Committed to the church Colossians 1:28 – 2:5

What do you think of when you hear this? Attending regularly Giving generously Active in some area of service Loyal when others criticise Faithful over a number of years Praying for the leaders, people Making sacrifices to attend activities

Paul’s commitment to the church was different from this He suffered imprisonment, deprivation He gave his whole life to proclaiming the Gospel and teaching believers He prayed fervently for people He took people with him (training, company) He wrote letters to them He worked while serving the church

Paul’s relationship with the Colossians Written while he was in prison 4:10 To believers he had not personally led to Christ 1:7 He saw them as part of a community with other churches (Laodecia, Hierapolis, Nympha’s house) 4:13,15,16 He was their servant 1:25

A servant Has a master Has a task to perform Has the master’s resources to use Is focused on the served Does not expect thanks Is rewarded by the master … for faithfulness

Christ kindles incredible energy within me to do His work Christ kindles incredible energy within me to do His work. I can hardly sleep because my mind races with ideas of how the kingdom could be further advanced. I frequently review my circumstances to see if there are ways that I could follow Him more closely. I dream dreams of new ministries. I work hard to bring them to life. My body tingles with excitement when I see others engaged in this work. I yearn for more workers with the same spirit. He increases my capacity to do this . The task is immense, I am bringing every ounce of the energy He gives me to bear on fulfilling as much of it as I can. Colossians 1:29

We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. Colossians 1:28

My purpose is that they may … Be encouraged in heart 2:2 Be united in love 2:2 Have the full riches of complete understanding 2:2 Know Christ 2:2,3 Not be deceived 2:4 Have firm faith in Christ 2:5

How can we do this? How can we encourage one another? How can we be ‘united in love’ How can we make sure we have ‘the full riches of complete understanding’? How can we make sure we are not deceived? How can we strengthen our faith?

So commitment to church is Commitment to God’s agenda Commitment to proclaiming the gospel Commitment to admonishing and teaching

The goal is Encouragement Unity Understanding Deeper knowledge of Christ Strong faith Not getting side tracked

How can we do this? Recommit in our own hearts Remove impediments Pray about who to commit to Keep the focus: Gospel sharing and maturing faith Attend to relationships Don’t get side tracked