Sermon Title: “The Importance of Sound Doctrine”

(aka “The Struggle for a Strong Church”)

Main Idea: God calls us to be rooted, built up, and firmly established in Christ.

A church that is spiritually strong is one that is knit together in love, ever growing in wisdom and discernment, and is standing firm in Christ.

Sermon Text: Colossians 2:1-7 (ESV)

(Two pericopes in one: 1-5, 6-7)

_________________________________1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,

2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 

3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Sermon Outline:

a. Encouraged in heart (1-2a)

b. United in Love (2b-3)

Sermon Title: “The Importance of Sound Doctrine”

(aka “The Struggle for a Strong Church”)

Main Idea: God calls us to be rooted, built up, and firmly established in Christ.

A church that is spiritually strong is one that is knit together in love, ever growing in wisdom and discernment, and is standing firm in Christ.

Sermon Text: Colossians 2:1-7 (ESV)

(Two pericopes in one: 1-5, 6-7)

_________________________________1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,

2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 

3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,

7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Sermon Outline:

1. Encouraged in heart (1-2a)
   1. The struggle is real (1a)
   2. The desire is strong (1b)
   3. The heart is encouraged (2a)

2. United in love (2b-3)
   1. The mystery is revealed (2b)
   2. The source is disclosed (3a)
   3. The treasures are beneficial (3b)

3. Established in truth (4-5)
   1. God’s Word is absolute (4)
   2. Fellowship is required (5a)
   3. Stand firm in your faith (5b)

4. Rooted in Christ (6-7)
   1. Walk in His ways (6)
   2. Seek Christ as your source (7a)
   3. Give thanks to our God (7b)