Classic Sermon #6065: A Vital Faith
Dr. Roberto Miranda
(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY: Paul reminds the Colossians of the importance of remaining focused on Jesus Christ as the foundation of their spirituality. He warns them of false doctrines and urges them to remain firm in the faith. Paul contrasts the solid and consistent work that Christ has accomplished for believers with the false promises of the doctrines of men. Christ has given believers access to all the blessings and power of God, freed them from the slavery of sin, forgiven their sins, removed the accusation against them, dispossessed principalities and powers, and defeated the powers of hell. In light of all this, believers cannot be moved easily and must not be led astray by false teachings. True holiness and spirituality consist of remaining rooted in Christ and focusing on what He has done for us.
In Colossians 2, Paul warns against the danger of legalistic and ritualistic religions, which seek to enslave people and deprive them of the freedom that Christ has achieved for them. He reminds the Colossians of all that Christ has achieved for them on the cross, including giving them life, forgiving their sins, and defeating the powers of hell. Paul urges them not to be judged by such religions or to meddle with lesser beings, but to focus on the prize of direct access to Christ and the Father. He also warns against asceticism and the use of symbols and projections instead of true spirituality. The primary achievement of Christ for us is freedom, and our lives as individuals and as a church should reflect that value. We should project a lightness of spirit and confidence in God's love and approval, rather than fear and condemnation.
The article discusses the importance of balance in spirituality and avoiding dead religion. The author emphasizes the need for a healthy spirituality that includes joy, celebration, and freedom, while also avoiding legalism and repression. The goal is to cultivate a spirituality that glorifies God and reflects the energy and presence of the Holy Spirit. The author encourages individuals and churches to avoid formalistic and ritualistic religion and instead focus on cultivating enthusiasm, fervor, and intensity in their spiritual lives.
As a church, when we feel our enthusiasm for God fading, we must make a decision to reignite the fire of the Lord within us. We shouldn't rely on God to give us the fire just once, but rather we should actively seek it out when we feel indifferent to the word. The Christian life should never be ritualistic or formalistic, but rather we should feel impacted and touched by God. We should strive for a celebratory, vital, and joyful life that is always examining and re-examining the foundations of our faith. Let us not be subject to the laws and systems of men, but rather go to Christ Jesus for renewal day by day.
In Colossians 2, Paul warns against the danger of legalistic and ritualistic religions, which seek to enslave people and deprive them of the freedom that Christ has achieved for them. He reminds the Colossians of all that Christ has achieved for them on the cross, including giving them life, forgiving their sins, and defeating the powers of hell. Paul urges them not to be judged by such religions or to meddle with lesser beings, but to focus on the prize of direct access to Christ and the Father. He also warns against asceticism and the use of symbols and projections instead of true spirituality. The primary achievement of Christ for us is freedom, and our lives as individuals and as a church should reflect that value. We should project a lightness of spirit and confidence in God's love and approval, rather than fear and condemnation.
The article discusses the importance of balance in spirituality and avoiding dead religion. The author emphasizes the need for a healthy spirituality that includes joy, celebration, and freedom, while also avoiding legalism and repression. The goal is to cultivate a spirituality that glorifies God and reflects the energy and presence of the Holy Spirit. The author encourages individuals and churches to avoid formalistic and ritualistic religion and instead focus on cultivating enthusiasm, fervor, and intensity in their spiritual lives.
As a church, when we feel our enthusiasm for God fading, we must make a decision to reignite the fire of the Lord within us. We shouldn't rely on God to give us the fire just once, but rather we should actively seek it out when we feel indifferent to the word. The Christian life should never be ritualistic or formalistic, but rather we should feel impacted and touched by God. We should strive for a celebratory, vital, and joyful life that is always examining and re-examining the foundations of our faith. Let us not be subject to the laws and systems of men, but rather go to Christ Jesus for renewal day by day.
We are going to continue with our study of the Epistle to the Colossians. Colossians 2:13, chapter 3, verse 4. We are studying this epistle and going part by part, it has some precious teachings about the person of Jesus and the centrality of Jesus Christ, and this passage that we are going to study today continues with that focus Christ The central point that Paul gives to this epistle says Colossians 2:13,
"... And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he gave life together with him, forgiving you all your sins, annulling the act of the decrees that was against us that was contrary to us, taking it out of the way and nailing it to the cross. And stripping principalities and powers, he publicly exhibited them, triumphing over them on the cross. Therefore, let no one judge you in food or drink or in terms of feast days, new moon, or days of rest, all of which are a shadow of what is to come.
"... And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he gave life together with him, forgiving you all your sins, annulling the act of the decrees that was against us that was contrary to us, taking it out of the way and nailing it to the cross. And stripping principalities and powers, he publicly exhibited them, triumphing over them on the cross. Therefore, let no one judge you in food or drink or in terms of feast days, new moon, or days of rest, all of which are a shadow of what is to come.
