The Good News vs. The Elemental Principles of the World

Dennis McCallum
Colossians 2:14-23

The good news of Christ is extremely counter-intuitive to the way that many think about God. All humans naturally have a certain religious way of thinking that have surprisingly negative implications towards God. Ultimately, the cross renders man-made religious principles useless and reveals the true nature of God.

Avoiding Capture

Scott Risley
Colossians 2:8-23

There are three common wrong turns Christians make when it comes to growing with God: 1) formalism, 2) mysticism, and 3) legalism. When we relate to God with a list of rules, emphasize spiritual experiences or outward service, we are prone to miss growing with God.

Christian Life & Christian Community

Jim Leffel
Colossians 3:12-17

There is a way to live in Christian community that transforms lives. The foundation for love is that we have received both motivation from being loved by God, and capacity from having a new identity. On this basis, we are able to reflect God's love in a way that is based on His Word as we let Him rule in our hearts.

Experiencing All The Fullness

Dennis McCallum
Colossians 2:2-13

It is dangerous when believers venture outside of Christ's revelation in order to discover truth. The basis for change is to understand the new identity that Christians receive and to allow this truth to lead them into a new life.

The Path to Spiritual Maturity (Part 1)

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 3:1-4

Part one of a two-part series on the path to spiritual maturity. Paul teaches the Colossians how to move toward spiritual maturity by cultivating a proper mental focus. ?Keep seeking the things above? emphasizes the need to keep increasing in our understanding of God's grace. ?Set your mind on the things above? emphasizes the need to keep identifying false thoughts and replacing them with the truth about what God has given us in Christ. We cannot grow to maturity without embracing these truths.

Paul's Servanthood Perspective

Dennis McCallum
Colossians 1:21-2:3

There is no alternative to authentic Christian servanthood in the church. The Bible says that Christians are appointed by God to be His servants, proclaiming His message in a balanced and complete way. Christian workers are called to encourage others to commit themselves to closeness with each other, learning about God, and pursuing a deeper relationship with Him.

Key Ingredients of Spiritual Maturity

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 2:4-7

Paul instructs the Colossians on four key ingredients to spiritual maturity: 1) receiving Christ; 2) ongoing instruction about Christ; 3) resistance to spiritual deception; and 4) being ?in formation? with other Christians. All of us tend to specialize in one or two of these areas, but no amount of proficiency in any one area can make up for a deficiency in the others. All are needed if we want to mature spiritually.

Disciple-making

Gary DeLashmutt
Colossians 1:28-29

Paul instructs the Colossian believers about the importance of disciple-making (intentionally helping individual Christians grow in spiritual maturity). This ministry is for all believers, not just Paul. There is diversity in how we go about it (e.g., spiritually younger, peer-to-peer, one or two at a time, etc.). There is also unity in what we do: 1) regular study and application of God's Word; 2) intentional effort given over time; 3) regular prayer for each other; 4) dependence on God's Spirit to supply His dynamic energy. Imagine what God will do through our lives if we let Him use us in this way!

Joyful Suffering (Part 1)

Jim Leffel
Colossians 1:24-2:5

If there's nothing that is worthy of our whole life, then our lives will be made up of trivialities. Advancing Christ's work will result in some suffering, and joy comes through the deep connection that forms through giving our lives for others. According to the Bible, God has revealed a great mystery set forth in the Old Testament through Christ. Knowing God is the greatest knowledge that brings us the greatest joy.