Colossians 1:13-14, “Rugged Redemption”

Text: Colossians 1:13-14

Intro: Colossians 1:13-14 is one of the most important and profound sentences in the entire Bible. It contains an incredible summary of what Christ has done on the Cross for His people. In this message we take a look at the consequences of the fall, our total inability to save ourselves, and the glorious implications of Christ's work on the Cross.

It might make more sense for us to unpack this sentence by looking at the second half of Paul’s first statement—that we were rescued from the domain of darkness. Understanding what sin has done to us and from what we have been rescued is fundamental to grasping the totality of the grace of the Gospel.

I. FROM THE DOMAIN OF DARKNESS

1. We were in the domain of darkness. How did we get there?

Through sin—by nature and choice

• Romans 5:12-14
• Romans 3:10-12

2. Do we even realize that we were (or are still) in this domain?

• 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
• Ephesians 4:17-24
• 1 John 5:19

3. Why is this important to realize?

Because we are total unable to save ourselves. Sin has not merely neutralized us or made us less effective efficient people. It has killed us. We are spiritually dead and separated from God before Christ rescues us.

II. HE HAS DELIVERED US

1. What Jesus did for us.

He did not just make salvation possible for his people, he actually saved them.

• Hebrews 10:11-14

2. Seeing the OT story as a picture of our salvation in Christ

• Exodus 6:1-13
• Ephesians 2:1-10

3. Why is seeing this so important and how does it make me a better person?

                  a). It humbles us and gives God the maximum glory

                  b). It should cause us to worship God more passionately

                  c). It should cause us to spread an aroma for Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)

4. Jesus is the one who delivers—NOT our functional saviors.

• Are we aware of the functional saviors that we lean on?

5. Not all are delivered, only those that repent and believe.

• John 3:36
• “Believe”—trust, embrace, treasure, bear fruit.

III. AND TRANSFERRED US TO THE KINGDOM OF HIS BELOVED SON IN WHOM WE HAVE REDEMPTION, THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

1. God’s intention is not just to rescue but also to redeem and renew and restore

• 1 Peter 2:9-10

2. RUGGED REDEMPTION: Gritty and messy sanctification

• Positionally we are in Christ
• Practically we are still pretty ragged

3. Why is this messy rugged process necessary?

• For the display of God’s glory
• As we are honest but earnest and passionate about our pursuit of God it attracts people.