- Early church displayed all the problems we-- still see today--- - discrimination-- - complaints-- - lack of structure----- Providing Structure--- - selected 7 capable-trusted men to serve-- - priorities established-- - everyone was to use their gifts - not one-- or a couple burdened with all the work-- - 7 selected by church and -ordained- -laid-- hands on- - deacons

Scripture- Colossians 1-3-14----The work of the gospel is carried by ordinary means, the faithful proclamation of the word, done by ordinary people. Baxter- -Dying men preaching to dying men and women.-----The measure of their success is not fruitfulness, but faithfulness. I Co 4-1-4.----Paul treats Epaphras not as an inferior, but as his fellow laborer, even when he was the pastor of a small house-church, at a small city in Asia Minor. Lloyd-Jones- no higher calling, than the call to the ministry. The scope of the stewardship varies, but the calling is the same.---- 1. On the love in the Spirit, for the brethren, that the Gospel instills.--The Colossians love for the brethren, a hallmark of discipleship.---- 2. On the hope for eternal life that the Gospel breeds.---- 3. On the work of the Kingdom bearing fruit and increasing.

I. PAUL'S APOSTLESHIP-- - -apostle- - messenger, sent one, by God--- - Christ commissioned -Matthew 10-1..--- - Resurrection eye-witness -Acts 1-21--- - Recognized by other apostles -Galatians 1--- - Had apostolic signs -2 Corinthians 12--- - Number is defined -Revelation 20-14--- - Founded doctrine -Ephesians 3- - no more-- apostles needed - Jude says once and for all-- - Timothy - serves the gospel and Paul's-- apostolic authority----II. PAUL'S AUDIENCE-- - saints - holy - different from world-- - saints - sanctified - set apart for God-- - saints - messed up, sinful, but faithful-- people of God - siblings in Christ----III. PAUL'S WISH-- - GRACE - God's Riches At Christ's Expense-- - PEACE - peace be upon you - from God-- - FATHER - God is our good, grace-giving dad

I. IMPRISONMENT -v.17-24--- - Jealousy makes leaders imprison those-- preaching Jesus-- - Despite imprisonment, the Lord wants us-- to proclaim his kingdom, make disciples-- - Do we fear being imprisoned by fear,-- ridicule, stepping on toes----II. DEFIANCE -v.25-32--- - We aren't to incite riots, civil disobedience,-- etc. We are to obey those in authority unless-- we have different orders from God.-- - Those in charge felt their authority jeopardized-- - Any defiance of authority should be God lead-- and directed-- - Any preaching should contain a balance of-- warning and hope

Thesis- True Worship----1. Reminder to -Rejoice in the Lord- - v1--2. Redefining Circumcision- True Worship - v2-3--3. Confidence in the personal achievements - v4-6---Paul's-----a. Circumcised on the 8th day----b. of the people of Israel----c. of the tribe of Benjamin----d. Hebrew of Hebrews----e. As to the Law, a Pharisee----f. As to zeal, a persecutor of the church----g. As to Righteousness under the law, blameless----4. Confidence in -knowing Jesus Christ as my Lord- - v7-10----- -Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.- Matthew 13-45-4 6

1. Family Building - 2-18-22--a. Jesus - The Cornerstone--b. Nehemiah Rebuilding the Wall--c. Haggai - rebuilding the temple----2. Family Blood - 3-1-6--a. Abraham our father--b. Family - circle of relatives--C. Christ Genealogy--i. Matthew's as a Jew to David--ii. Luke's trace a a Gentile to Adam----3. Family Baptism - 4-5 - Adoption--a. We gave up our heavenly birthright because of Sin--b. Galatians 3 - 4 - Legalities of Adoption--c. We are God's family by blood and be legal adoption----4. Family Benefits - 3-14-19--a. Communal aspect to this thing we call Christian Faith--b. God's family - grow mature Christians--c. Family building tools- gifts we have from Him--i. 1 Cor 12, Romans 12, 1 Peter 4 - Ephe 4--d. Ephe 2-22 - -being built together- - we are being built.----5. Family Blessing - 3-20-21--a. God's Glory is eternal in the church

- SIGNS AND WONDERS-- - Given to apostles to authenticate gospel-- message - not for personal, wordly gain.----- SOLOMONS PORTICO-- - Example of God's people regularly gathering-- to worship him together----- BELIEVERS ADDED-- - God saves various types of people, regardless-- of status, gender, ethnicity . . . .so we are-- to spread the gospel everywhere----- SICK BROUGHT FOR HEALING-- - Again, apostles were given this power, and-- purpose was for bringing gospel of salvation--- validating His message, showing he has power-- over the death sentence of sin----- PETERS SHADOW-- - People are searching for solutions to needs,-- and we are to supply the ultimate need to all-- people - the good news of Jesus Christ. Meeting-- needs is a way to build bridges to the gospel.

The Master of the story, who fired his dishonest accountant, praised him for his shrewdness. Jesus makes the point that believers should be as shrewd in dealing with their master - God - taking full advantage of His grace, mercy, goodness, etc.

- Common Goods -Acts 2-44-45--- - Spirit of unity , community-- - Barnabas positive example--- - Encouragement-- - Generosity-- - Genuine love-- - Ananias-Sapphira negative example--- - Self-gained flattery-- - Personal greed--- First use of word -Church- - Acts 5-11-- - Gathering of God's people

The example of men whose faith was not mere words, but observable.--1. Genuine concern for others- v20-21-a. Timothy-i. 2 Tim 1-5 - Genuine Faith-ii. 2 Tim 3-14-15 - influenced by mother and grandmother. Also influenced by Paul.-iii. Paul's fellow soldier-b. Epaphroditus-i. distressed because the Philippians were distressed--2. Proven faith - v22-v25-a. Epaphroditus-i. Paul calls my brother and fellow worker and soldier.-ii.Receive him with all joy and honor-b. Timothy-i. Paul had first time knowledge of the work of grace in Timothy's life.--3. Unique relationship with Paul-a. Epaphroditus-i. -..my brother..--ii. Trust built through the experience in Thessalonica--b. Timothy-i. a Father and Son relationship - Son in the Faith-ii. He observed and served--4. Conclusion-1. Exhortation - Parents your faith must be observable. Consider what you are modeling for your children.-2. Praise Jesus - His death is the most glorious act of Love the motivates not just to speak but to live the gospel in our homes, churches and communities.