Pastor's Outlines

  Background   The Christian community at Colosse emerged during a period of vigorous evangelism, linked to Paul’s ministry at Ephesus (AD 52-55), as recorded in Acts 19. Paul was assisted by several coworkers who planted numerous churches in the province of Asia. Among these were the congregations of Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis, which were the fruit of Epaphras’ evangelistic efforts. Epaphras, a native of Colosse who may have become a Christian during a visit to Ephesus, was a faithful minister of Christ. As Paul’s representative, he had taught the Colossians the truth of the gospel. Epaphras had visited Paul in Rome and informed him of the state of the churches in the Lycus Valley. While much of the report was encouraging, one disquieting feature was an attractive, yet false, teaching that had recently been introduced into the congregation, which, if left unchecked, would undermine the gospel and lead the Colossians into spiritual bondage. Paul’s letter was written...

    Rejoice in the Lord -11   Title: “Joyous Contentment” Text: Philippians 4:10–23 Theme: True spiritual contentment is learned through trust in God’s providence, dependence on Christ’s strength, generosity, and a heart rooted in worship. Task: To lead hearers to pursue lasting contentment in Christ rather than in circumstances.    Teach : Philip Parham tells the story of a rich industrialist who was disturbed to find a fisherman sitting lazily beside his boat. "Why aren't you out there fishing/" he asked. "Because I've caught enough fish for today," said the fisherman.   "Why don't you catch more fish than you need?' the rich man asked.   "What would I do with them?"   "You could earn more money," came the impatient reply, "and buy a better boat so you could go deeper and catch more fish. You could purchase nylon nets, catch even more fish, and make more money. Soon you'd have a fl...