2819 Church Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Witness Protection | Colossians 3:1-11
Host: 2819 Church
Speaker: Eric Hayes
Release Date: June 23, 2025
Introduction and Welcome
Eric Hayes opens the episode with a heartfelt welcome to both the in-person congregation and the online community, the Digital Disciples. He emphasizes the church’s mission as a "house of prayer, presence, and proclamation" and extends a special invitation to unbelievers, encouraging them to join the community even if they are still questioning their faith.
Notable Quote:
"This is a place where you can be a part of our community and belong before you believe."
— Eric Hayes [00:01]
He acknowledges and honors Philip Anthony Mitchell, the pastor who founded the ecclesia, and gives a brief, personal shout-out to his wife, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships in ministry.
Series Context and Standalone Message
While the church is currently engaged in a series titled "Entering End Times," Eric explains that today’s message, "Witness Protection," is a standalone sermon focused on Colossians 3:1-11. He invites listeners to join in prayer before delving into the topic.
Prayer Highlights:
- Gratitude for God's grace and humanity's redemption through the cross.
- Acknowledgment of human fallibility and God's unwavering support.
- A plea for humility and divine guidance during the message.
Concept of Witness Protection
Eric introduces the metaphor of "witness protection" to illustrate the Christian life. He differentiates between innocent individuals seeking protection and those who are guilty yet seeking a new life. The focus is on believers who, despite their sins, are granted a new identity through Christ.
Key Points:
- Innocent vs. Guilty Protection: Emphasizes that Christians, despite their sins, are granted favor and a new identity in Christ, akin to entering a divine witness protection program.
- Transformation through Christ: Believers are not just hiding from their past but are actively being transformed into a new life aligned with God’s will.
Notable Quote:
"You earned judgment, but you've been given favor and opportunity for a new life."
— Eric Hayes [00:05]
Exploring Colossians 3:1-2
Eric breaks down Colossians 3:1-2, encouraging believers to seek "the things that are above" rather than earthly pursuits. He stresses the importance of aligning one's mind and affections with eternal values.
Scriptural Insights:
- Verse 1: Encourages believers to seek heavenly things because they are "raised with Christ."
- Verse 2: Advises setting minds on eternal rather than earthly matters to avoid sorrow caused by corrupted worldly desires.
Practical Application:
- Heart Survey: Eric urges listeners to examine where their affections lie and to refocus on God-centric values.
- Community and Prayer: Emphasizes the role of scripture reading, prayer, and godly community in maintaining a heavenly focus.
Notable Quote:
"Where your affections have been set, either on purpose or by default on earthly things that are already corrupted and will topple and fall."
— Eric Hayes [02:30]
Dying with Christ and Hidden in God (Colossians 3:3)
Eric delves into Colossians 3:3, explaining that believers have "died with Christ" and their lives are now hidden in God. This signifies a complete transformation and a new identity rooted in divine protection.
Key Themes:
- Death to the World: Believers have died to worldly ways and their new life is secured with Christ.
- Hidden with Christ: Illustrates the security and intimacy of being united with Christ, emphasizing that believers are not to live as separate from Him.
Notable Quote:
"We been hidden with Christ, in God. But we trying to pop out and be outside and do brunch on the enemy's territory, acting like the enemy."
— Eric Hayes [04:15]
New Life and Transformation (Colossians 3:4-6)
In verses 4 through 6, Eric discusses the responsibilities that come with the new identity in Christ. He emphasizes the need to "put to death" earthly desires and sinful behaviors that are incompatible with the Christian life.
Key Points:
- Putting to Death Earthly Desires: Encourages believers to actively reject sexual immorality, impurity, greed, anger, and other sinful behaviors.
- Understanding Identity: Highlights that Christians are no longer defined by their past sins but by their renewed selves in Christ.
Notable Quote:
"Therefore what is earthly in you? Sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, covetousness, which is idolatry."
— Eric Hayes [07:45]
Renewal and Sanctification (Colossians 3:10)
Eric explores the concept of ongoing transformation, likening believers to houses under renovation. He reassures that despite imperfections, God is continually working to renew and perfect them.
Key Themes:
- Continuous Renewal: Emphasizes that spiritual growth and sanctification are ongoing processes.
- God as the Renovator: Portrays God as the one who renovates and restores believers, despite their current flaws.
Practical Application:
- Patience in Growth: Encourages believers to remain patient and trust in God’s plan for their spiritual development.
- Identity in Christ: Reinforces the importance of identifying with the new self, continuously aligning with Christ’s image.
Notable Quote:
"He is making us and molding us into the image of His Son."
— Eric Hayes [12:30]
Unity in Diversity (Colossians 3:11)
In the final verse, Eric addresses the universal nature of Christ’s lordship, transcending cultural, social, and ethnic boundaries. He celebrates diversity within the body of Christ, emphasizing that all are equal and united in Him.
Key Points:
- No Boundaries: Christ removes distinctions such as Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, highlighting the unity of believers.
- Equality in Christ: Affirms that all believers, regardless of background, are valued and equal in Christ.
Notable Quote:
"It doesn't matter if you just got out of prison or you are an exec at a Fortune 15 company. Does it matter? Christ is all."
— Eric Hayes [15:20]
Conclusion and Final Prayer
Eric wraps up the sermon by reiterating the main themes of new life, renewal, and unity in Christ. He emphasizes that believers are under divine protection and continuously being transformed. The episode concludes with a prayer asking for God’s continued guidance and the strengthening of believers’ identities in Him.
Final Prayer Highlights:
- Gratitude for God’s grace and the new identity in Christ.
- A plea for believers to embrace their new lives and continue walking in holiness.
- A request for divine revelation to solidify the understanding of being in "witness protection" with Christ.
Notable Quote:
"Help us enjoy the benefits of our new life and witness protection. Help us identify with the godly things that you have given us."
— Eric Hayes [16:45]
Key Takeaways
- New Identity in Christ: Believers have died to their old selves and are now hidden with Christ in God, securing a new identity and eternal perspective.
- Active Transformation: Christianity is not just about avoiding sin but actively embracing a relationship with God that continuously renews and transforms believers.
- Unity and Equality: The church transcends all societal and cultural divides, uniting believers under the lordship of Christ.
- Ongoing Renewal: Spiritual growth is a continuous process, with God as the renovator working to align believers more closely with His image.
Closing Thoughts
This episode of 2819 Church's podcast delivers a powerful message on living out the Christian identity as one who is under divine protection and continuously being transformed by Christ. Eric Hayes combines personal anecdotes, scriptural insights, and practical applications to encourage believers to embrace their new lives and remain steadfast in their spiritual journey.