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Harmony Rev. Scott Strickman Download

Sermon Outline

Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ

Colossians 3:12-17 (ESV)
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Sermon Outline
In a fractured world, Christ restores harmony by clothing us in His love and ruling our hearts with His peace.

1. Longing for Harmony

v14 which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

2. Covered with Love

v14 And above all these put on love

3. Ruled by Peace

v15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were called in one body.

Prayer of Confession
Our wise God and Father, we long for peace while we suffer dissonance. Corrupt desires have ruled our hearts. We have worn sin like a garment. We have not been peacemakers. Our thoughts, words and actions have caused harm and division. Forgive us. We look to Christ, the only one worthy to take the highest place. We marvel that we are called into his body, and that you graciously cover us in your love. We pray with thanks in the name of Jesus, who is our peace. Amen.

Questions for Reflection

If you have had an experience of feeling at peace, what were you experiencing? Or, if you are longing to be at peace, what is it you are hoping for? What is present and what is absent in that experience?
What sorts of internal conflicts do you experience? What tensions are commonly present?
What are some key causes of interpersonal conflict? What causes division in the world?
How does love promote peace? What are the qualities of Christian love?
Why is God’s love crucial for our having peace with God? How does the love of Christ bring peace to specific aspects of our lives?
How does love “bind things together in perfect harmony?” What does it mean to “put on love?”
Who or what is in charge of your heart? How can Jesus become the one who guides you in each decision?
When you are being overwhelmed by temptation, what can you do so that Christ is ruling in your heart and over your life? How can you get through those periods faithfully?