COLOSSIANS 2:1-5
1 I want you to know how hard I am contending (ministry) for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
PAUL’S MINISTRY AND GOAL: (TO CONTEND = STRIVE; LABOUR; FIGHT FOR)
1. ENCOURAGED IN HEART
2. UNITED IN LOVE
3. FULL RICHES OF COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING
4. KNOW MYSTERY OF GOD, NAMELY JESUS CHRIST
PAUL’S CONCERN:
1. DECEPTION IN SOUND ARGUMENTS
2. HE IS PHYSICALLY ABSENT… PRESENT IN SPIRIT
PAUL’S THRILL:
1. DISCIPLINED
2. FIRM IN FAITH
APPLICATION:
1. DO YOU HAVE A MINISTRY?
ENCOURAGE; UNITE; UNDERSTAND; KNOW CHRIST
A. PRAY
B. PLAN (INTENTIONAL)
C. PROCEED
D. FLEXIBLE
2. ARE YOU DISCIPLINED IN CHRIST + FIRM IN FAITH
3. LET THE HOLY SPIRIT USE YOU. HOW?
A. GET A GOAL (ENCOURAGE; UNITE; UNDERSTAND; ETC.
B. USE HIS POWER TO PUSH THROUGH
C. PRACTICE
D. USE FIRM FAITH
DEUTERONOMY 8:18
“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.”
PAUL PUT JESUS FIRST… OTHERS SECOND! IMPROVE YOUR MINISTRY!