In this sermon, Pastor Josh unpacks Colossians 1:20-23, focusing on the supremacy, sacrifice, and the hope of Jesus Christ. Here’s the summary:
1. Expositional Preaching: Pastor Josh emphasizes the importance of teaching the Bible verse by verse to ensure the full message of Scripture is preached without skipping uncomfortable topics.
2. Supremacy of Jesus: Josh begins by recapping that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, fully divine and fully human, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He highlights Jesus’ authority over all creation—both physical and spiritual—His authority over the Church, and His sovereignty over death.
3. The Sacrifice of Jesus: Josh shifts focus to the reconciliation brought through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. He explains that sin disrupted the entire created order, affecting not only humanity but all of creation. However, through Christ’s death, peace is made between God and all creation.
4. Creation’s Renewal: Pastor Josh references Romans 8, illustrating how nature itself groans in anticipation of Christ’s return and the ultimate restoration of all things. This renewal includes the promise of a new heaven and earth, free from sin and decay.
5. Our Natural Condition: Paul, as explained by Josh, reminds readers of humanity’s natural state as alienated and enemies of God due to sin. Many people mistakenly believe they are inherently good or that good works can earn God’s favor. Josh clarifies that without Christ, we are spiritually dead, but through Jesus, we are reconciled and made blameless in God’s sight.
6. Identity in Christ: Josh emphasizes that believers must see themselves through the lens of Christ’s success, not their own failures. Jesus’ death and resurrection transform us, making us new creations, not just improved versions of our former selves.
7. Hope and Perseverance: The sacrifice of Jesus is described as the ongoing source of hope. Josh highlights Paul’s conditional statement in Colossians 1:23: believers are called to remain grounded and steadfast in faith, not moved away by false teachings or failures. He stresses that salvation isn’t based on performance but on trusting Christ as the sole source of reconciliation.
8. Warnings About False Assurance: Josh warns against assuming salvation based on religious rituals or superficial declarations of faith. True salvation involves genuine transformation, repentance, and a sustained relationship with Christ.
9. Encouragement to Endure: Josh closes by encouraging believers to remain anchored in Christ through life’s challenges. He addresses those struggling with doubts or feeling distant from God, urging them to stay steadfast and seek Jesus as their enduring hope.
10. Invitation to Repentance: Finally, Pastor Josh invites those who have not fully trusted Christ to repent and accept His gift of forgiveness. He reassures them that repentance is an opportunity for life and renewal, urging anyone in need of guidance to reach out to church leaders.
In conclusion, the sermon calls believers to reflect on their relationship with Christ, stay grounded in their faith, and embrace the hope and new identity found in Jesus’ sacrifice.
