Messes and Masterpieces: Ministry in the Name of Christ

Messes and Masterpieces: Ministry in the Name of Christ             

Colossians 1:15-29

7-14-19

Victoria Osteen – “When you come to church, when you worship Him, you're not doing it for God really. You're doing it for yourself, because that's what makes God happy. Amen?" (The congregation applauds.) 

Leviticus 10:1-3 -“Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron… offered unauthorized  fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out… and consumed them… they died before the Lord. 

Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’”

Isaiah 42:8 - “ I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to idols.”

Matthew 6:9 - “Jesus said, ‘Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’”

“Hallow” - Make us enjoy Your name as holy, treasured, most valued.

Matthew 5:16 - “Jesus said, ‘…let your light shine before others, so thatthey may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’”

“Glorify”- Proclaiming as worthy of worship.

John 4:23 - “Jesus said, ‘…the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.’”

Marks of a Faithful Minister in Christ:

I.  Knowing Christ and ourselves. (Colossians 1:1-2)

Saint - A saint is a person who is recognized as having an exceptional degree of closeness to God. Saints are recognized by official declaration (Like Catholic Church) or by popular acclamation. (My grandmother is a saint.)

“Saint” (Hagiazo) - All believers in Jesus Christ who are now holy and set apart for God and His mission in the world.

1 Corinthians 1:2 - “To the church of God that is in Corinth, …sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours.”

“Faithful brothers” - All believers in Jesus Christ are now the people of faith and able to be faithful in every situation.

“In Christ” - Describes all believers position and riches in our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:2-3, 2:8-10, 3:1-4, 3:16-17, 3:23-24

II. Faithful Prayer. (Colossians 1:3, 9-14)

Colossians 4:2-4, 12 

“Open Doors” -Seasons of life and intentional times of speaking the Gospel to others.

1. When people die.

2. When health breaks down.

3. When relationships break down.

4. When things break.

5. When God causes connections.

III. Encouraging and Growing the Saints. (Colossians 1:7-8)

IV. Proclaiming the Greatness of Christ, even in suffering. (Colossians 1:15-29)

“Firstborn” -First in rank or honor, superior, preeminent one. 

 For Growth This Week:

1. Read Colossians 1:15-29 and have each person summarize it or point out a truth that matters to them.

2. How have you changed from who you were before you treasured Christ and His name? How can others pray for you?

3. What does it mean that every situation, even bad health, rainy days, doing without, is ministry to others in Christ’s Name? (Read Psalm 145)

4. Pray for a love of God and others that compels us to minister to others.