Emotional Health

There are 3 counterfeits to Christianity that Paul not so tenderly blows up: lawmaking legalism, hippie mysticism, and minimalist asceticism. Too often, religious error takes itself too seriously, and God not seriously enough. So, in this sermon there is a bit of comedy intended to offend and edify everyone before pointing them to Jesus Christ as better than our silly pursuits at filling the gap between us and God with morality, spirituality, or suffering.

In the tradition of epic ancient battles as depicted in movies like 300 along with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series, this section of Colossians reveals Jesus as a Warrior King who defeated Satan and Demons in a bloody battle. Through His victory, we have been set free from slavery to an awful king and kingdom of death, darkness, and despair. Furthermore, we have been welcomed by the wonderful King and Kingdom of life, light, and love. By remembering and celebrating the victory of Jesus Christ, we are guarded from being caught up in the latest faddish spiritual trends which, over time, prove to be untrue, unhelpful, and ungodly.

No matter how hard we work to prevent it, avoid it, and deny it, we all suffer. Why do we suffer? How should we see our suffering? How can we use our suffering? As he sits in a jail cell, the Apostle Paul talks about how suffering can teach us about Jesus, make us more like Jesus, and give us a ministry that blesses others. This text of Scripture reveals an incredibly rich countercultural way of making the best of your worst times.

What have been some of the toughest seasons of your entire life? How did you respond? What did your prayer life look like? If you really want to get to know someone (including yourself), listen to their prayers under pressure. Who we really are, how we really feel, and what we really believe are revealed most clearly when we pray. To open his letter to a young church, Paul prays. Although he is in a jail cell far away and unable to visit the church, he can pray for them and write to them. This selfless act shows the heart of someone who is content even in crisis. Despite hardship, Paul is not jealous or covetous of other Christians who are living an easier life. No, he rejoices with them, prays for them, and encourages them with 3 evidences of real Christianity, 4 encouragements of real Christianity, and 7 exciting gifts that God has for us! This packed prayer is like a bucket of fresh, cold, life-giving water drawn from a deep well poured out to nourish God’s people.