Mt Pleasant :: Sam Fornecker: Colossians - Gospel Servants

St. Andrew's Church

Bible Study

Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon:

Sermon Series: Colossians

• Week 4: A Place to Stand
• Week 3: Christ at the Center
• Week 2: Transferred to a New Kingdom
• Week 1: To the Saints in Christ at Colossae

Sermon Outline

• What the Gospel Servant Does
• What the Gospel Servant Seeks
• What the Gospel Servant Needs

Sermon Questions

1. Why does Paul equate being a servant of the gospel with being a servant of the church (compare 1:23 and 1:25)?
2. Consider the different ways the pattern of "teaching one another" appears in Scripture (e.g., by word spoken in season (Prov. 25:11); by example of faithfulness in their circumstances (1Thess. 1:5); by wise application for faithfulness in your circumstances (Col. 1:28)). How is this dynamic at work in your life?
3. Some Christians have helpfully thought about running the race, Monday through Saturday, using the acronym "BLESS." Use Colossians 1:24–2:5 as a guide to thinking through the following questions, and how to respond in the coming week:
   • Bless others — especially non-believers, those different from us, and the poor, at least three times a week. Whom can I tangibly bless this week?
   • Listen to God in His Word and Spirit and to others, to understand their stories and our culture’s story. One ears open to the Lord; one to the culture — always clear on the direction of travel! To whom should I intentionally listen this week?
   • Eat with others, including unbelievers, believers, and the poor. With whom should I eat this week?
   • Speak to God (prayer) and speak to unbelievers the story and message of Jesus (witness). With whom should I intentionally share the good news this week?Sabbath in rest, play, praise, and celebration. How should I rest this week? Whom should I invite to join me in that rest?

Resources Consulted

Doug Moo,

Colossians and Philemon

, PNTC Paul Weston,

Humble Confidence and the Logic of Mission

Janet Fairweather, "The Epistle to the Galatians and Classical Rhetoric: Part 3" (Tyndale Bulletin)

Questions?

Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Sam Fornecker (

).