Epaphras and Me

Scripture: Colossians 4:12-13

Epaphras was a Colossian. He was away from Colosse, but his heart was on his beloved brethren. Wherever he was he labored fervently for them in prayer. Praying specifically for them that they would stand perfect and complete in the will of God. He was known for his great zeal for the Colossians and those in Laodicea and Hierapolis too.

1. Who is on your heart?

2. Do you labor fervently in prayer for them?

3. What are you known for?

Jason Cicero

If, Then from Colossians 3:5-7

Scripture: Colossians 3:5-7

If...

1. I have been raised with Christ (3:1)

2. I am seeking those things that are above (3:1)

3. I have set my mind on things above (3:2)

4. I died with Christ (3:3)

5. Christ is coming again (3:4)

Then...

1. I am to put to death my members which are on the Earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry (3:5)

2. I am not to walk in these things (3:7)

3. I am not to live in these things (3:7)

Jason Cicero

Raised to Seek and Set

Colossians 3:1-4

If you were raised with Christ (3:1)

1. Seek those things which are above (3:1)

2. Set your mind on things above (3:2)

Seek and Set (3:1-2)

1. Christ is above, sitting at the right hand of God (3:1)

2. You died (3:3)

3. Your live is hidden with Christ (3:3)

4. Christ is your life (3:4)

5. Christ will appear (3:4)

6. You will appear with Him in glory (3:4)

Jason Cicero

Receive and Walk

Scripture: Colossians 2:1-10

"As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him..." (Colossians 2:6)

Received - to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation) (Strong's).

Walk - Hebraistically, to live, to regulate one's life, to conduct oneself (Thayer's).

Colossians 2:6 is not just a theme for a year. It is a verse for every day. It is a theme for living.

Jason Cicero

The Preeminence of Christ

Scripture: Colossians 1:9-18

"And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence" (Colossians 1:18).

To "have the preeminence" is to be first in rank or influence (Strong's). To "have the preeminence" is to hold the first place (Thayer's). To "have the preeminence" is to be first (Vine's).

According to Colossians 1:9-18, Jesus is first, He holds the first place, He is first in rank and in influence...

1. Because of Who He Is - The King (1:13); The Son of His love (1:13); The Image of God (1:15); The Firstborn Over All Creation (1:14); The Creator (1:16); Deity (1:17); The Head of the Body, the Church (1:18); The Beginning (1:18); The Firstborn from the Dead (1:18)

2. Because of What He Did - Established a Kingdom (1:13); Manifested God (1:13, 15); Redeemed us through His blood (1:14); Created All Things (1:15); Built a Church (1:18); Rose from the Dead (1:18)

Is Jesus first in your life? Does He hold the first place? Is His influence on you above all others?

Jason Cicero

Hidden in My Heart

"Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me." (Psalm 119:175; NKJV)

Sunday Morning Starters

Look up. It’s His day.

Look up. It’s His worship.

Look up. It’s His assembly.

Look up. Self gets too much attention.

Look up. At Him, not your neighbor.

Look up. You won’t go where you’re not aimed.

Jason Moore