Sunday, September 2, 2007 Colossians 1:19-23

Sunday, September 2, 2007 Sermon Text:
Colossians 1:19-23 (New King James Version)
[19] For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, [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. [21] And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled [22] in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— [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.

Initial Reflection on the Text
A major theme of this passage is reconciliation, specifically between God and man through Christ. The means of reconciliation is the "blood of His cross" (v.20). At the heart of what reconciliation brings is "peace." This truth brings a great encouragement to me. When I became a believer, I did not understand fully this concept of reconciliation; however, I did understand the effect of reconciliation, there was an overwhelming sense of "peace" with God. This peace with God allowed me to be at peace with myself and others. When our vertical relationship with God is right (reconciliation), the inner and horizontal relationships are set right – there is "peace."

Paul states that Christ will "reconcile all things to Himself" (v.19). Some may see in this statement a support for universalism, the teaching that all people will eventually be reconciled to God. What is the scope of God’s reconciliation? The context of the passage is going to be helpful in understanding this phrase.

The goal or outworking of reconciliation is that the believer show forth a life that reflects God’s character, "holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight" (v.22). This transformed existence that forms the believer’s walk seems to be conditioned upon our obedience to living out the Gospel, "if indeed you continue in the faith" (v.23). Here again, as we have seen before in Colossians, is the tension at work between the sovereignty of God and the freedom of God’s creation.

It's not surprising that this passage of Scripture concludes with the phrase, "the hope of the Gospel" (v.23). What an incredible hope there is knowing that God reconciles us to Himself! This "hope of the Gospel," this grace of God in Christ, is the hope of our world.

What is God showing you? Your observations and insights into this week's passage are welcomed and encouraged.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe