 00:24:40.980 --> 00:24:42.200 10 a.m. in Middleton. 00:24:42.880 --> 00:24:43.700 Joy right here, 00:24:43.759 --> 00:24:44.420 you can see her. 00:24:44.539 --> 00:24:46.279 You can see Alex or Johnny. 00:24:46.420 --> 00:24:47.880 We're happy to help you get there again. 00:24:47.960 --> 00:24:49.819 Even if it's one day 00:24:49.819 --> 00:24:51.059 or it's one evening, 00:24:52.160 --> 00:24:54.240 you will pick up something new 00:24:54.240 --> 00:24:57.279 about how to encourage 00:24:57.279 --> 00:24:58.420 someone else in the Gospel. 00:24:58.559 --> 00:24:59.599 You will pick up something new 00:24:59.599 --> 00:25:01.059 about how Jesus is 00:25:01.059 --> 00:25:02.620 the answer to all of God's mysteries. 00:25:04.140 --> 00:25:06.400 Now, that's hard work. 00:25:06.980 --> 00:25:07.940 What we've just said. 00:25:09.319 --> 00:25:10.480 There's a reason that we like 00:25:10.480 --> 00:25:11.940 to see superheroes do this. 00:25:13.440 --> 00:25:15.319 Because maturing in Christ 00:25:15.319 --> 00:25:18.339 and doing that with a bunch of sinners 00:25:18.339 --> 00:25:20.339 is hard work. 00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:23.400 If we're really honest, 00:25:23.480 --> 00:25:24.980 and we started looking around this room 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:25.480 and don't do it, 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:26.519 it'll be awkward for people, 00:25:26.599 --> 00:25:27.519 but if you start looking around, 00:25:27.599 --> 00:25:27.880 you'll be like, 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:28.279 man, 00:25:29.539 --> 00:25:30.980 that'd be hard to mature 00:25:30.980 --> 00:25:32.920 with a whole bunch of sinners. 00:25:32.920 --> 00:25:36.740 It'll be hard to propel each other forward. 00:25:38.380 --> 00:25:40.940 It'll be hard to be a loving community. 00:25:41.019 --> 00:25:42.840 It'll be hard to accomplish this task. 00:25:44.900 --> 00:25:46.500 It's not an easy task. 00:25:47.800 --> 00:25:49.800 It's not an uncontested task. 00:25:51.220 --> 00:25:52.480 It's not even a task 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:55.100 being carried out in a stable world. 00:25:55.099 --> 00:25:58.619 Paul uses the following words 00:25:58.619 --> 00:26:00.139 to describe this work. 00:26:00.240 --> 00:26:02.099 In verse 24 of Colossians 1, 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:04.299 he says he is suffering. 00:26:06.459 --> 00:26:07.639 Suffering and filling up 00:26:07.639 --> 00:26:10.059 what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:11.539 And don't let that throw you off. 00:26:11.859 --> 00:26:13.379 He's speaking namely to the fact 00:26:13.379 --> 00:26:16.099 that Christ died once for all, 00:26:16.159 --> 00:26:17.179 and now we as humans 00:26:17.179 --> 00:26:19.319 are called to carry out that message 00:26:19.319 --> 00:26:21.500 and go and make disciples of all nations. 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:23.619 And Paul says as he's doing that, 00:26:23.759 --> 00:26:26.480 as he's proclaiming the gospel to all people, 00:26:26.680 --> 00:26:27.779 he is suffering. 00:26:29.259 --> 00:26:30.579 And he's not being dramatic. 00:26:32.039 --> 00:26:34.619 In verse 25 he says he is a servant. 00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:36.140 And the servant then, 00:26:36.220 --> 00:26:36.900 in this way, 00:26:37.180 --> 00:26:39.539 he's carrying a message to all people. 00:26:39.960 --> 00:26:41.579 And if you read about Paul's life, 00:26:41.960 --> 00:26:42.740 being the servant 00:26:42.740 --> 00:26:43.740 and the way he's a servant 00:26:43.740 --> 00:26:45.759 is also not an easy task. 00:26:45.859 --> 00:26:47.579 There's no Uber in Paul's day. 00:26:47.660 --> 00:26:48.759 He can't just hit the app 00:26:48.759 --> 00:26:49.799 and have someone pick him up 00:26:49.799 --> 00:26:50.920 and he goes to Galatia. 00:26:50.920 --> 00:26:51.960 He gets in a ship. 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:53.720 He usually gets shipwrecked. 00:26:53.880 --> 00:26:55.700 One time he's abandoned on an island, 00:26:55.840 --> 00:26:57.779 has a poisonous snake bite him. 00:26:59.140 --> 00:27:01.500 Occasionally people throw rocks at him 00:27:01.500 --> 00:27:03.140 or beat him nearly to death. 00:27:03.259 --> 00:27:05.539 When he says he's suffering as a servant, 00:27:05.800 --> 00:27:06.860 he's not being dramatic. 00:27:07.019 --> 00:27:07.779 He is suffering. 00:27:08.220 --> 00:27:10.180 And then in Colossians 1.29 he says, 00:27:10.580 --> 00:27:14.200 to this end I strenuously contend. 00:27:15.880 --> 00:27:19.200 Which means I fight nobly. 00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:22.840 And he's using the imagery of wrestling 00:27:22.840 --> 00:27:25.360 or boxing or a soldier who fights. 00:27:25.480 --> 00:27:28.279 There's the same language used in the first century 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:30.000 when a general calls his troops 00:27:30.000 --> 00:27:31.740 to face the oncoming horde. 00:27:31.840 --> 00:27:32.380 And he says, 00:27:32.720 --> 00:27:34.700 strenuously contend against them. 00:27:34.759 --> 00:27:36.420 He doesn't mean just give it a good try. 00:27:36.720 --> 00:27:38.420 He means fight for your life. 00:27:38.420 --> 00:27:40.880 Paul says, 00:27:40.880 --> 00:27:43.680 fight as a community 00:27:43.680 --> 00:27:47.420 to see each other fully matured in Christ. 00:27:50.940 --> 00:27:52.660 The great thing is, 00:27:52.740 --> 00:27:54.039 in verse 29 he says, 00:27:54.880 --> 00:27:57.519 that this is done with all the energy 00:27:57.519 --> 00:28:00.100 Christ Himself 00:28:00.099 --> 00:28:04.699 so powerfully works in us. 00:28:06.659 --> 00:28:09.539 And this is all a part of the Gospel. 00:28:10.899 --> 00:28:12.299 That as a new creation, 00:28:12.459 --> 00:28:14.139 God gives us the purpose we desire. 00:28:14.519 --> 00:28:17.459 He places us within the community we crave. 00:28:17.639 --> 00:28:19.719 And then while we within that community 00:28:19.719 --> 00:28:22.459 strive to be conformed to the image of Christ, 00:28:22.539 --> 00:28:25.159 it is accomplished by Christ's energy 00:28:25.159 --> 00:28:27.379 which so powerfully works within us. 00:28:27.380 --> 00:28:29.140 And that energy, as we saw last week, 00:28:29.180 --> 00:28:31.220 that energy is what created everything. 00:28:31.380 --> 00:28:33.120 That energy is what has fulfilled 00:28:33.120 --> 00:28:34.360 all of redemptive history. 00:28:34.520 --> 00:28:36.420 That energy is what enabled Paul 00:28:36.420 --> 00:28:39.600 to suffer through all the trials 00:28:39.600 --> 00:28:40.560 that he suffers through 00:28:40.560 --> 00:28:42.940 to bring people the good news 00:28:42.940 --> 00:28:44.580 of Jesus' resurrection 00:28:44.580 --> 00:28:47.700 which was accomplished by that same energy. 00:28:48.760 --> 00:28:50.480 Jesus got up out of the tomb 00:28:50.480 --> 00:28:52.080 by the same energy 00:28:52.080 --> 00:28:55.900 which Paul calls us to fight through. 00:28:57.380 --> 00:28:58.620 That's the energy 00:28:58.620 --> 00:29:00.680 that powerfully works in us, 00:29:00.760 --> 00:29:01.280 His people. 00:29:03.620 --> 00:29:04.340 And in closing, 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:05.280 I'll just give you two more 00:29:05.280 --> 00:29:07.200 very practical ways 00:29:07.200 --> 00:29:08.640 that we as a church 00:29:08.640 --> 00:29:11.100 can mature in Christ 00:29:11.100 --> 00:29:11.900 through His energy. 00:29:12.060 --> 00:29:13.400 Paul shows us both right here. 00:29:14.300 --> 00:29:16.520 The first is his primary weapon 00:29:16.520 --> 00:29:17.760 that he fights in Christ's energy 00:29:17.760 --> 00:29:18.700 and that's just through prayer. 00:29:22.240 --> 00:29:23.320 It's interesting to note 00:29:23.320 --> 00:29:24.740 in verse 1 of chapter 2, 00:29:24.740 --> 00:29:25.340 Paul says 00:29:25.339 --> 00:29:27.000 that he's never met 00:29:27.000 --> 00:29:28.099 these Christians personally. 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:31.559 And in verse 5 though, 00:29:31.619 --> 00:29:31.980 he says, 00:29:32.500 --> 00:29:33.819 though he is absent in body, 00:29:34.199 --> 00:29:35.519 he's present with them in spirit. 00:29:36.759 --> 00:29:37.399 So we say, 00:29:37.459 --> 00:29:38.939 well, how can he be present with them 00:29:38.939 --> 00:29:41.179 if he's never even met them? 00:29:41.240 --> 00:29:42.579 He says it's because he's 00:29:42.579 --> 00:29:44.019 earnestly and continually 00:29:44.019 --> 00:29:46.679 praying for the church in Colossae. 00:29:47.959 --> 00:29:49.439 The words of Paul 00:29:49.439 --> 00:29:50.319 and his associates 00:29:50.319 --> 00:29:51.939 are doing the walking 00:29:51.940 --> 00:29:53.019 and the working 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:54.080 that they cannot do. 00:29:55.519 --> 00:29:56.779 Because while Paul's writing 00:29:56.779 --> 00:29:57.200 this letter, 00:29:57.299 --> 00:29:57.960 he's literally 00:29:57.960 --> 00:29:59.620 in Rome in prison. 00:30:00.860 --> 00:30:01.900 And he knows that 00:30:01.900 --> 00:30:03.920 the best thing he can offer 00:30:03.920 --> 00:30:05.420 the church in Colossae 00:30:05.420 --> 00:30:07.720 is to pray for them 00:30:07.720 --> 00:30:09.580 through the energy 00:30:09.580 --> 00:30:10.779 that Christ works in him. 00:30:10.779 --> 00:30:14.000 And then don't miss 00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:15.019 that at the end of the letter, 00:30:16.240 --> 00:30:16.759 Paul says, 00:30:16.839 --> 00:30:17.299 Epaphras, 00:30:17.359 --> 00:30:18.460 the one who planted the church, 00:30:18.539 --> 00:30:19.079 he's right there 00:30:19.079 --> 00:30:20.059 with Paul in Rome. 00:30:21.559 --> 00:30:21.940 He says, 00:30:22.059 --> 00:30:22.920 Epaphras, 00:30:22.980 --> 00:30:24.779 he's always wrestling 00:30:24.779 --> 00:30:27.099 in prayer for you 00:30:27.099 --> 00:30:29.819 that you may stand firm 00:30:29.819 --> 00:30:30.720 in the will of God, 00:30:31.559 --> 00:30:32.099 mature, 00:30:33.139 --> 00:30:34.099 and fully assured. 00:30:36.559 --> 00:30:37.859 So even Epaphras, 00:30:38.200 --> 00:30:39.399 the planter of this church 00:30:39.400 --> 00:30:40.100 in Colossae, 00:30:40.540 --> 00:30:41.660 that can't be there. 00:30:41.740 --> 00:30:42.160 He says, 00:30:42.259 --> 00:30:43.080 well, what can I do? 00:30:43.120 --> 00:30:44.759 What can I do for the church? 00:30:44.860 --> 00:30:45.120 He says, 00:30:45.160 --> 00:30:46.240 I know I can wrestle. 00:30:47.320 --> 00:30:48.600 I can wrestle for them 00:30:48.600 --> 00:30:49.120 in prayer. 00:30:50.320 --> 00:30:51.620 I can continuously, 00:30:52.380 --> 00:30:54.600 I can fight for them 00:30:54.600 --> 00:30:56.320 continuously in prayer. 00:30:59.100 --> 00:31:00.259 We can contend 00:31:00.259 --> 00:31:01.600 for each other in prayer. 00:31:05.040 --> 00:31:06.140 I guarantee you, 00:31:06.220 --> 00:31:08.300 if you ask someone today, 00:31:08.299 --> 00:31:09.759 how can I pray for you this week, 00:31:10.279 --> 00:31:11.319 you could get an answer. 00:31:12.299 --> 00:31:12.960 I guarantee you. 00:31:14.619 --> 00:31:15.940 And we don't ask it enough. 00:31:17.680 --> 00:31:18.579 We start to think 00:31:18.579 --> 00:31:19.180 of all the things 00:31:19.180 --> 00:31:19.720 we could do 00:31:19.720 --> 00:31:20.440 for someone else 00:31:20.440 --> 00:31:21.099 within the body, 00:31:21.680 --> 00:31:23.200 and I think Paul would say 00:31:23.200 --> 00:31:24.079 the best thing you could do 00:31:24.079 --> 00:31:25.240 is you could just say, 00:31:26.299 --> 00:31:27.799 how can I pray for you this week? 00:31:29.259 --> 00:31:30.720 I would love to go 00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:31.379 with all of you 00:31:31.379 --> 00:31:32.079 throughout your week 00:31:32.079 --> 00:31:33.299 and do everything I could 00:31:33.299 --> 00:31:34.399 to make your week better. 00:31:34.400 --> 00:31:36.220 I can't. 00:31:37.800 --> 00:31:39.180 But I can't pray for you. 00:31:41.000 --> 00:31:42.400 Paul says he prays 00:31:42.400 --> 00:31:43.040 for the church. 00:31:44.280 --> 00:31:45.080 And he trusts 00:31:45.080 --> 00:31:46.759 that that same energy 00:31:46.759 --> 00:31:48.460 which created heavens and earth 00:31:48.460 --> 00:31:49.800 and raised Christ from the dead, 00:31:50.140 --> 00:31:50.980 that that energy 00:31:50.980 --> 00:31:52.940 of the Holy Spirit of God 00:31:52.940 --> 00:31:54.860 can work far more 00:31:54.860 --> 00:31:55.860 than Paul ever could 00:31:55.860 --> 00:31:57.100 in person. 00:31:57.099 --> 00:32:01.659 And then ironically, 00:32:02.500 --> 00:32:04.139 Paul says 00:32:04.139 --> 00:32:04.719 one of the ways 00:32:04.719 --> 00:32:05.119 in which 00:32:05.119 --> 00:32:06.599 we can strenuously 00:32:06.599 --> 00:32:07.240 contend 00:32:07.240 --> 00:32:08.299 for our fellow believers 00:32:08.299 --> 00:32:11.319 is through rest. 00:32:16.199 --> 00:32:17.339 It sounds ironic, 00:32:17.419 --> 00:32:17.819 doesn't it? 00:32:19.480 --> 00:32:20.579 How could my 00:32:20.579 --> 00:32:22.439 resting in something 00:32:22.439 --> 00:32:23.599 help somebody else? 00:32:25.199 --> 00:32:26.319 But don't miss the fact 00:32:26.319 --> 00:32:27.119 that Paul has gone 00:32:27.119 --> 00:32:27.740 out of his way 00:32:27.740 --> 00:32:28.339 in this passage 00:32:28.339 --> 00:32:29.039 to point out 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:31.319 that Jesus is the mystery 00:32:31.319 --> 00:32:32.079 that has been kept hidden 00:32:32.079 --> 00:32:33.259 for ages but now revealed. 00:32:34.779 --> 00:32:36.579 Jesus is our hope of glory. 00:32:37.960 --> 00:32:39.059 Jesus is the one 00:32:39.059 --> 00:32:40.299 whom Paul proclaims. 00:32:41.359 --> 00:32:42.299 Jesus is the one 00:32:42.299 --> 00:32:42.839 whose image 00:32:42.839 --> 00:32:44.859 we are being conformed into. 00:32:46.299 --> 00:32:47.299 Jesus is the one 00:32:47.299 --> 00:32:48.299 we are maturing in 00:32:48.299 --> 00:32:50.519 and it's Jesus Christ's energy 00:32:50.519 --> 00:32:51.480 which powerfully works 00:32:51.480 --> 00:32:51.939 through us 00:32:51.939 --> 00:32:53.220 so we can rest 00:32:53.220 --> 00:32:55.019 in the gospel truth 00:32:55.019 --> 00:32:57.400 that Jesus is doing 00:32:57.400 --> 00:32:58.500 what he says he will do. 00:32:58.599 --> 00:33:00.059 He is building his church. 00:33:00.480 --> 00:33:01.279 He is working 00:33:01.279 --> 00:33:02.180 through his people 00:33:02.180 --> 00:33:04.720 to mature us in Christ. 00:33:07.879 --> 00:33:09.440 We don't make good superheroes. 00:33:11.500 --> 00:33:12.639 We really don't. 00:33:13.980 --> 00:33:15.519 If everything is going bad, 00:33:16.019 --> 00:33:18.160 I can't show up 00:33:18.160 --> 00:33:19.799 and save the day. 00:33:19.799 --> 00:33:24.240 We are not superheroes. 00:33:25.919 --> 00:33:27.399 We are not the answer 00:33:27.399 --> 00:33:28.559 to this world's problems. 00:33:32.000 --> 00:33:33.240 But we know the answer, 00:33:33.319 --> 00:33:33.619 don't we? 00:33:35.899 --> 00:33:38.279 We can rest 00:33:38.279 --> 00:33:40.180 in the answer. 00:33:41.539 --> 00:33:43.639 We can tell people 00:33:43.639 --> 00:33:44.539 about the answer. 00:33:44.539 --> 00:33:47.619 and we can pray 00:33:47.619 --> 00:33:48.079 for people 00:33:48.079 --> 00:33:48.700 that they will 00:33:48.700 --> 00:33:50.200 deeply come to know 00:33:50.200 --> 00:33:52.619 the mysteries of God 00:33:52.619 --> 00:33:53.379 which have been revealed 00:33:53.379 --> 00:33:54.019 in Christ. 00:33:57.240 --> 00:33:58.299 Jesus is the answer 00:33:58.299 --> 00:33:58.899 to those mysteries. 00:33:59.539 --> 00:34:00.899 Jesus is the treasure trove 00:34:00.899 --> 00:34:01.920 of all knowledge 00:34:01.920 --> 00:34:02.899 and wisdom of God. 00:34:03.019 --> 00:34:04.879 He's the common bond 00:34:04.879 --> 00:34:06.519 which holds his people together 00:34:06.519 --> 00:34:09.380 in the community we crave. 00:34:10.400 --> 00:34:11.279 Because of Jesus, 00:34:11.420 --> 00:34:12.880 we can serve God's will 00:34:12.880 --> 00:34:13.880 and gladness. 00:34:14.240 --> 00:34:15.000 Because of Jesus, 00:34:15.140 --> 00:34:17.220 we can enjoy God's presence 00:34:17.220 --> 00:34:18.920 in unashamed purity. 00:34:20.340 --> 00:34:21.559 He is the one 00:34:21.559 --> 00:34:23.760 we are being fully matured into. 00:34:23.900 --> 00:34:24.440 Let me say it again. 00:34:24.680 --> 00:34:25.519 He is the one 00:34:25.519 --> 00:34:26.680 we are being. 00:34:26.800 --> 00:34:28.099 It is happening 00:34:28.099 --> 00:34:29.680 for those who are in Christ. 00:34:30.940 --> 00:34:32.740 We are being fully matured 00:34:32.740 --> 00:34:33.240 into him. 00:34:34.740 --> 00:34:35.440 He is the one 00:34:35.440 --> 00:34:36.740 in whom the fullness of God 00:34:36.740 --> 00:34:37.599 is pleased to dwell. 00:34:38.940 --> 00:34:40.940 And because of who Jesus is, 00:34:40.940 --> 00:34:43.679 we can live the lives 00:34:43.679 --> 00:34:45.380 that we truly long to live. 00:34:47.440 --> 00:34:48.860 Seeking to be matured in him 00:34:48.860 --> 00:34:50.840 in the community 00:34:50.840 --> 00:34:51.800 he's placed us in. 00:34:52.720 --> 00:34:53.400 Let's pray. 00:34:53.400 --> 00:34:53.420 Let's pray. 00:35:05.099 --> 00:35:06.720 Father, we recognize that 00:35:06.719 --> 00:35:09.339 like all people 00:35:09.339 --> 00:35:10.739 we have this desire 00:35:10.739 --> 00:35:11.639 to have a purpose. 00:35:14.599 --> 00:35:15.759 And we desire 00:35:15.759 --> 00:35:17.059 to fulfill that purpose 00:35:17.059 --> 00:35:17.899 within a community. 00:35:18.879 --> 00:35:19.959 That we don't want 00:35:19.959 --> 00:35:21.279 to be lonely. 00:35:23.839 --> 00:35:25.639 And yet we find ourselves 00:35:25.639 --> 00:35:27.619 often completely 00:35:27.619 --> 00:35:28.579 at our wit's end 00:35:28.579 --> 00:35:31.539 about how to be 00:35:31.539 --> 00:35:33.859 who you've called us to be 00:35:33.859 --> 00:35:35.059 within the community 00:35:35.059 --> 00:35:36.000 you've placed us in. 00:35:36.719 --> 00:35:40.579 Father, would you help us 00:35:40.579 --> 00:35:42.099 to rest assured 00:35:42.099 --> 00:35:43.159 in the person 00:35:43.159 --> 00:35:44.619 and work of Jesus Christ? 00:35:47.819 --> 00:35:49.399 Would you release us 00:35:49.399 --> 00:35:50.539 from this burden 00:35:50.539 --> 00:35:51.879 of trying to be the Messiah 00:35:51.879 --> 00:35:53.199 that you have already provided? 00:35:56.619 --> 00:35:58.079 Would you spur us on 00:35:58.079 --> 00:35:59.259 to pray for each other? 00:36:00.639 --> 00:36:01.879 Would you spur us on 00:36:01.879 --> 00:36:03.279 to point each other to Jesus? 00:36:04.899 --> 00:36:05.839 Would you drive us 00:36:05.840 --> 00:36:07.160 deeper into your word 00:36:07.160 --> 00:36:08.940 through each other, 00:36:09.100 --> 00:36:10.519 through reading your word, 00:36:10.700 --> 00:36:12.559 through speaking about your word, 00:36:12.660 --> 00:36:13.920 through hearing your word proclaimed? 00:36:15.620 --> 00:36:16.920 Would you grow us 00:36:16.920 --> 00:36:18.200 in our understanding 00:36:18.200 --> 00:36:19.539 of the gospel? 00:36:20.860 --> 00:36:22.280 Would you encourage us 00:36:22.280 --> 00:36:23.440 through the scriptures 00:36:23.440 --> 00:36:24.680 as you knit us together 00:36:24.680 --> 00:36:25.260 in love? 00:36:25.260 --> 00:36:28.680 God, we trust that you will 00:36:28.680 --> 00:36:30.220 continue to fully mature us 00:36:30.220 --> 00:36:31.280 in Jesus Christ. 00:36:34.700 --> 00:36:35.460 We thank you 00:36:35.460 --> 00:36:36.400 that we get glimpses 00:36:36.400 --> 00:36:37.080 of that today. 00:36:38.140 --> 00:36:39.140 That we get to see 00:36:39.140 --> 00:36:40.300 each other take steps. 00:36:42.640 --> 00:36:43.360 Lord, will we be 00:36:43.360 --> 00:36:44.080 the kind of church 00:36:44.080 --> 00:36:44.780 that when we see 00:36:44.780 --> 00:36:45.860 a brother or sister 00:36:45.860 --> 00:36:46.360 stumble, 00:36:46.800 --> 00:36:47.520 cheers them on, 00:36:47.640 --> 00:36:48.640 picks them up by the hand, 00:36:48.700 --> 00:36:49.480 and continues 00:36:49.480 --> 00:36:50.800 to strive with them. 00:36:50.800 --> 00:36:55.200 Lord, we look forward 00:36:55.200 --> 00:36:55.640 to the day 00:36:55.640 --> 00:36:56.080 where we, 00:36:56.539 --> 00:36:57.980 together as one 00:36:57.980 --> 00:36:59.340 group of people, 00:36:59.460 --> 00:37:00.140 your people, 00:37:01.780 --> 00:37:02.480 stand, 00:37:02.780 --> 00:37:03.100 kneel, 00:37:03.400 --> 00:37:04.480 sing in your presence, 00:37:06.120 --> 00:37:07.860 fully pure 00:37:07.860 --> 00:37:08.620 and unashamed, 00:37:10.000 --> 00:37:11.380 fully mature 00:37:11.380 --> 00:37:12.440 in our Lord 00:37:12.440 --> 00:37:12.900 and Savior, 00:37:13.060 --> 00:37:13.900 Jesus Christ, 00:37:15.120 --> 00:37:15.780 serving you 00:37:15.780 --> 00:37:16.539 with gladness. 00:37:16.539 --> 00:37:19.659 It's in Jesus' name 00:37:19.659 --> 00:37:20.099 we pray 00:37:20.099 --> 00:37:21.659 and it's through Jesus 00:37:21.659 --> 00:37:22.559 that we worship. 00:37:23.320 --> 00:37:23.659 Amen. 00:37:27.659 --> 00:37:28.900 If you join me 00:37:28.900 --> 00:37:29.460 in standing, 00:37:29.639 --> 00:37:31.239 we'll sing another song.