What is God’s will for you in Christ? Rejoice always Pray continually Give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Paul was a grateful man Introductions Romans 1:8 - I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you 1Corinthians 1:4 - I always thank my God for you Philippians 1:3-5 - I thank my God every time I remember you. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 - We thank God always for all of you 2 Thessalonians 1:3 - We ought to thank God always for you Philemon 1:4-5 - I always thank my God as I remember you Colossians 1:3-4 - We always thank God
Paul was a grateful man Paul’s gratitude centered around … Faith in Jesus (vertical) Love for the Saints (horizontal) Eschatological Hope
Remember the hope of the Gospel (1.5-6) Hope (eschatological) Laid up in heaven Bearing fruit globally Just as it was when you first understood grace
Are we carrying out God’s will? (1:9-11) Living a life that is pleasing to God (1.10) Bearing fruit (1.10) Enduring with patience (1.11) Giving joyful thanks (1.12)
What is the Gospel message of grace? (1:12-14) New Qualification (1.12) New Inheritance (1.12) New Identity - Saints in Light (1.12) New Kingdom - Rescued and Transferred (1:13) New Relationship - Redeemed & Forgiven (1:14)
Who is Christ? (1:15-20) God Creator (Ruler and Authority) Holds everything together Supremacy in life and death Reconciles all of heaven and earth to God
Who are we? (1.21) Alienated – separated Enemies in our mind – evil thinking Evil behavior – our actions
What did Jesus do for us (1.22) Reconciled us Made us holy and clean