[Biblemat] S>Simplicity In Christ

Mon Aug 11 07:43:59 CDT 2008

Simplicity In Christ
2 Cor. 11:3

I.  Introduction:

1.  Success in any endeavor (e.g., athletics, 
business, etc.) depends on focusing in on the basic fundamental principles.

2.  The same is true of Christianity:

A.  Paul expresses concerns along these lines in 2 Cor. 11:3.

B.  To keep ourselves on the right track, spiritually speaking, we do not need

(1)  To learn great, deep “theological” principles.

(2)  Some huge, flashy program of spiritual renewal.

(3)  Tear-jerking emotional appeals.

3.  What we simply need to do is to keep our 
focus on the basic principles of the gospel.

4.  Today, let’s focus on three fundamental 
principles of the gospel Paul mentions in the 
second chapter of his epistle to the Colossians (read Col. 2:1-7).

5.  We will learn nothing new, nothing we already 
do not know, but through a reminder we can 
strengthen our faith and walk ever closer to Him (2 Pet. 1:12).

II.  Discussion:

1.  Spiritual Cement:  “hearts
knit together in love” (Col. 2:2)

A.  Brethren:  Col. 3:12-14 (“bond”; desmos:  “to 
bind, fasten with chains”; Vine); Phil. 
2:2-4;    1 Thess. 4:9; 1 Pet. 1:22; Jn. 13:34-35

B.  Family relationships:

(1)  Husbands to wives:  Eph. 5:25, 28

(2)  Wives to husbands and children:  Titus 2:4

(3)  Parents to children:  Titus 2:4; Eph. 6:4; Col. 3:21

(4)  Children to parents:  Col. 3:20; Ex. 20:12; Prov. 6:20

C.  Other relationships:

(1)  Truth:  Eph. 4:15

(2)  Enemies:  Matt. 5:43-48

(3)  God:  Matt. 22:37; 1 Jn. 2:3-5; 5:3

(4)  Over-arching, defining trait!  1 Cor. 13:4-8

2.  Spiritual Head:  “walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him” (Col. 2:6-7)

A.  Note Paul’s doublet for emphasis:  “rooted” and “built up.”

(1)  “rooted”:  From “rhiza” which is the Greek 
word from which we get the English word rhizome 
(underground root, stem, shoot); expresses the idea of being “anchored.”

(2)  “built up”:  Idea expressed is building upon 
a sound foundation (see 1 Cor. 3:10).

(3)  Thus, Christ is not only our foundation (1 
Cor. 3:11), but he is also what the whole 
superstructure of our faith is built upon (Eph. 2:20-21).

B.  So, we are “rooted and built up”  where?  “in Him”!

C.  Our faith must not be in a man, in any group 
of men, nor any institution of man.

(1)  Men, their magazines, schools, organizations, ecclesiastical hierarchies

E       Cannot save!  Acts 4:12

E       Will always ultimately disappoint us!  Jer. 10:23

E       May cause us great spiritual harm!  Col.  2:8

(2)  But, Christ will

E       Save to the “uttermost”!  Heb. 7:25

E       “will never leave you nor forsake you”!  Heb. 13:5

E       Never do us harm in any way!  Jas. 1:17

D.  Consider all Jesus is to us as we place Him 
alone as the centerpiece and focus of our faith!  Eph. 1:3-11

3.  Spiritual Foundation:  “established in the 
faith, as you have been taught” (Col. 2:7)

A.  Christ is not our spiritual head unless we’re 
in “the faith” (Rom. 5:1-2; Eph. 4:5).

B.  From beginning to end, from center to 
circumference, the faith of Christ is a taught 
religion (Jn. 6:44-45; Matt. 28:19-20; 2 Thess.2:13-15; 2 Pet. 1:5).

C.  Christians are not “established in the faith” 
by the enthusiasm of a “pep rally” mentality, by 
the drama of entertainment, or by the cleverness 
of worldly wisdom; only by the faithful teaching 
of God’s word are men established in the faith 
(Gal. 1:11-12; 1 Cor. 2:4-5; 1 Tim. 4:16).

D.  If we hope to be “established in the 
faith,”  we’ll have to “giving all diligence, add 
to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge” (2 
Peter 1:5; there are no short cuts!  2 Tim. 2:15).

III.  Conclusion:

1.  The swelling chorus of hearts “knit together 
in love,” of souls “rooted and built up” in 
Christ, and “established in the faith” is the 
song of thanksgiving“abounding therein with thanksgiving.”

2.  Brethren, if we do these things, if they 
characterize our lives, we shall dwell together 
in peace, joy, and love here and hereafter.

3.  If not, we are destined for strife, quarrels, 
and unhappiness in this life; and destruction in the life to come.

Adapted from an article written by Larry Ray Hafley entitled
“In Love, In Him, In Faith” (www.sermonwork.com).

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is
not in vain in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 15:58)
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    M            M    III     Craig V. 
Thomas 

   M M      M M    I      Just a Christian (Acts 11:26)
   M  M    M  M    I      350 Pineridge Lane
   M   M  M   M    I      Sandusky, MI  48471
   M     M      M   III     E-mail:  thomasc at msu.edu
                                  Phone: 810-648-5009 (home)
                                  Phone: 
810-404-3402 
(cell) 

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"Perseverance is that quality of character that sees a thing through
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visible." John Witt
"The greatest battles of life are fought out daily in the silent chambers
of the soul."  David O. McKay  
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