Notes:
Colossians 4:7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant
in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
Colossians 4:8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may
know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
Colossians 4:9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.
They will make known to you all things which are happening here.
Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin
of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),
Colossians 4:11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers
for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a
comfort to me.
Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you,
always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and
complete in all the will of God.
Colossians 4:13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those
who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
Colossians 4:14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you.
Colossians 4:15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and
the church that is in his house.
Colossians 4:16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also
in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
Colossians 4:17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have
received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”
Colossians 4:18 This salutation by my own hand–Paul. Remember my chains.
Grace be with you. Amen.
1) Tychicus — The Friend with a Servant’s Heart.
Colossians 4:7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant
in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
Colossians 4:7 “… fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me.
Colossians 4:8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may
know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,
2) Onesimus is the Friend with the Sinful Past.
Colossians 4:9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you.
They will make known to you all things which are happening here.
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free,
there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Ignatius, who is a pastor of the Smyrna church, wrote in his epistle to the
Ephesians these words at the beginning of his letter:
“I received therefore, your whole multitude in the name of God, through Onesimus,
a man of inexpressible love, and your bishop in the flesh whom I pray you by
Jesus Christ to love, and that you would all seek to be like him. And blessed be
He who has granted unto you, being worthy, to obtain such an excellent bishop.”
Ignatius in his epistle to the Antiochians writes in his benediction:
“Onesimus, the pastor of the Ephesians salutes you.”
3) Aristarchus: The Friend with a Sympathetic Heart.
Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin
of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him),
It’s been said, “Your true friends are the ones who are walking in when
everyone esle is walking out.”
Gal 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
4) Mark — The Friend with the Surprising Future.
Colossians 4:10 “… with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received
instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), ”
Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his party set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga
in Pamphylia; and John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.
Acts 15:37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.
Acts 15:38 But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had
departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.
Acts 15:39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another.
And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus;
Acts 15:40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren
to the grace of God.
2 Timothy 4:11 “… Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for
ministry.”
5) Jesus aka Justus — The Friend with the Strong Commitment.
Colossians 4:11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers
for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a
comfort to me.
Colossians 4:11 “… they have proved to be a comfort to me.”
Matthew 25:36 ” … I was in prison and you came to Me.’
Hebrews 13:3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them–those who are
mistreated–since you yourselves are in the body also.
Colossians 4:18 This salutation by my own hand–Paul. Remember my chains.
Colossians 3:18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing
to the Lord.
Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become
discouraged.
An ideal is defined as:
1) A conception of something in its absolute perfection.
2) One that is regarded as a standard or model of perfection or excellence.
3) An ultimate object of endeaver, a goal.
4) An honorable or worthy principle or aim.
I. A PICTURE PERFECT WIFE.
Colossians 3:18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Success in marriage is more than finding the right person; it is being the right
person.
1 Corinthians 11:3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ,
the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
It’s plural leadership, singular headship.
Colossians 3:18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
II. A PICTURE PERFECT HUSBAND.
Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.
She married him because he was ‘strong and masculine’;
She divorced him because he was a very ‘dominating male.’
He married her because she was so ‘fragile and petite’;
He divorced her because she was so ‘weak and helpless.’
She chose him because ‘he knew how to provide a good living’;
She left him because ‘all he thought about was the business.’
He married her because she was ‘steady and sensible’;
He divorced her because she was ‘boring and dull.’”
Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church
and gave Himself for her,
Ephesians 5:28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies;
he who loves his wife loves himself.
Genesis 2: 23 And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of
my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”
Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined
to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
III. A PICTURE PERFECT CHILD.
Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing
to the Lord.
IV. A PICTURE PERFECT PARENT.
Colossians 3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become
discouraged.
Psalm 127:3 Children are a gift from the LORD ; they are a reward from him.
Proverbs 17:6 Grandchildren are the crown of old men …
The goal of parenting is godliness.
3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Luke 2:51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject
to them …
Luke 2:51 Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject
to them …
A perfect husband is a man who does not demand a perfect wife.
A perfect wife is a woman who does not demand a perfect husband.
A perfect child is a child who does not demand perfect parents.
Perfect parents are those who do not demand perfect children.
Only perfect people can enter God’s heaven and there are no perfect people.
We needed a perfect life and Jesus lived the perfect sinless life for us.
1 Peter 2:22 “Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth’;
1 John 3:5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and
in Him there is no sin.
2 Corintians 5:21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that
we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Sermon Text:
Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth:
fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Colossians 3:6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the
sons of disobedience,
Colossians 3:7 In which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
Colossians 3:8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath,
malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man
with his deeds,
Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who created him,
Romans 3:11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised,
barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
Mark Twain once said, “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no
influence on society.”
Colossians 3:1 “… seek those things which are above, where Christ is,..”
Colossians 3:2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
I. OUR ERADICATION: PUT TO DEATH SEXUAL SINS.
Colossians 3:5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth:
Colossians 3:5 (NLT) So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you.
Deitrich Bonhoeffer (quote) ‘When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.’
Colossians 3:5 “… fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and
covetousness, which is idolatry.
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that
you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your
reasonable service.
The complaint report states:
“The decision to smear Pastor Johnny’s reputation with these accusations has
led him to suffer substantial economic and other damages. He has lost (his) job
and income; he has lost current and future book deals; and he has lost the
opportunity to generate income through speaking engagements.”
Ephesians 5:3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not
be once named among you, as becometh saints;
2 Samuel 12:14 “… by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies
of the Lord to blaspheme …”
II. OUR MOTIVATION: THE COMING WRATH OF GOD.
Colossians 3:6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the
sons of disobedience,
Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows,
that he will also reap.
Colossians 3:7 In which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
Colossians 3:7 (NLT) You used to do them when your life was still part of this world.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
III. OUR ELIMINATION: PUT OFF SOCIAL SINS.
Colossians 3:8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these:anger, wrath,
James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow
to speak, slow to wrath;
James 1:20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
Colossians 3:8 “… malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man
with his deeds,
IV. OUR TRANSFORMATION: TO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST.
Colossians 3:10 And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge
according to the image of Him who created him,
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good
work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have
put on Christ.
Romans 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised,
barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.
Lyrics You Are My All In All
Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising again I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all.
Ephesians 2:1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,
John 11:43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice,
Lazarus, come forth!
John 11:44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes,
and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let
him go.”
The grave clothes of the old you
Fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language and lies
Colossians 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility
and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly
puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Colossians 2:19 And not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished
and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.
Colossians 2:20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the
world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations–
Colossians 2:21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
Colossians 2:22 Which all concern things which perish with the using–according
to the commandments and doctrines of men?
Colossians 2:23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed
religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the
indulgence of the flesh.
Colossians 2:18 Let no one cheat you of your reward,…”
I. MORE EXTREME EXAMPLES.
1) EXTREME SELF-HUMILIATION.
Colossians 2:18 “… taking delight in false humility …
Colossians 2:23 “… false humility …”
Colossians 2:23 (Amp) “… they delight in self-humiliation …”
2) EXTREME SELF-FABRICATIONS.
Colossians 2:18 “… and worship of angels, intruding into those things which
he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,
Colossians 2:18 “… and worship of angels …”
2 Corinthians 11:13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming
themselves into apostles of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an
angel of light.
Revelation 22:8 Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and
saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these
things.
Revelation 22:9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow
servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of
this book. Worship God.
Matthew 12:39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous
generation seeks after a sign …”
3) EXTREME SELF-REGULATIONS.
Colossians 2:20 “… Do you subject yourselves to regulations–
Colossians 2:21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,”
Colossians 2:23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in
self-imposed religion …”
Here are some of the rules and regulations that must be followed by those
families who are part of the Institute in Basic Life Principles:
Women are expected to wear ankle-length dresses and to never cut their hair;
The presence of text printed onto dresses is not allowed, as it is thought to bring
attention to the body.
Wearing makeup, perfume, nail polish and high heels, is seen as lustful.
Women are also discouraged from attaining a higher education.
Men are expected to wear dark suits and white shirts, and blue jeans are seen
as ungodly.
Males are clean-shaven and short-haired.
Men are also expected to be circumcised, as being uncircumcised is seen as
being unpure.
The consumption of media, such as television, movies, most music and the
internet, is not allowed, though non-contemporary Christian music is accepted.
Dancing is not allowed, and the consumption of alcohol is also banned.
They practice chaperoned courtship, in which a couple becomes acquainted
only in a group setting
John 17:15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You
should keep them from the evil one.
4) EXTREME SELF-INFLICTION.
Colossians 2:23 “… and neglect of the body,
Colossians 2:23 (NASB) “… severe treatment of the body …”
Colossians 2:23 (NIV) “… their harsh treatment of the body …”
5) EXTREME SELF-MUTIALATION.
Matthew 19:12 For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s
womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are
eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.
He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”
II. OBVIOUS ANSWERS TO EXTREME EXAMPLES.
1) DON’T LOSE CONNECTIONS WITH THE HEAD.
Colossians 2:19 And not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body,
nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase
that is from God.
2) DON’T LIVE FOR THE WRONG WORLD.
Colossians 2:20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the
world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations–
3) DON’T SEEK THE WRONG HELP.
Colossians 2:23 (NLT) These rules may seem wise because they require strong
devotion, pious self-denial, and severe bodily discipline. But they provide no
help in conquering a person’s evil desires.
Christianity is not a religion of rules and regulatons but of a living relationship
with Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
Colossians 1:20 And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether
things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of
His cross.
Colossians 1:21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind
by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
Colossians 1:22 In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and
blameless, and above reproach in His sight —
Colossians 1:23 If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast,
and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard,
which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became
a minister.
I. THE VARIOUS MEANINGS OF RECONCILIATION.
1 Corinthians 7:10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord:
A wife is not to depart from her husband.
1 Corinthians 7:11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be
reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.
Reconciliation can be defined as restored favor, goodwill, and friendly relations
between two parties formerly at odds with one another.
Reconciliation has been described as putting back together the pieces of a
broken vase.
Reconciliation has been defined as,”The restoration of trust in an interpersonal
relationship through mutual trustworthy.”
Reconciliation has also been defined in counseling “as mutually agreeing to
not proceed with divorce. ”
Colossians 1:18 ” … that in all things He may have the preeminence.
The Message translate this verse “He’s there towering far above everything,
everyone.., everything of God finds its proper place in Him.”
II. THE VICTORIOUS MEANS OF RECONCILIATION.
Colossians 1:19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell,
There is only one LIVING God.
But there have always been man-made gods.
Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the
Lord thy God am a jealous God,
1 Chronicles 16:25 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is also to
be feared above all gods.
1 Chronicles 16:26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, But the Lord made
the heavens.
Acts 17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked
within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols.
1 Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the ONLY wise
God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:16 “… Who is the blessed and ONLY Potentate, the King of kings,
and Lord of lords;
1 Timothy 6:16 Who ONLY hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man
can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour
and power everlasting. Amen.
Jude 1:4 “… the ONLY Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:25 To the ONLY wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion
and power, both now and ever. Amen.
John 1:16 And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace.
Colossians 1:20 And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether
things on earth or things in heaven, …
Colossians 1:20 “… having made peace through the blood of His cross.”
Song lyrics “Written in Red”
God wrote His love on the hillside so long ago
For you and me Jesus died, and love’s greatest story was told
I love you, I love you that’s what Calvary said;
I love you, I love you, Written in Red.
III. THE VIRTUOUS MARKS OF RECONCILIATION.
Colossians 1:21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind
by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled.
1. RECONCILIATION DEALS WITH OUR PROBLEM.
I am friend of God, He calls me friend
What a friend we have in Jesus
2. RECONCILIATION DEALS WITH OUR POSTION.
Colossians 1:22 In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and
blameless, and above reproach in His sight —
3. RECONCILIATION DEALS WITH OUR PERSERVERANCE.
Colossians 1:23 If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast,
and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard,
which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became
a minister.
IV. THE VALUABLE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION.
2 Corinthians 5:18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself
through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation,
2 Corinthians 5:19 That is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself,
not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of
reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God
were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to
God.
