Pierce Point Community Church

Understanding the purpose of Colossians. In this clip Nathan shares why we have to understand any scripture in its context. For more please listen to the full message here: https://soundcloud.com/user-830713149-229342443/intro-to-colossians

Today, we're going to begin a brand new series in the book of Colossians. So, if you have your Bibles go ahead and turn with me there. But as you're turning, instead of going to the beginning, we’re going to start strategically in chapter 2:8... [Colossians 2:8] 8 "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.” Okay, so the reason we're starting here and not chapter 1:1 is that understanding Paul's motive (or his purpose) for writing is absolutely vital to rightly dividing the rest of the letter. As a principle, understanding a situation accurately is essential to a correct application! Or to say it in the reverse: accurate application must follow accurate information.

This week Barney Estes shares the Holy Spirits role in our knowing and being known by God.

In chapter 6 and 7 of "The Chronicles of Narnia - The Voyage of the Dawn Treader," C.S. Lewis focuses on a boy named Eustace. Lewis tells us that Eustace 'wondered off avoiding his chores.' In his wondering, he entered into a dragon's cave to plunder its treasure. The problem, however, is that in so doing, Eustace turned into a dragon himself.
 Afterward, Eustace comes across a lion who changes him back to the boy he once was. Upon this transformation he apologizes for his behavior, no longer feeling a desire to go back for more treasure. Lewis says that "he began to be a different boy." Discovering that the lion who changed him was, in fact, Aslan, Eustace asks Edmond (his cousin who has a relationship with Aslan) "Who is Aslan?" and "Do you know him?" (John 5:1-17) To which Edmund responds in quite an amazing way, he says "well... He knows me. He is the great lion, the son of the emperor-beyond-the-sea who saved me and saved Narnia." The reason I share this is to highlight the importance of what is a two

Preach the Gospel. (Ordo salutis) Order of Salvation: [Eph 1:13-14 NASB] 13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of [God's own] possession, to the praise of His glory. [Rom 1:16 NASB] 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [Eph 2:8-9 NASB] 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, [it is] the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. [Rom 4:5, 16 NASB] 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, ... 16 For this reason [it is] by faith, in order that [it may be] in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only t

Conviction is good! [2Sa 7:20 NASB] 20 "Again what more can David say to You? For You know Your servant, O Lord GOD! [Psa 139:1-7 NASB] 1… O LORD, You have searched me and known [me.] 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. 3 You scrutinize my path and my lying down, And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. 5 You have enclosed me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. 6 [Such] knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is [too] high, I cannot attain to it. (back to 2 Cor. 13:12) 7 Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

To Know and Be Known! (Matthew 16:13-17) 1. How did we come to know God? 2. How do we know God knows us? Scriptures used: [1Co 13:12 NASB] God's relational knowledge: [Gen 18:19 NASB] [Exo 33:12-13 NASB] 12 Then Moses said to the LORD, "See, You say to me, 'Bring up this people!' But You Yourself have not let me know whom You will send with me. Moreover, You have said, 'I have known you by name, and you have also found favor in My sight.' 13 "Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, let me know Your ways that I may know You, so that I may find favor in Your sight. Consider too, that this nation is Your people." [2Sa 7:20 NASB] [Psa 139:1-7 NASB] [Jeremiah 1:5 NASB] [Amos 3:2 NASB] Eternal Implications: [Mat 7:22-23 NASB] 22 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' 23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.’

A Sad State of Affairs Now it's also true that if someone is genuinely divisive or heretical, we tend to do nothing about them. Think about the sad state this put us in inside the Church. When we disagree, we divide and when there's an actual danger we tell ourselves we shouldn't judge. G.K. Chesterton points out this problem in his book aptly named Heretics. "The word "heresy" not only means no longer being wrong; it practically means being clear-headed and courageous. The word "orthodoxy" not only no longer means being right; it practically means being wrong. All this can mean one thing, and one thing only. It means that people care less for whether they are philosophically right. For obviously a man ought to confess himself crazy before he confesses himself heretical." So unity is good, division is bad, divisive people are a problem that must be dealt with, and there are absolutes in our belief; orthodoxy is not a bad word.

But as I've shared in the past, we must make an important distinction between the divisive person and someone who is simply wrong. In other words, holding an unorthodox view doesn't make a person a heretic or divisive. Are unorthodox ideals a problem? Absolutely! But it's sowing division (with those unorthodox views) that's the real problem according to the Bible (Titus 3:10-11; Romans 16:17). But the person who holds an unorthodox view is to be governed by something far more significant, Christian charity. Passages like James 1:5-6; [Jas 1:5-6 NASB] 5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. [Eph 4:2-6 NASB] 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 [There is

Letting the text speak. This morning I want to talk to you candidly about a few things: unity and division, orthodoxy, as well as allowing the text of scripture to speak for itself. Last week, I stressed God's desire for unity and His disdain for division; in particular, those who cause division. The book of Proverbs tells us that those who sow discord are an abomination to God and the objects of His hatred; which is strong rhetoric! But as we learned, the reason for this bold language is that divisive people are not of God (Romans 16:18). They are the true definition of what we call a heretic.

So we know who these people are. But before we get back to Romans, I want us to consider two very serious questions. 1. How important is God's view of unity? And 2. How does God see division or those who cause division? We know who these people are, but how does God see them? 1. How important is God's view of unity? [Psalm 133:1 NASB] 1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity! The psalmist goes on to compare this unity with the anointing of Aaron as a priest and the place, Mount Hermon, from which God commanded the blessing; life forever. To God, unity is as good and pleasing as His priesthood and eternal life. 2. How does God see division or those who cause division? [Proverbs 6:16-19 NASB] 16 There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: 17 Haughty (proud) eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, 19 A false witness [who] utters lies, And

Who are they? (Part 2) Titus 3:10-11 speak of this kind of individual also. [Tit 3:10-11 NASB] 10 Reject a factious ("heretic" KJV) man after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. 5. A Heretic. The difference in holding an unorthodox view and causing division because of it... (EXPAND) 6. We can add to our list that this kind of person is perverted. Obviously, we understand what is meant here, in that they are perverting God's truth. Turn with me to 1 Timothy 6. Here Paul writes to Timothy concerning such a person as well, [1Ti 6:3-5 NASB] 3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, (this one is a big one for me... EXPAND...) 4 he is conceited [and] understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and c

Who are they? 1. They are people who don't agree with sound doctrine. 2. They're willing to split the church over it. 3. The doctrines they espouse cause people to stumble (Whether in faith like the Judaizers or in godliness). But more on this one in a second. Verse 18 goes on to say, "18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord (Jesus) Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting." So 4. They don't belong to Jesus! They are slaves of their own appetites. And I suppose we could list them as "smooth talkers" and "deceivers."

URGENT MATTERS As we walk through verses 17 through 20, they'll serve as a kind of outline for the bigger issues of unity and division. So let's jump into verse 17: "17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them." The term "urge" in Greek is "parakaleo," and it means to demand earnestly or pressingly. Clearly, this issue of division is rather important. Paul only uses this term four times in the book of Romans, and each represents a sort of watershed moment (at least doctrinally): Romans 12:1 when Paul says "I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice." Romans 12:8 when he says that the one who has the gift of exhortation should use it (the word means to urge, clearly the church needs this). Romans 15:30, when Paul asks the saints to strive together with him in prayer for his ongoing mission, the term he uses is "to urge." And again here in Romans 1

READ: [Rom 16:17-20 NASB] 17 Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. 18 For such men are slaves, not of our Lord (Jesus) Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 19 For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore, I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Among Pauls final instructions to the church in Rome, he addresses briefly, yet profoundly the ideas of unity and division. His main concern is with those who cause division and particularly division over sound doctrine. Have you ever heard that something is "pregnant with meaning?" This is very true of these four verses. What Paul has to say here is informed by the scriptures and they say a lot

Give God glory! [2Co 9:7-8 NASB] 7 Each one [must do] just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (REASON 2) 8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that always having all sufficiency in everything; you may have an abundance for every good deed;" You must catch this church. [2Co 9:9-11 NASB] 9 as it is written, "HE scattered abroad, HE gave to the poor, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS endures forever." 10 Now HE who supplies seed to the sower (you and I) and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality," Whatever you purpose to give, it was first given to you, and that giver is God. The real question is, do you trust Him? The faith message from a couple of weeks ago is speaking to us again. When it comes to the material blessings you are indebted to give to those who've spiritually blessed you; are you sitting in the chair?

Reap what you sow, it's a New Testament principle. [2Co 9:1 NASB] 1 For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints; What does he mean it's superfluous? It means that he already has confidence in them. He's still going to remind them, but as we learned last week, reminders don't mean we don't know something. (Verses 2-5) "for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, [namely,] that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I have sent the brethren, in order that our boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared; 4 otherwise if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we--not to speak of you--will be put to shame by this confidence. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised bountiful gift so that the same would be ready as a bountiful gift and n

For the joy set before us we give. Every one of us knows the adage, "it is better to give than to receive." And those who understand it, understand that giving provides unspeakable joy. You might be like the widow and her mite in the new testament. Two pennies is all you have to your name. But remember what she did. She gave everything she had. She wasn't begrudgingly giving either. Jesus said she gave more than all the rest. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "God loves a cheerful giver." Please note that there are two things God loves here. God loves the giver, and God loves the disposition of the giver. If God just loved cheerful people, he would have just said that. But He said that He loves a cheerful giver. There's an action that you're doing (giving) and a heart condition that you have in doing it (Cheer). Why does God love a cheerful giver? Because in giving, we reflect the Glory of the one who redeemed us. God, Himself is a cheerful giver. We're imitating our Heavenly Father. [Jhn 3:16 NASB] 16 "For God s

Indebted to give. Yes, you heard me. The Apostle Paul says that the Macedonians and the Achaians were indebted to Jerusalem. The Gentiles had shared in Jerusalem's Spiritual things. Paul planted these churches. They benefited in spiritual things and therefor are indebted to minister back in material things. This ministry of material things (the value of giving) was extended to the needy, to Paul (Philippians 4:15-17) and others. [Phl 4:15-17 NASB] 15 You yourselves also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the Gospel, after I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; 16 for even in Thessalonica you sent [a gift] more than once for my needs. 17 Not that I seek the gift itself, but I seek for the profit which increases to your account. This concept of indebtedness or owing something is not foreign to the Scripture. In Galatians 6:6 we read, [Gal 6:6 NASB] 6 The one who is taught the word MUST share ALL good things with the one who teaches [him

Values and reasons. This morning, we're going to spend our time discussing values and reasons. Every one of us has values, and every one of us has reasons for those particular values. And this is true whether we're aware of it or not. For example, as Christians, we value reading the Bible. Some might value reading the Bible because they were raised a certain way. Mom and dad read it, grandma and grandpa read it and on it goes. Reading the Bible is the value, and the reason is tradition. Still, others have more superstitious reasons. Some people believe that reading the Bible will necessarily make things go better in their life. This is entirely untrue. An atheist could read the Bible every day, but unless they submit themselves to the author of the Bible (the redeemer of humanity), nothing will change. The Bible isn't a rabbit's foot, but neither is a rabbit's foot for that matter. Still, others might say that their reason is to earn their way to God. Of course, no one will ever say it this way, but it is