Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:24-29
Complete in Christ
Intro.
1. God is concerned about our completeness, cf. Gen 2:18, 23.
2. God is most concerned about our spiritual completeness (Jer 10:23; Jas 1:4).
3. Jesus is complete in every way; full of humanity, deity, glory, grace and truth, Col 2:9; Jno 1:14-18.
4. Christians are filled up by Christ’s fullness, Jno 1:16 (Eph 1:3):
a. Revelation of and from the Father, Jno 1:18 (Col 2:3).
b. Access to the Father, Jno 14:6.
c. Peace that removes fear with joy, Jno 14:27 (16:33).
d. You are complete in Him, Col 2:10 (plēroō: Filled up, full, liberally supplied).
I. ONE MUST BE IN CHRIST IN ORDER TO BE COMPLETE, Col 2:10.
A. He is the Source (means) of our Fullness, Col 1:19; Heb 2:10; 5:9.
1. Salvation is in none other, Acts 4:12.
2. Redemption is in Christ, Rom 3:24; Col 1:14 (Eph 1:7).
3. Peace with God is in Christ, Eph 2:14-16.
B. You must be in Christ to be Saved by Christ.
1. By putting off sin, Col 2:11; Acts 2:38; 3:19 (repentance).
2. By coming into a saved relationship with Christ:
a. Not a “sinner’s prayer” (Saul, Acts 9:11; 22:16).
b. Not “faith only”, but “faith that obeys”, Col 2:12.
c. Baptized into Christ, Rom 6:3; Gal 3:26-27.
d. Buried with Christ, Col 2:12.
C. Every Spiritual Blessing is in Christ, Eph 1:3; Col 2:10.
1. Every other religion is futile, Col 2:20-23.
2. Every other “knowledge” is impotent, Col 2:3.
3. Every creed is superfluous.
4. Every other church fails to possess the fullness of Christ, Matt 16:18; Eph 1:22-23.
II. PREACHING CHRIST EQUIPS US TO BE COMPLETE IN CHRIST, Col 1:24-29 (28-29).
A. Preaching Christ Warns Every Man, 1:28; cf. Acts 24:24-25.
1. Of sin and death, Rom 6:23; Acts 2:40-41; 8:20-24 (1 Pet 5:8).
2. Of counterfeit gospels, Gal 1:8-9.
3. Of falling away, 1 Cor 10:12; Heb 3:12-13.
B. Preaching Christ Teaches Every Man, 1:28 (2 Tim 2:2).
1. Since all wisdom and knowledge are treasured up in Christ, by learning His gospel we are made complete! Col 2:3; 1:9-11
2. Knowledge of truth frees from sin, directs our lives, Jno 8:31-32.
3. Learn in order to grow spiritually, Col 2:6-7; 2 Pet 3:18; 1:5-8.
4. Learn to teach others (pass on the truth), 2 Tim 2:2.
III. YOU ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST (Eph 3:19).
A. Complete in His Church (One Body), Jno 17:23; Eph 4:4; Col 1:18-19.
-Filled up with every spiritual blessing, Eph 1:3.
B. Perfect Law of Liberty to Guide You, Jas 1:22-25.
-Filled up with knowledge of His will; truth, Col 1:9-10; 3:16.
C. Completed by a New Covenant, Heb 7:18-19 (Col 2:17).
-Filled up with hope of inheritance (draw near to God).
D. Complete Love of God, Eph 3:17-19.
-Filled up with God’s love, inseparable (Rom 8:39).
E. Full of God’s Forgiveness, Heb 10:12-14.
-Filled up with God’s mercy, Heb 10:17-18.
Conclusion
1. The object of being full (plēroō) in Christ is to be presented “complete” (teleios, finished, lacking nothing) in Him, Col 1:28.
a. Our “hope of glory” is “Christ in you”, Col 1:27.
b. So, we preach Christ to bring people into Christ, Col 1:28.
2. Become complete in Christ by being baptized into Christ, then living by His gospel, Phil 2:12.