Philemon is in a difficult situation. His runaway slave has returned home—as a brother in the faith! How will he respond? Will Philemon receive Onesimus into fellowship or exclude him from fellowship? Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Philemon: Redemption and Relationships
TEXT: Philemon 1:8-16
TITLE:  Fellowship That Overcomes
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet
BIG IDEA:

POINTS:
I. A Foundation of Love
II. A Christ-Centered Perspective
III. A Conviction of God’s Sovereignty

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes, and text emphasis, are taken directly from the pastor’s notes.

”Last week, we saw how Paul prayed for Philemon in 6—May the fellowship you share with others because of your union with Christ be powerfully effective. In 7, Paul followed that prayer with praise for how powerful and effective Philemon’s fellowship had already been in the Colossians church. To know Philemon was to be encouraged, corrected, and cared for in Christ. Rich koinonia characterized Philemon.”

“Philemon is in a difficult situation. His runaway slave has returned home—as a brother in the faith! How will he respond? Will Philemon receive Onesimus into fellowship or exclude him from fellowship? I want to begin by asking you to do something the Spirit has already moved me to do this week: Will I receive ___________ (multiple names?) into fellowship or exclude them from fellowship?”

“It’s easy to fellowship with the person in lockstep with you. What about a fellow believer you’ve been in conflict with, who is very different from you or is just a difficult person for you, so it’s easier to disconnect from them? Will I receive that person {give them a name and face) into fellowship, or exclude them from fellowship?”

“Here’s what our passage holds out for us: three things that must characterize our hearts if we are to glorify God in our fellowship in difficult situations.”

“Paul was an apostle. And as an apostle, his words carried authority. He alludes to this authority when he begins by saying—though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required. Paul could have commanded Philemon to forgive and receive Onesimus. Instead of demanding, he appeals. The foundation of his appeal is love—(9), yet for love’s sake I prefer to appeal to you.”

“Love is the brand of the Christian life. That doesn’t mean Christian Duty is wrong. To the contrary, it’s biblical. But as a motivator, the law is much weaker than love. Paul is after much more than compliance. Remember his prayer in 6—the sharing of his faith, his fellowship with the saints, would become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in them for the sake of Christ. Paul’s desire for Philemon is a broader and deeper experience of the life he shares with his fellow believers. We see this a few verses later.”

“Paul’s point is that taking Philemon back in complete forgiveness as a brother in Christ must come from a believing heart, not a heavy hand. It needed to come from a heart of love, not a forced necessity. It needed to express the love Paul celebrated in 7 that flowed from Philemon’s faith in and love for Jesus Christ.”

“That’s so important. The cross positions us, and the Bible commands us to live a shared life of fellowship. Praying for one another, gathering with one another, carrying one another’s burdens, reconciling, and being peacemakers with one another, to mention just a few of over 35 one another’s, Scripture commands us to participate in our shared life in Christ.”

“But that duty becomes delight when it’s grounded in love—even the difficult expressions of our fellowship, like forgiving and reconciling with someone who has sinned against us. Duty will only get you so far, but love patiently perseveres, bearing and enduring all things, making our fellowship effective for the glory of Christ.”

“This is the first time Paul mentions Onesimus. In 15, we learn that Onesimus fled Philemon. Verse 18 suggests Onesimus may have been caught stealing from Philemon. Perhaps that’s why he fled—the gig was up. Whatever the circumstance, now 1300 miles away in Rome, he crosses paths with Paul. Paul shared the gospel with him, and Onesimus was saved. Notice how Paul speaks about him.”

“In 10, he refers to Onesimus as his child. The man who came to Paul as a fugitive slave is now his spiritual child. Notice what Paul says in 12.”

“There is deep affection and brotherly love between the two men. Paul isn’t just playing mediator; he is a brother in Christ. Onesimus is a changed man. Somehow, Onesimus crossed paths with Paul. They begin to talk, and Paul finds a way to share the gospel with this fugitive. Perhaps Onesimus had a moment of vulnerability and let Paul in on his situation.”

“Did Onesimus argue or believe immediately? Did they meet repeatedly or just once? We don’t know. We do know that, like the prodigal son, Onesimus is not the same person who fled Colossae. He is transformed by the saving grace of God.”

“Paul makes a play on words here. Onesimus means useful. But up to this point, he has only been useful to Philemon and only for earthly matters. Regarding Philemon’s true work of advancing the gospel and building the church, witnessing to the lost, a work he passionately shares with Paul, Onesimus has been useless as an unbeliever. But now, he joins the heavenly ranks of laboring for eternal things in Christ, which is exactly what he’s been doing in Rome.”

“Was he still a runaway slave—Yes. Did he still need to return and reconcile with his master, Philemon—Yes. But he is not returning home the same person. He had a completely new standing before his master: he was now a brother beloved, identified with Paul, and therefore accepted. If Philemon’s fellowship was going to be effective with Onesimus, it would begin here—A Christ-centered perspective of Onesimus.” 

“Imagine the moment Philemon and Onesimus are in the room. Whatever the moment was like, it had to be complicated. Paul’s words in 15-16 are meant to help Philemon see this problematic situation with the eyes of faith needed for effective fellowship with his new brother in the Lord.”

“Onesimus decided to make a run for it. But without mitigating his guilt or dismissing Philemon’s disapproval, Paul helps Philemon see this through the lens of God’s providence. He helps Philemon interpret this difficult situation through the sovereign hand of God, who is constantly working all things for Philemon’s good (Romans 8:28).”

“This is God’s doing. Onesimus fled from Philemon. But ultimately, God took Onesimus from Philemon. Why? Onesimus was gone for a little while—that you may have him back forever (play on words), not as a slave but as a beloved brother. As a slave in a Christian household, who knows how many opportunities he had to believe. Hearing the gospel in the home. No doubt, church members are praying for him. In God’s design, it took running away 1300 miles smack dab into Paul. Why? God’s plan for Onesimus!”

“Paul could have turned Onesimus in. Instead, he shared Christ with him and said you need to return and make things right. That’s who you are now. You serve a new Master. You do all things for the glory of your heavenly Master. For Philemon, he gets to experience the most powerful fellowship he has ever experienced—forgiving and receiving a runaway slave, no longer as a slave, as his beloved brother in Christ, serving the same Master he serves.”

“To this world, what Paul was asking Philemon to do was revolutionary. But in the kingdom of God, what’s revolutionary is not outwardly following a set of rules but living in step with the realities of the gospel from a changed heart. And today, we must be reminded of the same gospel reality that defines us. Do you want to know how to impact the world? We don’t start revolutions. We fellowship with one another in brotherly love, even with the most difficult or different person because they are a brother or sister in Christ, and our relationship is a providential outworking of God’s sovereignty in our lives. How powerful is that? This is how God changes us and the world.”

QUOTES:
John Woodhouse- “The effectiveness of the fellowship believers share is seen most clearly in difficult situations, where this fellowship changes things in unexpected ways.”

Geoffrey Wilson - “If this letter presented no revolutionary challenge to the social structures of the day, the implications of its teaching were bound to prove fatal to slavery in the end

APPLICATION:
- Will I receive ___________ (multiple names?) into fellowship or exclude them from fellowship?

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
We Give Thanks (Psalm 107)
Sing
Here Is Love
Help Us See Christ
There is One Gospel

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
GUEST PREACHER - Rich Richardson

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

There are many facets to our life as a church! Our hope is that these posts will enable you to plan, pray, and ultimately rejoice in what the Lord is doing at Sovereign Grace Church. Here are a few updates for you to do just that! 

regional assembly of elders (RAE)

The pastors will be attending the RAE in California from March 27 to March 29.

Please pray for them as they are cared for and encouraged by other pastors in the Sovereign Grace Churches West Region!

SG Youth Chili & Pie Competition Fundraiser

SGYouth’s FOURTH annual Chili & Pie Competition Fundraiser is March 30, after the service!

The rules are simple, SIGN UP, BRING YOUR BEST, and the church will vote for the winners. If you want to compete but haven't signed up yet, CLICK HERE.

Not competing? No problem! Just come hungry and enjoy the delicious chili and pies. All proceeds will support students in our youth group attending the Sovereign Grace Regional Retreat this July. See below to find out more about Youth Camp!

Baptism Sunday

Baptism Sunday will be on April 13 after the Sunday morning service!

A light lunch will be provided.

If you would like to be baptized, or if you want more information, please contact Pastor Tom.

You can also check out this blog post written by Pastor Derek titled “The Importance and Joy of Baptism Sundays” HERE.

Good Friday service & Easter Sunday service

Good Friday and Easter Sunday are just around the corner! Join us for the Good Friday Service on Friday, April 17 at 7 PM as we come together to worship Jesus and reflect on His sacrifice on the cross.

Then, come back for our Easter Sunday Service on Sunday, April 20 at 10 AM as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior!

This is a wonderful opportunity to invite friends and family to worship with us!

Forge

FORGE speaks into the lives of men regarding the church, family, work, and leisure.

Save the date for the next FORGE meeting on April 26. All men are invited. More details to come.

Check out the past FORGE teachings HERE.

Sovereign Grace Regional Youth Retreat

The next Sovereign Grace Regional Youth Camp is Jul 11-14 and Registration is NOW OPEN! The theme of this year’s youth camp is “Christ Over All”!

To sign up or find out more, please CLICK HERE!

*Early Bird Registration ends on March 31!*

Welcome to the book of Philemon. Just 335 words in the original, Philemon is about redemption and relationships. It’s about how the gospel transforms our relationships by creating true and meaningful fellowship with one another. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Philemon: Redemption and Relationships
TEXT: Philemon 1:1-7
TITLE:  Got Fellowship?
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet
BIG IDEA: Fellowship is a powerful blessing God calls every believer to flourish in.

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes, and text emphasis, are taken directly from the pastor’s notes.

”Just 335 words in the original, Philemon is the third shortest book in the Bible. Only 2 and 3 John are shorter. Paul wrote Philemon around the same time he wrote Colossians and Ephesians, 62 AD.”

“It’s different than Colossians and Ephesians. As you read it, you won’t find Paul arguing grand theology. You won’t see him connecting the Christological dots of the gospel to OT promises. You won’t find Paul using his apostolic authority to shape local church polity and liturgy. Philemon is a Christian speaking to a Christian about a personal matter. In a sense, it’s Colossians fleshed out in a real-life situation.”

“Paul intercedes for Onesimus, a slave who has deserted his master, Philemon. Paul crossed paths with Onesimus in Rome, shared the gospel with him, and now he sends him back to Philemon with this letter.”

“Philemon is about redemption and relationships. It’s about how the gospel transforms our relationships by creating true and meaningful fellowship with one another.”

“Verse 1 makes it clear that Paul is writing this letter. Equally clear is who he is writing it to. First, he mentions Philemon, the primary recipient of the letter.”

“Philemon lived in Colossae and was part of the church there. We don’t know when he became a believer, but 19 suggests he was saved under Paul’s ministry. Our text makes it clear that Philemon was a church pillar, serving and hosting. It’s clear from this letter that, unlike most in the Colossians church, Philemon knew Paul and labored in the gospel with him in some way.”

“Paul also greets Apphia, probably Philemon’s wife, and Archippus, possibly a leader in the church, but probably Philemon’s son. Paul’s letter concerns matters in Philemon’s household, so including Philemon’s family would make sense. Paul thought highly of Archippus, encouraging him to fulfill his ministry in Colossians 4:17 and referring to him as our fellow soldier. If Archippus was Philemon’s son, the picture here is beautiful: A young man on fire for God serving in his parent's church. The next generation laboring side-by-side, ready to take the helm. It reminds us of what we are building for here at SGC on the west and east side.”

“Speaking of the church, Paul ends by greeting the church at the end of 2—and the church in your house. So Paul is writing to Philemon about a personal matter, but he is doing it very publicly.”

“Paul finishes his greeting in 3, reminding everyone what has brought them together and what binds them together—the grace and peace of God in Jesus Christ. Every word that follows is an outworking of the gospel that now defines their existence, including the heartfelt appeal Paul is about to make to Philemon.”

“Paul now turns his attention to Philemon. The you’s and your’s from 4 to 21 are singular, meaning Paul speaks directly to Philemon. You can imagine Tychicus reading this letter to the church, repeatedly lifting his eyes to look directly at Philemon. You could probably hear a pin drop.”

“Paul isn’t trying to publicly pressure Philemon. The personal and public nature of this letter speak to the nature and centrality of what Paul is about to commend Philemon to—true fellowship. The first thing Paul does is pour out his gratitude for Philemon.”

“It reads a bit more awkward here, but Paul is commending Philemon for the same thing he commended the church for in Colossians 1.”

“Philemon was an exemplary man of faith. Paul has nothing bad to say or correct about Philemon. His faith in Jesus was strong. He loved the Lord. He longed to please God with his life. And that love and zeal for God bubbled out into his relationships. He loved the church. He loved his brothers and sisters in Christ. He was known for the fruit of the Spirit that should characterize everyone saved and indwelt by the Spirit, a gospel cause and effect according to 1 John 3:14—We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers.”

“Whatever strengths Philemon had - Bible knowledge, business skills, or maturity in wisdom - his faith in Jesus and love for the church stood out the most, and all Paul could do was say—Thank you, God!”

“Now, in 6, Paul shifts his prayer from what he sees to what he hopes. This is the key verse in our text. It’s also the most difficult. It sounds like Paul has Philemon’s personal evangelism in mind—the sharing of your faith may become effective. The sharing of faith here is not evangelism—it’s biblical fellowship. Sharing your faith with those in the faith. Sharing your love for and life in Christ with other believers.”

“The word Paul uses for sharing is koinonia. It means fellowship, partnership, or sharing. It communicates the shared life believers have together. It’s the word used to describe the intimate nature of the early church in Acts 2 and the Philippian's devotion to Paul and his ministry in Philippians 1:6.”

“You can’t manufacture koinonia; the gospel creates it. You can’t have this fellowship with your unbelieving friends because it’s rooted in your identity in Christ. Koinonia is between believers— sharing your faith with those in the faith—love, encouragement, forgiveness, correction, learning, burdens, patience, friendship, hope, interdependence—all the blessings we have in Christ, we share with one another, not just intellectually or in theory, but experientially. That’s koinonia. That’s biblical fellowship.”

“You could say it this way: I pray your experience of our shared life together, because of our common faith in Christ, will bring you into a deeper understanding and experience of the blessings we have as a result of our union with Christ for the glory of Christ.”

“Why is Paul praying this way? Paul is about to ask Philemon to do something unheard of, unnatural, and counter-cultural in his day—welcome back his runaway slave, who is now a believer in complete forgiveness as a fellow brother and co-laborer in Christ. Only the power of the gospel is sufficient for this. So Paul prays that the fellowship Philemon knows to be God’s will for and goodness toward His church will now be freely extended to Onesimus, whose life is now bound up in fellowship with Jesus; therefore, his life is now bound up in fellowship with Philemon and the rest of the church.”

“Paul prepares Philemon by drawing his attention to God’s will and his experience of God’s will for His church. Paul’s prayer precedes his appeal because he knows Onesimus’s return to Colossae will be a true test of gospel union and fellowship in Philemon’s home and the Colossians church.”

“We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. But we are not alone. The Christian life is personal but not private. When we are joined to Christ, we are joined to one another. In a society that prizes individualism, that can be hard to embrace.“

“It’s easy to think about the church as a voluntary group of people who meet on Sundays because they share the same doctrinal beliefs or ministry paradigms. But the most intimate expression of our doctrine and the most powerful testimony to our ministry is our fellowship with one another.”

“God uses our mutual fellowship to strengthen our faith, conform us to Christ, lighten our burdens, enlarge our sense of awe and wonder of Christ, and shine as a bright light in our dark world. Koinonia is a powerful thing.”

“If Paul knew our church I know he would say the same thing, even calling some of you out by name. The question remains: Are you in fellowship? The path to meaningful fellowship doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. Start with your church family. Start small.”

“Biblical fellowship is a powerful blessing. Fellowship expresses our dependence upon one another. Fellowship is central to our partnership. That is not a SGC thing; it’s a gospel thing. It’s a Bible thing. It’s a God thing. Got fellowship? If not, you are missing out in a big way on what God has for you.”

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
Colossians 1:3-4
1 John 1:3

QUOTES:
David Garland - “Paul is referring to the mutuality of Christian life which springs from a common participation in the body of Christ. Shared faith in Christ has a bonding character and welds us to others who share the same experience of faith.”

David Garland - “The spiritual well-being of the congregation will always be demonstrated publicly by the well-being of its social relationships. The reconciliation of a disloyal slave with his master as brothers in Christ speaks volumes to the community within and without. It demonstrates how Christian faith recasts all relationships and how Christ reconciles all things to himself.”

APPLICATION:
There’s one big question for us today: Got Fellowship?
- What do you see most in others? What makes you say—Thank you, God!—when someone comes to mind?
- Are you in fellowship? Do others know you, and do you know others in your church? Not simply by name, but do you spiritually KNOW them, and do they spiritually KNOW you?

• Come to church early and stay late so you can get to know people. Rushing in late and rushing out early doesn’t help. 

• Grab a lunch after church with someone. 

• Open your home.

• Accept the invitation into someone else’s home. 

• Join a CG, a context to share life your life in Christ—the ups and downs, good and bad, triumphant and tragic—with fellow believers.

- We’re all busy, the question is, What am I busy with? But if Fellowship is a powerful blessing God calls every believer to flourish in, then we must make time for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to be busy with koinonia.

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
Our Song From Age To Age
How Vast The Love
The Steadfast Love of Christ
God Is Faithful (Psalm 114)
Reformation Song

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Philemon 1:8-20

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

As a Christian, your name isn’t in print, but you join this list at the end of Colossians. By grace you have been made Alive In Christ to carry on their same gospel mission locally in our city and globally through SGC. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Colossians: Alive in Christ
TEXT: Colossians 4:7-18
TITLE:  In This Together
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet
BIG IDEA: The Gospel unites and knits us together in one shared purpose.

POINTS:
I. The Gospel Brings Us Together
II. The Gospel Produces an Enduring Heart for One Another
III. The Gospel Gives Us a Shared Purpose

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes, and text emphasis, are taken directly from the pastor’s notes.

”We come to Paul’s concluding words of this remarkable letter. Filled with profound theology, rich Christology, and practical Christian living, Colossians has been invaluable to my faith, and I trust it has also been invaluable to you. Today, we end with a list of names. What do we do with this? It seems rather anti-climactic. Here’s what we’ll do: I want to introduce you to each person Paul mentions briefly, and then we’ll mine three nuggets of gold.”

“In 7-9, we are introduced to Tychicus and Onesimus. They were the mailmen. They delivered this letter to the Colossians. As Paul says in 7, Tychicus was a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. He was a regular with Paul, called out by name in Acts 20, 2 Timothy 4, Titus 3, and, again, at the end of Ephesians. Joining Tychicus was Onesimus, the runaway slave. More on him next week as we dive into the book of Philemon.”

“In 10-14, we meet six other men. First, Aristarchus. From Thessalonica, Aristarchus was with Paul on his third missionary journey. Committed to Paul and his gospel mission through thick and thin, he was one of the men dragged away by the angry mob in the Ephesus riots in Acts 19. He was with Paul when he sailed to Rome, according to Acts 27, and now 10 makes it clear he was imprisoned with Paul. 

Then there was Mark. Also known as John Mark, he was famous for writing a gospel and parting ways with Paul about a dozen years earlier over a sharp disagreement, according to Acts 13.

Then, in 11, Paul introduces Jesus, who is called Justus. All we know about Justus is what Paul says here. 

In 12, Paul mentions a man we have already met, Epaphras. Probably converted under Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19), Epaphras returned to his hometown of Colossae, where he planted and pastored the church. This letter was a response to the update Epaphras gave Paul on the church. 

In 14, Paul mentions the good doctor, Luke. Well known, Luke wrote the Gospel of Luke and its sequel, Acts. He was Paul’s wingman. 

Paul mentions one more companion in 14—Demas. All we know about him is that three or four years later, according to 2 Tim 4, he fell in love with the world and deserted Paul. 

In 15, Paul turns his attention to the church about ten miles away from the Colossians in Laodicea. He asks them to pass his letter on to them and read the letter he sent them. In particular, to say hello to Nympha, the woman whose home the church in Laodicea met in.  

Finally, Paul mentions Archippus. He is mentioned only here and in Paul’s greeting to Philemon. Was he Philemon’s son or close friend? We don’t know. We know he lived in Colossae and was connected to Paul in ministry, according to Paul’s encouragement.” 

“So, where’s the gold? Here’s the gold? The Gospel unites and knits us together in one shared purpose.”

“As you read our text, you realize these were real and ordinary people. Like you and I, they had their own anxieties, struggles, triumphs, and dreams. They grew up and lived in different towns and cities around the Mediterranean. They had different experiences and backgrounds. Some grew up Jewish, some Gentile.”

“Just like you and I, they came to faith in Jesus Christ at some time, and their lives were changed. A big part of that change was their relationships. Paul was a Christian-hating religious prodigy turned church-planting and scripture-writing apostle who is now hanging out with a runaway slave, Onesimus. Their stories couldn’t be more different!”

“…the gospel brings us together in all our differences. This is the power of the gospel. Do you remember what Paul said in 3:11? So many differences. So many stations in life. So many experiences. But one thing transcends all of it—Christ!”

“Paul had a big brain. His theological prowess was unmatched. His Christological depth was unequaled. His church planting knowledge was unparalleled. His wisdom in practical Christian living was unsurpassed. He was the smart guy of the smart guys. We see that in all his letters, including Colossians. But as big as his brain was, Paul’s heart was even bigger.”

“Paul didn’t live in a high tower with his books withdrawn from people. Paul had a heart for people. He used his gospel knowledge and understanding to encourage others in Christ and knit them together in brotherly love. This is what Paul cherished in the Colossians.”

“Look at 7—Paul refers to Tychicus not just as a faithful minister and fellow servant but, first and foremost, as a beloved brother. In 9, he refers to Onesimus similarly—a faithful and beloved brother. Before Paul was interested in their gifts, he was interested in them.”

“If Paul dictated this letter to Timothy as many believe he did, then his heart for the Colossians is uniquely on display in 18. More than mere authentication, one could imagine Paul, filled with affection for his brothers and sisters, taking the pen from Timothy and saying—This is personal; let me write the final greeting.”

“Branding is significant in the business world—Nike swoosh, Apple apple, McDonalds golden arches, Amazon smile, colorful Google G. You see the image and immediately know who it is. Love is the Christian brand. The love of God poured out at the cross marks the Christian life.”

“Paul’s purpose in life was to make Christ known with his words and life. In this mission, Paul knew he was not a one-man show. Even in his difficulties—he writes from prison—Paul is aware and celebrates how God is using others to advance the gospel and build the church.”

“Whether it was Tychicus and Onesimus delivering his letter to the Colossians, Epaphras pastoring them, the gospel labors, personal loyalty, and close friendship of Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, and Luke, Nympha hosting Sunday services in Laodicea, or the undisclosed ministry of Archippus in Colossae, Paul publicly celebrated and passionately supported the ministry of those around him. He valued their gifts. He supported their service. He celebrated their contribution because he understood they had a shared purpose in Christ.”

“The reality is God’s design is that we need each other in life AND ministry. The gospel has brought us together, knitted us together, and given us a shared purpose for which no one alone is sufficient.”

“We want to do more of that [encouraging and sharing God’s grace] publicly and privately. The truth is we need each other. God has distributed different gifts to different people. We need them all. No one in the church is a one-man show. As 1 Cor 12 says—there is one body but many members and each one is important.”

“Notice the final four words of this precious letter—Grace be with you. Paul ends where he began—God’s amazing grace. Everything we have seen over the last five months in Colossians is rooted in God’s grace. As Christians, we stand in the grace of the gospel. We obey in the grace of the gospel. We grow in the grace of the gospel. We proclaim the grace of the gospel. Our lives demonstrate the grace of the gospel. We stand in God’s grace.”

“As a Christian, your name isn’t in print, but you join this list. By grace you have been made Alive In Christ to carry on their gospel mission locally in our city and globally through SGC because: The Gospel unites and knits us together in one shared purpose.”

APPLICATION:
- Take a season and fellowship with folks you don’t typically fellowship with.
You don’t have to abandon your crowd; just make room for others. Learn their stories and celebrate how the gospel came to them. The gospel has brought us together; let’s pursue togetherness. 

- Is there someone in your life that love would not be the brand of your relationship? I encourage you to pray and pursue.

- You may not be part of the east side CG, but like Epaphras in 12, you can—struggle on our behalf in your prayers for us.

- Cultivate a new habit: Every Sunday, thoughtfully thank someone as they serve

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
How Great Thou Art
O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
The Steadfast Love of Christ
Crown Him With Many Crowns
There is One Gospel

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Philemon 1:1-7

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

Church, we are excited to sing a new song this week from Sovereign Grace Music: The Steadfast Love of Christ. This is a song of hope and assurance that Christ’s love for us will remain steadfast through all things. What a wonderful promise for us to declare with and to one another!

We hope you take some time this week to learn the new song and come eager to sing praises to our Savior on Sunday.

I can’t wait to gather and worship with you!

Link to Listen and Learn: https://sovereigngracemusic.com/music/songs/the-steadfast-love-of-christ/

How you act and speak around unbelievers matters to God because He uses it to create gospel opportunities. This makes our gospel mission an everyday mission. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Colossians: Alive in Christ
TEXT: Colossians 4:5-6
TITLE:  An Everyday Mission
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet
BIG IDEA: God uses your conduct and words to draw unbelievers to Himself

POINTS:
I. Watch Your Walk
II. Watch Your Talk
III. Watch God Work

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes, and text emphasis, are taken directly from the pastor’s notes.

”God uses your conduct and words to draw unbelievers to Himself. That’s the message of Colossians 4:5-6. How you act and speak around unbelievers matters to God because He uses it to create gospel opportunities. This makes our gospel mission an everyday mission.”

“In the preceding verses, Paul exhorted the Colossians to a mission-minded prayer life. Now he takes us from the prayer closet to the public square when he says—Walk in wisdom toward outsiders.”

“By outsider Paul means unbeliever. If you have trusted in Jesus Christ for your salvation, you are in the eternal family of God—You are an insider. But if you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, you are outside the eternal family of God—You are an outsider.”

“You may have been raised in a Christian home. You may be a faithful church attender. You may know the Bible inside and out. You may hang out with Christians. You may live a pretty wholesome life. But if you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus, you are on the outside of the family of God without hope in life and death. Good news—You can repent and believe today!”

“For the believer, the call is to live wisely around unbelievers. Paul has already said in Colossians 2:3—Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. So wisdom here is not one’s own judgments or the conventional wisdom of the world built on humanistic ideas and philosophies. Wisdom is to live according to God’s will and His provision in Jesus Christ. Simply put: Act like a Christian, even around non-Christians.”

“As Christians, the Colossians were a minority trying to follow Jesus in a hostile environment. Like us, they faced pressures to conform to fit in, be accepted, win the approval of others, and take some of the sting off the social repercussions of living for God in an anti-God society. That reality makes it easy to capitulate and compromise the convictions of our faith in the name of personal comfort and advantage. It’s tempting to justify the means with the ends in the name of evangelism.”

“Whatever ways you are trying to build with your unbelieving friend, they need to be worthy of the gospel and pleasing to the Lord. That calling always applies—our conduct matters.”

“Our mission statement as a church reads:  We exist to build a God-glorifying community that proclaims and demonstrates the transforming power of the gospel to Tucson and beyond. Here’s a question: Are there ways your demonstration is hindering your proclamation?”

“Our lives shouldn’t confuse people about the gospel; they should commend people to the gospel.”

“There is a strategic urgency to this calling—read 5. We could say, grab every opportunity, seize every open door, buy up every moment God gives us to witness to Jesus. Time is short, and eternity is at stake. The one thing we won’t do in heaven is evangelize—it will be too late.”

“Paul turns the focus from mission-minded behavior to mission-minded speech. The Bible says the tongue is a powerful thing. James 3 says it builds up and burns down. Psalm 19 says our words are an indicator of our devotion and desire to live in a manner worthy of and pleasing to the Lord. Jesus said our words reveal our hearts in Matthew 12.”

“(6a) Let your speech always be gracious. This is not a call to always speak about God’s saving grace. It’s a call to allow God’s saving grace to shape our speech. Our words should reflect the gracious disposition of God toward us in Christ. Theys should reflect love, gentleness, compassion, patience, and hope.”

“(6a) Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt. The imagery helps us in two ways. First, when you season something with salt, it brings out the good flavors. It makes the bland tasty. The second thing salt does is preserve. In a day when there was no refrigerator, you packed meat in salt to keep it from rotting. Speech seasoned with salt will be winsome and wholesome instead of arrogant and defiling. Your conversations with unbelievers will be enjoyable. They will have a positive effect for the good of others. Your conversations will arouse a thirst (effect of salt) in others for continued conversations.”

“It’s the grace and power of God alone that saves. But God uses means—messengers of the gospel like you and I. God desires not religious lingo, but winsome and wholesome speech seasoned with the grace and goodness of Jesus.”

“This is cultivated as we personally meditate on the wonder of the gospel. Take time to muse on the glories of heaven. Take time to consider the unfailing sufficiency of Jesus.”

“Now, the goal of speaking with gracious and seasoned words is this—(6c) so that (purpose) you may know how you ought to answer each person. Here’s Paul’s assumption: The unbelievers in your life are watching and listening. If your conduct and conversations are consistently Christlike, people will notice. And whether it's someone suffering, someone seeking more in life, or someone looking for a fight, sooner or later, the Lord will lead that someone to ask you—What’s up with you? Why are you different? And that is your 1 Peter 3:15 moment.”

“That moment is what you’ve been praying for. That moment is why you watch your walk and talk. That moment is one of the millions of moments that God creates and uses to build his kingdom. That moment is one of the greatest moments of doing all things for the glory of God. Be encouraged. God is the God of that moment. There is no moment too big or heart too hard for God. And no matter how equipped or unequipped you feel for that moment, the Spirit will show you how to answer each person.”

“Our gospel mission is real. Wherever you go tomorrow, there will be real people watching and listening. Your conduct and words matter in the mission. But don’t be afraid; God has sent you, and he goes with you.”

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
1 Corinthians 2:4-5
1 Peter 3:15

QUOTES:
HB Charles- “Sometimes we excuse ungracious speech by claiming we are brutally honest, when in reality we use truth as a pretext to express ourselves at other people’s expense. I am not saying that you ought to avoid truth-telling, rebuke, and confrontation when the situation calls for it. But the Lord would have us to say hard things in a gracious way. Ephesians 4:15 says we are to be “speaking the truth in love.” This holy balance of truth and love is all the more significant when it comes to proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. We are to be faithful witnesses, not prosecuting attorneys or condemning judges. We are trying to win souls, not win arguments. We are to proclaim the name, person, and work of Christ, not promote our knowledge, experience, or maturity. Do not let lies, gossip, criticism, negativity, profanity, complaining, or backbiting to rob you of the opportunity to share the goodness of God, the plan of salvation, and the hope of heaven with lost people.”

APPLICATION:
Q. Are you redeeming the time? Do you believe that anytime you are with someone, God has ordained that moment and though you may not be able to tell them about Jesus, your conduct matters to your witness?Repent. Rejoice in the finished work of Jesus. Trust God. And in the power of the Spirit, move forward, redeeming the time with faith, courage, and zeal for Jesus.

Q. How do I cultivate graciousness and saltiness in my speech? Take time to fill your head and heart with Jesus—What goes in will surely come out.

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
How Great (Psalm 145)
Praise to the Lord
Bless The Lord O My Soul (Psalm 103)
We Give Thanks (Psalm 107)
As You Go

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Colossians 4:7-18

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” - Colossians 4:2-4 (ESV)

The Good News of Christ will advance according to God’s purpose. In His purpose, “being on gospel mission includes praying for our gospel mission.” Paul exhorts the Colossians to join the gospel mission by praying for those on the mission. 

Be encouraged church! Our local gospel mission is advancing through you in many ways, and the following are some ways that you can pray for our gospel mission:

• Pray for revival—that the Holy Spirit would fill and edify our church while we are on mission. Pray that God would save the lost and advance His kingdom!

• Pray for our evangelism training, Bridge Course, and Outreach Adventure testimonies.  

• Pray that the Lord would open a way for you personally to speak of the gospel with your family, friends, co-workers, and other connections in the community.

• Invitation Sunday (March 9th) - Pray that this event will help us make gospel connections with family and neighbors in our community.

• Pray for an Eastside church plant and a church planting pastor.

• Eastside Community Group - Pray that this new group will grow and advance the gospel on the Eastside.

• “Pray also for us.” Pray for you pastors as we lead our church on mission, that we would boldly proclaim the word of God. Pray for our monthly Pastors Day. We pray for you and our mission, evaluate ministries, plan, and more during these times. Also, pray for our pastoral counsel and ministry among the saints.

• Pray for our ministries - Youth, Children’s, Men’s, Women’s, Marriage, Community Groups, Welcome Team, Worship Team, Sound, Media, and more—that each would strengthen the church while on gospel mission.
  

Here are just a few ways that you can pray for our family of churches in Sovereign Grace Churches:

• West Regional Assembly of Elders (March 27-29) - Pray that the pastors and teams at this gathering would be filled with the Spirit, encouraged, grow, and be granted wisdom from God as they lead their local churches on mission.

• Pray for the Sovereign Grace Pastors College - Our churches need men trained and deployed on mission. Pray for this invaluable means of preparing future pastors for pastoral ministry within our family of churches.

• Pray for future church plants - Check out (here) the many ways you can pray for church planting in Sovereign Grace.

• Pray for the numerous Sovereign Grace Churches mission opportunities. Sign up for the Sovereign Grace Churches Missions Blog/Email (here) to learn ways to pray for our family of churches’ mission.

Today’s text is a call to Mission-Minded Prayer. Praying with God’s redemptive purposes in mind. In a sentence: Being on gospel mission includes praying for our gospel mission. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Colossians: Alive in Christ
TEXT: Colossians 4:2-4
TITLE:  A Mission-Minded Prayer Life
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet
BIG IDEA: Being on gospel mission includes praying for our gospel mission.

POINTS:
I. The Priority of Prayer
II. A Priority in Prayer

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes, and text emphasis, are taken directly from the pastor’s notes.

”It’s not that we can’t pray for anything else but our gospel mission, rather, because everything is connected to and finds its ultimate purpose in our gospel mission: Being on gospel mission includes praying for our gospel mission.”

“Prayer is critical to the Christian life and Paul’s words remind us of that. We are too busy, too weak, too foolish, and too blessed not to pray. Like the characteristics we have already seen in Ch 3—an aggressive hatred for sin, a passionate pursuit of righteousness, and humility and grace in the home and workplace, prayer should mark the Christian life.”

“This is Paul’s point when he says—Continue steadfastly in prayer or pray without ceasing. The point is not that we are to pray every waking moment but that our lives should be devoted to prayer.”

“Prayer should be the Christian’s first impulse. We pray often, repeatedly, and without giving up. Prayer is not a hit-and-miss discipline reserved for difficult seasons of life. It’s a lifestyle born out of our dependence on God that permeates all we do. So more than a spiritual discipline box to be checked off, God desires that we live with an attitude of prayer—Continue steadfastly in prayer.”

“This is a divine command to be obeyed. But it’s also a heavenly invitation. God loves it when His people pray.”

“God desires that we ask Him for things - Philippians 4:6. God delights in the prayers of His people - Proverbs 15:8. God secured the privilege of prayer with the blood of His Son - Hebrews 4:14-16.”

“God invites us to speak to Him, to come to Him with our praises and requests. In Jesus, the name we bear before the throne above, the God who speaks and holds the stars into place, who creates life in the womb, who numbers the grains of sand on the earth and the hairs on our heads, He says, speak to me, pray—My ear is open to you!”

“Is prayer a priority in your life? The question is not meant to condemn your conscience; it’s meant to drive you to Jesus, you’re only defense before God, the one who qualifies you to pray. If you lack the desire to pray, the God of sanctifying grace has His ear open to you—Pray and ask Him to help you.”

“To be watchful is to be alert or awake. We don’t sleepwalk through our prayers. We don’t pray on autopilot. The idea of watchfulness in prayer is that our prayers reflect that we grasp the spiritual realities of the moment we live in, what we are called to, and what is at stake.”

“Paul isn’t exhorting us to wordiness or turning our prayers into theological dissertations. When it comes to prayer, God cares about our faith. Watchfulness in prayer is praying with a gospel-informed consciousness. It’s a mission-minded watchfulness shaped by God’s redemptive purposes.”

“In the context of Colossians:

• Their prayers should reveal that they are alert and awake to the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ (1:15-21) and who they are in Christ (3:1-4). 

• Their prayers should be informed by the sovereign purposes of God through His church to save sinners (1:28). 

• Their prayers should reflect an awareness of the temptations of mixing the world’s ways with God’s (2:8). 

• As they pray, they should be conscious of God’s desire that they live a life pleasing to Him (1:10) and do all things for his glory (3:17). 

• Their prayers should reveal the hope they have in the triumphant return of Christ (3:4).”  

“Jesus demonstrated this mission-minded watchfulness as he went off to pray on the eve of his death in the Garden of Gethsemane—Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation—he told the disciples. In other words, be alert to the moment. Be spiritually awake to what is at stake. Know what is happening here. Don’t be spiritually lazy, pray for me in my time of need and guard your own hearts—The mission is moving forward.”

“Paul’s prayer is a mission-minded prayer. Here’s the question for us: Whatever our circumstances, whatever our needs, whatever our station in life, do we see it all through our gospel mission to live for and tell others about Christ? If we do, our prayers will reflect it in some way.”

“A mission-minded prayer life. It really isn’t complicated. You don’t need a seminary degree, you just need to know Jesus.”

“Being watchful in prayer is not about living anxious and scared. It’s not about connecting the dots between every global event and Christ’s return. Fear doesn’t motivate and energize a mission-minded prayer life. Thanksgiving for Jesus, all we are and have in him, the certainty of all that God is doing, and the unfading hope we have that Jesus will return in glory—that energizes our prayers and saturates our prayer life with thanksgiving.”

QUOTES:
Charles Spurgeon- “Prayer can never be in excess.”

John Woodhouse - “Praying like Paul comes not from a sense of guilt at not praying enough, or even a mere duty that Christians should pray, but from watchfulness and thankfulness. Watchfulness and thankfulness come, not from just being told to be watchful and thankful, but from the extraordinary thing that God has done and is doing. It is a marvelous circle. If you are filled with the knowledge of God’s will you cannot but be joyfully thanking him. If you are really thanking him, how can you not be praying that his marvelous work will have its full effect in you, your friends, in the whole world?”

APPLICATION:

• How often do I find myself justifying prayerlessness with busyness? (even good busyness) 

• When my typical prayer time gets bumped, do I desperately find some way to still pray?

• What characterizes you most when someone shares a need with you: I‘ll pray for you, or, Let me pray for you right now? (Pause and Pray)

• In your efforts to be productive, do you functionally view prayer as unproductive? (Spurgeon—A little prayer between me and everything I do)

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
It Is Finished
We Have Been Healed
The Greatest Of All
Jesus Thank You
Father You Are All We Need

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Colossians 4:5-6

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

Before there was sin, there was work. Work was part of God’s perfect creation and order. Sin affected work, but work has always been good to God. The truth is God does care about your job, and our text is proof of this. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Colossians: Alive in Christ
TEXT: Colossians 3:22-4:1
TITLE:  Working for the Audience of One
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet
BIG IDEA: The gospel transforms our work into worship.

POINTS:
Principle #1 As a Christian, you have a new Master in the workplace
Principle #2 As a Christian, you have a new mission in the workplace
Principle #3 As a Christian, you have a new motive in the workplace

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes, and text emphasis, are taken directly from the pastor’s notes.

”It’s easy to have an unbiblical view of work. We can disconnect our work from our faith as if God doesn’t care about our job. The truth is, work is good. God created work. When He introduced Himself to us in the Bible, He revealed Himself as a working God. When God created man, He told him to get to work. When we work, the image of God is on display for all to see. Before there was sin, there was work. Work was part of God’s perfect creation and order. Sin affected work, but work has always been good to God. The truth is God does care about your job, and our text is proof of this.”

“Christ’s work for and in us transforms how we work for Him.”

“In Ch. 3, Paul turns his attention to the marks of a life transformed by and submitted to Christ:

• 1-4—Life that identifies with Christ alone

• 5-11—Life victorious over sin

• 12-17—Life characterized by righteousness and love

• 18-21—Life marked by humility and grace in the home

Paul introduces one more today—work. The immediate context is the slave-master relationship. Although there are significant differences between first-century slave-master relationships and modern employer-employee relationships, there are three principles of worshipful work.”

“The moment we read the word slave, our minds race. Slavery in the Greco-Roman world was indeed different than the slavery that has tainted the history of our country. Still, slavery is slavery. So why doesn’t Paul condemn slavery here? Did he condone slavery? Was he acquiescing to the culture? The Bible never condones slavery, and Paul never bowed to the culture.”

“Slavery was a reality in the first-century church. Some households in the church in Colossae had slaves. One slave in the church was Onesimus, who we will learn about when we begin Philemon in a few weeks. However, Paul’s goal here is not to ignite outward systemic change but to show the inward transformative power of the gospel even in the most challenging situations. That transforming power begins with our identity.”

“The adjective earthly sets limits on the noun master. The point is there is another master, the ultimate Master that the slave serves and identifies with. This is the foundation of Paul’s instruction here:

• 23—Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, not men (not even earthly master)

• Then, in 24, Paul says it as clearly as he—You are serving the Lord Christ

• Finally, in 4:1, Paul addresses the earthly masters—Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing you also (like the slave) have a Master in heaven.” 

“Paul’s instruction makes it sound like their earthly master doesn’t exist. That’s the point. They work for a person, but it’s the person of Christ for whom they genuinely work. They work for the audience of One, and that One is the One who created all things, sustains all things, is over all things, and reconciles all things to Himself.”

“Paul sets the slave's obedience and the master's authority in a whole new context. The earthly master is not decisive, and if you’re a boss at work, you should remember that (4:1). Christ, their heavenly Master, is decisive. For slaves, that meant whatever indignity, shame, and drudgery they faced, as slaves of Christ, their work had value and worth in the eyes of God.”

“The work you do, in or outside the home, pushing papers, making the sale, engineering the chip, running your company, no matter how menial or mundane, has worth and value because it is serving him.”

“In 17, Paul said–And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. His words here in 23 echo that mission—Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord. Those words roll off our lips without a second thought. But this was a tall order for a first-century slave. The work of slaves was often unpleasant. They were constantly exploited. So, the natural temptation was to do the minimum to be seen as obedient or escape punishment. That’s the idea of eye service and people-pleasers. When the master is looking, look like you’re working so they will be happy, and you will be safe. But without making a distinction in the nature of the work, Paul says, Don’t work that way. Don’t put on an act. Don’t turn it on and off for your advantage.” 

“Instead, notice the end of 22—work with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. In other words, work from the heart. Work in a way that reflects your love, trust, and reverence for God (i.e., fearing the Lord). Whether your earthly master is watching or not, your heavenly Master is always watching.”

“This is the freedom we have in Christ. We can put off half-hearted service and work from the heart. We can put off an attitude of drudgery and ungratefulness and work from the heart. In keeping with Colossians, we don’t have to ascribe to the world’s attitudes toward work, reflected in the 80s hit—Everybody is working for the weekend or TGIF. Whatever work God has called you to, a teacher, homemaker, engineer, doctor, salesperson, carpenter, truck driver, or business owner, you can do it wholeheartedly unto the Lord.”

“The theology inherent in our text is God’s sovereignty. He is in charge in whatever circumstance you are in. He has providentially placed you right where you are. Your job, and think about this, a context in which you will spend 1/3 of your life, is a context to worship Him with your work.”

“He deserves and demands the best you have to give. And, for His glory, He provides the wisdom and power to work with diligence, integrity, joy, gratitude, and excellence.”

“A paycheck is essential and favor with the boss is great. But God’s purpose is this—1:18 in everything he [Christ] might be preeminent. The gospel gives us Christ’s glory as our highest purpose, even as we work for imperfect bosses in the fading structures of this world. Any other motivation as your highest motivation is sinful and expressions of pride and self-love.”

“In the Roman world, slaves and rewards didn’t go together. They had shelter, food, and clothing but not much of a payday. And they certainly had no inheritance to look forward to. They were used to being motivated by punishment. So imagine how fulfilling Paul’s words must have been—you will receive the inheritance from the Lord as your reward for your work.”

“Again, even the slave's work is redeemed. Their heavenly master has an eternal inheritance waiting for them. Their earthly master may not give them what their labors deserve, but no matter how exploited they are, they are not in vain because the Lord sees all their work and will reward them in heaven. The flip side of this is in 25.”

“Paul doesn’t say if he is speaking to the slaves or the masters here. I think it’s both. The point is that obedience to God is paramount, even in the worst of work situations. God cares about our work. He is watching as we work. And He desires that our work reflects His holy nature and righteous purposes.”

“Our salvation is secure on Judgement Day because our sins have been obliterated on the cross. But, every believer, employee or employer, will be rewarded, whatever that looks like, according to how they devoted themselves to their heavenly master, including how we go about our work.”

“Paul ends his instruction by effectively saying that the slave and master are the same—accountable to God. In this context, the slave and master are both believers, bought with the blood of Christ, brothers in Christ (1 Tim 6:2), both slaves to Christ. So Paul ends this section where he began in 1-4: Whether you are an employee or employer, as a Christian, you do not identify with your vocational calling. You identify with your Master in heaven. As you work, you look in faith and draw your strength from the Perfect Worker!”

“Christ obeyed His Father when he took on flesh to work for our salvation. That work took his life as he rendered Himself to God’s will. And we are transformed workers only because of his work in the gospel. The work Jesus did with his life, death, and resurrection is the work we now identify with. The work Jesus did 2000 years ago is what gives your work today meaning and value. His redeeming work redeems your work, transforming it into heavenly worship that pleases God, exalts Christ, and brings you joy.”

“Whether you are an employee or employer, the gospel gives you the freedom to put sinful behaviors and patterns off and put on Spirit-empowered, Christ-exalting excellence. As we work for our heavenly Master, finding our mission and motivation in his provision and purposes, we’ll see that Christian employees and employers are not only the best in the workplace, but our work truly is worship to the one true God.”

QUOTES:
John Loftness- “Our calling to labor is not equal to our calling to Christ. Christ rules our work, and He gives it meaning and purpose. Our call to relationship with God in Christ shapes, elevates, and dignifies our calling to work. Work becomes more than a means of survival, more than a means of satisfying physical needs and fulfilling our identity in the image and likeness of God. Work becomes a means of giving honor and glory to God.”

John Piper - “That is amazing freedom. You think, earthly lord, that I am obeying you. But it’s not what you think. You do not have any final authority over me. I do not do anything you say simply because you say it. I have a Lord who is infinitely stronger, infinitely wiser, infinitely more satisfying, infinitely more authoritative in my life than you. What I do, I do for his sake. You have no ultimate claim on me. I march to the beat of another drummer. If you tell me to do anything that contradicts his will, it’s not going to happen. I am in your service at his bidding. And I serve you the way I do because he is an infinitely greater Lord than you are.”

APPLICATION:
- What motivates you to work from the heart?
- Who does my attitude and work ethic reveal I love the most?
- What are your temptations at work?

• Eye-service and people-pleasing

• Half-hearted or shoddy work

• Begrudging attitude

• If you work from home, are you working from home

- If you are over people, what sinful patterns are you vulnerable to?

• Unreasonable expectations

• Ungracious responses

• Stingy compensation

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
Come Praise And Glorify
God Over All
We Give Thanks (Psalm 107)
God Is Faithful (Psalm 114)
My Life Is An Offering

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Colossians 4:2-4

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

Families typically have certain distinctions. Christian families are no different.  The Gospel marks Christian families. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Colossians: Alive in Christ
TEXT: Colossians 3:18-21
TITLE:  How Christ Marks Christian Families  
PREACHER: Tim Lambros

POINTS:
Mark #1 - Submitted Wives
Mark #2 - Husbands that Love
Mark #3 - Children that Obey
Mark #4 - Fathers that don’t provoke their children

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes, and text emphasis, are taken directly from the pastor’s notes.

”Now in V. 18 we get into specific application YET we don’t throw out all we’ve learned and been anchored in from  the earlier parts of the epistle.”

”So how do you typically approach the to-do’s of the NT? The calls and commands of those who have a life hidden in Christ? Here’s some help. It’s important for every believer to understand how Justification and Sanctification are rich and important aspects of the Christian life. Christians need to know that these two are inseparable but have distinctions that help us understand the differences. Here's a warning – if you don’t get your mind around the distinctions between justification and sanctification – then attempt to obey God in the calls and commands of the NT – you will quickly become a card-carrying legalist. We’re about to explain four commands God wants to obey but first let’s review some distinctions between  justification and sanctification.”

“Justification - being declared righteous, our position before God, objective – Christ’s work for us, Immediate/complete
VS.
Sanctification - being made righteous, our practice before God, subjective – Christ’s work in us, process – you will be more sanctified.”

“So we are alive in Christ – our lives are hidden in Christ – we now work hard at putting to death certain sins and putting on Christ-like righteousness. So let’s look at 4  distinctions we are to pursue, to be marked by.”

“There are not too many topics that will arouse the anger of a certain segment of our culture. Our post-modern, rights-seeking, power-seeking culture. Yet if people would truly understand how liberating the Scriptures are, they would appreciate the wisdom of God in the creation of man and woman.”

“First, the fact that God’s Word addresses wives and men would be radical to the early recipients in Colossae. Women were property, they had no legal rights. Men had no fault divorces and women had no say in the matter. Husbands had all the privileges and wives had all the duties. God’s Word comes thundering in to correct this.”

“Secondly, God’s Word teaches men and women are equal before God. Equal in dignity, value, and worth. Yes, they are called to different roles, but all throughout history the abuses of women are outside God’s Word. If Biblically understood, God’s Word is the most liberating and elevating message to women there is. The Bible clearly teaches that men and women are EQUAL BUT DIFFERENT.”

“Reread the text. ‘Wives submit … as is fitting in the Lord.’ Biblical submission has some edges, definition. It can’t be culturally defined or generically understood. What is fitting to the Lord? A wife is submitted to one man-her husband. We’re talking about the Christian home here. We’re not addressing all the contexts outside the home.”

“Wives submit … this is beautiful because it’s first modeled in the Trinity. There is equality in the Godhead but there are roles too. Christ submitted to the plan of salvation – He submitted to the plan to take on flesh, live within the limitations of a human body, live sinlessly although facing every temptation you and I face. He submitted to the Cross. He was tortured, beaten to the point of death.”

“A wrong attitude about Biblical submission, an unbiblical view of a wife’s role, not only goes against the clear teaching of Scripture, but it also cheapens Christ’s submission to God the Father. A submitted wife, a wife that intelligently and joyfully compliments her husband in decisions, ministry, parenting, and all of their lives together, paints a picture - the  Trinitarian Godhead.”

“‘Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.’ As you can probably imagine, this command is because men will be tempted in their flesh - the way they used to live BEFORE they were alive in Christ - to serve themselves and be harsh with their wives.”

“More than just a command, this should humble all husbands and future husbands with this reality – apart from the power that comes by being in Christ, being alive in Christ, you will resort to your former self – the old man – living like you did before you came to Christ.”

“Gospel power – the power that comes not from us but by our union with Christ – enables and empowers us to love our wives in a way that echoes how Christ loved us – sacrificially. Christ’s love was sacrificial – Philippians 2:5-11 states that Christ left the comforts and glory of heaven, willingly setting aside His equality with God, lived with the constraints of a human body, and died a death He didn’t deserve – AND DID THIS FOR THE  JOY SET BEFORE HIM.”

“This kind of sacrificial love is what characterized our Savior Jesus. We can be marked by this kind of love as we live in the power of the Cross. As we are marked by our Savior. Husbands, this is a command. This is God’s will that you live like this. When Paul wrote in Colossians 3:1 that we ‘seek the things that are above’ this is what he’s addressing. Loving your wife sacrificially and joyfully comes as you seek Christ, who is above, seated at the right hand of God.”

“Wives and husbands are to be marked by the transforming grace of God…so you’ll notice these commands cannot be done apart from God’s power. Seeking those things and setting our minds on things above need gospel power.  These marks or these calls and commands inherently position us to lean on the Holy Spirit.”

“‘Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.’ Define obey – First, note that it’s not ‘submit’, where there is a joyful, intelligent offering of a wife’s submission.  Second, the word obey really consists of two words – listen and under. Listen under your parents. Really listen to your parents and come under what they say.”

“Children are to listen and be under their parents – how many of us have taken our kids through the Proverbs? Proverbs 1:5 -  let the wise hear. Proverbs 1:8 - Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and not forsake your mother’s teaching.” 

“Children are to obey – in everything. You may ask – everything like there aren’t any exceptions? No, this is not a whip that a cruel parent can use to cause his children to sin. This is not a command so parents can take advantage of their kids or harm them. Yet the command is meant for parents to expect their children to have a posture of obedience – notice what the text says next – for this pleases the Lord. Similar instruction in Ephesians 6 – where the command simply states ‘obey our parents for this is right.’”

“IMPORTANT: Children learn to listen to the voice of God’s Word by listening to their parents.”

“Colossians 3:21 and Ephesians 6:4 warn fathers to not provoke – to not exasperate their children.”

“To exasperate means ‘to make very angry or irritated.’ To embitter means ‘to arouse  bitter feelings in.’ In Colossians, the verb translated as ‘exasperate’ or ‘embitter’ means ‘to  stir up.’”

“We must bring up our children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord with a pure heart and not a self-serving motivation (to impress others, to avoid embarrassment because we are irritated or because they make life hard). Our children must know they are dearly loved and enjoyed - they are not projects suited for our benefit. To do otherwise is to risk exasperating or embittering your children.”

“What does it mean to provoke or exasperate your children? To frustrate them? A  couple of examples to consider: 

• We call them to obedience but don’t tell them the why.  

• We criticize or berate our children instead of encouraging them. 

• We expect our children to change but don’t engage them with the gospel.”

“Why the command/warning? A child so exasperated or embittered will ‘become  discouraged’ or ‘lose heart.’ We can subtly communicate to our children that no matter what they do they are always wrong or lacking so what’s the use?!”

“What a chance we have to shine in this culture. You see it in the grocery store, you see it at the ball game, you see it when families gather – Fathers exasperating, frustrating their children. We have been saved by Christ and now we are alive in Him! We live to obey Him in all ways – as His children, we are setting our minds on things above.”

“Do you encourage your children to obedience in non-conflict times? Are you training and discipling your children primarily in the non-conflict moments of life?  Deuteronomy 6 "‘when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise.’? These are the daily, mundane parts of each day and this is when you have the prime time for discipling your children. Parents who only deal with their children when they need correction are immediately on a slippery slope to exasperation. Gospel-less correction will provoke your children. Will discourage your children. “

QUOTES:
William Plumer- “Justification is an act. It is not a work or a series of acts. It is not progressive. The weakest believer and the strongest saint are alike equally justified. Justification admits no degrees. A man is either wholly justified or wholly condemned in the sight of God.”

Kent Hughes - “The point is, we have here a simple and powerful command to all children to truly, from the heart, obey their parents. Neglect of this command brings great sorrow, if not now, then surely later in life. But if obeyed, it brings fullness.”

APPLICATION:
What are you characterized by when it comes to obedience to Christ's commands?
- Are you a legalist when it comes to obedience to Christ's commands?
- Are you licentious when it comes to obedience to Christ's commands?

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
Rejoice
There is a Fountain
I Will Glory In My Redeemer
Rock of Ages
I Need You
Turn Your Eyes

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Colossians 3:22-4:1

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

All obedience begins here—a thankful heart for God’s redemption. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Colossians: Alive in Christ
TEXT: Colossians 3:12-17
TITLE:  Putting On Our New Life in Christ
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet
BIG IDEA: Because we are Alive in Christ, we don’t just stop living for the world; we live according to Christ.

POINTS:
1. A New Life
2. A New Wardrobe
3. A New Vision

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes are taken from the pastor’s notes.
”Look at verse 12—Put on then, now before [Paul] tells them WHAT to put on, he does what he has already done in 1-4 and 10-11—he reminds them WHO they are—as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved.”

“This is identity language from the Old Testament—Deuteronomy 7:6-8—You are a holy people—The Lord has chosen you—The Lord loves you. Like He chose and loved Israel, God chose the Colossians. Like He chose the Colossians, He chose you. You are holy because He has set you apart as His. You are beloved because God has lavished His love upon you. All of this is at God’s initiative alone, IN Christ alone.”

“All obedience begins here—a thankful heart for God’s redemption. In 15-17, Paul calls us to be thankful three times, each connected somehow to God’s provision through Jesus. Thankfulness reveals that you get the gospel.”

“The reminder is critical because while we are commanded to live a new life, we cannot create one. Our responsibility before God is to be who we have already become. This is the difference between Christian obedience becoming duty or delight, frustration-filled or faith-filled, works of the hands or worship from the heart.”

“It’s human nature to give ourselves to mechanical obedience, self-sufficiency, and personal achievement. But those are ways we mix worldly thinking into our Christian life—Just Do it. If it's to be, it's up to me. Hold my drink; I’ve got this. That’s the old man talking. Hard work and ambition are good, but they are not mediators between God and man. The new man begins with the person, provision, and power of Christ.”

“Now we are ready for the putting on.”

“In 5-9, Paul gave a representative list of the sins that belonged to our old self. Before our conversion, we were ruled by the passions and desires that give way to those sins. But in Christ, we put them off.”

“As important as putting off sin is, it’s not sufficient. God is not interested in moral neutrality: He demands righteousness—Be holy as I am holy, 1 Peter 1:16 says. So we put off sin and put on righteousness.”

“The phrase Put on means clothe yourself. The imagery is something we do every day—get dressed. So let’s take a look at the wardrobe in 12.”

“Put on compassion: Compassion is a genuine concern and tenderness toward others who find themselves in difficult and trying circumstances. Put on kindness: Kindness is goodness and generosity toward others motivated by genuine care and interest. Put on humility: Humility is a willingness to consider the interests of others by putting away selfish ambition and recognizing others as more significant than self. It’s not a graveling servility usually rooted in pride, but it is the opposite of self-exaltation. As Phililippians 2:4 says—counting others more significant than yourself. Put on meekness: Meekness is a gentleness that doesn’t assert itself over others but judges charitably and serves graciously while trusting God with situations. Put on patience: Patience is long-suffering with others in a way that endures wrongs and refuses to judge or exact vengeance.”

“Each one of these is a reflection of our Savior. To put these qualities on is to put Christ on. We aren’t perfect. We still sin. The penalty of sin due us was paid, and the power of sin over us was broken at the cross. But on this side of heaven, the presence of sin remains around us and within us.”

“There is an enemy within our hearts—Sin! That’s why the only place in Scripture Christians are called to be violent is with our sin. That’s the command of 5. Sin is serious. It’s a bully that never takes a break. We cannot consent to it. We must kill it.”

“And we can. The Christian life is a victorious life. The strength we have is the Spirit. Our tools are prayer, the Word, and fellowship. The promise we have is the one we look up to is always interceding for us. So, as we Look Up to Christ, eyes always on him, who he is, and who we are in him compels us to put off the garments of sin and put on the garments of righteousness, bringing our lives in line with who we are in Christ in a way that reflects who he is and what he is like.”

“That, my friends, has a huge implication. Notice what 15 says—you have been called into one body. The righteousness of Christ you put on every day is meant to bear fruit beyond your own life—read 13. The consequence of living in line with who we are in Christ is harmony with other believers—enduring with and forgiving one another.”

“Everything Paul has said, he now holds it all together with love—read 14. In other words, none of them matter without love. As it says in 1 Corinthians 13—Without love, we have nothing. Love keeps them in the proper perspective. Love completes them. Love validates them as genuine. Love ensures harmony.”

“What unifies and binds us together isn’t philosophy or personal convictions. It’s not experience or expertise. It’s not social or economic status. It’s not the way we educate our kids or view dating. What unifies and binds us together is the love of God in Christ—the Gospel!”

“In three phrases, Paul shows us the key to the new life in Christ. First Phrase (15) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Second Phrase (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. Third Phrase (17) Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

“For Christians, when it comes to the heart, we are to allow the gospel truth to call the shots. What does that mean?

• Rest in the free justifying grace of Jesus, not circumstances

• Find personal contentment and worth in being hidden in Christ, not a familial role or earthly ambitions. 

• We call sin sin instead of sugarcoating or normalizing it with worldly ideas and cultural norms.

• It means when I want to lash out in anger at Donna, I put my anger off, put on humility and patience in love because Jesus loved me by humbling himself to the point of death on a cross for me, and every day, he patiently works to make me more like him.”

“God’s Word, and in particular, that which Paul called of first importance in 1 Corinthians 15:3—the gospel—is to find its home in your heart. To occupy and live in your heart.”

“Old saying—What comes up in the bucket is what’s down in the well…What’s in your bucket? It’s a silly but important question because the bucket's content reveals what’s in the well of your heart. Over and against secular philosophy and worldly perspectives, we are to let the gospel take over our hearts so that it’s what comes out of us as we fellowship with, give counsel to, and encourage one another.”

“This is why we encourage one another to be in God’s Word. It’s why your pastors continually encourage you to read Christologically rich-books. It’s why our CG is about leading you to the cross, where you meet the love and kindness of God. Corporately speaking, if you're visiting, it’s why we preach Christ, counsel Christ, and sing Christ. He is our all-in-all! Resolve today to Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.”

“[Verse 17] is the exclamation point on 1-17. Live your life because of Jesus, for Jesus, in the strength of Jesus, for the glory of Jesus. Whether in the home, at work, at church, with our money and possessions, relationships, competition, you name it—the glory of God in Christ is our highest priority.”

“Every day, we choose to either put on the garment of sin or the garment of Christ’s righteousness. When the gospel rules what goes on inside of us, when it permeates what comes out of us, and when Christ is our highest purpose, by His grace, we will choose righteousness, living more and more as people truly Alive in Christ.”

QUOTES:
David Garland - “Our holiness will not come from our futile attempts to comply with an arbitrary list of observances and taboos. Our godliness is not measured by the things we do not do. It comes from being in Christ, dying with Christ, and being raised with Christ.”

G.K. Beale - “Bearing with one another and forgiving one another is the atmosphere that saturates the five virtues of verse 12. These virtues are all linked to bearing with and forgiving.”

John Woodhouse - “The image here may be of an overcoat which is to be put on over all the other garments already mentioned. It holds them all perfectly together.”

Douglas Moo - “These virtues attain their full power only when they are unified and empowered by love.”

APPLICATION:
- Do you have a hard time forgiving others? Are you quick to judge rather than bear with someone? What do you need to put off and put on? Here’s the good news—You have victory over sin in Christ. Kill it. And put on the heavenly quality of life you now have in Christ.”

- What rules your heart in conflict? Prosperity? Moment of sexual temptation? What calls the shots when someone offends you?  Resolve today to Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
Sing
It Was Finished Upon That Cross
Nothing But The Blood Of Jesus
There is One Gospel

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Colossians 3:18-21

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

There are many facets to our life as a church! Our hope is that these posts will enable you to plan, pray, and ultimately rejoice in what the Lord is doing at Sovereign Grace Church. Here are a few updates for you to do just that! 

Eastside Community Group

Please be praying for those in the new Eastside Community Group! This group will be meeting on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month at 7pm in a public location on the Eastside. If you know anyone on the Eastside who might be interested in visiting or joining this group, please feel free to invite them and let Derek know!

You are also welcome to visit the group yourself! Just reach out to Derek to give him a heads-up and confirm the meeting location.

marriage cOMMUNITY group

The next Marriage Community Group is starting on February 7th! Please be praying that the Lord would strengthen the faith and marriages of the couples who will be part of this Marriage Group.

This February-April group is full, but if you’d like to be notified about the next Marriage Community Group, please reach out to Tom Wilkins.

bridge courses

TWO Bridge Courses will be starting up in March!

More details coming soon.

The Bridge Course is great for everyone, especially those with questions or doubts, or those who want to learn what true Christianity is all about. For a list of the questions and topics for each session, go to BridgeCourse.org.

To get involved or learn more, contact Tim Lambros.

Invitation Sunday

Our next Invitation Sunday is March 9th!

This is a Church-wide focus on inviting friends, neighbors, or anyone else to join us for church and then FOOD & FUN after the service.

Invitation handouts will be available within the next few weeks. Be praying about who you can invite!

Leadership Training: Part two

Join us for the second part of the Leadership Training on Saturday, March 15th from 8AM to 11AM.

Missed Part One? You can watch the sessions HERE!

This free training is open to everyone—men, women, youth, friends, and anyone who wants to grow in their understanding of biblical leadership.

SIGN UP HERE!

baptism Sunday

Baptism Sunday will be held on March 16th after the Sunday morning service!

If you would like to be baptized, or if you want more information, please contact Tom Wilkins.

You can also check out this blog post about Baptisms HERE.

Today’s text reminds us that we are not home yet, but Victory in Christ has been secured. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Colossians: Alive in Christ
TEXT: Colossians 3:5-11
TITLE:  Victory In Christ and Killing Sin
PREACHER: Tom Wilkins
BIG IDEA: Our victorious new life in Christ calls for us to put to death our old life.

POINTS:
1. A time to kill
2. A time to live

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes are taken from the pastor’s notes.
”While at the pastors and wives retreat, we got word that [my mom] went to be with her Savior. We received word in the midst of planning my father-in-law’s memorial service which is next weekend. Our hearts are heavy, BUT THEY ARE ALSO HOPEFUL!”

“You see, heaven has drawn near to us, and ‘the veil between this life on earth and heaven has become thinner.’ We are not there yet, but we can see a little clearer now what is to come - no more pain, no more sorrow, no more sin. Mom and Dad are now Alive in Christ and with Christ like never before. Today’s text also, reminds us that we are not home yet, but Victory in Christ has been secured.”

“For those in Christ and until we step on the shores of heaven, we are deeply encouraged in this life and charged to live in Christ. Encouraged by the present truth of our NEW LIFE in Christ and charged to now PUT TO DEATH OLD LIFE.”

“Victory over our “old life in this world” is secured in Christ, and our victorious new life in Christ calls for us we must mortify the “old man” - killing our old way of life.”

“We are called to ‘Put to death,’ kill, mortify. We must get a sense of the gravity of this. What follows must be truly horrible, so bad, such an enemy, such a fo, that we are not warned. We are not told to watch out. We are not told to be careful. IT IS IMPERATIVE! It is commanded - and the sense of the original is one of continually MORTIFYING. Kill Kill Kill Kill and keep on killing.”

“Our greatest enemy is the enemy within. We must continually mortify our sinful nature within us.”

“This is strong language! But our dilemma is that we underestimate the depravity and the strength of our sinful nature. We underestimate our dire need to mortify the flesh. What follows begins to paint a grim picture of the nature of our flesh. Sexual immorality (were we get the word porn and serves as head master of those that following, each of which is driven by the first), Sexual Impurity, Sexual Passion (lust), Sexual Evil Desire, Covetousness - not simply desiring things that we don’t have but hearts gripped an insatiable idolatrous lusting after more and more things and covetousness shares its nature and manifests itself in sexual desire as well.”

“And if this list were not enough to make it clear that we must kill them, Paul elevates their worthiness of death as we hear the terrifying words, “On account of these the wrath of God is coming.” These are terrifying words reveal the sinfulness of sin. Sins of the flesh must be killed, and if you didn’t get it the first time - the wrath of God is coming - this enemy truly is our enemy, but they are the enemy of God, and He is on his way!”

“The relevance of this list could not be more clear in our culture today. Each and every one of these sins pours across our screens, fills our literature, and drives a chunk of our politics. Every single one is celebrated as freedom, as identity,… these are excused and protected in our laws.”

“Paul specifically and for clarity lists 5 more sins: Anger (Here, anger serves as headmaster of those that follow, each of which is driven by the first), Wrath, Malice, Slander, Obscene talk (more than simple foul and impure talk but the mouth that destroys).”

“‘But now…’ means so much more than simply the next thing we do. ‘But now’ means that something has radically changed about us, in us, for us, and that change is that we have been given a completely new life in Christ. Everything in 5-8 revealed WHO WE WERE according to our former way of life in the flesh - This is who you were! ‘BUT NOW’ -  An eschatological new victorious age has dawned!”

“Look with me at the language of v9. “...seeing that you have put off the old… and have put on the new self…” Something has already happened. The putting off of the old self and the putting of the new self has ALREADY happened. This does not let us escape from the imperative need to mortify sin BUT rather it pumps hope and life into the imperative. Put to death sin, because you are now alive in Christ! Put away all sin, because all of your sins have been removed by Christ! Fight because the Victory has been won!”

“The point isn’t ‘successfully kill these things so that you can gain new life’ but rather ‘remembering they are of your old life, completely kill these things because you are now alive in Christ.’”

“No matter who you are, you are now made new to be like Jesus! The Old Man looks nothing like Christ. The New Man is re-created to reflect, show, and be like Jesus. It is about Jesus, and it has always been about Jesus.”

QUOTES:
John Owen- “The choicest believers, who are assuredly freed from the condemning power of sin, ought to make it their business all their days to mortify the indwelling power of sin.” and “Do you mortify; do you make it your daily work; be always at it while you live; cease not a day from this work; be killing sin or it will be killing you.”

APPLICATION:
Q. What of your old life needs to be mortified?
Q. What are you waiting for?

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
The Lord Almighty Reigns (Psalm 93)
Before The Throne Of God Above
Crown Him With Many Crowns
Behold Our God
His Mercy Is More

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Colossians 3:12-17

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

The Christian life is about identifying with two glorious realities—We look back to the cross where the gospel made us new in Jesus and we look forward to seeing Jesus in heaven. Our life is lived between these two spiritual bookends. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Colossians: Alive in Christ
TEXT: Colossians 3:1-4
TITLE:  The Glorious Bookends of Life
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet
BIG IDEA: Our past and future in Christ is meant to shape our present with Christ.

POINTS:
1. In Christ, we are not who we once were
2. In Christ, our focus is not where it once was

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes are taken from the pastor’s notes.
”The Bible repeatedly tells us the gospel gives us new life in Christ. We are still a work in progress, but our identity is securely bound up in Christ and one day we will be with him in heaven. This self-understanding is fundamental to the Christian life. At its heart is identity—Who am I? “

“Nothing in this life is more important than who we are in Christ. No matter your station in life, your identity is bound up in Christ. This is where all spiritual growth and joy begin.”

“Welcome to Colossians 3:1-4. We are halfway through Colossians. Today's text is a summary of the first two chapters and a launching pad for the final two.”

“The Christian life is about identifying with two glorious realities—We look back to the cross where the gospel made us new in Jesus and we look forward to seeing Jesus in heaven. Our life is lived between these two spiritual bookends.”

“Paul begins by drawing our attention to past events—(1) If then you have been raised with Christ. Again, in 3—For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Paul refers to spiritual death and resurrection, which he explains in 2:11-12. That moment God acted on your hearts through regeneration, and you put your trust in Jesus. At that moment, your old man (flesh) was put to death, and you were raised to new life with Christ.”

“This is an extraordinary event that changed everything. You are no longer who you once were. You are not the same person you were before you believed in Christ. Your name is the same.  Your looks are the same. But you are not the same. Your testimony of salvation describes the moment you died to the flesh, were raised with Jesus, and your life became hidden with Christ. More than that, 4 says—Christ IS your life.”

“When I googled finding your identity: '‘Finding your identity involves exploring your values, interests, and experiences, and understanding how you see yourself and how others see you.’ Sadly, too many Christians have a Google theology. If you agree with that statement, you are in trouble. That philosophy is empty, vain deceit. It centers the world on me instead of Christ. Listen, things happen to us in life that can have powerful effects. Some good, some bad. [But] nothing changes who we are and what we look forward to in Christ. People and events may be influential in our lives, but they are not determinative because they cannot change who we are in Christ.”

“As a Christian: 

• You have been freely and fully forgiven of your sin

• You are eternally loved and accepted by the heavenly Father.

• You are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who is always with you, exercising the power of God in your life. 

• You’re a member of God’s ultimate family, the church, where you can grow, serve, and thrive in your faith. 

• Though the fullness of your identity is hidden, that is, not yet fully revealed, heaven awaits you, where, according to Psalm 16:11—is a fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore. 

Nothing can erase these gospel blessings and realities. They are what now defines you. This is the glory of your conversion.”

“Having reminded us of our true identity, Paul draws attention to the future implication of our identity: One day, we will be with Christ in all his glory and majesty. Heaven is our home. We are citizens of heaven.”

“The fullness of our joy and glory with Christ is hidden today, but one day, it will be fully revealed and experienced when Christ returns. Then, there will be no more sin and suffering. No more sickness and death. No more conflict and confusion. All will be made right in the glorious presence of him that makes heaven, heaven—Jesus Christ! What a magnificent future that awaits us! Application: Study Heaven!”

“How do we live out our identity in Christ? Paul tells us—read 1. Seek—Identifying with Jesus involves seeking the things above. What are the things above? Not heavenly geography but the person, presence, and sufficiency of Jesus, whose presence consumes the heavenly realm.” 

“He is seated at the right hand of God. In Scripture, the right hand of God is the position of ultimate power, honor, dignity, and glory (Psalm 110:1). It’s the place of sovereign rule over creation (1 Peter 3:22). Hebrews 1:3 says it’s the place of ultimate victory. The risen and exalted Jesus sat down, figuratively a way to say my work of salvation is finished and sufficient. So seeking is a call to identify with all our sovereign and victorious Savior has accomplished, all he has promised, and all that awaits us in heaven.”

“And the nature of our seeking is intense. The verb seek implies a persistent effort and continuous concentration. Earnestly seek Christ above and keep seeking him. Think about your persistence when you want or believe in something. The idea is a relentless pursuit of Christ and the heavenly blessings that are ours in him. We don’t take our eyes off heaven.”

“This can look a lot of ways. But Paul says it begins with the mind—(2) Set your mind on the things that are above. Look up! [As though we are ] afraid of heights—Don’t look down—when you look down, fear, anxiety, and panic set in.” 

“That’s what these verses are meant to do: grab us by the temples and say—Look up! In a world full of pain, frustration, and uncertainty, Look up to Christ.”

“Look up where you will find your forgiveness and righteousness. Look up where you will find your worth and purpose. Look up where you will find your hope and joy. Look up where you will find your strength and security.”

“Take your eyes off the ideas, values, and circumstances of this world and LOOK UP to identify with Christ and all God’s promises that are Yes and Amen in him. Over and against the philosophies, wisdom, and hopes of this world, fix yourself on Christ.”

“Why? Point 1—You have died and risen with Christ, whom your life is now hidden in. Your life being hidden in Christ means you are eternally secure. It means the fullness of your life in him is yet to come when he appears (4). Most of all, it means all the realities and blessings above are yours here below.”

“We live in the now but not yet. Breaking news—we are not in heaven yet. But because by faith we identify with Christ now, we think and live as those who belong to the above because we do. Now, don’t take Paul to the absurd. His point is not to divorce yourself from this world as if we never think about things like education, politics, or finances. [Rather let] your perspectives, your attitudes, your emotional life, your responses, your preferences, your worldview, how you think about marriage, money, parenting, work, politics, tragedy, success, failure, singleness, education, leisure, retirement, health, sex, entertainment, and whatever else you think about—let it all be shaped, formed, and governed—not by this world, not by your life experiences or upbringing—but by your identity in Christ and the power and fullness of God in this life and eternity that is yours as a result.”

“This is not passive—It’s active. We must seek the things above and keep seeking them. Pursue them. Chase them. Hold onto them. Focus on them. Savor them. Treasure them. Never forget them. Never let them go. Seek them by setting your mind on Christ, in whom they are yours!”

“In my love for creative bookends, I know they need to be able to hold the books upright. The power of the cross and glory of heaven are sufficient to hold you upright in your walk with the Lord. Set your mind on them. Seek Christ. Believe and know you will never be disappointed in Him!”

QUOTES:
G.K. Beale - “The “seeking” is a desire to have one’s thinking and lifestyle continually oriented around Christ’s kingship over all things.”

Kent Hughes - “We see in these verses the “Great Divide” in the Christian life. What we set our minds on determines our seeking and thus the direction of our Christian lives.”

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
Philippians 3:20
2 Corinthians 1:20
Ephesians 2:4-6
Philippians 4:8

APPLICATION:
Q. What characterizes your thought life?
Using common sense here, when you’re at work, your thoughts are on your work. I get it. But as you consider even your work, where does your mind go? When you set your mind on the things above you are more apt to seek the power of God for work through prayer. Is your thought life consumed with this world's responsibilities and material things, or do Christ and the things above characterize it?

Q. How do you respond when possessions, station in life, or a long-awaited opportunity is taken from you?
Do you lose your joy? Get angry? Blame God? Fall into self-pity?  Our responses in these moments reveal if our heart is fixed on this world or heaven above. As Jesus said—For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also—Matthew 6:21. When you set your mind on the things above, you are more apt to cherish your heavenly blessings more than your earthly treasures.

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
My Soul Will Wait (Psalm 62)
Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me
Cling to Christ
The Solid Rock

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Colossians 3:5-11

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

Self-made religion, with its forced regulations and condemnation, is an enemy to the finished work of Christ. This concerns Paul for this congregation in Colossae and this should concern us. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Colossians: Alive in Christ
TEXT: Colossians 2:16-23
TITLE:  Hold Fast to Christ
PREACHER: Tom Wilkins
BIG IDEA: Hold fast to Christ, for our life and growth in Him depend on Him alone.

POINTS:
1. Warning: Let no one judge you (vs. 16-17)
2. Warning: Let no one disqualify (vs. 18-19)

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes are taken from the pastor’s notes.
”Before [Paul] gets to those implications (a life in Christ), he warns the saints in vs. 8 (last week’s sermon) concerning this self-made “philosophy” that is “according to the elemental spirits of the world and not according to Christ” is creeping into the church - “See to it that no takes you captive by philosophy…”.  And today, Paul continues with two more warnings.”

“Until we step onto the golden shore of heaven, every generation of church will need to heed these warnings.”

“‘Let no one pass judgment on you…’ There were some who were ‘bringing them to task,’ challenging them in judgment, already condemning them… for their failure to follow certain Jewish dietary rules and celebration of certain sacred days. You should not be eating certain foods and drinks - the severe treatment of the body. You should be following the “festivals, new moon, and the Sabbath.” Originally, these things would have prepared the followers by making them clean and acceptable in tabernacle/temple/worship. They were passing judgment on the Christians based on their strict adherence to these regulations. Paul does not see each of these as THE threat but rather the requirement of these things.”

“Vs 17 ‘These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ.’ He uses the word “shadow” in vs 16 and contrasts it with “substance.” The not-real with the real. For these things foreshadowed the “substantive body” that cast the shadow.”

“These OT regulations were shadows that pointed to something, to someONE. These things pointed the REALITY… the “substance” …the reality… was always Christ!”

“This draws out the great truth in redemptive history: the rules and regulations, sacred days, and celebrations all pointed to Jesus. They had a temporary purpose that has now been fulfilled in Christ. They were never the point!”

“The real and true Son of God came in the flesh

The real Lamb of God born to die impaled on a real Roman cross by real nails as his body poured forth his real and precious blood… He bore the full weight of God’s righteous wrath upon his broken body for the final punishment of our real sins. He dies a real death as he gasps his last breath. His heart stopped. He was wrapped in real death clothes and placed in a real tomb. Three real days passed, and the real stone was rolled away and our true and now resurrected Lord stepped away from the death wrap and exited into the early morning sun that he had created, appearing the disciples and hundreds more before they stood and watched Him ascend to real heaven and reign forevermore on THE throne as THE REALITIES OF REALITIES - THE LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH HIMSELF IN MAJESTY head over all rule and authority!”

“Paul’s warning in verse 16 is related to the judgment of those who take us to task and condemn us. He now delivers his next warning in verse 18: disqualification - disqualifying us from the award by self-appointed arbitrators or umpires who rob us of our prize. ‘Let no one disqualify you!’”

“BUT It is clear: all of these things in Verse 16 and 19 belong to the ‘philosophies’ ‘according to the elemental spirits of the world’ in mentioned again in the coming verse 20. THE RESULT is of a carnal nature ‘puffing themselves up’  and all of this being all in their ‘unspiritual minds’ ‘without reason by reason of a sensuous mind.’”

“If we submit to these things of the sensuous mind… to the philosophy and elementary spirits of this world… We let go of Christ. We let go of the very life stream for growth in God. We turn and submit ourselves to the rule and governance of this world…THIS is our ROOT PROBLEM and it is exposed in the text, and the matter could not be more dangerous.”

“Our root issue and dilemma is our failure to hold onto Christ as our Head. Something will always vie for the centrality of Christ in our faith. Verse 19 declares that we have dropped the very thing that feeds/nourishes, and holds us together - our life that “grows with a growth that is from God.” God does not grow us with the things of the flesh, no matter how impressive and insightful the principles of the world may sound. In our efforts to somehow hold onto Jesus and also hold onto the principles of the spirits of this world we have NOT gained… we have not grown… have not increased our insight into the struggle of the soul. The kingdom of this world does not add anything to the kingdom of God! In fact, it is an enemy of God’s kingdom. If we try to syncretize the two kingdoms by attempting to hold onto Christ and embracing these elemental spirits. Verse 19 says we drop Jesus, and we starve our souls!”

“Thank God for Head - Jesus… the head of the church, where, together with the church, we are now His body, and we are nourished by him alone and not by these things. Our growth and change come from Him.”

“Paul now brings his opening theology in chapters 1 and 2 to fruition. Paul has built his Christological framework: Through the preaching of the supremacy of Christ, declaring that we are now alive in Christ, he unfolded the mystery of Christ. He has warned us again and again and again. NOW in verses 20-23 Paul rounds the corner with his coming exhortation in chapter 3. In the coming chapters Paul moves from preaching the Glorious gospel - and he continues to hold fast to Christ - as he moves to the application… the implications of the gospel in our actions.”

QUOTES:
Peter O’Brien - “Christ has arrived.” “The substance has already come. The regulations belonged to a transitory order and have lost all binding force.”

David E. Garland - “Why play in the shadow world when you have experienced the real thing?”

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
Hebrews 10

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
Reformation Song
Death Arrested
Jesus Paid It All
My Life Is An Offering
Cling to Christ

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Colossians 3:1-4

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

There is no other knowledge you must obtain, wisdom you must discover, or practices you must keep. Jesus is the supreme and sufficient Savior. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: Colossians: Alive in Christ
TEXT: Colossians 2:8-15
TITLE:  As Good As It Gets
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet
BIG IDEA: Don’t be fooled; knowing Christ is as good as it gets.

POINTS:
1. Live alert to spiritual dangers
2. Live out of your union with Christ
3. Live free in the gospel

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes are taken from the pastor’s notes.
”Today’s text warns us of another kind of mixology—a spiritual mixology. To this point in the letter, Paul has repeatedly emphasized the Colossian's completeness in Christ. To know Jesus by faith is to know all you need to know to belong to God. There is no other knowledge you must obtain, wisdom you must discover, or practices you must keep. Jesus is the supreme and sufficient Savior.”

“The claim of the gospel is that if you have faith in Jesus, then you are in union with Christ, and you lack absolutely nothing regarding your standing with God. So how do we live in the good of that?”

“Our text begins with a warning. Of course, the presence of a warning means the possibility of danger. In 8, Paul says—See to it that no one takes you captive. The word captive is vivid. The imagery is a kidnapping. A person being carried away over someone’s shoulder. Paul warns the Colossians to live alert so they are not carried away from their only hope, Christ. Paul explains what they are to be on the alert for.”

“As it does today, in the first century, philosophy covered a wide range of ideas and practices meant to give one a deeper understanding and fuller experience of life. Some of it helpful. Some of it useless. In this context, Paul is warning about systems of thought and methods of living, probably a mix of Jewish tradition (16-23) and pagan belief, that was being integrated with the gospel as gospel.”

“Paul says—Don’t be fooled; it’s just empty deceit. It’s vain, worthless, and void of true spiritual value. Like sinking sand, it has no firm basis. Here’s why:  (8) It’s according to human tradition. It’s man-made. It’s preference, not truth. Remember 6-7—Build your life on what you received—Christ Jesus the Lord.”

“[Paul] tells us is to live alert to being carried away by worldviews and perspectives that promise greater purpose and fullness of life. WHY? Look at the end of 8—they are not according to Christ. They are not rooted in the gospel you heard from Epaphras (1:7). They are not centered on the one who is supreme over all creation and sufficient for salvation (1:15-20). You may not believe in mythical gods or follow the stars. But Paul’s warning is equally if not more important to us today. How many people blend Christianity with worldly philosophies?”

“The gospel is meant to be at the center of all our thinking and living.”

“Are you about to be kidnapped? Paul says—Beware of spiritual mixology. Be on the lookout for any ideas or teaching, no matter how plausible it may be, that promises greater blessing and spirituality apart from the gospel.”

“Paul spends the rest of the text showing the Colossians why all they need is Christ, emphasizing what God has done for them in Christ. In doing so, he shows any human and worldly philosophy to be ridiculous and empty, no matter how plausible they sound.”

“Paul counters the empty philosophies of the world to the fullness of God in Christ—read 9-10. The word dwelling should take us back to the OT, reminding us how God has revealed Himself throughout redemptive history. The God who once dwelled with His people on Mt. Zion, in the Tabernacle, then the Temple of Jerusalem, now dwells with His people in Jesus Christ. It’s the Christmas miracle of the Incarnation—Jesus was, is, and forever will be God in the flesh.”

“Jesus isn’t a shadow or virtual reality. Jesus is the wisdom, majesty, holiness, and glory of God made flesh who has been given all rule and authority. If Jesus is the fullness of God in every way—(10) you have been filled in him—then you have all the fullness of God you can ever possess in this life because in Christ God has given Himself to you. So, to have Christ is to lack absolutely nothing before God.”

“In this context, Paul uses circumcision to communicate the profound reality of their union with Christ. Look at 11 again—In him you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands (not physical but spiritual—a circumcision of the heart) by putting off the body of the flesh (that’s the spiritual circumcision—death of our old nature with its passions and desires according to Gal 5:24) by the circumcision of Christ. The circumcision of Christ being his death on the cross.”

“So the circumcision here is a graphic illustration of the death of Christ, in which we share through the miracle of regeneration where our old heart is stripped away (circumcised) in the spiritual death of the old man now made new by the Spirit. Notice the progression in 12—Having died in Christ, we were buried and raised with Christ, the spiritual reality demonstrated through baptism. Such is our union with Christ. We have spiritually died with Christ, were buried with Christ, and raised from the dead with Christ, so that, as it says in 13— we are made alive in Christ.”

“This is the glorious result of our union in Christ—full forgiveness. Notice Paul says we are forgiven of ALL our trespasses. The entire record of debt that stood against us was nailed to the cross with Christ.”

“Paul says the record of our debt was nailed to the cross with Christ. Picture a document that lists all the sins you ever committed. What a document that would be. What a lengthy document that would be. What a horrific document that would be. For every item on that document, you owe a debt to God. Impossible. But look at the precious words at the end of 14— This—that long horrific document of ALL your sin—he set aside, nailing it to the cross, effectively canceling it ALL.”

“The word canceling is a strong word. It means obliterate. The document with all your sins no longer exists. Your slate has been wiped clean before God. So that now, by faith, you are free to live life to the fullest. Free from the dominion of sin and free from the penalty of sin, you can seek a life of fullness that comes only by faith in Christ. Nothing else is needed, and no mixing is required because, through the death and resurrection of Jesus—read 15. Christ has won the battle. He has conquered sin, death, and evil. And because Christ has conquered, we have conquered and will conquer.”

QUOTES:
Kent Hughes - “Christ’s circumcision on the cross involved not the stripping away of a small piece of flesh, but the violent removal of his entire body in death.”

APPLICATION:
Where do you go to make sense out of life? As we turn the corner into the new year, some self-evaluation is good:

1. How much time do you spend on social media? Personal musings and sound bites aren’t a good place to find the purpose of life. 

2. How discerning are you about the resources you read? Do you have a system to discern them

3. How often do you submit your thoughts to others? It’s easy to live in a bubble.

4. BIG ONE: How much time do you spend in God’s word? 

See to it that in your honest desire to grow as a Christian, you aren’t taken captive by the things that diminish and distort Christ. You don’t need something new; you need something true, according to Jesus. Anything less will carry you away from God, and you lose.

Don’t be fooled; knowing Christ is as good as it gets.

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
Man Of Sorrows
It Was Finished Upon That Cross
We Receive
My Redeemers Love

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Colossians 2:16-17

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. It is a stunningly bold statement that we are all too familiar with. As we close the books on 24 and start again in 25, I can't think of a better truth to root us in individually and collectively as a church. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: The Christmas Story
TEXT: Psalm 23:1
TITLE:  An Audacious New Year’s Reality
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet

POINTS:
1. The Majesty of My Shepherd
2. The Intimacy of My Shepherd
3. The Sufficiency of My Shepherd

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes are taken from the pastor’s notes.
”Someone said about Psalm 23:1—Our familiarity with these words may rob us of their audacity. It is one thing to speak of God as Rock, King, Creator, Holy One, and Shelter, but Shepherd!? No image is so touching as the image of shepherd. As shepherd, the Lord must identify with His flock; as shepherd, the Lord must always be near His flock; as shepherd, the Lord must fight for His flock; as shepherd, the Lord must be willing to die for his flock. This image David uses of God is among the loveliest in the Bible to describe the tender and compassionate care that God gives to His people.”

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. It is a stunningly bold statement that we are all too familiar with. As we close the books on 24 and start again in 25, I can't think of a better truth to root us in individually and collectively as a church. My prayer on this last Sunday of the year is simple:  We will leave here looking back on 24, freshly aware and grateful for all the goodness of our Shepherd, and look forward to 25 with a fullness of hope, knowing our Shepherd will be with us every step of the way.”

“From the outset, David distinguishes his shepherd as no ordinary shepherd—The LORD is my shepherd. Notice the word LORD in all caps. David is using the covenant name of God—Yahweh. It's the name God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3 at the burning bush. It was a fire in the bush that did not consume the bush, showing that the fire needed no source. The bush was a vivid illustration of God's being. He is profoundly mysterious. He needs nothing. He is independent of everything. He is self-existent. He is the great I AM. All of that is captured and communicated in the all-caps LORD. This is David's shepherd, and this is your shepherd.”

“Your shepherd is the one Isaiah 40 describes as measuring the waters that cover the Earth in the hollow of His hands and the one who consults no one because He knows all things.”

“Your shepherd is the one Job 38 describes as commanding the elements of weather and creating the boundaries of the sea.”

“Your shepherd is the one Psalm 8 declares has set the stars into place. PERSPECTIVE: [There is a] report that says there are 1,000 stars for every grain of sand on the Earth. Every one of them, the LORD, sets and holds into place effortlessly.”

“Here's the point: Your shepherd is no ordinary shepherd! He is the LORD who shepherds you from the fullness of His infinite and undiminishing wisdom, love, and power.”

“Allow this to stop you in your tracks because it should. The opening words of Psalm 23 should arrest our attention immediately. But too often, it doesn't. We rush by WHO our shepherd is to get to WHAT he does for us.”

“Don't allow your view of LORD to be, in the words of Phillip Keller—too small, too cramped, too provincial, too human. As the sun sets on one year and dawns on another, take heart—The LORD has been your shepherd, and He will continue to be your shepherd!”

“In light of WHO the Psalm 23 shepherd is, what David says next is quite remarkable: he says—The LORD is my shepherd. David does not say the LORD is A shepherd, or Israel's shepherd, or even Our shepherd. He says The Lord is MY shepherd. The Infinite LORD is an Intimate Shepherd!”

“I read a great book, While Shepherds Watch Their Flock, by Timothy Laniak, a missionary turned seminary professor who took a year-long sabbatical to the Middle East to study real shepherds. His book chronicles and makes biblical connections with the things he learned about the sheep, the shepherds, and the culture to the shepherd imagery in the Bible, particularly Psalm 23. Here are a few things he observed that have not changed much over time:
- A good shepherd takes great pride in ensuring the sheep are well-fed, protected, and flourishing under His care.
- A good shepherd is up early, carefully inspecting his sheep, looking for any injuries, illness, or parasites. Anything that needs special attention before the day starts.
- A good shepherd is strategic and goes to great lengths to ensure there are always green, rich pastures. He makes sure there is plenty of clean water, and he plans for enough feed to get them through winter.
- A good shepherd sleeps with one eye open, constantly alert for danger from predators. His eyes continually move over the flock so he knows when a sheep wanders off or gets too close to a cliff.”

“In other words, a shepherd knows his sheep intimately. The LORD, who is transcendent above His creation in every way, the one who holds the universe in his hands, relates to YOU as a shepherd relates to his sheep.”

“These five simple words—The LORD is my shepherd—represent a glorious condescension. As you turn the corner to 2025, the Lord wants to remind you of your profound relationship with Him. We have been reminded this Christmas that our Infinite Shepherd condescended to us by sending his son Jesus, the one John 10 calls the Good Shepherd to us for one reason—to lay down his life for the sheep so God could lovingly and eternally accept us.”

“That's what the gospel is about—The Lord, the Great Shepherd, doing all the work needed through Jesus, the good shepherd, to make you His beloved sheep.”

“Yet, as David considers his life, he concludes he is not lacking or deficient, whether temporal or spiritual; he believes he has all he needs. Why? Because he has all he wants? NO. Because the LORD is his shepherd, and the LORD is enough. David is a man marked by a profound contentment rooted in knowing who controls his physical and spiritual well-being—an infinitely good Shepherd who has an undying love for Him.”

“Contentment is elusive. One of the most true-to-life book titles ever is The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment (Jeremiah Burrows). The words I shall not want challenge us because we are prone to wander and be dazzled by other things.”

“We all have some Miss Gadabout [the fence-crawling sheep] in us, don't we? Our hearts want for something more than what God has for us. We think the fields are greener on the other side of the metaphorical fence. Sometimes, it's the sin of greed that drives us. Other times it's the idol of personal dreams. At times, the weariness of suffering fuels discontentment with our shepherd.”

“Church, a new year lies ahead. It will hold personal triumph and tragedy. It will bring health and sickness. There will be excitement and disappointment. As a church, we will launch an exciting Church Plant Exploratory CG on the east side, experience evangelism growing pains, and keep gathering on Sundays and in CG right here in the NW. There will be green pastures and lean pastures. But our Good Shepherd will be with us every step of the way. Jesus is with us. And as our Shepherd, he is working on your behalf, working all things for his glory and your good, keeping you in his graces and providing rest, peace, and joy as your shelter in the storm and comforter of your soul so that we can say with David—read verse 6.”

APPLICATION:
- Here's one way to begin the new year: read Enjoying God by R.C. Sproul

- As you look back on 2024, ask yourself: What areas of fence crawling do I need to give to the Lord in 2025? Identify and repent of those areas with the assurance that your Great Shepherd won't put you down. Like the Father of the Prodigal Son, God never casts His sheep away. He shepherds us. He lovingly corrects us. He gently restores us. He faithfully tends to us by showing us how good and trustworthy He is and how lovely and satisfying His ways are if we would have the eyes to see.

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
This Is Amazing Grace
We Have Been Healed
Grace and Peace
Jesus Thank You
King Of Love
O Lord My Rock And My Redeemer

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Colossians 2:8-15

THE BOOK OF THE QUARTER:

Everyday Gospel: A Daily Devotional Connecting Scripture to All of Life

By Tripp, Paul David

Buy on Amazon

Sin has made us enemies of God. So, the peace we need is peace with God. This is our greatest need. That comes only one way—glory in a manger. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: The Christmas Story
TEXT: Luke 2:8-21
TITLE:  Glory and Peace In A Manger
PREACHER: Derek Overstreet

POINTS:
1. The Christmas Story and God's Incarnational Glory
2. The Christmas Story and Our Highest Good

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes are taken from the pastor’s notes.
”For many people, the Christmas narrative we just read is practically all they know of Christianity. Shepherds in their fields. A choir of angels. A baby born in a manger. But to quote the shepherd's words in 15—something happened which the Lord has made known to us. An event in real space and time occurred in a small town in the Middle East. The dates, people, and places that detail the coming event in 1-8 prove that Christmas is no fairytale. More than just another event, Christmas is the most significant turning point in world history—God revealed Himself like never before. This is The Christmas Story. And I know there's no colorful tree, warm fireplace, or hot cocoa, but settle in and listen carefully because whether it's for your salvation or sanctification, it can be a turning point in your history today.”

“Look at the opening phrase of this angelic song 14—Glory to God in the highest…At the heart of Christmas is God's glory. John Piper describes God's glory as—the public display of God's infinite beauty and worth.That is precisely what the angels are responding to on this first Christmas.”

“Angelology 101 is angels exist, above all things, to continually magnify and declare God's glory. For this, they have a front-row seat in heaven. Throughout Scripture, we find angels worshipping, magnifying, and glorifying God. But they have never seen God's glory displayed in this way—the public display of God's endless beauty and worth—IN A MANGER!”

“The Incarnate God was physically present with man, His grace, love, and power in the flesh. And the angels could not contain themselves.”

“Christmas powerfully reminds us that we have something in common with the angels. Like them, we were created to the praise and glory of God. Our highest motivation in all that we are is God's glory. Our greatest goal in life is God glorified in and through us. Like the angels, we exist to bring glory to God in the highest!”

“Peace is the deepest longing of the human spirit. Peace in the home. Peace in our marriages. Peace in our politics. Peace in the world. We long for peace because we were created to live in peace.”

“Of course, we think we can fulfill our innate desire for peace through strength, tolerance, pacifism, indifference, revolution—the list goes on and on. But the peace we were created for is not horizontal; it's vertical. The peace the angels proclaimed at the first Christmas was not an absence of hostility between Rome and the Jews. It's not found in 21st-century geo-political agreements. This peace is not an absence of conflict in my home, personal financial freedom, or emotional well-being. This peace proclaimed by the angels transcends time, human relationships, political hostilities, and life circumstances. This peace is the most basic human need—an inward and eternal peace with God.”

“To understand this, we must remind ourselves that there was a Garden where man lived in perfect peace with God before the manger. But something awful happened. The good news of great joy in 10 begins with bad news of great grief.  Adam fell into sin, destroying that peace. Adam exchanged the glory of God for the glory of self. Since then, we have been trying to rip glory from God's hands. We tend to forget God's glory. Instead of living upward, we live inward. It's why the world is the way it is. It's why true peace is elusive. We are the problem! Sin is the problem.” 

“Foretelling the birth of Christ, Isaiah 9 calls this baby the Prince of Peace. He is the one who fulfills our greatest longing by becoming our peace—peace with God, peace with ourselves, peace with one another. After centuries of waiting and silence, the only answer to our peace dilemma is this baby boy lying in a cold and stinky manger. He is our Savior.”

“God's glory revealed in the baby in the manger was ultimately shown by what he would accomplish on the cross. Jesus lived a perfect life, satisfying the demands of God's glory. Though he was perfect in righteousness from the manger, He would stand in our stead on the cross. His righteousness for our sin. His death for our life. His condemnation for our JUSTIFICATION.”

“JUSTIFICATION is the precious truth at the heart of the good news of great joy the angels sang about. It means God looks upon you just as if you had never sinned but perfectly obeyed. On account of Jesus' righteousness, God declares you righteous in His eyes. That means no sin to judge.”

“Like a Judge saying—There is no crime to prosecute! The death of Jesus has removed the sin that put you in conflict with God, and his righteousness is credited to you, and the result is—Peace with God! Peace with God means God is pleased with you. This makes sense of how this angelic proclamation ends—read 14b.”

“You and I could never do good enough or be good enough for God to save us. On our own, we stand condemned before God. But God is pleased with His Son, Jesus, his perfect life and atoning death. In the Christian faith, sinners come to God in Jesus' name, that is, in his person and work. So when you come to God in Christ through faith (Rom 5:1), God is pleased with you, so you have peace with Him!”

“Shepherds were dirty, sweaty, grimy people. They would stay with the sheep to protect the flock, sleeping in the fields. They smelled like livestock. They were the bottom rung of society—the last to be included in anything. Yet, it was to them the angels announced the birth of the Savior. They are the first on the scene. They told Mary and Joseph the angel's proclamation.”

“Spiritually speaking, we are all dirty shepherds. But the Christmas manger that led to the Good Friday cross, the empty Easter tomb, and all its promises of eternal peace and joy are yours through repentance and faith. Whatever gift is under your tree this year will pale compared to the gift of true, eternal life in Jesus.”

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
John 1:14
Colossians 1:19
Hebrews 1:3
Romans 1:22-23
Romans 5:1

QUOTES:
Charles Spurgeon - “God is glorified in every dewdrop that twinkles to the morning sun. He is magnified in every flower that blossoms. God is glorified in every bird that warbles on the spray. Do not the fishes in the sea praise him? From the tiny minnow to the huge Leviathan, do not all creatures that swim the water bless and praise his name? Do not the stars exalt him? Do not the lightnings adore him when they flash his brightness in arrows of light piercing the midnight darkness? Do not thunders extol him when they roll like drums in the march of God's armies? Do not all things exalt him, from the least even to the greatest? But sing, sing, oh universe, till thou hast exhausted thyself, thou canst not afford a song so sweet as the song of Incarnation.”

Ray Ortlund Jr. - “Why is the world in such a mess? You and I are the problem. Our good intentions are not strong enough to control our evil impulses. We need a Savior to rescue us from ourselves.”

Paul Tripp - “If you would for a moment, reflect on your last couple weeks, you will recognize, brothers and sisters, that you and I still have a glory problem. We don't always get glory right. Recognize that we have a peace problem; we don't always care about peace with God. We don't always have peace within. We surely don't always experience peace with one another. And so the work of that grace is as needed by us this morning as it's ever been. The angels announce your hope. The angels announce your redemption. The angels announce to you grace; grace of a life lived, grace of a death offered so that you may live for His glory, and you may experience in all the ways possible, His peace.”

APPLICATION:
If you don't have a relationship with Jesus Christ, notice how the shepherds responded to the angel's proclamation of the Savior—read 8-9, 15-16, 20

If you are a believer this morning, notice Mary's response—read 19

What are you treasuring in your heart this Christmas season? Are you not at peace with yourself but filled with guilt about sin or anxiety about the future? Are you discouraged about life? Are you not at peace with others, holding bitter grudges and withholding forgiveness? Are you not at peace with God, angry at Him about circumstances? 

In their own way, each one is an expression of trying to wrestle God's glory for yourself. It doesn't have to be this way. God has something different for you. He calls each one of us this morning to be like Mary. Treasure the eternal wonder of Christmas. Turn your heart back to the Lord in repentance and ponder the mind-blowing truth that peace condescended to you so glory could ascend to God in your life. As you do, here's the promise for you: You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you—Isaiah 26:3

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
O Come All You Unfaithful
Hope of the Ages
Angels We Have Heard On High
O Come All Ye Faithful
God Made Low

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Psalm 23:1

Our final song of the week is “Who Is This” from the Sovereign Grace Christmas Album, Heaven Has Come.

This song reminds us of the glory of the one Who is at the center of Christmas. As we head into Christmas week, may this song help us marvel at the reality of God with Us! 

Verse 1
Who is this, divine and tender
Hailing from eternal shores?
Once arrayed in highest splendor
Now, in poverty adorned

He is Jesus, God made mortal
Word in flesh, the Light of Life
From a throne room to a stable
Hope is born this holy night

Verse 2
Who is this of might and meekness
Given all authority?
With a word, He stills the tempest
At His touch the blind can see

He is Jesus, our Messiah
Long-awaited, long-proclaimed
Sing, "Hosanna in the highest!"
Christ, the King, has come to reign

Verse 3
Who is this, reviled and stricken
Broken on a cursed tree?
Son of God by God forsaken
Drenched in our iniquity

He is Jesus, slain for sinners
Laden with our guilt and grief
All our praise, to Him we render
For His wounds have won our peace
For You've won our peace

Verse 4
Who is this entombed in darkness
Cast into the bitter depths?
He whom grave nor hell could harness
Rose and tore the sting from death

He is Jesus, God triumphant
Risen to the Father's side
All will bow in awe and reverence
At the name of Jesus Christ

Listen Here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NftG2Bk1qdo

God’s sovereignty is displayed in the people and the events surrounding Bethlehem. This Sunday, Pastor Tim gave us three ways we can see how the Christmas story displays the sovereignty of God. Below is an outline summary of the sermon for your further study and deeper reflection.

SERIES: The Christmas Story
TEXT: Luke 2:1-7
TITLE: The Christmas Story Displays God’s Sovereignty
PREACHER: Tim Lambros
BIG IDEA: Christmas displays God’s sovereignty to strengthen our faith.

POINTS:
1. God is sovereign over political leaders
2. God is sovereign in His people
3. God is sovereign through the birth of His Son

SERMON EXCERPTS:
All quotes are taken from the pastor’s notes.
”A decree going out in this time period was not for proper representation in their Congress but a means to gather as much tax as possible.”

“[These were] tough times for Israel. Dark times. They haven’t heard from God in 4-500 years. A census is another reminder that although they live in the promised land they are definitely under someone else’s rule. A decree for a census is Ceasar flexing his political muscle to not only to get more taxes but to also communicate that Israel is under Rome’s thumb.”

“Although Ceasar Augustus is 1,000 miles away Luke communicates he is simply a tool in God’s grand redemptive plan. Ceasar has no idea that God is bringing about a 700-year-old prophesy through his decree.”

“Although the Incarnation of the Son of God is a monumental point in God’s redemptive plan, all through the Bible, Scripture clearly states that God is sovereign over nations and leaders.”  

“Notice V. 2 Quirinius – another secular leader mentioned because census’ were done regionally. People were required to register in person and that was typically done in the place of your ancestors. Notice in v. 2, Luke also records that this census was the first for the governor of Syria,  Quirinius. Acts 1:5 Luke mentions Herod, king of Judea. Look ahead to Acts 3:1-2.  Why does Luke record all these government leaders? Why is this important? How  does this draw our attention to the character of God?”

“The Christmas story is not mythical. The Christmas story and all of God’s revelation of  Himself are rooted in world history. The Christmas story doesn’t begin in a place  called Middle-earth. Luke’s narrative doesn’t open with ‘in a galaxy far, far way.’ The baby that we will read about being born in a few minutes is the Historical LORD.  He is the God who reigns over the universe and thus reigns over political leaders. Does this strengthen your faith?”

“God is bigger than the mighty Roman empire. 300 years of domination. Yet in the  middle of that reign, the One who reigns the universe is directing historical nations  and leaders to accomplish His purposes.”

“Luke carefully writes about Joseph and Mary and historically significant geographical locations. REREAD V. 4. It is obvious Mary is in her 9th month of pregnancy. The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem is somewhere between 80-90  miles. Most historians say they probably needed a week to travel there. It was dangerous to travel. Back then women died during childbirth. There were health risks that could terminate the pregnancy. This would be a difficult trip for Mary. Joseph probably waited for the weather to be the warmest. They may have possibly got a donkey for Mary to sit on. There would need to be bathroom breaks. They would surely go slower than most people. We know from Micah 5:2 that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem. But God is  working IN and THROUGH His people for His redemptive purposes.”

“God is working out His plan in the lives of Joseph and Mary. The sovereignty of  God working through and in His people is a truth we see threaded all throughout  Scripture.”

“Have you heard of the butterfly effect/theory? The butterfly effect is the theory that a butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil may cause a tornado in  Oklahoma because of a thousand unknown links working in a causal chain. The Incarnation of the Son of God is God’s sovereignty working in/through His people – Joseph and Mary in this case - it’s like the butterfly effect in reverse. Their family line was from Bethlehem, where the Messiah must be born. To fulfill the prophecy Mary needed to get to Bethlehem at the time of her birth. So God puts it in  the mind of Caesar Augustus — the most powerful person in the world, living over a  thousand miles away — to call for empire-wide registration, involving millions of people, at exactly the moment when God would relocate this one obscure,  pregnant, Jewish girl from Nazareth to Bethlehem.”

“All throughout Scripture, over and over again, we see God working His sovereign, redemptive plan through His people. It’s a mystery to us on how it all works out.  The point is for us to trust Him. The point is for us to revisit the Christmas story and be in awe that our God works His sovereign plan for His people. God is showcasing His sovereignty. His display of His character in the Christmas story is meant to build our faith. The culture out there will trivialize these Mt.  Everest truths about God, but it’s meant for us to strengthen our faith.” 

“What a story! Who would have ever created a storyline like this? Geography like  Nazareth, Judea, Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary betrothed and traveling. God is not worried that His plan might not work out. Year after year we are freshly in awe of His  Sovereign hand at work.”

“Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem and it’s time for Mary to give birth. There’s nothing in Luke’s account that would tell us the innkeeper was some mean guy who wouldn’t give a room to the young couple. No, Bethlehem is a hub of activity as it is  swarmed with travelers returning to their hometown.”

“Luke modestly states that Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger. Lest we sanitize and romanticize this let’s be very clear. There’s nothing sanitary about being born [and put] in a feeding trough. This isn’t ‘away in a manger’ it’s ‘away in a stinky feeding trough.’ There’s  nothing romantic about the pre-incarnate Son of God being born into an animal space that stinks like manure.”

“What is happening in Bethlehem has no humble comparison. Let’s remember from our study of Colossians who Jesus is.” 

“Luke’s description of the humble birth could easily be overlooked if not the divine celebration that Luke records in V. 8-14.”

“Let’s walk through the Christmas season careful not to exchange sentimentality for a serious and sobering truth. The Christmas story and the Incarnation of the Son of God display the sovereignty of God at work. But God is not done at the birth of Jesus. If you ready Acts 2 & Acts 4  you’ll see God’s sovereignty at work in the death and resurrection of our Savior.” 

ADDITIONAL SCRIPTURE:
Micah 5:2
Psalm 22:28
Job 12:23
Acts 17:26
Genesis 50:20
Exodus 2:5-8
Colossians 1:15-17

QUOTES:
WBC- “The supreme power figure of the Roman world, unbeknownst to himself, is instrumental in the fulfillment of messianic prophecy.”

John Piper - “The events of history are not about nations and industries. God governs the world for  the sake of his children.”

J.I. Packer - “The Christmas message rests on the staggering fact that the child in the manger was - God … this is only half the story.”

APPLICATION:
We heard last week that December can be a dangerous month for Christians. The busyness, the distractions, and a culture that wants to sanitize and romanticize the birth of Jesus. As Christians, we want to freshly see God showcasing His Sovereignty to increase our faith and trust in Him.  

Does the Christmas story increase your trust in God? - If God directs these events of the Christmas story – can you trust Him as He directs your life? As He brings challenges into your life? As you trust Him while waiting for answers to your prayers? 

Does the Christmas story help you increasingly live more aware? – More aware of people in your life? Might God be sovereignly directing the paths of people in your life to bring them to a place of putting their trust in Jesus this Christmas season? 

SONGS FROM THIS SUNDAY:
O Come O Come Emmanuel
Prepare Him Room
God Made Low
Who Would Have Dreamed
Joy To The World

NEXT WEEK’S PASSAGE:
Luke 2:8-21