Raintree Community Church Stephen Conley

Text: Colossians 2:16-23
 
Consider the Insufficiency of Legalism (2:16-17)
Following religious rules does not produce godliness; it can lead to self-righteousness and judgmentalism. Look to Christ as the substance of your faith!  
Consider the Insufficiency of Mysticism (2:18-19)
Worshipping angels and searching for visions will lead us away from the truth of the Gospel. Hold fast to Christ, the fountain head of all wisdom and fulfillment!  
Consider the Insufficiency of Asceticism (2:20-23)
Self-made religion and discipline for the sake of the flesh leads to enslavement by the flesh. Depend on Christ to deliver you from your sin and equip you in the battle against temptation!

Travis Thompson preaches from 2 Peter 1:19-21.

Text: Colossians 2:11-15
 
In Christ We Are Given a New Heart (2:11-12)
Because of Christ, we are given a new life with a transformed heart. Life Application: Because Christ has given us new hearts, we are now empowered by Christ to follow Him.  
In Christ We Receive Complete Forgiveness (2:13-14)
Because of Christ, we experience total forgiveness of all our sins as we are made alive in Him. Life Application: As Christians, we are no longer under condemnation, but under grace!  
In Christ We are Granted Victory Over the Enemy (2:15)
Because of Christ, we share in the victory of Christ’s triumphant defeat of Satan and his demons. Life Application: As Christians, we do not live in light of who we were in our sins; we live in light of who Christ is as our victorious Savior.

Text: Colossians 2:6-10
 
We are Established in Christ (2:6-7)
We look to Christ as our Lord and Savior in salvation. We are given new life in Christ through His work. We rest on Christ as our foundation with thanksgiving.  
We are Steadfast in Christ (2:8)
We must resist the lies of false teaching and cling to the Truth. These lies are deceptive, man-centered, and enslaving.  
We are Fulfilled in Christ (2:9-10)
We have a new life in Christ that is complete and lacks nothing, for it flows from Christ and His infinite fullness.

Text: Colossians 2:1-5
 
Treasuring Christ Leads to True Community (2:1-2a)
We have mutual encouragement in Christ because our hearts have been united in love by Christ.  
Treasuring Christ Leads to Understanding the Wisdom of Christ (2:2b-3)
In Christ, we have access to the abundance of His sufficient wisdom and knowledge.  
Treasuring Christ Leads to Steady Resistance to Error (2:4)
Because we possess Christ’s wisdom, we are empowered to stand firm against persuasive, unbiblical teaching.  
Treasuring Christ Leads to Enduring Faith in Christ (2:5)
We possess a lasting faith that rests on the solid foundation of Christ.

Text: Colossians 1:28-29
 
Proclaim Christ’s Message Exclusively (1:28)
The content and substance of our message is Christ alone. When Christ is proclaimed, the church will be warned of error and taught in wisdom. When Christ is proclaimed, the church will grow to maturity in Christ.  
Depend on Christ’s Strength Fully (1:29)
We work for the sake of Christ through the power of Christ. The power of Christ works mightily in us as we suffer for Christ, steward the Gospel, and proclaim His message.