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