From Mark Copeland... Spiritual Maturity In Christ (Colossians 2:1-8)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS"

                  Spiritual Maturity In Christ (2:1-8)

INTRODUCTION

1. In Col 1:28-29, we saw that Paul's primary goal in his labors was to
   "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."  That is, that they be
   "spiritually mature in Christ."

2. This being the case, we are not surprised to find Paul now writing to
   the Colossians of:
   a. His great concern for them - Col 2:1-3
   b. The reason for this concern - Col 2:4-5
   c. Some exhortations in light of his concern - Col 2:6-8

3. From these eight verses, there are a couple of things we can glean
   concerning the subject of "Spiritual Maturity In Christ"

[First, from verses 1-5 we can take note of several...]

I. INDICATIONS OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY (1-5)

   A. A DEEP CONCERN FOR OUR BRETHREN IN CHRIST (1)
      1. Remember that Paul is an example of spiritual maturity and thus
         worthy of our emulation - 1Co 11:1
      2. We see that he had a concern for his brethren (notice 2Co 11:
         28-29 also), even for those he personally had not seen!
      3. Epaphras likewise demonstrated this "mark" of maturity - Col 4:
         12-13
      4. Do we have such concern for our brethren?

   B. A HEART THAT IS ENCOURAGED (2)
      1. The KJV uses the word "comforted"
      2. It is the Will of God that we serve Him with hearts that are
         full of comfort and encouragement
         a. Such was the concern of Jesus - Lk 21:34; Jn 14:1,27
         b. Such was the frequent prayer of Paul - 2Th 2:16-17
      3. A "troubled, anxious heart" is not the mark of a mature
         Christian!
      4. Consider the example of Paul in facing impending death - 2 Ti4:6-8,17-18

   C. A HEART KNIT TOGETHER IN LOVE WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS (2)
      1. I.e., a love similar to that experienced by David and Jonathan 
         - 1 Sa 18:1
      2. The brethren at Colosse were well on their way in this regard 
         - Col 1:4
      3. How about us?  Are we developing hearts "knit together in
         love"?

   D. A FULL ASSURANCE OF UNDERSTANDING (2)
      1. Similar to having hearts that are encouraged, we need to have a
         strong assurance concerning ourselves and our salvation!
      2. Of course, this assurance comes as we increase our
         "understanding" concerning the basis of our salvation
      3. Indeed, the Word of God was so written to increase that
         understanding, and provide the assurance of our salvation 
         - 1Jn 5:13; 3:19; note also Ro 15:4
      4. As one matures in Christ, this "assurance" will increase, and
         it is indeed one of the "riches" we have in Christ!

   E. A KNOWLEDGE OF THE MYSTERY OF GOD (2)
      1. I.e., an understanding of the gospel, which once was hidden,
         but has now been revealed - cf. Ep 3:3-6; Ro 16:25-26
      2. Thus, a good knowledge of the gospel of Christ is essential to
         maturity in Christ
      3. Are we increasing in this knowledge?

   F. GOOD ORDER AND STEADFASTNESS OF FAITH (5)
      1. The word "order"...
         a. From taxis {tax'-is}, a military term, suggestive of men
            marching in proper order and precision, as in a drilling
            exercise
         b. This suggests that a mature Christian is one whose walk as a
            disciple is in proper line with what is expected
      2. The word "steadfastness" is a word which goes right along with
         this idea of marching in a straight line
      3. What is our "life of faith" like?
         a. Are we progressing in order, steadfast in our progress?
         b. Or are we wavering constantly?

[These are but a few indications of spiritual maturity.  If they are 
found in our lives, it is a good sign that progress is being made!

From verses 6-8, we can also learn of some...]

II. STEPS TO SPIRITUAL MATURITY (6-8)

   A. RECEIVE CHRIST AS "LORD" (6)
      1. This the Colossians had done
      2. Today, many seem to want Jesus just as a "Savior," but not as
         "Lord"
      3. That is, they profess to want Him as "their personal Savior,"
         but then do not obey Him in what He commands them
      4. Yet God has made Him both! - cf. Ac 2:36
      5. Until we enthrone Christ as Lord in our lives, we cannot hope
         to become "perfect" (complete, mature) in Christ
      6. Again, Paul provides a good example - e.g., Ga 2:20

   B. WALK IN CHRIST (6-7)
      1. Having received Christ as Lord, we must now "walk" (or live)
         in Him
      2. Verse 7 explains what it means to "walk in Christ"
         a. "rooted" - Christ must be the FOUNDATION and SOURCE OF
            NUTRITION in our lives (like tree depends upon its roots)
         b. "built up in Him" - allowing ourselves to become the kind of
            building He would have us to be
         c. "established in the faith" - well taught and grounded in the
            teachings of Christ, and living by them
         d. "abounding in it with thanksgiving" - ever overflowing with
            an attitude of gratitude

   C. BEWARE... (8)
      1. To grow spiritually, we must beware of dangers which would
         hinder our spiritual growth
      2. Otherwise, in our zeal to grow we can easily be misled by false
         doctrines which promise an easy route to spiritual maturity,
         but do not deliver on that promise!
      3. Thus the need for "negative preaching" as the occasion may call
         for it

CONCLUSION

1. Our next lesson will look at some of those false doctrines those at
   Colosse were facing which promised much, but gave nothing of true
   value

2. For the moment, let's close by asking two questions:
   a. Why should we even be concerned with growing in spiritual maturity
      in Christ?
      1) Because in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and
         knowledge" - Col 2:3
      2) Because He has warned of what will occur if we do not mature
         and "bear fruit" - Jn 15:1-2
   b. How does one initially receive Christ as Lord?
      1) By doing what He says, i.e., the Father's will - Lk 6:46; Mt 7:21
      2) This includes the command to repent and be baptized, for in so
         doing one receives the remission of sins as they also "put on
         Christ" (i.e., "receive Christ") - Ac 2:36-38; Ga 3:26-27

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Gary... Sometimes you win and other times....

Yesterday was a bad day for the munchies.  As we watched TV, Linda decided that she was going to have a snack, and then another one and when she brought a third one in the living room, I asked for some of it (popcorn, that is).  Now, I try my best, but, OH, HOW GOOD THOSE LITTLE WHITE POPPED THINGS SMELLED!!!!  Fell off the wagon yesterday, but today is another day!!!  I guess that I will have to be more careful today and anticipate her snack needs.  Perhaps I will just have to watch HER, so that I can anticipate HER needs, so that they don't become MY NEEDS!!!  So, we come to the picture.  Bad news!!!   If I wanted to continue to attend weight watchers, I think I would find another meeting to go to.  This one just has too much temptation associated with it.  Face it, we all have things that are harder to resist than others, but we must do the best we can.  Consider this 1st Peter passage for a moment...

1 Peter, Chapter 2

1 Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,  2 as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that with it you may grow,  3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious:  4 coming to him, a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, precious.  5 You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  6 Because it is contained in Scripture, 
“Behold,^*n1 I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious:
He who believes in him will not be disappointed.”

  7  For you who believe therefore is the honor, but for those who are disobedient, 
“The stone which the builders rejected,
has become the chief cornerstone,”

  8  and, 
“a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.”

For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.  9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:  10 who in time past were no people, but now are God’s people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.  11 Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;  12 having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation. 

Look, we all screw up!!!  I did, just yesterday!!!  The thing is... not to keep doing it; not to follow a pattern of weakness, but to do the right thing!!!  Like the situation in the picture, find a way out (another meeting place)... do something different and do not blow it again.  Today, I am going to have that extra piece of fruit for my second breakfast, and enjoy an extra large bowl of cabbage soup AFTER I have used up my points.  And I hope to do it late enough in the day to avoid the "treats" of the evening.  Anyway, THAT IS THE PLAN!!! 

From Ben Fronczek... Treasure Saved In Heaven Is a Better Deal

Treasure Saved In Heaven Is a Better Deal

Treasure In Heaven

Introduction: Please begin by clicking and and watching the following Video (Scrat’s Gone Nutty)

In Prov. 23:5 Solomon wrote

“Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings, and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” 

We may not be all consumed with acorns, but we have other things which we like to accumulate, and even hoard. There is even a TV show called ‘Hoarders.’  And people have so much stuff, they can’t fit it in their homes and have to go out and rent a storage unit to store their material posessions.

It is amazing the way greed and materialism can consume us.
 

–James Patterson and Peter Kin, in their book The Day America Told the Truth, reveal how far people in the United States would actually go for money. At first they asked people what they would you do for $10 million and then asked people if they would do the same for $5 million and then $2 million. After $2 million the percentages came down drastically. However for at least $2 million, people responded they would do the following things for money:
 

a. (25%) Would abandon their entire family for $2 million..
 

b. (23%) Would become prostitutes for a week or more
 

c. (16%) Would give up their American citizenship
 

d. (16%) Would leave their spouses
 

e. (10%) Would withhold testimony and let a murderer go free
 

f. (7%) Would kill a stranger
 

g. (3%) Would put their children up for adoption

Can you imagine that?  Jesus warns us in Luke 12:15 – 

“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

And here in our text, in Mt. 6:19-21 Jesus said,  

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be  also.”

In our text today Jesus again raises the bar by telling His disciple that they should not be all consumed with treasures of this earth, but rather they should focus more on laying up treasure in heaven.

But how does one store up treasures in heaven?
 

–Bill Hybel’s lists three important we should deposits in our heavenly bank account:

#1 Worship (that is genuine heart-felt worship)
–“ Worship is never wasteful in the eyes of God. Every act of private and corporate worship is a deposit in your heavenly bank account.” He also adds, “Not only does worship move and delight the heart of God, it helps restore our perspective on what is truly valuable in this life.”

#2 Become Christ-like Character
–“The Bible clearly teaches us that if we want to lay up treasure in heaven, one of the best investment strategies is personal character development. We should make every attempt to strengthen our character in a way that honors God. Each time we do this, it is a deposit in our heavenly bank account.

In 1 Peter 3:8-9 he writes,

‘Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”

Every time we choose love over hate, kindness over harshness, empathy over insensitivity, truth-telling over lying, forgiveness over grudge-bearing, a polite spirit over rudeness, silence over slander, wisdom over foolishness, purity over immorality, faith, or generosity over stinginess, we delight the heart of God and add to our heavenly portfolio.”

#3: Expressions of Generosity
Illustration: Mr. Baker, a wealthy Christian man gave away millions of dollars to kingdom ministries. During the depression he lost all of his wealth. When one critical reporter asked him if he regretted giving money to one Christian college he said, “Whatever I gave away to God I still possess for eternity.” That is the way giving to the Lord works, we give but we never lose – we only gain.

–“Every time we show an act of compassion, we build up our treasure in heaven. It might seem like a small act of kindness, but it counts! Others might look on and chuckle at our efforts. They might even say that we can’t make a difference. But Jesus calls us to express His love, kindness, and compassion to those in need. When we do, we are storing up treasures in heaven where rust can’t corrupt, moths can’t eat, and thieves can’t steal. It’s a great investment plan!”

Do you remember what Jesus told  His disciples who will enter the Kingdom of heaven?  

In Matthew 25 when He said,  

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’  And when those disciples asked when they did that for Him He told that that when they did those things for their fellow man it was like they were doing it for Him.”

I want to add one more deposit to that list – # 4: Leading others to Jesus Christ
When you get to heaven, what a joy it will be to see all of those with whom you shared the gospel. It might be your children, your friends, your neighbors, other relatives, even the lady who waited on your table at your favorite restaurant or the fellow behind the counter at the convenience store.
Won’t it be a grand time to hear: “I’m here because you shared your love of Christ with me.”

1 Pet. 1:4 calls our deposits  

“an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you…”

SO WHERE DO YOU FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION
 

In Mt. 6:22-23 Jesus said, 

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

I think Jesus chose an interesting analogy—connecting materialism with the function of the eye.  – A “good” eye is a metaphor for how we look at life. –A “good” eye views life as an investment opportunity for heaven.

B. We need to focus on the light rather than the darkness, to set our vision toward Christ instead of material things.
 

–Heb. 12:2a  tells us to, 

“fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…”
 

1. In 2 Corinthians Paul says to focus on what will last. In 2 Cor. 4:18 he tell us to, ‘fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.’ 

For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.’
 

Isn’t that what Jesus was saying when He said that moths and rust destroy and thieves steal?

2. Whatever captures the attention of our eyes in time will magnetically draw us to it.  1 Jn. 2:15-17 –  

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” “ He goes on to say, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.”

In Mt. 6:24 Jesus goes on to teach  

“No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

Whatever owns or consumes your life is what you will serve. Are you like that about anything? Money? things? your business? Do you own it or does it own you?   Look at poor Scrat.

Someone once said: “Money is a wonderful servant, but a lousy master.”          I think we can say the same thing about a lot of things. Scrat could have said the same thing about acorns.

If you are serious about laying up treasures in heaven then it starts here on earth.  –Heavenly living begins here and is completed in heaven

CONCLUSION: A. Don’t misunderstand Christ’s words in our passage today.

1. His admonition is not about wealth; it is about greed and materialism.
– You can be on food stamps and be more sinful through your envy, jealousy,
covetousness and desire for material possessions than a millionaire who is generous and finds hope in God.

2. What is your priority? –Where is your heart?
Jesus said,  

“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?”  (Matthew 16:26)

Dr. Raymond Ortlund, Jr. once wrote “Picture yourself standing with Jesus on the sidewalk of a commercial park somewhere here in town. He points to a building on one side of the street: ‘Don’t invest in that company — Earth, Inc. Their security system is inadequate. People are hacking into their computers. Their physical plant is aging. In fact, their site is condemned. But look over here on this side of the street — Heaven, Inc. Their assets are secure, backed up by the Lord of the universe. Their security is infallible and their performance impeccable. They have never lost one single dime. Every dollar invested with them has repaid big-time.”

Many procrastinate about putting money aside for their future, investing in their retirement. At least I have. My encouragement today is not to procrastinate about investing in the true riches we talked about today in this sermon. Invest in His eternal Kingdom each day and you will never be sorry!

For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

From Jim McGuiggan... Natural Theology in Romans 1?

Natural Theology in Romans 1?

 In Romans 1:16 Paul speaks of God's faithfulness as it comes to focus in Jesus Christ; but the background to God's faithfulness is human faithlessness (1:18-3:20). Romans 1:18-32 is a description of the moral darkness of the Gentile world and its condition under the judgement of God. He's describing Gentile unfaithfulness (and he will go on to describe Jewish unfaithfulness). Paul isn't making a rational argument, such as, design to Designer or creation to Creator. Nor is he saying that such an argument can successfully be made. That isn't his point—it has nothing to do with what he is working with. He isn't saying, "They could look at the heavens and reason from there and know that idolatry is abominable." To isolate 1:19-23 from the rest of that section is to confuse the issue.

These Gentiles suppressed (and suppress) truth. They suppress truth that God had made known to them (1:18-19). God had revealed himself as Creator and in their moral darkness the Gentiles suppressed that truth and turned to idolatry. What a piece of nonsense it was too, Paul indicates, since from the very beginning the creation proclaimed God's everlasting power and divinity—animals indeed (1:20-25)!

Given revealed truth, those that worship sticks and stones and crawling things and even people (yes!) defy the very heavens above them and the earth beneath them. Such people are inexcusable.

Their behaviour was not inexcusable because there was "natural theology" available. Their inexcusable behaviour included the immorality and unrighteousness that characterised them. These people knew the moral law of God (1:32) and they knew that those who behaved as they behaved deserved God's judgement. You can't—via unaided reason—come up with the moral strictures in this chapter. These Gentiles didn't learn the essential content of the Torah by inferring things from creation (see 2:12-14).

Some non-believers would like to think that we can establish moral law independent of special revelation but others more forthright (though inconsistent in practice) agree with Russell, Flew, Sartre, Kaufmann and others who say that moral law is a question of preference buttressed by prudence and self-interest.

Some believers become impatient when the issue of moral authority and content is raised. "Look, everybody knows it's wrong to 'steal' or 'murder' or such." And how do they know? "They just know!" But that's not good enough! I think we make a serious mistake when he minimise our dependence on special revelation.

But does Paul not say that the works of the flesh "are obvious" (Galatians 5:19-21)? Yes he did; but this is a man who has been taught by God and he's speaking to people who have committed to God in Jesus Christ. To such people we can generalise and say the evils that rise from our inner evil "are obvious". But they aren't "obvious" to all. [It hardly needs saying that even Christians have to be instructed about what is evil ("Do you not know…?" or "Are you ignorant?" and such phrases).] The truth about God's moral/ethical requirements are taught and from the foundational truths other truths are learned by extension. For those called by the gospel the situation is even more specific since their ethical response is to be modelled on the life (Jesus) that has been revealed to them.

This much is clear, the Gentile world of which Paul spoke knew God's righteous decree and knew how God felt about flagrant and impenitent perversion and ungodliness (Romans 1:32). Look at the long (but not exhaustive) list of vileness—this is part of what Paul had in mind when he said they were inexcusable (2:1). These weren't things they could deduce from the design of the human eye or celestial mechanics.

The central thrust of the above can be exposed as inadequate if we can make an "unaided reason" argument stick. Maybe someone will frame the argument without leaning on scripture; that would do it.

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Mark Copeland... Paul As A Minister (Colossians 1:24-29)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE COLOSSIANS"

                      Paul As A Minister (1:24-29)

INTRODUCTION

1. At this point in his epistle, Paul provides some insight into how he
   viewed his work as a minister of the gospel of Christ - Col 1:24-29

2. This passage can be of value to both:
   a. Preachers of the gospel, in giving them insight as to how they
      view themselves and the work they are to perform
   b. All Christians...
      1) First, to give them a better understanding of the work of a
         minister and what to expect from them
      2) And second, since all Christians are to imitate the example of
         Paul (1Co 11:1), to learn those attitudes we should have
         toward our brethren whether we serve as "full-time" (i.e.,
         fully-supported) ministers or not

[With that in mind, we notice first of all that...]

I. PAUL TOOK GREAT JOY IN SUFFERING FOR HIS BRETHREN (24)

   A. PAUL HAD SUFFERED GREATLY THROUGHOUT HIS MINISTRY...
      1. As he outlined in his second epistle to the Corinthians - 2 Co 11:23-29
      2. In this, he was not much different the rest of the apostles 
         - 1Co 4:9-13

   B. YET, IF THIS SUFFERING WAS FOR THE SAKE OF CHRIST AND HIS
      BRETHREN, PAUL WAS GLAD!
      1. As he said, "I now rejoice in my sufferings for you" - Col 1:24
      2. He expressed the same thoughts to the Philippians - Php 2:17-18
      3. Remember, at the very time he wrote both of these epistles he
         was suffering as a prisoner at Rome in service to Christ and to
         them!

   C. WHY WAS PAUL SO JOYFULLY WILLING TO SUFFER?
      1. One reason is given in this passage:  "to fill up in my flesh
         what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of
         His body, which is the church."
         a. This is not to suggest that there was anything lacking in
            the atoning value of Christ's sacrifice! - cf. Col 2:14; He 10:12,14
         b. The following quotation I have found helpful:  "We should
            bear in mind that although Christ by means of the
            afflictions which he endured rendered complete satisfaction
            to God, so that Paul is able to glory in nothing but the
            cross (Ga 6:14), the enemies of Christ were not satisfied!
            They hated Jesus with insatiable hatred, and wanted to add
            to his afflictions.  But since he is no longer physically
            present on earth, their arrows, which are meant especially
            for him, strike his followers.  It is in that sense that
            all true believers are in his stead supplying what, as the
            enemies see it, is lacking in the afflictions which Jesus
            endured.  Christ's afflictions overflow toward us."
            (Hendrickson, New Testament Commentary, Exposition of
            Colossians and Philemon, p. 87)
         c. Passages offered in support of this interpretation are Mt 10:25; Mk 13:13; Jn 15:18-21; Ac 9:4,5; 2Co 1:5,10; Ga 6:17; Php 3:10; Re 12:13
      2. Paul gives another reason elsewhere he suffered joyfully for
         his brethren:  for the same reason parents joyfully suffer for
         their children! - 2Co 12:14-15
         a. Children are the parents' "pride and joy", and the parents
            will gladly sacrifice for their children!
         b. So Paul viewed his brethren - 1Th 2:19-20; Php 4:1

   D. DO WE IMITATE PAUL IN THIS REGARD?
      1. Not only are we willing to share in the afflictions of Christ,
         but are we willing to suffer gladly for our brethren?
      2. Do we consider our brethren as a source of great joy and pride?
      3. Are we willing to joyfully expend time, energy, even "blood,
         sweat and tears" in serving them? - cf. 1Jn 3:16
      4. Can we truthfully say "yes" if we...
         a. Won't make the effort to assemble with them every 
            opportunity that is available?
         b. Won't try to encourage them when they are weak in the faith,
            or admonish them when they stray from the faith?
         c. Aren't willing to love them, to patiently endure them, to
            quickly forgive them, even when they offend and sin against
            us?

[Let the example of Paul be our model, for in reality he was simply 
following the example of Christ (cf. 2Co 8:9).

Next, we notice that...]

II. PAUL CONSIDERED HIMSELF A SERVANT AND A STEWARD (25-27)

   A. HIS VIEW OF HIMSELF WAS REALLY QUITE A HUMBLE ONE...
      1. The word "minister" is diakonos {dee-ak'-on-os}, and means
         "one who executes the commands of another, esp. of a master; a
         servant, attendant, minister"
      2. This is exactly how Paul viewed himself and other preachers 
         - 1Co 3:5-7
      3. How different from views held today by some preachers and their
         brethren, who exalt preachers above their brethren!
      4. In particular, Paul considered himself a servant...
         a. Of the church - Col 1:24-25
         b. Of Jesus Christ - Php 1:1
         c. Of the gospel - Ep 3:6-7

   B. AS A SERVANT, HE CONSIDERED HIMSELF A "STEWARD"...
      1. He had received a "stewardship" (KJV, dispensation) from God
         a. The word used is oikonomia {oy-kon-om-ee'-ah}
         b. It means "the management of a household or of household
            affairs; specifically,the management, oversight,
            administration, of other's property"
      2. He had been entrusted with the gospel of Jesus Christ!
         a. Which is called in this passage a "mystery", for it had been
            hidden for ages
         b. But has now been revealed to His saints (Col 1:26), indeed
            to all nations (Ro 16:25-26)!
         c. What is this "mystery"?  To paraphrase Paul:  "It is Christ
            in you (the Gentiles), the hope of glory" - Col 1:27
      3. Paul considered it his duty as a "steward" to faithfully share
         that gospel to the nations  - cf. Ep 3:8-9; 1Co 4:2

   C. HOW ABOUT US?
      1. Do we consider ourselves "servants"?  We should! - cf. Mk 10:42-45
      2. Do we serve one another?  We should! - Ga 5:13
      3. Do we consider ourselves "stewards" of the gospel?
         a. That we have been entrusted with the riches of the gospel?
         b. That to be faithful we must share them with others?

[Whether or not WE view ourselves this way, it is how GOD views us, and 
we will be judged by how we have served as stewards (cf. Mt 25:14-30).

The third and final point we can glean from our text is that...]

III. PAUL HAD PRIMARILY ONE GOAL IN LIFE (28-29)

   A. WHICH WAS:  TO PRESENT EVERY MAN PERFECT IN CHRIST!
      1. He was not out just to preach, just to make converts
      2. He wanted to make mature disciples, who had become complete in
         Christ

   B. TO ACCOMPLISH HIS GOAL, HE USED EVERY APPROPRIATE MEANS...
      1. He preached Jesus Christ!
         a. He proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ
         b. His life, His teachings, His death, His resurrection
         -- Only by so presenting Christ to the man, can a preacher hope
            to present the man to Christ as complete and mature - cf. 
            2Co 3:18
      2. He warned when necessary!
         a. His preaching was both positive and negative!
         b. Yes, there is a place for "negative preaching"
            1) Cf. The Ten Commandments; also, the "reproof" and
               "correction" mentioned in 2Ti 3:16
            2) Negative preaching serves as "restraining rails" on the
               strait and narrow path to life!
         c. Of course, it must be properly balanced with positive
            preaching
            1) Otherwise, we will simply bounce around and get hung up
               on the "restraining rails", never making progress in our
               journey
            2) Positive preaching will assure that we keep progressing
               on the right track!
      3. He "taught" as well as "preached"!
         a. He did not limit himself to the public forum
         b. He taught with private instruction as well - Ac 20:20
         c. To present every man "perfect in Christ Jesus", there is
            often a need for personal instruction that one does not find
            in the public assemblies of the church
         d. Of course, wisdom helps to determine when - Col 1:28
      4. He expended effort and emotion!
         a. He "labored" toward this one goal of his
         b. He "agonized" in doing so (the Greek word is agonizomai
            {ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee}, to endeavor with strenuous zeal,
            strive)
      5. He depended upon God in his labors!
         a. He realized that without God he was nothing, and could do
            nothing worth lasting - 1Co 15:10
         b. So he always looked to God for help in accomplishing his
            goal - 2Th 3:1; Col 4:3-4

CONCLUSION

1. In concluding this lesson, again I seek to make application by
   asking:
   a. Are we imitators of Paul?
   b. Are we concerned about whether or not our brethren and others are
      being presented "perfect in Christ"?
   c. Are we willing to expend the effort and the emotion necessary to
      reach this end?

2. If we will...
   a. View our ourselves as Paul viewed himself, as servants and
      stewards
   b. Consider our suffering for our brethren a great privilege and
      source of joy
   ...then I am convinced that we gladly devote ourselves to the same
      goal Paul had!

3. Let's think on these things, and consider what we can be doing to
   "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus"!

For those who have not been obedient to the gospel of Christ, perfection
in Christ begins with that first step of faith...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Gary... Rocks, God and Obedience

I don't know about you, but sometimes it takes something really, really stupid to get my attention.  But, when I notice a bit of foolishness, it makes me think; and of course, that is a bit dangerous.  Now, taking orders from a rock is less than an intelligent thing to do, but hey, we all do nonsensical things- every day (at least I do)!!!!   In thinking about this, the question of why we would even pick up the rock comes to mind.  Extend that somewhat, and why do we obey the things we do.  Respect, fear, mindless obedience and coercion come to mind, but what about a lack of standards?  If we are all equal, than even the least among us could be our ruler and so Isaiah comes to mind....

Isaiah, Chapter 3
 1 For, behold, the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah supply and support,
the whole supply of bread,
and the whole supply of water;
  2 the mighty man,
the man of war,
the judge,
the prophet,
the diviner,
the elder,
  3 the captain of fifty,
the honorable man,
the counselor,
the skilled craftsman,
and the clever enchanter.
  4 I will give boys to be their princes,
and children shall rule over them.  5 The people will be oppressed,
everyone by another,
and everyone by his neighbor.
The child will behave himself proudly against the old man,
and the base against the honorable.
  6 Indeed a man shall take hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying,
“You have clothing, you be our ruler,
and let this ruin be under your hand.”and let this ruin be under your hand.”

Without God as our ultimate ruler, everyone can be king, anyone's opinion is as good as anyone else.   I don't have difficult in understanding this on many levels, but our country does.  Consider this: If a religiously pluralistic society is acceptable then we have no religion, or concepts of right or wrong for that matter.  If you doubt this, ask yourself what major religious group was behind 9-11?  Today, it is fashionable that everyone who participates in a race, wins.  This is nonsense, only one wins, the rest lose.  When this concept is extended to its natural conclusion, then chaos results(see highlighted verses above). Truthfully, there is one true God, there is right and wrong and but one true standard- the Holy Bible!!!  Of course, it is possible to delude yourself into thinking differently--- Just look at the picture below and you will see what I mean.....