1. What comes to mind when you hear the word “religion”?
2. Why do you think there are so many “religions”?
3. Have you been led astray by “religion” in your past?
4. What are the difference between Jesus and “religion”?
Religion- involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
Being a Christian is not necessarily a religion, because religion is mans attempt at getting to God and Christianity is God coming to save sinners and bring them to himself. Unfortunately the church in Colossea was dealing with people trying to change faith in Jesus to a religion.
The religious are actually harder to reach and they are the people that Jesus rebuked the most.
Paul reminds them…in 11-14 what Jesus did.
Vrs 11 1. our standing in Christ - Gen 17 Circumcision was covenant between God and Abraham and his descendants. Spiritual circumcision is the removal of sin by Christ.
Vrs 12 Old self dies and a 2. new creation is risen (Baptism issue) Gospel always includes the resurrection
Vrs 13 3. Alive
Vrs14 Jesus died on the cross took our sins with Him (we don’t have to pay, because He did) religion teaches that we pay.
Certificate of debt and Jesus nailed it to the cross 4. Jesus Paid our debt
Vrs 15 this is what was spiritually going on, 5. Victory in Jesus
Religion is man made rules to get to God and it is actually demonic and against Jesus.
Because of this the next three verses Paul tells us what to look out for.
Religion
1. is Judgmental with false grounds for judging V 16a (adds rules) who are we to make up rules and judge others by them. (playing tag with my kids)
2. is About ritual that ignores the reason v 16b-17 observing feasts Lev 23 records 7 different feasts that the Jews observed and all of them the purpose was Jesus. Passover Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits Feast of Weeks, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Feast of Tabernacles (experience over Jesus. churches do this all the time, traditions)
3. Cheats people out of truth, liberty & reward v18a Heb 11:6
4. is Self righteous (false humility) pious self denial V18a
5. is Wrong worship v18 we do not pray to anyone except the one true God, to the Father, through the Spirit in the name of Jesus.
6. Has false teachers v18 (has not seen) (they divide, Jesus unites) (they oppresses, Jesus has healing compassion)
7. puffs up Proud v18 pride is the only disease that makes everyone sick expect those who have it. “I am better”.
(Jesus is humble)
8. Is Ignorant of Jesus.
Vrs 20-23 So what does religion accomplish? Nothing, but corruption
Vrs 20 Living by the ways of the world, many times that statement tells us that we are living very liberal but this means we are living very religious.
Vrs 21-22 Works based salvation, “if I do this God will accept me”
Vrs 23 religion/self denial is not the answer to our spiritual well being, Jesus is
Religion warps but Jesus teaches us “How We Live”
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
"How We Live": Jesus Over Mans Philosophy
Vrs 1 Paul’s conflict=is that they are being deceived and pulled away from the foundation.
Vrs 2-3 “Encouraged and knit together in love” one of he greatest encouragements is being in an environment in which you feel love and that should be the environment of the church.
I just want to warn you, churches can be brutal because they are made up of sinners. Paul’s charge and prayer is that it does not have to be that way, we can create a biblical church culture that attracts people and keeps people focused. Do you know where that starts…”the preached, studied and valued Word of God because it reveals the heart and mind of Jesus” If I teach you what the Word says about … then we do it to create this biblical culture.
“attainting to riches” You are rich when you know Jesus, no matter how poor you are. Why? Because we have full assurance of our salvation, our standing in Jesus and that anyone can be saved “mystery”
Paul in this passage was also dealing with the Gnostics believe that they have secret knowledge about God, humanity and the rest of the universe of which the general population was unaware.
A belief that salvation is achieved through relational and experiential knowledge “We know the mystery”
“Treasures of wisdom and knowledge” true knowledge and wisdom is found in Jesus and His Word. This is where we get our worldview of How We Live
Once Satan has a group of believers thinking that they are all alone and the Christians are not encouraging one another, not knit together in love, and don’t have all the wisdom and knowledge they need in Jesus that is the time in which he (Satan) swoops in with false teaching.
Vrs 4
Then Paul warns them, some will try to deceive you with “persuasive words”
What are some persuasive words that take people away from solid biblical teaching?
1. There must be more ways to God,
2. The Bible is just another religious book.
3. Power of positive thinking
4. You are in charge of your destiny
5. A loving God would not send people to hell
6. A loving God would not allow suffering
7. I am a good person
8. Science can explain questions of life
Nancy Pearcey in Total Truth says “ Theories like Darwinian evolution are not open to question, the students are not invited to judge for themselves whether or not it is true. It is treated as public knowledge that everyone is expected to accept, regardless of personal beliefs”
9. You are your first priority
10. Whatever makes you happy.
11. God is not there, He is impersonal.
What is Paul’s encouragement to combat those who are hearing and being taught mans philosophy?
1. Support from teachers and mature Christians Vrs 5 Paul is saying you will hear these things but remember “with you in spirit” I got your back even though I am not there. And I rejoice when you do good and stay focused.
2. Vrs 6 Your Salvation
3. Vrs 7 “rooted and built up” in the Word Luke 6:47-49 foundation
Let me tell you something about the Word
Reformers called Sola Scriptura – Highest authority not mans tradition
Different from Solo Scripture - alone is our authority, not an encyclopedia as long as it does not disagree with scripture we have freedom
4. Vrs 7 Be thankful that Jesus gave you salvations the Word and these teachers
Vrs 8 If someone lies to you and teaches you something that is against Jesus or not from Jesus (whether they mean to or not) they are cheating you. You will spend much of your life pursuing things that will not fulfill your deepest needs, due to the fact that you are believing a lie or lies.
These lies come through…
“Traditions of men” This can creep into the church. The reformation
“Principles of the world” Listening to society rather then Jesus. Society says…
What are they cheating you of? Truth, personal growth, fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. Living right
Vrs 9-10 It all comes down to Jesus
Vrs 2-3 “Encouraged and knit together in love” one of he greatest encouragements is being in an environment in which you feel love and that should be the environment of the church.
I just want to warn you, churches can be brutal because they are made up of sinners. Paul’s charge and prayer is that it does not have to be that way, we can create a biblical church culture that attracts people and keeps people focused. Do you know where that starts…”the preached, studied and valued Word of God because it reveals the heart and mind of Jesus” If I teach you what the Word says about … then we do it to create this biblical culture.
“attainting to riches” You are rich when you know Jesus, no matter how poor you are. Why? Because we have full assurance of our salvation, our standing in Jesus and that anyone can be saved “mystery”
Paul in this passage was also dealing with the Gnostics believe that they have secret knowledge about God, humanity and the rest of the universe of which the general population was unaware.
A belief that salvation is achieved through relational and experiential knowledge “We know the mystery”
“Treasures of wisdom and knowledge” true knowledge and wisdom is found in Jesus and His Word. This is where we get our worldview of How We Live
Once Satan has a group of believers thinking that they are all alone and the Christians are not encouraging one another, not knit together in love, and don’t have all the wisdom and knowledge they need in Jesus that is the time in which he (Satan) swoops in with false teaching.
Vrs 4
Then Paul warns them, some will try to deceive you with “persuasive words”
What are some persuasive words that take people away from solid biblical teaching?
1. There must be more ways to God,
2. The Bible is just another religious book.
3. Power of positive thinking
4. You are in charge of your destiny
5. A loving God would not send people to hell
6. A loving God would not allow suffering
7. I am a good person
8. Science can explain questions of life
Nancy Pearcey in Total Truth says “ Theories like Darwinian evolution are not open to question, the students are not invited to judge for themselves whether or not it is true. It is treated as public knowledge that everyone is expected to accept, regardless of personal beliefs”
9. You are your first priority
10. Whatever makes you happy.
11. God is not there, He is impersonal.
What is Paul’s encouragement to combat those who are hearing and being taught mans philosophy?
1. Support from teachers and mature Christians Vrs 5 Paul is saying you will hear these things but remember “with you in spirit” I got your back even though I am not there. And I rejoice when you do good and stay focused.
2. Vrs 6 Your Salvation
3. Vrs 7 “rooted and built up” in the Word Luke 6:47-49 foundation
Let me tell you something about the Word
Reformers called Sola Scriptura – Highest authority not mans tradition
Different from Solo Scripture - alone is our authority, not an encyclopedia as long as it does not disagree with scripture we have freedom
4. Vrs 7 Be thankful that Jesus gave you salvations the Word and these teachers
Vrs 8 If someone lies to you and teaches you something that is against Jesus or not from Jesus (whether they mean to or not) they are cheating you. You will spend much of your life pursuing things that will not fulfill your deepest needs, due to the fact that you are believing a lie or lies.
These lies come through…
“Traditions of men” This can creep into the church. The reformation
“Principles of the world” Listening to society rather then Jesus. Society says…
What are they cheating you of? Truth, personal growth, fulfilling God’s purpose for your life. Living right
Vrs 9-10 It all comes down to Jesus
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
"How We Live" :Suffer for the Gospel
Questions for further study…
Look at all the areas in your life (example: school, child, parent, husband, wife etc.) and answer these questions…
(My suggestion would be take your time and prepare these answers before you share with your Community Group or another person)
1. Have you ever been made fun of or mocked for being a Christian? Explain
2. Share with your group a situation in which you shared Jesus with someone and it went well.
3. Share with your group a situation in which you shared Jesus with someone and it did not go well?
4. What are some of the reasons you don’t share Jesus with others?
5. What are some things that inspire you to share Jesus with others?
Vrs 24 Here we see Paul a man who is living out verse 11 “strengthened by trouble” Paul went through alot for the Gospel. 2 Cor 11:22-33
But he had joy in suffering for the purpose of the Gospel.
“fill up what is lacking” Paul is saying He is a partner with Jesus and I am blessed to share in suffering because Jesus did.
The reason that Christ suffered was “the church” the elect but John Calvin says this on this point.
Christ has suffered once in his own person, so he suffers daily in his members
Not only did Jesus suffer for us He suffers with us.
Another aspect is that Paul in His suffering benefited the church
Vrs 25 It was obvious Paul had a gift from God to preach the Gospel, “Abnormally born” 1 Cor 15:8
Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, Jesus appears and says “Why are you persecuting me?”
Remember when you suffer Jesus suffers.
Vrs 26- 27 The mystery revealed is that now Gentiles (non-Jews) can be saved or are chosen
There is a solution for our dilemma GOSPEL
And now we find our mission
Vrs 28 to tell everyone around us about Jesus
We are all called to be a light to the world Matt 5:15-16
We all as Christians have been given the gift of being placed where you are to preach the Gospel.
Most of us want to rush through life, rather then look at each stage and place in life is an opportunity for the Gospel. Work, school, who you spend time with, family
We do this because we want good for others.
Jesus is the great cause, we participate in other causes because we want others to love Jesus
Sometimes we look at the people around us who are lost and we make fun or write them off or call them stupid. In “The God Who Is There” by Francis Schaeffer said “These people are dying while they live, where is our compassion for them?”
So what are some common excuses for not sharing Jesus with others?
Excuses
1. They don’t want hear it.
2. I feel awkward.
3. I don’t know enough
4. I don’t feel like it,
5. They may think I am a freak.
6. They will make fun of me.
So how do we talk to people about Jesus?
1. Have confidence that Biblical Christianity (Jesus) has a basis on which to give answers to people’s questions.
2. Remember a month ago I brought up the six different types of non-Christians and their worldviews
1. Indifferent- I don’t know or I don’t care
2. Intellectual- I am too smart to have a crutch like God, proud
3. Religious- I am a good person
4. Spiritual-Believe in yourself, usually agnostic -unknown
5. Hedonist-pleasure is the most important thing
6. Atheist- no God
Push people toward their belief system and they eventually come to conclusion that it does not work
How do we push? If we truly love the people around us will ask them questions that will help them realize their worldview cannot hold up and they need Jesus.
What are the questions?
Ask people…worldview issues. We want our friends thinking about these issues.
1. Where did we come from? Imago dei
2. What is wrong with the world? It is fallen
3. What is the remedy? Jesus
4. How is this working out for you? Great I love Jesus, I have hope, I know this world is not my home.
There is going to be an inconsistency because this world was created by Jesus. They will not be able to live that out in Jesus’ world.
This may bring some suffering to our lives but it will be for the gospel
Vrs 29 Paul then reminds them that he is working for the Gospel but it is really Jesus working through Him and that is “How We Live”
Look at all the areas in your life (example: school, child, parent, husband, wife etc.) and answer these questions…
(My suggestion would be take your time and prepare these answers before you share with your Community Group or another person)
1. Have you ever been made fun of or mocked for being a Christian? Explain
2. Share with your group a situation in which you shared Jesus with someone and it went well.
3. Share with your group a situation in which you shared Jesus with someone and it did not go well?
4. What are some of the reasons you don’t share Jesus with others?
5. What are some things that inspire you to share Jesus with others?
Vrs 24 Here we see Paul a man who is living out verse 11 “strengthened by trouble” Paul went through alot for the Gospel. 2 Cor 11:22-33
But he had joy in suffering for the purpose of the Gospel.
“fill up what is lacking” Paul is saying He is a partner with Jesus and I am blessed to share in suffering because Jesus did.
The reason that Christ suffered was “the church” the elect but John Calvin says this on this point.
Christ has suffered once in his own person, so he suffers daily in his members
Not only did Jesus suffer for us He suffers with us.
Another aspect is that Paul in His suffering benefited the church
Vrs 25 It was obvious Paul had a gift from God to preach the Gospel, “Abnormally born” 1 Cor 15:8
Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, Jesus appears and says “Why are you persecuting me?”
Remember when you suffer Jesus suffers.
Vrs 26- 27 The mystery revealed is that now Gentiles (non-Jews) can be saved or are chosen
There is a solution for our dilemma GOSPEL
And now we find our mission
Vrs 28 to tell everyone around us about Jesus
We are all called to be a light to the world Matt 5:15-16
We all as Christians have been given the gift of being placed where you are to preach the Gospel.
Most of us want to rush through life, rather then look at each stage and place in life is an opportunity for the Gospel. Work, school, who you spend time with, family
We do this because we want good for others.
Jesus is the great cause, we participate in other causes because we want others to love Jesus
Sometimes we look at the people around us who are lost and we make fun or write them off or call them stupid. In “The God Who Is There” by Francis Schaeffer said “These people are dying while they live, where is our compassion for them?”
So what are some common excuses for not sharing Jesus with others?
Excuses
1. They don’t want hear it.
2. I feel awkward.
3. I don’t know enough
4. I don’t feel like it,
5. They may think I am a freak.
6. They will make fun of me.
So how do we talk to people about Jesus?
1. Have confidence that Biblical Christianity (Jesus) has a basis on which to give answers to people’s questions.
2. Remember a month ago I brought up the six different types of non-Christians and their worldviews
1. Indifferent- I don’t know or I don’t care
2. Intellectual- I am too smart to have a crutch like God, proud
3. Religious- I am a good person
4. Spiritual-Believe in yourself, usually agnostic -unknown
5. Hedonist-pleasure is the most important thing
6. Atheist- no God
Push people toward their belief system and they eventually come to conclusion that it does not work
How do we push? If we truly love the people around us will ask them questions that will help them realize their worldview cannot hold up and they need Jesus.
What are the questions?
Ask people…worldview issues. We want our friends thinking about these issues.
1. Where did we come from? Imago dei
2. What is wrong with the world? It is fallen
3. What is the remedy? Jesus
4. How is this working out for you? Great I love Jesus, I have hope, I know this world is not my home.
There is going to be an inconsistency because this world was created by Jesus. They will not be able to live that out in Jesus’ world.
This may bring some suffering to our lives but it will be for the gospel
Vrs 29 Paul then reminds them that he is working for the Gospel but it is really Jesus working through Him and that is “How We Live”
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