Open Doors and Outsiders

Colossians 4:3-6

About the Sermon

Every healthy Christ-filled church has two movements. The book of Colossians has put most of its attention on the inward movement of the church, as we guard our doctrine, seek to live under the Lordship of Christ, and fulfill our various roles as husbands, wives, children, and parents. But there’s an outward movement that frames the entire book. In chapter 1 Paul spoke of the gospel which is bearing fruit throughout the whole world (1: 6), and now in chapter 4, Paul closes with a prayer request and instructions concerning the gospel’s advance (4:3–6).

About the Series

Is Christ enough for us? Speaking of Christ, Paul writes, “in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him” (2:9, 10). He is. The message of the book of Colossians is that spiritual fullness is found in Christ and Christ alone, and this fullness leads to fruitfulness and a life fully pleasing to God (1:10). Like the church at Colossae, the church in our age faces a pernicious threat. Not always the threat of outright doctoral heresy, but the subtle addition of religious sounding but worldly solutions to the problem of sin. It might even sound something like, “Do not handle. Do not taste. Do not touch” (2:21). Instead, Paul offers us the only way to true maturity: “Him we proclaim . . . that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (1:28).
Is Christ enough for us? Speaking of Christ, Paul writes, “in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him” (2:9, 10). He is. The message of the book of Colossians is that spiritual fullness is found in Christ and Christ alone, and this fullness leads to fruitfulness and a life fully pleasing to God (1:10). Like the church at Colossae, the church in our age faces a pernicious threat. Not always the threat of outright doctoral heresy, but the subtle addition of religious sounding but worldly solutions to the problem of sin. It might even sound something like, “Do not handle. Do not taste. Do not touch” (2:21). Instead, Paul offers us the only way to true maturity: “Him we proclaim . . . that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (1:28).

Sermons in the Series