New Beginnings
2003037
Subject: encouragement; zeal; revival
Introduction:
A. Been thinking about this day for quite awhile & have been wondering how to put thoughts/emotions into words.
1. What an honor to be here w/you & to know that we can work together to take gospel to lost.
2. I love you all & appreciate the encouragement you have given over the years.
B. It is good to make new beginnings.
1. Coming to this place, starting a new work with you is certainly a new beginning for me!
2. I’m refreshed; I’m excited; & I hope you are too. I want to see good things happen here & I know you do as well.
3. Let us, with anticipation & zeal talk about what we can do in the future – w/help of God! He has blessed us so!
C. Let us look to Him – moving in faith – acting with all confidence that He will bless our efforts as long as we act according to His plan.
1. In our personal life or w/the work of this congregation.
D. In Psa. 119:33-40 the Psalmist speaks of revival.
1. It is my sincere hope & prayer that each one of us is committed to following through on what we read in this passage.
E. While we are thinking on these things, let us look at some writing in the NT.
1. Note Paul’s prayer for the Colossians.
2. Paul was so thankful for the spiritual progress made by Colossians – 1:3-6.
3. Now read his prayer for them – 1:9-12
F. Since we’re talking of new beginnings today – let us take a closer look at these verses and see some things that we must be committed to do.
I. 1:9 – Let us be filled with knowledge.
A. Bible places a premium on “knowledge.”
1. Pro. 1:7 – Solomon understood that knowledge will help one lead a God-pleasing Life.
2. Pro 19:2; John 8:32
a) Not good to be w/o it.
b) Knowledge of truth is necessary to b/c free of bondage of sin.
3. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 – we need to be concerned w/obtaining knowledge about God’s revealed will.
B. What does Paul suggest by being filled w/knowledge?
1. Wording suggests: to be saturated; to be completely under the control of.
2. Strongs: “to cram.”
3. 1:9 – we need to be filled with “all spiritual wisdom & understanding.”
C. Two key ingredients in obtaining knowledge:
1. Desire – do we really want it? Ask: what is the desire of my heart? Attitude = everything!
a) Mt. 7:7-9 – keep on/persistence implied here.
2. Actual study – 2 Tim. 2:15
a) involves work; planning; sacrifice; time
b) it will come for those who exercise – 1 Tim. 4:7b-10
D. Each one of us can understand God’s will for mankind. Let us use it to transform our lives for the better.
II. 1:10 - Let us walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.
A. Ask: How is my pattern of conduct?
1. Am I living in a way that God would be pleased?
2. What about my actions, words, gestures, the places I go, those w/whom I associate?
B. What we do says much about our faith!
1. We’ll be known by our fruits – Mt. 7:16, 20
2. Let me encourage you to put your faith in action.
3. Quit talking about what a great Christian you could be and get busy being God’s kind of Christian!
III. 1:10 – Let us lead fruitful lives.
A. John 15:8 – we must bear fruit.
B. It is revealed in our character – Gal. 5:22-23
C. It is revealed in our conduct – 2 Pet. 1:8
D. It is revealed in converting the lost – Rom. 1:13-17
IV. 1:10 – Let us increase in knowledge.
A. What we’re talking about here is spiritual growth.
1. We need to ensure this is going on continuously.
2. Allow it to expand into every area of our lives.
B. It is my prayer to see all of us work toward a more perfect obedience. 1 John 2:3-5
C. Let our spiritual growth be characterized by an enlarged faith. 2 Thess. 1:3
1. The more one comes to KNOW God, the greater one’s faith IN God.
V. 1:11 – Let us grow in strength.
A. We must have a firmness of will, character, mind, and purpose.
1. Let us be willing to exhibit moral courage.
C. When tough times come – the strong have conviction & courage not to falter –but stay the course.
VI. 1:11 – Let our lives be characterized by steadfastness & patience.
A. Not everything will be easy. Righteous people do suffer. Problems do come.
B. But let us be able to bear up under whatever circumstances we might face.
C. Through our knowledge of God – we CAN have patience to see things through to the end!
VII. Finally – let us never forget what God has done for us!
A. 2 Pet. 1:3 – God has promised to provide ALL spiritual blessings for our spiritual needs.
1. Should fill us w/profound gratitude – just as it did Paul – Col. 1:11c-12
B. 1:12c – think – we been delivered from the domain of darkness.
1. Jesus has illuminated our lives with the truth of the gospel.
C. 1:13 – Christians have been transferred to the kingdom of His beloved Son.
1. We’re no longer under the rule of Satan – we live to serve the King of Kings.
2. 2 Cor. 5:14-15
3. How blessed we are - & how happy we should be!
Conclusion:
A. Today we’ve talked about some new beginnings.
1. Do you need to make a new start?
2. We can be pardoned from our sins & be free of the penalty of sin through Christ.
3. Jesus can redeem you; God can send away your sins & they will never be found again.
4. Do you know Jesus? Does He know you?
a) Hope is seen throughout these verses: Psa. 103:12; Micah 7:19
b) If you’re not a Christian; these blessings can be yours by obeying the gospel today!
c) Make your new beginning today!
B. Already a Christian? Need to renew your commitment?
1. 1 John 2:1-5
2. Do what you need to do now!
C. I N V I T A T I O N
