Colossians 1:1-8

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 to the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.

Colossians 1:1-8 3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6 that has come to you...

Colossians 1: All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread... All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf, 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT IS “THE GOSPEL?” WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GOSPEL’S POWER TO SPREAD?

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT IS “THE GOSPEL?”

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT IS “THE GOSPEL?” “Euangelion” means “good message.”

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT IS “THE GOSPEL?” “Euangelion” means “good message.” A “gospel” is the announcement of an event that has changed the course of history & a summons to align oneself with this event.

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT IS “THE GOSPEL?” “Whereas the Providence which has guided our whole existence and which has shown such care and liberality, has brought our life to the peak of perfection in giving to us Augustus Caesar... and who, being sent to us and to our descendants as a savior, has put an end to war and has set all things in order...

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT IS “THE GOSPEL?” “... and whereas... the birthday of the god (Caesar Augustus) has been for the whole world the beginning of the gospel (euangelion) concerning him, therefore, let all reckon a new era beginning from the date of his birth.” Announcement from a provincial assembly in Asia Minor, 9 BC

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT IS “THE GOSPEL?” I remind you of the gospel I preached to you... Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures... (1 Corinthians 15:1,3)

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT IS “THE GOSPEL?” I remind you of the gospel I preached to you... Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures... (1 Corinthians 15:1,3) I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes (in it). (Romans 1:16)

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GOSPEL’S POWER TO SPREAD?

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GOSPEL’S POWER TO SPREAD? The gospel spreads through the people who are being transformed by it

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GOSPEL’S POWER TO SPREAD? The gospel spreads through the people who are being transformed by it... we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints—that springs from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel... (1:5,6)

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GOSPEL’S POWER TO SPREAD? The key is continuing to grow in your understanding & appreciation of the gospel!

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GOSPEL’S POWER TO SPREAD? The key is continuing to grow in your understanding & appreciation of the gospel!... this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth. (1:6) See also 1:9,23,28; 2:2,3,6,7; 3:1,2,16)

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GOSPEL’S POWER TO SPREAD? The key is continuing to grow in your understanding & appreciation of the gospel! “(Christians often say) that ‘evangelism is one poor beggar telling another poor beggar where to find bread.’ This is a wonderful definition, (but I want to) add something to this insight. Evangelism is... one hungry beggar eagerly eating the bread and being changed by it, and then (inviting) other poor beggars to eat of the same bread.” C. John Miller, A Faith Worth Sharing (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: Presbyterian & Reformed Publishing, 1999), p. 98.

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GOSPEL’S POWER TO SPREAD? BIRTHDEATHCONVERSION GOSPEL

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GOSPEL’S POWER TO SPREAD? BIRTHDEATHCONVERSION GOSPEL “SOMETHING ELSE”

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GOSPEL’S POWER TO SPREAD? BIRTHDEATHCONVERSION GOSPEL “SOMETHING ELSE” SPIRITUAL STALENESS

Colossians 1:1-8 The Power of the Gospel to Spread WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GOSPEL’S POWER TO SPREAD? BIRTHDEATHCONVERSION GOSPEL SPIRITUAL ATTRACTIVENESS G O S P E L