COLOSSIANS 1:19-292006 Teaching by Jerry B Simmons

Teaching Transcript: Colossians 1:19-29

You are listening to FerventWord, an online Bible study ministry with teachings and tools to help you grow deeper in your relationship with God. The following message was taught by Jerry Simmons in 2006. Hi.

I feel about the book of Colossians because it's just a powerful book centered around Jesus Christ and not just Jesus Christ, but focusing really on the supremacy of Jesus Christ. Last week, we looked and understood that Jesus is preeminent, which means that he has the highest rank.

And I continue to give you the challenge that we received last week. And that is, does he have preeminence or highest rank in your life? It's so important as we study these things that it's not just an intellectual exercise, but that as we learn from him,

We give him highest rank in our life and in our hearts that he has the authority and the say so that he is the one who dictates where we go and how we live. The choices that we make need to be governed and given to him.

As we continue on this week, we see the fact that Jesus is preeminent. And what does that mean to us as humanity? What does that mean to us that Jesus is preeminent? And we find the answer in verses 19 and 20. It says this.

For it pleased the Father that in him all the fullness should dwell and by him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of his cross. The point of Jesus's preeminence, the whole reason behind it,

Jesus has preeminence because in him all the fullness dwells and by him all things are reconciled to God. Jesus has highest rank because he's the point man. He is the one through which everything will be reconciled. He is the one through which everything that God has for us is given to us. There's no one else who can make this statement. There's no one else who can fill that spot. Only Jesus can.

He is preeminent. Paul says all the fullness dwells in him. Now, next week, we'll see Paul use this phrase again to specifically say that Jesus is fully God. As we look at Colossians chapter two, verse nine, where Paul says, for in him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

It's all the fullness of the Godhead specifically that he's talking about next week in Colossians 2.9. But here, Paul is just continuing on from the previous verse. Jesus has preeminence because he is all fullness. The completion of everything is in Jesus Christ. The completion of God's plan of salvation is in Jesus Christ. He is the fullness of it, the completion of it.

Everything that God desires for you and for me is found in the person of Jesus Christ. All God's plans for us are found in Jesus Christ. God's love for us, it's found in Jesus Christ.

Creation was done by Jesus Christ. Redemption was done through Jesus Christ. Salvation is done in Jesus Christ. And so on and so forth. Everything, the way that God relates to us, the plans he has for us, everything that he wants to do in our lives and the rest of eternity revolves around this one man, Jesus Christ, who is God, became a man and died on the cross for you and I.

All the fullness, everything of God's plan, everything of God's intentions for you is found in Jesus Christ. For in him, the father was pleased that all fullness should dwell. Verse 20. And by him to reconcile all things to himself, by him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of his cross.

So all the fullness dwells in Jesus. And so he has preeminence because in him all the fullness dwells. But also it's by him that all things are reconciled to God. It's through Jesus Christ. It's by Jesus Christ that things are reconciled to the father. This word reconcile, it means to bring back a former state of harmony.

We often refer to it as restored relationship. You know, we often hear stories of people who haven't spoken to one another in years, maybe a father and a son or some family or friends. And along the way, there's some disagreements or fights. And I'll often testify, you know, we haven't spoken since.

And we've all seen that in people's lives around us. And we've heard of those situations. But when those things are overcome and those disagreements, those fights, they're let down and they come back together. It's called to be reconciled. Reconciliation. They're reunited again. They're brought into harmony again. That relationship is restored to what they once had. And so it's through Jesus.

That all things are brought back into harmony with the Father. It's through Jesus that all things are brought back into right relationship with God. It's by him he reconciles all things to himself. Now, he says all things. He's not just talking about people here, but he says all things to himself. If you can step back with me to the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3.

There was Adam and Eve there in the garden. And before the fall, before Genesis chapter 3, there was Genesis 1 and 2. And there they were in the Garden of Eden.

In perfect harmony with God, in perfect relationship with God, with no separation, with no need for anything to come in between them and God, but just they had perfect relationship with God. But not only Adam and Eve, the entire creation was in harmony with God.

Remember, God created it, Genesis 1 and 2 says, and it was good. It was in harmony with God, with his plans and his purposes. And so what happened? Of course, we know Genesis 3, sin, man fell, Adam ate of the forbidden fruit.

And all of creation was affected by that. Romans chapter 8 verses 20 and 21 tells us that the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it in hope, because the creation itself will also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. God.

is telling us all things, all of creation is affected by Adam's sin.

And through Jesus Christ, all things will be reconciled. All things will be brought back into harmony with God through the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. It's an important reminder for us as well as we reflect on this activity and this thing that happened back in the garden that sin affects more than just you.

Adam's sin did not just affect him, but it affects you and I. It affected Eve. It affected their children. It affected the entire creation. And that is how sin is. And that's why we must stay away from it. Because it will destroy you. And it affects more than you. It destroys the lives of those that love you, that you love, those that are around you, and even those that you don't know are affected by your sin. Notice this.

Twice, God makes sure to point out that it's by Jesus Christ. He says by him to reconcile all things to himself by him, emphasizing to us and reminding us it's all found in Jesus Christ. He has preeminence. He has highest rank because it's all in him and by him and through him and for him. God's plan is to bring everything back into harmony with himself.

And it's done by Jesus Christ. There's no other way. There's no alternative. There's no other way that creation or that you or I can be brought back into harmony with God. It's only by Jesus Christ.

Jesus said so himself in John chapter 14, verse 6. He says, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me. It's only by Jesus Christ. He is the way, not one of many ways or the most popular way or the most convenient way. He is the way, the only way, the only truth and the only life. And nobody, no one. That means no one.

In the Greek, literally, it means no one. That means everybody is excluded and nobody is included. No one comes to the Father except through Jesus Christ.

By him, all things are reconciled to God. By him, whether things in heaven or on earth, it doesn't matter. It's all done by Jesus Christ. There's no other way to be brought into a right relationship with the Father. There's no other way to be in harmony with God. Good works cannot accomplish reconciliation.

None of us are even close enough to consider or even think about that. Mohammed cannot accomplish reconciliation. He's dead. Buddha, he's dead. He cannot accomplish reconciliation between you and God.

No other religious figure can. No person can accomplish reconciliation. No system can accomplish reconciliation. No religion can accomplish reconciliation. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. And no one comes to the Father except through him. All the fullness dwells in Jesus. All things are reconciled to God by Jesus alone.

Paul makes it very clear. The scriptures speak quite clearly. And that's why Jesus is preeminent. That's why he has highest rank. That's why it's his opinion that matters the most. That's why it's him we should serve and him we should give our lives to. Because he died for us. He gave his life because he loved us so much.

He could reconcile us back, bring us into harmony with God and give us everlasting life. Now, Paul doesn't leave it so broad and generic as he's talking about all of creation. He turns his attention to us specifically here in verse 21. He says, and you.

Now you're brought into the picture. It's not just all of creation and Jesus is preeminent, kind of in general, you know, he's just the big God out there somewhere. No, but for you, you individually, you personally, and you who were once alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now he has reconciled.

Paul is talking to the believers here at Colossae, but he's also talking to you and I. You, who were once alienated and enemies in your mind, were reconciled to God by Jesus Christ. He has done it. It's a work that he has accomplished.

He's not just the reconciler of things in general, but of people individually. Jesus is the only one who can bring you into right relationship with God. Notice he says, yet now he has reconciled. It's in the past tense. For those who have believed in Jesus, the work of reconciliation, it's already done. It's finished.

We're reconciled in Christ. He has reconciled us and brought us into harmony with God. Isn't that amazing that you and I can have right relationship with God through Jesus Christ right now?

It's not something we have to wait for. It's not something we'll only experience in eternity or in heaven. It's something that we can have and we do have by faith in Jesus Christ right now. It's not something yet future, but right now for those who believe in Jesus Christ.

even though we are not perfect and even though we still stumble and fall, we have right relationship with God through our faith in Jesus Christ. He's brought us back into harmony with God.

Know that don't let the enemy rob you and think that you have to overcome these hurdles and do these things so that God will be pleased with you. No, by your faith in Jesus Christ, you have right relationship. Now you have full access to his throne. Now, through what Jesus Christ did for you, you can go to God and speak to him and share with him. And he longs for you to do so that he might share with you his heart, his love, his love.

The things that he has planned for you, the wonderful thoughts and great intentions that he has for your life, the good works that he's laid before you. You have harmony with God, right relationship with God by faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 5, 1 says, therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Having been, past tense, justified, past tense, by faith, we have, present tense, right now, peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. It's something already done and accomplished. And that's what's so wonderful about our relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It's not, I do these works and hopefully, man, when all is accounted for, I'll make it into heaven and everything will be good. It's not that, hopefully, you know, I'll do these things and I'm on the right path. No, you can know right now.

Because you have right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. And there's nothing that compares to that. It's what our hearts and our souls thirst for and long for. That communion, that fellowship, that peace with God, that harmony that comes from a relationship with God. There is no harmony without God. And that's why we're all miserable without Jesus Christ.

That's why the world is lost and miserable and dying. Because without Christ, there's no harmony with God. Paul says, you were once alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works. That's how we used to be without Christ. Alienated. Enemies with God. But through Jesus Christ, we have harmony. Peace. The thing that we always longed for. Now this morning,

Or whenever you happen to be listening to this, if you do not have a relationship with God, if you do not know him, if he doesn't speak to your heart, if you don't have peace with him, get right with God. Put your faith in Jesus Christ and follow him and experience a relationship with God. Experience peace with God. The harmony that comes from walking with him and believing in what his son did for you on the cross.

Paul says you once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works. Again, past tense. This is how you were prior to believing in Jesus Christ, prior to your relationship with God. He says alienated, which means to be shut out from one's intimacy or fellowship. That's how we were. We were kept from intimacy and fellowship with God.

Because without Christ, there is no harmony with God. No one goes to the Father except through him. And so without Jesus Christ, we were kept from his presence, kept from intimacy and fellowship with God. We cannot experience intimacy or fellowship with God apart from Jesus Christ. And for us as believers, that's how it used to be. And so you should know intimacy with God.

It really is a personal relationship with God and not a religion. It's not a system of works or things that we do, but it's a daily living, breathing relationship that God has with each one of us now. But before we were separated, we could not experience that relationship. Not only were we alienated, but we were enemies.

And Paul adds on in your mind, your enemies in your mind. Where were we enemies in our minds? God has never been your enemy in your mind. Maybe he was your enemy. You thought God was your enemy. You thought he was the one out to get you. You thought that he was the one that was the cause of all your problems. If you think God is your enemy, you couldn't be farther from the truth. If you think you're God's enemy, you're wrong.

You're not an enemy to him. And you can't be his enemy because you have nothing that compares to him. Listen, God loves you. And it doesn't matter what you do or how far you run or how many wicked works you accomplish. He will always love you. We were reflecting on that on Wednesday as well. The understanding which kind of blows us away of the love of God. Understanding that God loved Adolf Hitler as much as he loves you.

God loves you and every person individually, and it does not matter what you do or how far you run. He loves you and he died on the cross for you that he might bring you into harmony with God. God loves you. You're not his enemy. He's not your enemy. You might think that your wicked works make you enemies with God, but it's not true. And you might be working against God and fighting God, but he is not against you.

He sent his son to die that he could be reconciled to you. God loves you. And he's saying, why are you fighting me? You're not my enemy. I want what's best for you. Receive my son and have right relationship with me. We were once this way, alienated and enemies of God in our minds. But now he has reconciled us. He's brought us into right relationship with him. Verse 22 says,

In the body of his flesh through death to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in his sight. Reconciliation is possible because Jesus became a man and died for you and I. It's in the body of his flesh through death.

It's the only way. Remember, Jesus was in the garden and he was crying out to the Father three times, praying so intensely that he was sweating great drops of blood. Lord, if there's any other way, let this cup pass from me. Father, if there's any other way, let this cup pass from me. God, if there's any way possible, if there's anything else that will bring people into harmony with God, that will allow us to experience eternity with those that I love, if there's any other way,

Let this cup pass from me. The cup he referred to was the suffering that he would endure on the cross. And Jesus endured the cross, despising the shame for the joy that was set before him. You, the result of eternity with you, of relationship with you, of harmony and reconciliation with you. Jesus Christ died. It's possible because in the body of his flesh.

He died. It's possible because he became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. It was his pain, but our gain because we get to now experience new life in him, abundant life, a life in harmony with God. He died on the cross for us.

To reconcile us and the rest of this verse says to present you holy, blameless and above reproach in his sight. This is what we're looking forward to. This is the completion of God's work in our life. Right now, we stand before him in right relationship with him through faith in Jesus Christ. But in bodies of sin, our sinful nature is still present. We still struggle with it.

If you doubt that, join us this evening in Romans chapter 7 at one of the home Bible studies. Paul lays it out very clearly. We still struggle with sin. There's still sin present within us. Yet we have right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. But our hope and what we look forward to, the finished work of Jesus in our life will take place when we stand before him and he presents us holy, blameless, and above reproach.

That we no longer have a sinful nature. That it was all taken care of at the cross. And as we have our glorified bodies, as we enter into eternity, we will never again deal with or struggle with or have to worry about sin. We'll get to experience the fullness of God's presence as he has perfected us forever. Verse 23. If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard...

which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. Now, one of the biggest words in the English language is used at the beginning of this verse. It's the word if. No, it's not big in the sense of a lot of letters, but it's big because all the things that Paul talks about before, verses 21 and 22, is

now hinge upon the rest of what he's about to say. And it makes this verse 23 extremely important. Keeping the context in verse 21, he tells us that Jesus has reconciled us. In verse 22, Jesus will present you holy, blameless and above reproach. Verse 23, if you continue, if you continue to condition these things are true, if you continue, this might trouble some.

Is Paul saying that you have to continue in order to be saved? Yes. Yes, absolutely. There is no salvation outside of Jesus Christ. There's no salvation in any other name. You must continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast. And you must not be moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard. Paul's not making this up.

This is something that's taught throughout the scriptures, but it's Jesus who introduced it. In John chapter 15, verses 1 through 8, I encourage you to spend some time and meditate on those things.

And compare that with what Paul says here. But let me read to you verses 5 and 6 of John 15. He says, I am the vine. You are the branches. He who abides in me and I in him bears much fruit. For without me, you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered. And they gather them and throw them into the fire and they are burned.

Jesus is the one who introduced the idea or the possibility of not abiding in him. He says, if you abide in me, you're going to bear much fruit because without me you can do nothing. But if you do not abide in me, you'll be cast out as a branch, withered, gathered and thrown into the fire as believers.

It is important. We must continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast. And we must not move away from the hope of the gospel. We must abide in Christ. Now, of course, there's huge raging debates that we could go into. But look at what the scripture says for yourself. Look at what it says. It's in English for us. It wasn't written that way. But if you dare to check out the Greek, it says the same thing.

We need to continue. We must continue in the faith. The proof that we are continuing in the faith is the fruit. So if you have received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, you can be assured that you have eternal life if you have fruit, if there is fruit of that. But if there's no fruit in your life, then you need to reevaluate where you stand with God.

If there's no evidence of a relationship with God, if there's no evidence of you being in harmony with God, if there's no intimacy between you and God and no fellowship between you and God, you need to be concerned. There's a reality here. And I know it's unsettling. But when would you rather find out that you do not have right relationship with God? Now when you can do something about it or later when it's too late. Now's the time.

to secure your salvation. Now's the time to secure your relationship with God. Now's the time to be in harmony with God and get right with God, because this is the time that he has given to us. This is the time that we can do something about it. Right now, you can respond to what God is saying and speaking to your heart. You can respond and believe in Jesus Christ and put your faith in him and receive the forgiveness that he has to offer. Don't wait till later.

Because it might be too late. We need to be careful. We need to continue. And we need to examine, is there fruit? Is there evidence that I have a relationship with God? You remember the parable that Jesus told in Matthew chapter 13? It's the parable of the sower. The parable of the sower, it's found in verses 1 through 9 of Matthew chapter 13.

And Jesus gives the explanation of it in verses 18 through 23 of Matthew 13. So it's not one of those parables that we have to speculate on what its meaning is. Jesus told us very clearly. He spells it out for us. And he says there's four types of soil. The soil is your heart. And there's four types of soil that you might have. The first is the wayside soil.

And Jesus described that as the person who hears the word but doesn't understand it. And so it gets taken away before he even realizes what happened. And as the word is shared, the gospel is shared to some. That is what takes place. They don't understand it. They don't receive it. It's gone before they even know what happened in one ear and out the other. The second type of soil he refers to is the stony soil. This one receives the word. Well, here's the word and receives the word.

but stumbles in persecution or tribulation. This one hears the gospel, receives the things that Jesus is saying and the things that God's word says, but because of hard times or difficulties, they stumble, they falter, they walk away. The thorny soil hears the word, receives the word, but Jesus says that the cares of the world choke out the word and he becomes unfruitful. We're talking about fruit.

Jesus says, if you abide in me, you'll bear much fruit. But the one who becomes choked out by the cares of this world becomes unfruitful, no longer bears fruit. And finally, the good soil hears the word, receives the word, understands the word and bears fruit. We need to evaluate the state of our hearts. When the word of God is given, what type of soil does it fall upon in your heart and my heart? What type of fruit is being produced?

As a result of my relationship with God. Do you spend time in the word of God? Are the cares of the world choking out your relationship with God? Have you walked away because of difficulties, struggles, persecution or tribulation? Many hear the word is the point of Jesus' parable. Many receive the word, but it's only the good soil that bears fruit. And bearing fruit is what it's all about.

Now, what is the fruit? This is where you have some homework to do if you're interested. Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 and 23. Paul gives us there the fruit of the Spirit. And from Romans chapter 8, we know that if we have the Spirit of Christ, we are His. So if we abide in Christ, we have the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit will be demonstrated. It'll be

Clearly revealed in our life. Galatians chapter 5 verses 22 and 23. Second portion, part of your homework. This is for extra credit. 2 Peter chapter 1 verses 5 through 11. 2 Peter chapter 1 verses 5 through 11. Peter gives us there the aspects, the characteristics of faith that will supply an abundant entrance into the kingdom of God. If you continue.

It's not meant so that we would all be wondering and in speculation, well, I hope I make it to heaven. But it's meant to cause us to check. It's meant to cause us to consider. It's meant, pastors often say, you know, our job is to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. When we become complacent and comfortable, it's a dangerous place to be in. But we need to consider that.

Am I continuing on in the faith? There's a need for us to continue in the faith. So get grounded. Get into the word of God. Develop your relationship with God. Draw closer to him continually. Fruit is not something you have to strive to produce.

It will be the automatic result of a relationship with God. As you look at those passages, you can look at those and see, are they automatically being produced in my life? Is it just a natural result of what God is doing in me? Of course, we can all try to do those things and we'll find out that we fail very quickly. But is God doing those things in me? And if he's not, the solution is don't try real hard to produce love.

But get close to God. Draw close to him. Get in right relationship with him. Learn to know intimacy with him and sweet fellowship with him. Learn to hear his voice. Talk to him as much as you can. Center your life around relationship with God.

Until you see this fruit abundant and evident in your life. There's a need for us to continue to be grounded and steadfast and to not set aside, to not be moved away from the hope of the gospel. Verses 24 and 25. I now rejoice in my sufferings for you and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ.

Now, this is Paul's response to what we've just been looking at. Following the train of thought, he says,

Jesus is preeminent. He is the highest rank. He is the creator by all things or by him. All things were created and they were created for him. Redemption is through him. Salvation, everything that God has for us is through Jesus Christ. We're reconciled to God by Jesus Christ. All things are reconciled to God by Jesus Christ. And Paul says, since it pleased God to reconcile all through Christ, then I rejoice to be a part of God's work.

I rejoice, even though it's in sufferings for you. It's for the sake of the body, which is the church. And I became a minister according to the stewardship of God, which God has given to me for you in order to fulfill the word of God. Paul lived. It was his joy. Since God has said since his plan is to reconcile all through Jesus Christ, Paul says, that's what I'm living for.

that others might be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. Since that's what God's doing and that's what God pleased to do, that's what I'm living for and that's what I rejoice in, even if it's in the midst of my sufferings. Paul was in prison as he's writing this, and he says it's for the glory of God. It's for the church. It's so that people would be brought into harmony with God. And so I rejoice that God has allowed me to be a part of that.

Now, he says what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ. Some have taken that to try to say that Christ's death on the cross is not sufficient. But Paul is not saying that his sufferings were not sufficient. He's fulfilling what God promised in Acts chapter 9, verse 16. God tells Ananias.

I will show Paul how many things he must suffer for my name's sake. It's the fulfillment of God's promise that he would suffer many things for the name of Jesus, as is the promise for all who desire to live godly, according to Paul. Paul is suffering for the name of Christ, that the body of Christ might be edified, that they might be reconciled to God, and many more through that. Paul says, hey, I rejoice in that, because it's for God.

The reconciliation of many. It's for the body of Christ. Verses 26 and 27. He says,

Here's the thing he's rejoicing in. Here's the thing he's suffering for. Here's what he's living for. It's this mystery. Paul often referred to the mystery. We saw it back in Ephesians chapter three, verses one through seven, as well as first Corinthians. That was a long time ago now. First Corinthians chapter two, verses six through 16. We saw that.

The mystery. What is this mystery? This word mystery is not the way that we use it today. If something is a mystery today, it's something that's unknown still. It's something we don't know yet.

But the way that Paul is using this word, it's not something that's unknown still, but it's something that was previously hidden, but now revealed. That's why he says there in verse 26, it was hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to his saints. It's a mystery. It was hidden. It was a secret thing, a hidden thing. It was there, but it was a mystery until now.

where it's been revealed to his saints, to the followers of Jesus Christ, to those who are children of God. This mystery has always been part of God's plan, but it was not known or revealed until this point. And what is the mystery? Paul tells us there at the end of verse 27, Christ in you, the hope of glory. Here's the mystery. It's Christ in you, the hope of glory.

And we might say, after all that hype about the mystery, is that it? What do you mean, Christ in you, the hope of glory? All Christians are familiar with the concept. It's pretty common to us. You know, we even include it as part of the basic gospel message. We often ask people, have you received Jesus Christ into your heart? Christ in you, the hope of glory? It's part of common knowledge for a Christian.

The Christ in you. But understand that 4,000 years before Christ, there was no such hope. The tabernacle, the temple, all the things that we see in the Old Testament, they were pointing to Jesus Christ, but they could not bring a person. They could not reconcile a person to God in the way that relationship with Jesus Christ can. Because Christ in you, the hope of glory, is full access to his presence, full reconciliation to him.

The sacrificial system, the tabernacle, the sacrifices, they brought you close to God. They appeased the wrath of God for the sin. They took care of that, but they were coverings. They were temporary until the finished work, until all the fullness came in Jesus Christ. The finished work of what he did, that we could stand in right relationship with God. The sacrifices and that system brought you close together.

But it could not take you into the Holy of Holies within the temple where God's presence dwelt. It couldn't take you in. It couldn't even take you into the holy place unless you were a priest. You could just be in the courtyard, the general area around. If we're comparing it to the church, you know, we'd all be out in the parking lot. There'd only be God in here. We wouldn't be able to come in and experience his presence. But now through Jesus Christ, because it pleased the Father that all the fullness should dwell in him.

That everything should be complete in him. Reconciliation, right standing with God, intimacy and fellowship with God. It's finished in Jesus Christ. It's the mystery that was hidden until that time. Christ in you. It's not just a closeness to God. It's a relationship with God from the inside out. Christ is in you. It's part of the gospel message. Jesus said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.

Because he's in you. He told the disciples, because I live, you will live also. Because he's in them. Paul said, the life I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God. Because he's in me. It's Jesus Christ in you. The hope of glory. Something that was unimaginable. That man could experience the presence of God from the inside out. That God would dare to dwell with us.

John 1.14 says, The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus Christ became a man and dwelt among us. But then He took it the next step. He died on the cross, ascended, finished the work, paid for all sin, took care of every problem that you and I have ever had or ever will have so that He could live within us and give us hope of glory, hope of the future, eternal relationship, eternal life with Him.

It's not just a closeness to God, but it's an actual relationship with God, dwelling with God, Christ in you. Now, after all that we looked at about Christ last week, the fact that he is creator, he's above all things and before all things, and in him all things consist, he's the head of the body and so on and so forth. After we looked at all those things about Christ, you can understand that if Christ is in you, there has to be fruit.

Can the creator of the universe come and live within you and dwell within you and there just be no impact in your life? No way. Absolutely not. Your life is going to be radically different, incredibly changed because it's Christ in you. He's doing the work, the transformation from the inside out. You cannot have Christ in you and remain the same. He lives within you. He changes you. He strengthens you. He leads you. He guides you. He teaches you. And he gives you the hope of glory.

There's an old song, Pastor Chuck still sings it sometimes, you know. You ask me how I know he lives. He lives within my heart. There's no doubt for us as believers in Jesus Christ that Jesus resurrected. There's no doubt at all. I know he lives.

Because he lives within my heart. And it's not something I know just because Paul said it. I've experienced the life of God within me. The relationship that I have with him as a result of Christ in me. The hope of glory that I have as a result of Christ in me. It's something that I know. It's something I am confident in.

It's something God wants you to know and be confident in. As believers in Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ is in you. He comes to transform you, to give you new life, abundant life. That's why if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Why? Because it's Christ in you, transforming you, changing you, setting you free, and leading you where he wants you to go. The good works that he's laid before you.

We could go on and on because it's all about this. Christianity all comes to this point. Christ in you. The relationship with Jesus Christ. I encourage you. I challenge you. Make sure. Do you have intimacy? Closeness? Do you know the voice of God? Do you have fellowship with God? Does God speak to you? That's Christ in you. The hope of glory. Verse 28. Him we preach.

Warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Again, it's all about Jesus. Jesus is preeminent. Jesus is the reconciler to God. Jesus is in you. And it is Jesus we preach. Paul says him we preach. And this is so important because it's not a church that we preach.

Come to this church. It'll change your life. No. Churches don't do anything. It's not a religion that we preach. It's not a philosophy that we preach. It's not a state of mind that we preach. It's not a medication that we preach. We preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. And that is sufficient for any need. That is sufficient for every person.

There's nothing we need more than that for salvation. Someone needs a changed life and they're headed for destruction. They need Jesus Christ. They don't need good moral standards. They don't need better laws. They need Jesus Christ. This world, it needs Jesus Christ. It doesn't need more unity.

It doesn't need a good world leader. It doesn't need peace. It needs Jesus Christ. Him we preach. He's the answer. He's the solution for any person, for any problem.

It's Jesus Christ. It's him that we preach and nothing else. Jesus Christ and him crucified. That's the gospel message. It's the only way to the Father. It's the only thing that saves a person from hell. We preach Jesus Christ. No matter what you're going through, no matter what your friend might be going through, or what they might be encountering, it's Jesus Christ. He is the answer. He is the solution. It's all about Jesus Christ.

And so Paul says, him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. It's him we preach and we warn and we teach everyone that they may be presented perfect in Jesus Christ. Warning, if you continue, look for the fruit. There's need and there's cause for warning.

Be warned. Don't continue in sin. Don't live that way. Those who practice such things, Paul says, will not inherit the kingdom of God. Warning. Pay attention. Open your eyes if you continue. Steadfast. Grounded in the faith. Not moved from the hope of the gospel. Warning. The deceitfulness of sin. Don't be moved from the hope of the gospel. Stay close to Jesus Christ. Stay intimate. Relationship with him.

Should be our number one priority. Should be our focus. Every day should be centered around, where do I stand with you, Lord? Am I walking with you today? Because that is the only thing that really matters. Paul says, him we preach. Warning and teaching. Preaching, warning, and teaching. And all of them are important for us and for our maturity. All are necessary to bring us to perfection in Christ.

And so the scripture gives us preaching. It gives us warning. It gives us teaching. And we need to allow God to speak in all of those ways in our hearts and in our lives. Verse 29. To this end, I also labor, striving according to his working, which works in me mightily. So Paul says, this is what I'm working for. I'm laboring. It's Christ who's working in me mightily to bring people to right relationship with God.

and then maturity in Jesus Christ. First to be reconciled to God, but then to be warned and taught that they might become mature, that they might grow, that they might be perfect in Jesus Christ. This morning I challenge you, where do you stand? If you've received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, where do you stand? Will you take heed to the warning? Will you examine the fruit? Paul tells us,

Second Corinthians 13 to examine ourselves, see whether you're in the faith, test yourselves. No. Do you have right standing with God? When's the last time he's spoken to your heart? Are you experiencing intimacy and fellowship with him? You need to continue in the faith, continue in your relationship with God. Don't neglect that. Don't walk away from that.

Don't grow lukewarm or cold in your relationship. But be on fire for Him. The fire that comes from knowing Him. Not of being worked into a frenzy or trying to keep rules or trying to be religious or trying to read because we're supposed to and pray because we're supposed to. But because that's where God speaks to me. And that's where I speak to Him. And we have this wonderful fellowship and intimacy today.

Because of what Jesus did for us. Because it's Christ in me. The hope of glory. Believers in Jesus. Heed the warning. Spend time with Jesus. Spend time with God. Not only that. But follow the example of the Apostle Paul. Him we preach. For those around you. For those that are in your life. For your co-workers and your family and your friends.

that are experiencing problems and situations, that are looking for answers, that are thirsting for God. It's Him we preach. There's nothing else that will meet the need. It's not finances that they need. It's not resources that they need. They need Jesus Christ. It's not a program. It's not some intelligent solution. It's a stumbling block for the intellectual. Foolishness to the wise. It's Jesus Christ crucified.

He is what people need. Preach Jesus Christ. One and teach every man to perfection in Christ. Share the word. Preach Jesus. Let that be your focus. And this morning, if you're listening to this and you are not a believer in Jesus Christ, maybe you know right now you've walked away from him. You haven't been in right relationship with him for a long time. Or maybe you've never been in right relationship with God. God loves you.

And he died on the cross for you. And you're listening to this because he is speaking to your heart and saying, come into right relationship with me. I want to have that intimacy with you. I want to be in you and give you the hope of glory and to transform your life and give you hope in those situations and give you abundant life. Come into right relationship with God. He's not your enemy.

He loves you. He wants to make you complete and give you joy and peace and hope. He wants to forgive you and wash you. It's not an outward thing of doing all these things, but it's an inward thing of putting your faith and trust in Him and allowing Him to transform your life. This morning, believer, unbeliever, Christian, pagan, heathen, Buddhist, whatever you are, get in right relationship with God. Draw close to Him.

Let His presence transform you through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, Your Word speaks powerfully to us. And Lord, we thank You that You made it so simple. Lord, that we don't have to memorize a complicated system of coming to You. Lord, we don't have to call in and wait and press 1 and then press 2 and then press 4 and then press 0 and wait for an operator. Lord, You invite us to come directly into Your presence.

You invite us and you made it possible by sending your son to die for us. Heavenly Father, forgive us for taking lightly your sacrifice. Forgive us, Lord, for not giving you preeminence in our hearts. But Jesus, you are preeminent. Right now we recognize that. And in recognition of that, Lord, how amazing it is that you humbled yourself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Lord, thank you.

Forgive us, Lord. Wash us and cleanse us. Bring us into right relationship with you. Jesus, come and dwell within our hearts. We believe in you. We believe your word. We ask, Lord, that you would make us new creations in you. God, we ask that you would be glorified through our lives. That every day would be centered around our relationship with you. That we would continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast. Not moving from the hope, but persevering, persisting, pressing on,

striving to draw close to you, to be near to you. Teach us, Lord, to hear your voice, to listen to your whispers to our hearts, and help us to be obedient, that we would not harden our hearts, but, Lord, that we would be soft, open, willing to do all that you put upon our hearts. Because, Lord, it's for you that we labor. It's in you that we labor. And we can work mightily because you're working mightily in us. Use us, Lord.

to bring others. Like Paul, let this be our life. As we have right relationship with you, use us to bring others. Use us, Lord, to bring the knowledge of the truth, the gospel message to others, that they might experience right relationship with you. We love you, Lord. It's in your name we pray. Amen.

We pray you have been blessed by this Bible teaching. The power of God to change a life is found in the daily reading of His Word. Visit ferventword.com to find more teachings and Bible study resources.