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Characteristics of a Great Church
Colossians 2:1-10
Introduction: 1. Colossians 2:1-10. 2. What are some of the characteristics that God desires for every congregation? Discussion: I. A membership that is knit together in love (verse 2). A. Knit together - joined together, put together, united. B. What makes this joining possible? Love! Every member ought to have a genuine interest in other members and be honestly concerned about their well being (both physically and spiritually) II. A membership that is knowledgeable (verses 3-4). A. In verse 3, Paul indicated that the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ. Man has no need to look beyond Christ and his teachings. B. How does man obtain this knowledge? There is no shortcut – it requires work on our part. Study! III. A membership that is in order (verse 5). A. Order – Thayer’s Lexicon indicates this is a military term meaning an “orderly array” or “orderly condition.” The word refers to a military line that is intact and unbroken, with everyone is in his place. B. Every member must be in his, or her, place. Every member must be doing what he or she can to contribute to the betterment of the congregation. It is often said that 10% of the people do 90% of the work. Sometimes people quit working because they get mad, tired, or frustrated. This not God’s plan for the church. IV. A membership with thankful hearts (verse 7). A. We are to be abounding in thanksgiving for all God has done. B. Thankful hearts will be rooted and established in the faith. Deserting the faith is a sign of ingratitude toward God. Conclusion: 1. What does God desire for every congregation? a. A membership that is knit together in love. b. A membership that is knowledgeable. c. A membership that is in order. d. A membership with thankful hearts.
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