All You Need Is Jesus Part 3

Colossians 1:24 – 2:7
October 31, 2010

“…and this is the secret: Christ Lives in You...” Colossians 1:27

The Heart of the Matter
The world is filled with voices claiming that we can change our lives from the outside-in. The results of these types of efforts are usually temporary and always skin deep. Only Christ can produce deep, permanent, life-altering change. And Christ can only change your life from within; that is where the revolution takes place. In this portion of Scripture Paul testifies of his experience of the indwelling Lord.

Christ’s Indwelling in You:

An Exhilarating Experience
“…rejoice in what was suffered….” v.24

An Expensive Experience.
“I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions….”
“I have become it’s (the church) servant…..” v. 25

An Enriching Experience.
“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.” V. 27

What Are Our Riches in Christ?

• God’s Wisdom and Understanding.
“…the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God….”
Isaiah 40:13

• God’s Kindness, Tolerance and Patience.
“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience….”
Romans 2:4

• God’s Glory.
“What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy…”
Romans 9:22-24

• God’s Grace.
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.”
Ephesians 1:7

• God’s Mercy.
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ…”
Ephesians 2:4

• God’s Power.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power …” Ephesians 3:16

An Enduring Experience.
“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Vv. 28, 29

An Encouraging Experience.
“My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love…” V. 2

Questions of the Week

1. What does the indwelling of Christ mean to you?
2. Share times when the experience of the indwelling Christ in your life has felt:

• Exhilarating
• Expensive
• Enriching
• Enduring
• Encouraging

All You Need Is Jesus Part 2

OUR SUPREME CHRIST
Colossians 1:15 -23
October 24, 2010
Pastor Tim Greseth

“And he (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning
and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have
the supremacy.” Colossians 1:18

The Heart of the Matter

There has never been anyone like him and there never will be. He is the beginning and the end – and everything in between. For a world searching for authenticity – He is the real deal. All the world’s questions are answered in Him. Jesus Christ reigns supreme! But, why is Christ’s supremacy so important to his followers?

Christ is Supreme Because of:

His Unique Relationship.
“…the firstborn over all creation.” v. 15

His Creative Achievement.
“For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” vv. 16, 17

His Unrivaled Leadership.
And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” v. 18

His Divine Nature.
“He is the image of the invisible God….” v. 15
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him…” v.19

His Redemptive Work.
“In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” V. 14
“….and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.” Vv. 20-21

His Transforming Power.
“But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” v. 22

Questions of the Week

1. 
   
   What affect should Christ’s supremacy have upon his followers?


2. 
   
   How does the fact that Christ is “holding all things together” affect you?


3. 
   
   If Christ is the head of the body, what body part are you?


4. 
   
   You, like Christ, were created in the image of the Father. What family resemblance do people notice in you?


5. 
   
   Jesus is the universal mediator between man and his Father. To whom are you a mediator for God?


6. 
   
   How has God transformed your life? In what areas are you still a “work in progress”?