FAITHFUL BRETHREN
Faithful Brethren
(Col. 1:1,2)
Thesis: To urge an examination of faithful Christian living.
Intro: Responsible people in this community may be spirituality classified as follows.
Some are out of Christ.
Some who sincerely assume that they are in Christ and not, because they have not done what it takes to get into Christ.
Some who have gotten into Christ are not faithful.
Some are faithful.
Suppose Colossians had been initially written to this church.
Why is this lesson important?
There are strong forces which can lead people to become unfaithful. (1 Cor 10:12 NKJV) Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.
Many have become unfaithful and need to be restored. (James 5:19,20).
This lesson will discuss two aspects of faithful brethren: Why brethren are faithful, or an explanation of faithfulness.
Characteristics of the faithful, or an examination of faithfulness.
An Explanation. (Col. 1:3-5)
Faith in Christ Jesus. Faithful brethren are full of faith.
An example from Israel (Heb. 3:12-19; 4:1).
Source of faith: God’s word. (Rom.10:17)
Challenges to faith: Human philosophy. (Col 2:23 NKJV) 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.
Perversion of Christianity. (Col.2:14-16) Perversion of Christianity. (Col.2:14-16).
Mysticism, cultism. (Col.2:23).
Love to all the saints. (Col.1:4). People who get into Christ become a part of God’s family.
We can develop a type of cost system: education, politics, Social standing, or financially.
Naturally gravitate to those with whom we have much in common.
All people need to be loved. Peter’s challenge. (1 Pet.1:22,23).
The personal apologetic of love. (1 John 3:14 NKJV) We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.
Hope of heaven. Expectation of heaven is a strong force in life. We can know that death is coming. (Heb. 9:27) Hope anchors the soul. (Heb. 6:19,20) A living hope! (1 Pet.1:3-5).
An Examination. Saints (Col. 1:2). Those who are set apart from the world.
World/age is real. Rom.12:2. God’s O.T Israel had trouble being different.
A quest for knowledge. (Col.1:9; 3:16) Spiritual understanding: are spiritual values real?
Walk worthy of the Lord. (Col 1:10 NKJV) that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
“Walk”: There is a way of life. Isaiah’s prophecy. (Isa 35:8 NKJV) A highway shall be there, and a road, And it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, But it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, Shall not go astray.
Jesus’ proclamation. (Matt. 7:13,14) To please Lord! (Enoch, Heb.11:5; Gen. 5:24).
Bearing fruit. (Col. 1:10). Jesus’ statement. (John 15:8 NKJV) "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
“Every good work” 2 Tim.3:16,17). Teaching the lost. Restoring the erring. Helping the needy.
Strengthen with all power. (Col 1:11 NKJV)
strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;
Patient: steadfast. Longsuffering. Col. 1:24.
Thankful. Col.1:12. Give thanks. Col. 3:16,17. There is an attitude of gratitude!
Six times in this epistle Paul said, “be thankful”, or “give thanks”.
Conclusion: What is the most important relationship in life? Two questions: Are you in Christ? Are you faithful to Christ?
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