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For the sake of the Church

Text: Colossians 1:21-29
3 August 2008

(I) THE WORK OF CHRIST

“And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled In the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight” Colossians 1:21-22

1. To reconcile sinners to God

a) Alienated

b) Enemies

c) Wicked works

2. Reconciliation made possible at a great price

Only through His death!

3. Reconciled standing with God

a) Holy

b) Blameless

c) Above reproach

(II) FOR THE SAKE OF THE CHURCH

1. The place of suffering

“I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh, what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church.” Colossians 1:24

a) Christ’s suffering made possible our salvation

b) More suffering expected

c) What is lacking in the afflictions of Christ

i) Not with reference to salvation

ii) Not with reference to sanctification either

d) Fill up in my flesh

i) Suffering is needed to bring people to Christ

ii) Suffering is needed to help the church to grow further

2. Tremendous attitude towards suffering

“I now rejoice in my sufferings for you…” Colossians 1:24

a) Maturity of faith

b) Measure of insight

c) Manner of facing suffering

(III) A GREAT PERSONAL VISION

“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.To this end I also labour, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.” Colossians 1:28-29

1. Preaching of Christ

2. Presenting every man mature (perfect) in Christ

3. Powerful labouring for the Lord