HE RECONCILED YOU

Text:  Colossians 1:20-22.

Purpose:  To enhance appreciation for the work of Christ as our Reconciler, as a motive for heart-felt praise and faithful response.

Introduction

The Colossians were troubled by errorists teaching other ways to God than by the work of Jesus Christ. Paul stresses the all-sufficiency of Christ as Reconciler, and the adequacy of simple gospel baptism as a rite of initiation by faith into all the blessings God gives. A key passage is 1:20-22.

Body

I. "He" -- the Reconciler -- Jesus Christ.

   A. The image of the invisible God (1:15).

   B. The firstborn of every creature (1: 15,16).

   C. The one by whom all the physical creation holds together (1:17).

   D. "First" to the church, in time and rank (1:18).

   E. The One in whom all the "fullness" of deity resides in bodily form (1:19).

II. "You" -- the ones reconciled -- now the church.

   A. Formerly aliens from all God's blessings (1:21).

   B. Formerly enemies of God by wicked works (1:21).

   C. Formerly dead in sins and the uncircumcision of the flesh (2:13).

   D. Formerly in and under God's wrath (3:5-7).

III. "That" -- the goal of reconciliation,

   A. Ultimately, to present the saved to Christ for eternal fellowship (1:22; see 1:5,6).

   B. Already, to share in the kingdom of Christ as the people of light (1:12, 13).

IV. "If" -- the response this good word should bring.

   A. Continue in faith and hope (1:23).

        1. Faith looks back to God's past actions.

        2. Hope looks forward to God's promised acts.

        3. Both look to God, not man (either individually, or as the church).

   B. Be filled, grow, bear fruit (1:9-11).

Conclusion

Because God has reconciled sinners in Christ, they may look forward with confidence to a great future. Already they spiritual blessings; more remains yet to come! With total trust in God, Christians should continue in faith and hope, knowing that God who has done so much for them already will be faithful to the end, providing their every need in the future as well. With God's help, they cannot lose!

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