Colossians Series: 1:1 The Deep and Fruitful Root

Описание: A Sermon preached by Paul Hartwig on 26th of January 2025 at Lakeside Chapel, Betty's Bay.

Paul's self-introduction as "an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God" highlights that God's will is the foundation of Paul's identity and ministry.

The will of God is the most powerful reality and the deep root of everything. It is not just a therapeutic idea, but God's own plans and purposes. It's a revolutionary force that transformed Saul, the persecutor, into Paul, the apostle. Humans tend to forget the will of God, focusing on naturalism and their own agency, but God's divine causality must be recognized. God has his own plans and purposes and decisions.

The angels have an understanding of God's will as the ultimate cause of things, as illustrated in Revelation 4:10-11. They acknowledge God's will in their worship, recognizing that all creation exists because of God's will.

Theologians distinguish between the sovereign will of God (His decisions and plans, such as the transformation of Saul and the determination of lifespan) and the permissive/moral will of God (His desires for how people should live, such as loving God and neighbour). The sovereign will of God includes the determination of life circumstances, abilities, and even sufferings.Accepting God's sovereignty is essential to finding meaning in suffering.

The story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel, chapter 4, illustrates the importance of acknowledging God's will. Nebuchadnezzar, who attributed his success to his own power, was humbled by God until he acknowledged that his position was from God's will and not his own.

All of God's plans and purposes are centered around Jesus Christ. The gospel of Christ is the manifestation of God's will. Being "in Christ" aligns with the perfect will of God.

Timothy, mentioned in Colossians 1:1, is used as an example of someone with a different role than Paul. Paul is identified as the apostle, while Timothy is simply "the brother", which suggests a contrast in roles and prominence. We must accept our unique identities and roles in God's plan, rather than comparing ourselves to others.

Application:
1) Rest in God's Will: Find peace and contentment by acknowledging that God's will is behind life's circumstances, and stop comparing yourself to others.
2) Work Out What You Have Received: Respond actively to the gifts and circumstances God has provided, doing what is within your reach with all your might. Christians are called to be humble, thankful, and diligent in their service.