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Emmanuel Presbyterian Church
Hosted by Rev. Charles Drew · EN
Browse and listen through our library of Sunday Sermons recorded at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in New York City.
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Flourishing Family
Mar 15Tap to summarizeAudio Recording Flourishing Family Rev. Tim Chang Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 3:18-21 (ESV)18 Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.Sermon Outline1. Trusting God’s DesignGenesis 1Day 1: light/darkness >> Day 4: sun, moon, starsDay 2: sky/water >> Day 5: birds/fishDay 3: land/vegetation >> Day 6: animals/humansGenesis 1:27 – God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.2. Obeying God’s Calling[18] Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. [19] Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. [20] Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. [21] Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.3. Relying on God’s Power[18] Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. [19] Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. [20] Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. [21] Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty God, your design for the world is good and orderly. You intended for flourishing and harmony, yet we have failed to live according to the callings you have given us. Instead of seeking the good of others, we pursue our own power and selfish ambition. Too often we allow others to struggle so that we might benefit. Forgive us for not trusting your design, following your calling, or relying on your power. Lord Jesus, you are the rightful head and authority over us. You gave up your life so that we might flourish. Help us to trust your leadership. By the power of your Spirit, make us people who seek the flourishing of others and bring honor to your name. Amen. Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?How does seeing creation as ordered and not random shape how you think about God?Why do you think people today often assume that hierarchy automatically means inequality? How can there be equality but difference?What parts of Paul’s teaching do you think would have felt counter-cultural then, and what parts feel counter-cultural today?How might the principles of this household code shape how the different generations in the church care for and relate to each other?Living out these callings often requires putting someone else’s needs before our own. Why do you think sacrificial love in relationships can feel so costly?Why is our relationship with Jesus essential for living out these roles well? Consider the qualifies that Paul uses: e.g. “as is fitting in the Lord” and “for this pleases the Lord.” What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?
Transcribe →Be Thankful
Mar 8Tap to summarizeAudio Recording Be Thankful Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 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 OutlineGratitude is not simply a benefit of the Christian life, but it is at the heart of what it means to be Christian.1. Who are you?v15 And be thankful.2. What do you have?v16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 3. What do you do?v17 “…do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks…”v16 “singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs”Prayer of ConfessionOur merciful God, we look to you seeking change from our patterns of looking away from you. We are guilty of pride and we bear of shame. We have been deceived, yet we have blamed you and others for the misery that has followed. We have been complainers, gossips, slanderers and accusers. We have not sufficiently valued the good in our lives and we have failed to return thanks to you. We have taken you and your gifts for granted. We have used these grievances to justify our sinful actions. Forgive us. We thank you for the word of Christ that speaks good news to us. Cleanse us of sin and may we do all things in the name of Jesus Christ, through whom we give thanks to you. Amen.Questions for ReflectionHow often do you give thanks to God? When you do give thanks to God, what is it for?What are the themes of your complaints? What are regular sources of dissatisfaction? Where do you see patterns of taking things for granted in your life? How does shame shape your internal narrative? What negative patterns or ruminations are frequent for you?What is the lure of pride? Why does it feel good to have more or be better than others?How can understanding God’s grace open your eyes to recognize the treasures we have in Christ? What of the gospel message can stir thanksgiving in you?Why is a prayer of thanks before eating a valuable habit? What has God given you that you can steward in service to Him? How can you do your daily tasks in a spirit of generosity towards God or others? What does it mean to do all things in the name of Jesus? How can singing be a means of expressing thanks, and when are opportunities to do it? How can singing be a means of drawing you in to a thankful spirit?
Transcribe →Harmony
Mar 1Tap to summarizeAudio Recording Harmony Rev. Scott Strickman Download Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 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 OutlineIn a fractured world, Christ restores harmony by clothing us in His love and ruling our hearts with His peace.1. Longing for Harmonyv14 which binds everything together in perfect harmony.2. Covered with Lovev14 And above all these put on love3. 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 ConfessionOur 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 ReflectionIf 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?
Transcribe →Forgiveness
Feb 22Tap to summarizeAudio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 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 Outline1. When do we forgive?[13] … if one has a complaint against another…2. What does forgiveness look like?[13] … if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other…3. How can we forgive?[13] … if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.[2:13] And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, [14] by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.Prayer of ConfessionGracious God, we live in a world of broken relationships where we have been wronged against, and we have wronged others. Our offenses are not always accidental, but often intentional. Instead of mending what’s been broken, we withhold forgiveness. We want others to pay for what they’ve done. Jesus, your grace is amazing because you gave us complete forgiveness before we uttered a word of confession. You bore the cost of our sin, and you did not make us pay. As you have forgiven us, may we forgive one another. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?Paul assumes that in the church there will be situations when people will hurt one another, and these won’t be accidents. Have you witnessed or experienced any “complaints” in the church?How would you define and describe forgiveness?What do you find difficult and challenging about forgiveness?Paul uses the language of “forgiving each other” as though forgiveness will be ongoing. Have you had a situation where you’ve been challenged to forgive someone in an ongoing way?Paul shares that the basis for our ability to forgive others is because Jesus has forgiven us. How does this help you to forgive? How might you still struggle to forgive?If Jesus’ forgiveness towards us was full and complete, how does that give you assurance and comfort? What if his forgiveness was partial? What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?
Transcribe →Blessed Are the Meek?
Feb 15Tap to summarizeAudio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 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 OutlineMaturing involves seeking and growing in the character of Christ. (v 12)1. Do we value these characteristics?compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience2. How did Jesus display these characteristics?Put on then…3. Can we attain these characteristics? as God’s chosen ones, holy and belovedPrayer of ConfessionOur merciful God, we turn to you in weakness, admitting our guilt. We have neglected and mistreated people, rather than having compassion and acting with kindness. We have been prideful and selfish; we have judged and treated others harshly. In our desperation to be strong we have faked it and have misused the power we had. Even acts that appear kind sit on faulty foundations of fear, apathy or a desire for comfort and ease. Forgive these and all our sins. We turn to you because you are compassionate, patient and kind. Help us in the name of Christ, in whom we are chosen, holy and beloved. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhich character traits or virtues do you value most? List your top 3 traits (what you appreciate, not necessarily which you have).Which of the characteristics (pick 1) of Colossians 3:12 is most developed in you? Which is hardest for you? They are: a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, patience.Do these traits make us or vulnerable? What are the characteristics of a strong person?Which character traits of Jesus stand out most to you? What do you admire most in him?Was Jesus strong? If so, in what way? If not, what did he lack? Does he meet the worlds standards of strength?How does the crucifixion reveal Jesus’ strength? What are we meant to see that should move us to recognize greatness in him because of what he did?How can a relationship with God help form you gain these character traits? Why is receiving compassion, kindness and patience from God important for your healing and growth?Do you relate to God in a way that stirs growth and change in you? How does the call to follow Jesus help safeguard against forming God in our own image or as a projection of our own desires?How does the character of God create a solid foundation for us? Why is it important to recognize we cannot manipulate God, or that God is not reactive (He remains in control of what He does and doesn’t lose control based on what we say or do)?
Transcribe →Put Them All Away
Feb 8Tap to summarizeAudio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 3:5-11 (ESV)5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.Sermon OutlineMaturing in the fulness of the life Jesus invites us into requires intentionally putting an end to former ways.1. What is the problem?v5 “what is earthly in you”v5 “covetousness, which is idolatry”v5 “sexual immorality…”vv8-9 “anger…”v6 “On account of these the wrath of God is coming”2. How do you address it?v5 “Put to death”v8 “put them all away”vv9-10 “put off the old self with its practices”3. Why is this important?v11 “but Christ is all, and in all”v10 “the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator”v11 “Here there is not…”Prayer of ConfessionOur Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer: you invite us to seek the things that are above, but we have oriented our lives towards the things of earth. We confess we have been covetous. We have been ruled by selfish desires. We have fixated on things people have, and have treated people as though they were things. We are guilty of the very ways you have warned us to put aside. Our lips have exposed that our hearts are not right. Forgive every expression of sin, and free us from the power and presence of sin within us. We turn to you, receiving the life of Christ through faith, and commit to walking in him. Amen.Questions for ReflectionDoes it seem that the world that you see and experience is all that there is? How do people live when they assume there is nothing beyond this world and that life ends when you die? What changes with the belief that there is a God we can know and that we are eternal beings?What are some good things that are natural to you (desires, instincts, habits)? What are some problematic things?How does corruption make good desires harmful? What happens when people are controlled by problematic desires? What is the impact?What are helpful ways of trying to control problematic desires? What should we avoid?Which model for dealing with your sin is most appealing to you: fighting it/going to war to defeat it (put to death); putting it away (recognizing it needs to be contained and dealt with); putting it off (like changing an old garment)? Are you neglecting any of the means or approaches? Why?What happens if you focus only on the good things offered in Christianity and pay no attention to the hard work of dealing with sin? What happens if your focus becomes dealing with sin and you ignore the positive aspects of looking to God with hope and for satisfaction?What does it mean that Jesus offers us a “new self” which is being renewed after the image of its creator? What are simply implications of “being renewed”? What are reasonable expectations for a maturing/growing life?
Transcribe →Seeking the Things Where Christ Is
Feb 1Tap to summarizeAudio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 3:1-4 (ESV)1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.Sermon OutlineSetting your sight on the heavenly goal orients you for a life of growth towards it.1. Seek the Things Abovev1 “seek the things that are above”v2 “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth”2. Where Christ Isv3 “For you have died,” v1 “If then you have been raised…”v4 “Christ who is your life” v1 “the things that are above, where Christ is”3. You Will Appear with Himv1 “…seated at the right hand of God.”v3 “your life is hidden with Christ in God”v4 “you also will appear with him in glory”Prayer of ConfessionOur Lord and Savior, have mercy on us. We have erred in pursuing things that could never satisfy. We have neglected looking to you. Our minds, set on earthly things, have generated shameful thoughts. We have acted regretfully. We have failed to live in this world in accordance with the glorious things you have made known. Forgive every sin. We remember the death of Christ on our behalf, and take hold the life given us in him. Renew our minds and guide us towards the life of honor and glory. Amen.Questions for ReflectionWhat do you think about? Where does your mind naturally go (what is it “set on”)?What do you seek after? What do you hope to acquire, value, make sacrifices for? Why?How can you set your mind on things above?How can you be more consistent in thinking about what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise? (Philippians 4:8)What can you do when your mind is focused on negative things?Why is important to understand that Jesus comes to find us? How does Jesus seeking you, calling you, and giving himself for you, help you seek the things where he now is?How can your identity be shaped more by looking to where Christ is? What can you learn about yourself? How can you grow into what is shown to you there?What are some of the implications of your life being kept safe where Christ is? How can this help you live differently in the world?What about the future hope of glory encourages your soul? What are you hopeful for? How can you ground yourself more in that hope so it shapes how you think and perceive?
Transcribe →Freedom in the Gospel
Jan 25Tap to summarizeAudio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Tim ChangSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 2:13-23 (ESV)13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.Sermon Outline1. The allure of self-made religion[16] Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. [20] …why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—[21] “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” [22] (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings?2. The burden of self-made religion[23] These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.[20] If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations. 3. The freedom from self-made religion[13] And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, [14] by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.[15] He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.Prayer of ConfessionOur gracious God, you have made clear for us the way of salvation, and yet we turn instead to the many laws and regulations of self-made religion that promise life but never satisfy. We cannot save ourselves. Lord, we need the rescue of Jesus. We turn to him for freedom, for he has given us forgiveness and he has disarmed the rulers and authorities. By your Spirit, help us to enjoy being with Jesus more and more each day, and to live in the freedom he has won for us.Questions for ReflectionWhat connected with you from the sermon or the passage?Paul says that self-made religion has the appearance of wisdom. Why do you think this is the case?What versions of self-made religion do you see today?What does Paul mean when he says that the practices of self-made religion are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh?How have you seen rules or expectations become the goal rather than a tool in spiritual life?In what ways do you struggle with doing things for Jesus rather than enjoying him?Describe how you might struggle to rest in grace instead of striving or proving yourself.What do you sense God calling you to do from this passage?
Transcribe →Self-Made Religion
Jan 18Tap to summarizeAudio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 2:15-23 (ESV)15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.16 Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. 17 These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” 22 (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.Sermon OutlineThose who desire to grow spiritually must focus on Christ and be discerning of the lure of self-made religion.1. The Danger of Being Puffed Upv18 “…going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind”2. The Fear of Disqualificationv17 “These are a shadow… but the substance…”v18 “Let no one disqualify you” [v16]3. The Need to Hold Fast to Christv20 “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why…” v17 “the substance belongs to Christ”v19 “not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body… grows with a growth that is from God.Prayer of ConfessionOur God, you are so great we should abound with thanksgiving and eagerly walk with you. We confess we have been apathetic and lukewarm. When we have demonstrated greater fervency, it has often been infected with pride. We are guilty of forming faith and practices around our own desires. We have been fooled by those who appeal to these desires. Our thoughts and actions have not honored you. We are immature, needing forgiveness as well as guidance. We ask, in the name of Christ, that you forgive our sins and nourish us so that we grow in him. Amen.Questions for ReflectionAre you more typically ambivalent and lax in your walk with God, or overzealous? Are you content, believing your walk with God is healthy? What do you observe?Can you be “too devoted” or enthusiastic in following Christ? What distinguishes a highly enthusiastic and engaged faith that is healthy, from one that is problematic?Does a “reasonable mind” require denying supernatural elements of Christianity? How do you discern what is true and real? How can you identify what is false?How can churches create social pressures that appeal to ego or fear? What are some of the dynamics of an unhealthy Christian community? What might you see or experience?How does Jesus set us free from the powers of the elemental spirits of this world?How can you live free of the lure of these spirits and from the unruly desires withing you?What does it mean to hold fast to Christ? What are some of the means God provides for your growth within the body of Christ? How does church and Christian community provide nourishment from God?
Transcribe →The Circumcision of Christ
Jan 11Tap to summarizeAudio Recording Sermon OutlineSpeaker: Rev. Scott StrickmanSermon Series: Maturing in ChristColossians 2:6-15 (ESV)6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.Sermon OutlineReal enduring growth flows out of the change that begins with the unique work that Christ does.1. Circumcisionv11 “In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands… the circumcision of Christ”2. Crucifixionv13 “you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh”v14-15 “canceling the record of debt that stood against us… nailing it to the cross…He disarmed… put… to… shame”v13 “God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses”3. Baptismv12 “having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God…”Prayer of ConfessionAlmighty God, who works powerfully for your people: forgive all our sins. We have not been thankful for your sacrificial love. We have not believed that your ways lead to life. We have trusted in our own judgements even when they have conflicted with your teachings. We have acted on corrupt desires, even when we recognized they lead to death. We have not been faithful to the covenant nor honored our relationship with you. Our hope is in Christ, who cancelled the record of debt that stood against us. Forgive us in him. Cleanse us and fill us with your Holy Spirit as we look to you with faith and give thanks for your grace. Amen.Questions for ReflectionAre you abounding in thanksgiving? How often do you experience envy, resentment, or in some way dissatisfaction because you feel like you don’t have enough? What are some of the themes of negativity that persist in your life?Jesus calls us to a new way of life. How would you describe it? How does it work? What don’t you understand about it?Why is God concerned about our hearts? Why is the work of Christ described as a circumcision of the heart? How does the crucifixion of Jesus bring forgiveness to us? How does it work?How can reflecting on what Jesus did for you help with your struggles of shame or efforts to be free from all that holds you captive? What does baptism picture? What are we supposed to see when we observe a baptism?What does it look like to have faith in the powerful working of God? What changes can you make this week to make progress in walking “in Christ”? How will you try to think differently? What habits will you put aside? Which will you take on?
Transcribe →