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A Message of Enlightment Text: Col.3:1-15 Introduction: The Word of God is the only source for spiritual enlightment. Paul is preaching that the saints at Colosse might be established in the faith, and then that they might be enlightened concerning their bodies, behavior, and their belief. I. Paul 's preaching was to establish them. (vs. 1-4) A. He encouraged their activities to be directed towards things above. 1. Because of the properness of it. (vs. 1 a) 2. Because of the power of it. (vs. 1b) B. He encouraged their affections to be directed towards things above. (vs. 2-4) 1. Because of the great relationship in Christ. (vs. 2-3) 2. Because of the great revealing of Christ. (vs. 4) II. Paul 's preaching was to enlighten them. (vs. 5-15)A. Concerning their bodies. (vs. 5-7) 1. They were to die to fleshly ways. (vs. Sa) 2. They were to deny the fleshly worship. (vs. Sb-7) B. Concerning their behavior. (vs. 8-13) 1. Their behavior was to be changed. (vs.8-11) 2. Their behavior was to be Christ-like. (vs.12-13) C. Concerning their belief. (vs. 14-15) 1. Their belief provided for spiritual perfection (maturity). (vs. 14) 2. Their belief provided for spiritual peace. (vs. 15) Conclusion: Paul, as he does quite often, builds his theology on the resurrection (vs. 1). A man that rejects the ressurrection never will be enlightened in any other area. SERMONS BY DR. MAX ALDERMAN, Ph.D |