What We Have and What We Lack as Christians
Colossians 2:10
DATE: 12 Dec, 2004 PM PLACE: BBC Ballincollig
I. Introduction (Col 2:10)
A. There are two philosophies about life that have to be conquered for a Christian to experience joy and personal victory in Christ
1. Incompleteness
2. Immaturity
B. Incompleteness is a lack of some-thing we need
C. Immaturity is a lack of growth
D. Both cause unrest, fretting and anxiety
E. The world spends billions trying to convince us we LACK things that THEY provide – for a price
F. Christ gave His life to convince you that you lack nothing except growth and maturity
G. One concept is false, but the other is true
II. Message
A. We are Complete in Christ (Col 2:10)
1. “In Christ” means salvation – the new birth (2Cor 5:17; 1 Cor 12:13)
2. Complete means… complete, whole, entire, full
3. We got that way by receiving Christ (Col 2:6,7) – think about what that means:
a. We accepted the Person of Jesus Christ into our lives
b. We accepted what HE did in His life, and on the cross
c. We accepted the free gift of eternal life (1Jn 5:12)
4. We simply accepted – all by faith
5. If we got Christ, we got ALL of Him
6. And if we got all of Him, it is time to start living instead of continually worrying about living IT
a. Walk by faith
b. Be rooted and grounded in faith – not in performance
c. Be settled – like concrete settling
d. Established – recognized as visible Christian by others
e. Constantly built up by victory, not being torn down by defeat
7. That’s what being in Christ affords us!
B. We are Complete in Christ because of His Completeness (Col 2:9,10)
1. He is Complete As a Man
a. He is Perfect
b. Totally perfect – according to the most exacting requirements, as listed by the Law
1) His love was perfect
2) His life was perfect
3) His birth was perfect
4) Even His death was perfect
2. He is Complete As the God-Man
a. He is Fully indwelt by God Almighty
b. Seen the Son, you have seen the Father
3. He is Complete As present IN every believer through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (Jn 14:16-18)
4. Everything that Christ is, is now present in you and me (1Cor 1:30)
a. Eternal Life
b. Joy
c. Confidence
d. Love
e. Patience
f. The list goes on and on!
C. What We Usually Think Is Lacking In Us that Isn’t (2Cor 8:15)
1. Forgiveness – there is no more record of sin
2. Security – can’t lose anyone who comes to Him (Heb 7:25)
3. Protection – defences (Eph 6) – gave us every bit of protection we need
a. Against temptation
b. Against the devil himself
4. Purpose – He gave us so many purposes
a. Focus on getting filled with the Spirit so he can direct you
b. Find God’s will for you daily, and big-time, for the rest of your life
c. God DOES have a plan, a will for your life – a wife, a husband, a meaning to each and every life!
5. Good looks (Ps 139:14)
6. Ability
a. We all have some abilities
b. The question/issue is, does God have all of what you have (ex of five loaves and two fishes)
c. God will give you abilities you never thought possible, if He has YOU (2Cor 12:14)
7. Money (Philp 4:13)
8. Love and Appreciation (Jer 31:3; 2Thes 2:16; Mt 25:21)
D. Things that Affect Our Stability – things to beware of:
1. World’s Philosophies – ways of thinking
a. Naturalistic philosophies – everything can be explained by natural occurrences
b. Pragmatic philosophies – just be sensible – don’t get too carried away
c. Idealistic philosophies – living on dreams only to see them crushed by reality
d. Humanistic philosophies – believing man is the highest level of understanding, and basing all concepts on man’s benefit, and from man’s view-point (no God!)
e. Materialistic philosophies – believe only in what we can see and handle and have
2. Vain Deceits – empty tricks – lying words (Jer 7:8)
a. Virtual realities
b. Porn lovers who send you emails
c. Romance novels that portray life that just doesn’t exist
d. Religionists who promise heaven, and yet doesn’t believe a word he says himself!
e. Talk shows that act like the people on their shows are NORMAL
f. Modern books that try to prove men and women are the same, and that all religions are the same, and that all races are the same, and that all we need is to just get along with one another – for the good of all mankind!
g. These things will SPOIL you – RUIN your heart!
3. Traditions of Men
a. Religious traditions
1) Mary being a perpetual virgin
2) Peter was the first pope
3) Baptism saves you
b. Educational traditions – ignoring God
c. Personal traditions – habits – just what you have always done
d. Peer traditions – what everyone just always does
E. What is Really and Only Lacking in All Our Christian Lives (1Sam 16:17). These are the things to worry about!
1. Your eternity – make sure you ARE saved (1Cor 1:18)
2. Contentment (Heb 13:5)
3. Concern – burden for the things of God (Rev 3:14-20)
4. Patience (Heb 10:36)
5. Wisdom (James 1:5)
6. Dependence solely upon God
7. Consistency
8. Service – ministry (Philp 2:30)
III. Conclusion
Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church
Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland