1. Reconciled in Jesus
Colossians 1:

2. The Father’s pleasure (19)
RECONCILED IN JESUS
The Father’s pleasure (19)
Having established the pre-eminence of Jesus in previous verses, Paul continues to emphasise God’s work in and through Jesus
God took pleasure in the truth that all of the fullness of Godhood dwelt in Jesus:
- all His glory
- all His grace
- all His wisdom
- all His power

3. Why Jesus came to earth (20)
RECONCILED IN JESUS
Why Jesus came to earth (20)
The Father sent Jesus with a mission, a purpose
The ministry of reconciliation – God took the initiative to bring creation and mankind back into relationship with Him - because of His love
He did this through the shedding of Jesus’ blood on the Cross
The Creator bled and suffered for us

4. Why was reconciliation necessary? (20)
RECONCILED IN JESUS
Why was reconciliation necessary? (20)
Sin had resulted in the universal consequence that creation, including mankind, was at odds with God (Romans 8:20 – 23)
Sin has affected not only earth but also the heavens – remember Satan’s rebellion and his fall together with the disobedient angels (Isaiah 14:12 – 15, Revelation 12:3 – 4)

5. How was reconciliation effected (20)
RECONCILED IN JESUS
How was reconciliation effected (20)
Harmony was restored between God and man through the shedding of Jesus’ blood
Without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin (Hebrews 9:22)

6. What has the reconciliation resulted in? (21 – 22)
RECONCILED IN JESUS
What has the reconciliation resulted in? (21 – 22)
Those who had been alienated from God and hostile to Him through their sinful actions and thoughts have been reconciled to Him
Those who have been reconciled have been declared by God to now be:
- holy
- blameless
- above reproach
In other words they have been justified by and before God

7. Persevere – true conversion will bring a lasting change to our lives
RECONCILED IN JESUS
What we must do now? (23)
Persevere – true conversion will bring a lasting change to our lives
Be assured that God has chosen us since before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4, Romans 8:29,30)
God will keep us safe to enjoy our inheritance in Jesus (1 Peter 1:4 – 5)
Continue to abide in Jesus
Remember that we have a sure and certain hope (Hebrews 6:19)

8. Be encouraged by belief in an all sufficient Saviour, Jesus
RECONCILED IN JESUS
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Be encouraged by belief in an all sufficient Saviour, Jesus
Be assured of your salvation
Persevere in living to please God, doing His will
Stand fast in your trust in God and His gospel