January 30, 2011

The Reality of New Kingdoms

Speaker: Reid S. Monaghan Series: Subversion - Colossians Topic: Exposition Passage: Colossians 1:3–1:14

Introduction

To put it very simply, the Kingdom of Jesus is the rule and reign of Jesus.  It is his exercised rule or sovereignty, not the [geographical] realm in which it is implemented. 

Adopted from George Ladd, The Gospel of the Kingdom; Scriptural Studies in the Kingdom of God. Grand Rapids, Mich.,: Eerdmans, 1959 20.

Kings and Kingdoms 

Kingdom Now, Not Yet

Now—Mark 1:14,15

Not Yet—Revelation 11:15, Handel's Messiah

“inaugurated” OR “partially realized” eschatology

Colossians 1:3-14

Present Realities (verses 3-8)

Faith, Love and Hope

 

The GOSPEL

  • A WORD of TRUTH
  • A Word that COMES TO US
  • It is a FRUIT BEARING MESSAGE
  • It GROWS in people, communities and localities
  • It is a message that is HEARD and UNDERSTOOD
  • Centered on the GRACE of GOD
  • Conveyed by and LEARNED from a HUMAN BEING

Longing and Becoming (verses 8-12a)

Knowing and “walking”

Asking Why?

  • Why do we need strength and power from GOD?
  • Why do we need endurance and patience with joy? Not being quitters?
  • Why do we need hearts of gratitude and not complaining?

Based Upon the Work of God in Jesus Chirst (12b-14)

Two Words - qualified and delivered 

Two Kingdoms - darkness and of King Jesus

Redemption in Jesus

Matthew 11:28-30

Community Meditation Questions

  • If you are a Christian you live under the RULE and REIGN of Jesus as your King; you are a part of his Kingdom right now.  Read Matthew 11:25-30 and discuss the character of Jesus and his leadership.  
  • Why is prayer such a gift for citizens of Jesus’s Kingdom?
  • How is your level of hope today? Where is your hope grounded? Here is a good test—what sort of things cause to feel hopeless or lose hope? 
  • Discuss the connections between faith in Christ, love for one another and hope in the gospel.
  • Read the prayer in Colossians 1:9-12.  Which of these do you feel you need more of today? Strengthening? Endurance and patience? With joy, Gratitude? Share specifically why and pray for one another along these lines.
  • Read and meditate upon Colossians 1:15-23 during the week

other sermons in this series

Apr 10

2011

Gospel, Community, Mission

Speaker: Reid S. Monaghan Passage: Colossians 4:2–4:18 Series: Subversion - Colossians

Mar 27

2011

Put it On

Speaker: Reid S. Monaghan Passage: Colossians 3:12–3:17 Series: Subversion - Colossians