Sunday Sermon Starter 10-28-12

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There can few things as refreshing as taking a walk.  Though not as regular as I want to be (or need to be) on occasion I enjoy a nice walk.  It has the ability to cleanse the mind, reinvigorate the body, and restore the spirit.  However, there is a walk that we can (and must take) that will do well for far more than just the mind, body, and spirit.  It is a walk in Christ and it will prepare us for eternity.

Title:  Taking a Walk in Christ

Text:  Colossians 2:6-7

Main Point:  In the words of one writer, the apostles were “common men with an uncommon calling.”  They were perfectly ordinary and unexceptional men, coming from different locations, and backgrounds, and with different characteristics they brought to the table.  Before their time together was complete they had one thing in common – they had all had the unique opportunity to walk with Jesus.  Can you imagine the things they saw, what they did, the conversations they enjoyed?  Those experiences would have served as an immeasurable blessing to their lives as they functioned as His personal representatives.  John reflected that very attitude in 1 John 1:1,3.  But as wonderful as it must have been, that is an experience that we can never have.  However, while we cannot walk with Christ in this life Paul addressed the next best thing in our text (Colossians 2:6-7).  The concept of walking in Christ is commonplace in religious rhetoric but is often misused and abused in context.  Paul specifically identifies the manner by which we walk in Christ:

Discussion Points:
§        We Must be Received in Christ – A common statement used by folks regarding redemption is the necessity to “receive Jesus into your heart.”  Its meaning varies from person to person and denomination to denomination as to what must be done to “receive Jesus into your heart,” but most often it is said to vacate any personal obedience and responsibility whatsoever.  But receiving Jesus is much more comprehensive than commonly believed.  1 John 1:5-7 says that to receive Jesus demands rejecting all darkness and the inclusion of righteous works (2 John 5-6).  Light can have no fellowship with darkness thus sin must be left behind to, along with Christ, receive a new life.  The only avenue by which that sin can be left behind to develop a new life is through gospel obedience (Romans 6:1-4).  Thus to walk in Christ we must first properly receive Him into our lives by full submission under His authority, obeying His will whatever it demands.

§        We Must be Rooted Down in Christ – In Luke 8:5-8 Jesus told the parable of the sower only to explain later that the purpose of the parable was centered in the fact that the seed represented God’s word (vs. 11).  When that word is implanted in our heart, the state of our heart will determine its future progress.  If our heart turns out to be poor soil it will reject the seed but if our heart proves to be good then the seed will be received and that’s when roots begin to grow.  Being properly rooted down is essential because it is that which provides evidence as to whether Christ dwells in our hearts or not (Ephesians 3:17).  What is it that allows a 100-foot tall, top heavy tree to be able to withstand 60-70 MPH winds and not topple crushing houses and ruining lives?  Properly grown roots!  The only hope that we have to withstand the stormy winds of life is to be rooted in Christ!  Our hope in Christ is said to be “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19).  But if we are not properly planted in Christ then we shall be rooted up in the last day (Matthew 15:13).  To properly walk in Christ we must be properly rooted in Him.

§        We Must be Raised Up in Christ – Peter worded it this way: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).  The product of the seed, good soil, and a well-rooted plant is proper growth that brings forth fruit (Luke 8:15).  Luke informs us of the source of such growth, the word of God – Acts 20:32.  To be raised in and under the influence of someone is to have their expectations directly affect the manner by which we live.  Paul outlined it this way (Colossians 2:7): we are first taught (Romans 10:17), we then are established (1 John 2:27), we finally abound with thanksgiving (2 Peter 1:5-8).  As we abound in Christ God makes His grace abound in us that we might be sufficiently prepared unto all things (2 Corinthians 9:8).

What a blessing it is to be raised up in Christ that we can walk in Him now and walk with Him eternally.  But it is not only a blessing, it is a responsibility – we must take a daily walk in Christ!

-Andy Brewer

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