We are so glad that you joined us today at North Main Street Church of God. At North Main, we exist to develop completely committed followers of Christ who...

Know Christ intimately,

Grow in Christ continually, and

Go for Christ daily

COMMUNION

We will be celebrating communion together this morning during worship. The ushers will distribute the elements at that time, but for those who need a gluten-free or sealed option, those are available at the Welcome Center right outside of the doors you came in today.

Joyful Thanksgiving
(Colossians 1:3-14)
Yearly Theme: “Kindness is… Appreciative”
Series Title: “Thankful Kindness”
November 26th, 2023

Something to think about:

For some, joy doesn’t come easy; expressions of joy even less. But for the believer in Christ, joy is non-negotiable. So why is that? Well, joy is non-negotiable for the believer for the sheer fact that it is rooted, not in life’s circumstances, but in the promises of GOD.

As we explore another one of the Apostle Paul’s letters in the New Testament this morning, we find – yet again – Him praying for knowledge and spiritual wisdom, but this time, for the Church at Colossae, he also prays that they will be filled with joy, always thanking the Father in Heaven.

Let’s take a closer look:

Sheldon Vanauken is quoted in Chuck Colson’s book, The Body, as having said:

"The best argument for Christianity is Christians: Their joy, their certainty, their completeness. But the strongest argument AGAINST Christianity is also Christians--when they are somber and joyless, when they are self-righteous and smug in complacent consecration when they are narrow and repressive, then Christianity dies a thousand deaths.”[1]

Here’s the point…

Key Point: “We can express thanksgiving to GOD with joy knowing that our living for Him is not in vain.”

So, what does Paul pray for the Colossian Church? He prays for…


[1] Chuck Colson, The Body, pp. 320-321.

· ______________ knowledge of GOD’s ______________.

Colossians 1:9b (NLT), We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will…

· Spiritual ______________ and ______________.

Colossians 1:9c (NLT), …to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.

· Strengthening with GOD’s glorious _____ to have all _________ and ________ needed.

Colossians 1:11a (NLT), We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.

· Being ______________ with ______________, always ______________ the Father.

Colossians 1:11b-14 (NLT), May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Something to take home:

For Paul, speaking about and praying for the joy-filling of believers in the early church was more than just a nice gesture or cliché, it was rooted in a deep sense of awe as rooted in a relationship with the Almighty GOD through Christ Jesus. It’s this type of expressive joy that causes the believer to remember the inheritance that comes with surrendering his/her life to Christ. It’s this kind of purposeful joy that keeps a person walking in the light of life which is Christ. And, it’s this manner of joy that rejoices in the fact that GOD has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, Jesus, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Key Point: “We can express thanksgiving to GOD with joy knowing that our living for Him is not in vain.”

What are some things you notice when you should
give thanks, to whom you should give thanks, and for what reasons should you give thanks?

What do you notice about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in What actions are they doing, how are they relating to us, and what does it say about them?

Paul sees “hope” as a concrete, objective inheritance secured for us in the future. What is the nature of our “hope” and “inheritance”? How might that help you endure the hardships of this life?

Think about who has been an Epaphras in your life, and who you might be an Epaphras for. Who are people in your life who need to believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ or need help in maturing in their faith? How can you pray for them? How can you intentionally love them and seek to share the gospel with them or help them grow as a disciple?

How does the knowledge of God lead to living a fruitful
life pleasing to Him? How can you encourage those closest to you in the mundane “daily-ness” of the Christian walk?

Can you recall any times or examples when you saw God’s power at work in you or in someone around you? What are other examples from Scripture where God’s power can be seen?

In this passage what do you see about God’s works or actions on your behalf, God’s desires for you, and how you might respond?

What are some of the attributes and actions of God you see in this passage? How might those lead you to worship and prayer?

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Monday - Thursday
9:00am - 4:00pm