Christ Church Jerusalem

Paul concludes his instructions on how to Walk Worthy of the Lord by focusing on three things. First, Paul urges the Colossians to be watchful in prayer and in thanksgiving. While others may be vulnerable you should be praying for them and keep the watch in the night. Secondly, Paul urges his readers to pray for the opportunity to speak the mystery of Christ. And when those opportunities come, to be found walking in wisdom and speaking graciously but also "seasoned with salt", knowing how to speak to each person we meet. Finally, to walk worthy of the Lord, we do not walk alone.

Today compassion is considered to be a fundamental value in our society yet it is often confused with doing symbolic acts that cost us little.

In contrast, the ministry of Jesus was motivated by a costly compassion which he expected his disciples to emulate. Jesus not only models the compassion that God has for his fallen creation but surely learned from the example of his earthly father Joseph. When sending out the Twelve Apostles, Jesus gives them authority to bring his redemptive presence into the lives of the sick, oppressed, ostracized and those without direction. The Twelve learn empathy and compassion by living with and depending on those to whom they are sent to help.

Readings: Ezekiel 34:1-16; Mathew 9:35-10:23.

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Paul encourages the Colossians to “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus”. Does this give us permission to do as we like, as long as it is in the name of Jesus? Drive out the infidels! … in the name of Jesus. Do as I say, woman! … in the name of Jesus. Absolutely not, we are to be compassionate, kind, humble, meek and patient.

Wives and Husbands, children and parents, even bond-servants and masters are all to bear with one another, love one another, forgive one another, even as–and this is where it gets difficult to do things in the name of, or in the authority of Jesus–even as the Lord has forgiven you. If we truly want our families and societies to thrive, perhaps we should start by following these commands.

The word believe also means trust in Hebrew. We are all called to trust the Lord and take courage to walk that calling in faithfulness. Faith is more than believing in something, it’s also something you do.

Readings: Genesis 12:1-9; Psalm 33:1-12; Matthew 9:9-13,18-26.

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If we are alive in the Messiah, we should walk worthy of our Lord. This means putting away things that are wrong, such as sexual immorality, greed, and covetousness. It also means living a life worthy of the Lord in our mind, heart, and tongue, even when it comes to our neighbours who are culturally, economically, politically, or socially different from us.

In the time of Paul, the Colossians were no different from much of the Greek world. They did not follow the same moral rules and laws that God declared to be right and good. But, as the Colossians saw God treat all people the same, they were all called to walk in the same way, worthy of the Lord–whether Greek or Jew; slave or free; male or female.

The command to go and make disciples provides the perfect end to Matthew's gospel. The 1st Century context of Matthew's story includes the Jewish practice of discipleship. More than a set of doctrines or practicing spiritual disciplines, discipleship is attachment to a person. As Paul reminds us, a good way to become a disciple of Jesus is by imitating others who model His life for us. All who seek to make disciples must first be discipled themselves

Readings: Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Daniel 7:9-13; Matthew 28:16-20.

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Walk in the Lord! There are many paths to walk in this world but so many are empty. It is the Messiah who was raised from the dead. It is the Messiah who triumphed, who is God, who is above all and is head of the Church. And it is through the Messiah that we can be full, not full of ourselves, mind you, but full of life (as we also have been raised from the dead of our trespasses). And yet, too often, we go back to what is empty.

This week, Reuven Doron leads us from Genesis through Revelation. While Pentecost is the day we remember God fulfilling His promise of the giving of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit is, and always has been, God. And the whole breadth of Scripture declares that the Holy Spirit has been, and will always be, involved with God’s creation and people.

Readings: Acts 2:1-21; Numbers 11:24-30; John 7:37-39.

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Paul continues to speak of the Colossians' inclusion in the Saints and asks them to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. He turns their attention to the head of the Church–Jesus. Jesus, the creator of all, reconciled the Colossians to God. They were reconciled not because of their greatness or piety, but because of Jesus' blood. Through Jesus, they can be presented to God as holy and blameless.

The Colossians were not taught by the great apostles or disciples of Jesus. Neither were they rich or pious. Paul, an Apostle, became a deacon for the Colossians. He shared what he could and encouraged them but it was God who called them and Jesus was their head. Although it mustn’t be forgotten that through a relatively unknown man, Epaphras, they heard the gospel preached and turned to God.

The ascension of the Lord is the majorly transitional point in the human story. Jesus has done all His work and now it is up to the Church to take the good news from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.

Readings: Acts 1:1-11; Daniel 7:9-14; Luke 24:44-53.

Blessed by our teachings? Consider saying thank you with a small (or large) donation. www.christchurchjerusalem.org/donate/


This sermon is also available on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/christchurchjerusalem


Listen to this sermon and more on our podcast. Search for Christ Church Jerusalem in Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast app.