Five Blessings for The Christian

(Outline by Gordon Stewart)

Colossians  1:12-14

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.

INTRO:

• Reminds us how much we have to be thankful for.
• Five Blessings of the Christian – Are you thankful for these?

1. FITTED US TO SHARE (Heaven’s blessings)
   • The Blessings
     • What does heaven mean to you? Where is “home”?
     • What are you working for? Treasure in heaven?
     • What are you living for? He rewards what the world doesn’t recognize. (The world only recognizes achievement)
   • The “Fitting”
     • We are not “fitted” by nature
     • We cannot fit ourselves – we come short
     • God does the “fitting” – gift of God
   • FITNESS TEST: What is your ATTITUDE about the future? World only values the “visible” and doesn’t recognize God as a giver.

2. DELIVERED from an authority (darkness is sin, God is light)
   • Ruler of Darkness’s authority is broken by Jesus Christ
     • Authority broken means no “second death”, no fear
     • Absolute assurance of live; no anxiety
   • EXPERIENCE TEST: Do you know peace?
3. TRANSLATED (carried over)
   • Under new authority
   • To us, Christ is King
     • We appreciate His victory – in death
     • We acknowledge His supremacy – in future
     • We enjoy his love – in His kingdom of love
   • OBEDIENCE TEST: Do you desire to obey Him?

4. REDEEMED (not stolen)
   • Price paid: we love to remember Him
   • We are valuable to Him.
     • We glorify God in our bodies
   • APPRECIATION TEST: Am I thankful each day for His grace?
5. FORGIVEN
   • World lives under guilt: The Christian is FREE
   • All our sins are FORGIVEN

CONCLUSION: If you are not saved, you are missing out!