Colossians 1:3-14, “The Gospel which Has Come to You”

Text: Colossians 1:3-14

Intro: Last week we saw how Paul attributes the faith and love of the Colossians to their hope in heaven. As we dig deeper into Paul's logic this week in Colossians 1:3-14, we see the source of all our hope, which is the Gospel that has come to us and bears fruit.

1. WHAT IS THE GOSPEL? 

1. It is the good news, the spectacularly good news of what God has done in Christ on the Cross as a response to the rebellion of the sin of humanity all mankind. This good news carries in the power of God to save. The Gospel itself, not works, not human merit, but the truth of the Gospel itself is what saves people as they embrace its truth.

• Romans 1:16

2. Paul’s explanation of this Good News. In this text from Romans 3 Paul makes clear that all humanity, whether Gentile, Jew, terrorist, or church kids stands guilty before God. The Law has shone light on our rebellion. But, God has graciously provided a substitute who takes our place and received the punishment for sin. This wrath absorbing sacrifice is Jesus. Jesus then exhausts God’s justice and wrath for the sin of all who will believe in him.

• Romans 3:9-26
• 2 Corinthians 5:21

2. HOW IS IT SPREAD?

1. Through the spoken word. The Gospel is first and foremost a piece of information about the truth of what Jesus did on the Cross. As information, it must be communicated and spoken and heard. Primarily, it is spread through the proclamation and preaching and teaching of God’s Word.

• Romans 10:13-15

3. HOW IS IT RECEIVED?

1. The Gospel is received by grace through faith in Christ.

• Ephesians 2:8-10

2. It must be believed and the one who received it must place their trust and faith in Jesus. This belief is far more than just mental agreement. .

• Colossians 1:6—“since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth”

3. Embracing and Treasuring Jesus. Saving faith is more than knowledge or agreement. It is the embracing and treasuring of Christ above all other things!

• Matthew 13:44-46
• “Jesus Christ did not come into the world to assist you in meeting desires you already had before you were born again. He came to change your desires so that he is the main one.”  -John Piper

4. HOW DO WE KNOW WE HAVE TRULY RECEIVED CHRIST AND ARE SAVED?

1. Those that have truly received and believed in Jesus for salvation will to some degree produce some measure of fruit as evidence of their salvation.

• Mark 4:3-20 (Parable of the Sower)

2. Where there is a root, there will be some measure of fruit.

3. There is tremendous spiritual danger of declaring salvation by a raised hand, repeated prayer, or altar call response. These things may be helpful, but they in no way guarantee or evidence salvation.

4. The inward witness of the Spirit.

• Romans 8:14-17

5. Is it wise to examine ourselves to see whether we are really saved? Yes.

• 2 Corinthians 13:5

CONCLUSION: WHAT ABOUT YOU? WHERE ARE YOU WITH JESUS?

Isaiah 55:1-2