ROUTE 66 EP 057

Overview: Reading the 66 Books of the Bible

• The pastor opened by reminding the congregation that the Bible contains 66 books, from Genesis to Revelation.

• This sermon is part of the “Route 66” journey through the books of the Bible.

• The focus of this message is the Book of Colossians.

The New Testament Context: Gospels, Law, and the Church

• The pastor explained that the New Testament begins with:

  • Matthew

  • Mark

  • Luke

  • John

• These four books are commonly called the Gospels, meaning “good news.”

• They tell the story of Jesus Christ: His birth, earthly ministry, death, and resurrection.

Important Context About the Gospels

• The pastor emphasized that during Jesus’ earthly ministry, the people were still living under the Law.

• Though the Gospels are located in the New Testament, the New Testament covenant was not in effect until after Jesus’ death and resurrection.

• He referenced the teaching from Hebrews:

Hebrews — A testament is not in effect until the death of the testator.

• The pastor compared this to a will: An inheritance is not distributed until the testator dies. In the same way, the New Testament covenant comes into effect through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Application

• When reading Scripture, believers must pay attention to biblical context.

• Not every statement in the Gospels is directly addressed to the Church in the same way the epistles are, as Jesus spoke many things while Israel was still under the Law.

• The pastor warned against assuming that every passage applies in the exact same way without considering its covenantal and historical setting.

Acts and the Formation of the Church

• After the Gospels comes the Book of Acts, which the pastor described as the major historical book of the early Church.

• Acts contains 28 chapters, and many of the New Testament epistles were written during the historical period it covers.

Paul’s Ministry

• The Apostle Paul becomes a central figure in Acts.

• Paul wrote 13 books of the New Testament and took three missionary journeys.

• During these journeys, churches were planted, and epistles were later written to encourage and instruct those churches.

Colossians: A Prison Epistle

• The pastor explained that Colossians is an epistle written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison.

Connection to Philippians

• The previous week’s sermon (August 16, 2026) focused on Philippians, which was also written by Paul while in prison.

• The pastor noted that Philippians carries a strong theme of suffering, but even more importantly, it emphasizes joy.

Key Lesson on Joy

• Circumstances cannot be the foundation of Christian joy. Life is hard and difficult.

• If a person’s joy depends on circumstances, they will often find themselves discouraged or depressed.

• Christian joy must run deeper than outward circumstances. Paul’s example of writing about joy while imprisoned shows that joy in Christ is not dependent on comfort, freedom, health, or ease.

Paul’s Example in Prison: Living for Others

• The pastor contrasted Paul’s prison mindset with how many people might naturally respond to imprisonment (focusing on getting out, money, personal needs, self-protection). Prison can naturally lead to self-focus.

• Paul, however, was writing letters to bless and strengthen churches. Instead of being consumed with himself, he ministered to others.

Application: The Key to Fighting Depression and Anxiety

• The pastor said that one of the keys to getting out of depression as a Christian is to live for other people.

• When anxiety has someone tied up, one of the best responses is to minister to others. Serving and talking with others helps believers realize that many people are struggling deeply.

Personal Example: His Daughter’s Cancer

• The pastor shared about walking room to room in the hospital when his daughter was going through cancer.

• He and his family encountered other families whose children appeared unlikely to survive.

• As his daughter began healing, the pastor recognized how much suffering surrounded them. This experience reinforced the importance of looking beyond oneself and ministering to others.

• Encouragement: Whatever “prison cell” someone may feel trapped in, they should be encouraged to minister to others. Getting one’s eyes off oneself is part of the path to joy.

The Order of Joy: Jesus, Others, You

• The pastor repeated a common acrostic for joy:

  1. J — Jesus

  2. O — Others

  3. Y — You

• This order is vital: Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. A life centered on Jesus and others leads to deeper joy than a self-focused life.

Historical Background: Paul’s Missionary Journey and Colossae

• The pastor pointed listeners to Acts 18 as the approximate setting of Paul’s missionary journey.

Acts 18:23 — “And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.”

• The pastor noted that Colossae itself is not mentioned by name in Acts, but the broader region of Phrygia is.

• He compared Phrygia to a regional county (like Warren County) containing several towns, including Colossae, Hierapolis, and Laodicea.

• Colossae was a smaller, less prominent town compared to its neighbors.

Laodicea and Its Importance for Today

• The pastor explained that Laodicea is mentioned in Colossians and is also one of the seven churches addressed in Revelation. The letter to the Colossians was meant to be read by the Laodicean church, making its message particularly relevant.

• The pastor taught that the seven churches in Revelation represent not only local churches but also seven church periods. The last church mentioned is Laodicea.

Revelation 3:14 — “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write…”

• The pastor stated that many compare today’s church age to the Church of Laodicea, and he agrees with this comparison. We live in a time similar to that of the Colossians and Laodiceans, struggling to keep Jesus Christ supreme.

The Laodicean Spirit: Rights, Comfort, and Entitlement

• The name “Laodicea” is associated with “the rights of the people.”

• This spirit is contrasted with submitting to what God says in Scripture. Many people today focus on their own rights, preferences, and comfort, including what they want church to be.

• Cultural Application: The pastor challenged the common advice to “find a church you are comfortable in.” He suggested that it may sometimes be better to find a church that makes you uncomfortable in a spiritually healthy way, because discomfort can help believers grow. People often judge churches based on superficial things (e.g., the temperature, lighting, paint color) rather than focusing on the centrality of Christ.

  • Example: The pastor shared an anecdote about a woman who called the black paint on a church stage "satanic." He emphasized that these external details are irrelevant.

References to Colossae and Laodicea in Colossians

• Colossians 1:2 — “To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colossae…”

• Colossians 2:1 — “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea…” (Paul had concern for both churches).

• Colossians 4:13 — “For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.”

• Colossians 4:15 — “Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea…”

• Colossians 4:16 — “And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans…”

Revelation’s Warning to Laodicea

• The pastor turned to Revelation 3 to show the fuller biblical picture of Laodicea.

• Jesus Identifies Himself:

Revelation 3:14 — “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.”

• God Knows the Church’s Works:

Revelation 3:15–16 — “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

• Application: Lukewarm Christianity: The pastor connected lukewarmness to the pressure to be politically correct and avoid offending anyone. He said he would rather someone state clearly what they believe than remain lukewarm.

The Deception of Wealth and Self-Sufficiency

Revelation 3:17 — “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

• Laodicea thought it was wealthy and self-sufficient, but Jesus declared it spiritually destitute.

• Application to Modern Churches: The pastor warned that churches today can become rich and impressive outwardly (large buildings, famous pastors, business-like structures) while being spiritually poor.

  • Personal Example: He shared attending a church with an 8,000-seat auditorium where people felt like numbers. One could live however they wanted, and no one would know or care—a sad testimony of being outwardly rich but spiritually unhealthy.

Jesus’ Counsel to Laodicea

Revelation 3:18 — “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed… and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”

• Jesus told the church to seek true riches, righteousness (white garments), and spiritual sight (eye salve) from Him. A church may think it sees clearly while actually being blind.

God’s Love Includes Rebuke and Chastening

Revelation 3:19 — “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”

• The pastor stressed that God’s love includes correction.

• Illustration: Just as a loving parent corrects their child, a faithful church must not only encourage but also correct according to Scripture.

• Application to Preaching: The pastor criticized preaching that refuses to address sin. He noted that Jesus Himself brought a hard message and was crucified, so faithful preaching should not be surprised when biblical truth is uncomfortable.

Jesus Outside the Door

Revelation 3:20 — “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

• Context: The pastor emphasized that this verse is not primarily about Jesus knocking on an individual’s heart, but about Jesus standing outside His own church. The people were inside, singing about Him, but He was not central among them.

• Application: A church can run programs in Jesus’ name while failing to give Him supremacy. The problem in Laodicea was that the church was lifting itself up rather than lifting up Christ.

John 12:32 — “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

• Modern Example: The pastor described visiting a church where long announcements promoted the church’s own greatness, making him wonder, “Who is this about?” He contrasted this self-promotion with the need to exalt Jesus. He also expressed frustration with churches that are primarily known for always asking for money.

The Origin of the Colossian Church

• Paul’s Role: The Apostle Paul did not personally found the church in Colossae.

Colossians 2:1: "For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh."

• Epaphras’s Ministry: The gospel was brought to Colossae by a man named Epaphras.

Colossians 1:7: "As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ."

• Epaphras had reported to Paul that there was "trouble in the church of Colossae."

• By the time Paul wrote this letter, Epaphras was in prison with him (Philemon 1:23).

• Paul, while in prison, penned the letter, which was delivered by Tychicus (Colossians 4:7-8).

The Problem in the Colossian Church: Diminishing Christ

• The letter to the Colossians was written to combat false teachings (legalism, human philosophy) that were distorting the Gospel and diminishing the person and work of Christ.

• Modern Parallel: Today, the idea that Jesus is the only way to God is often rejected in favor of the notion that "there are many ways to God." The Bible is clear this is not true.

• The Coming Conflict: The church will increasingly face criticism for upholding biblical truth. We are not haters; we simply refuse to believe what is false.

• Example of a Common Falsehood: The pastor noted the unbiblical idea shared at funerals that a deceased loved one has "become an angel." This highlights how easily we can adopt ideas that are not biblically sound. We must get into the Bible to learn the truth.

Ten Words or Less: The Essence of Colossians

Jesus Christ is supreme over everyone and everything.

• While Philippians teaches that Jesus is everything, Colossians emphasizes that He is supreme over everything.

Core Theological Themes: Ephesians vs. Colossians

• The pastor described Ephesians and Colossians as two sides of the same coin.

• Ephesians: We are in Christ. This is a "past truth" for the Body of Christ, revealing the mystery that Gentiles are now included as "fellow heirs" (Ephesians 3:6).

• Colossians: Christ is in us. This is a "present truth" for the Body of Christ.

Colossians 1:26-27: "Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

• Application: Because Christ lives inside every believer, He is with us in everything. Internal misery can sometimes be a result of the Holy Spirit being grieved by our sin. The holiness of God within us is uncomfortable with unholy actions.

Key Theme: Being Filled

• A recurring keyword throughout Colossians is "filled" or "full."

1. All Fullness Dwells in Christ:

   Colossians 1:19: "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell."

2. Filled with Knowledge and Wisdom:

   Colossians 1:9: "...desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding."

3. Full Assurance of Understanding:

   Colossians 2:2: We are meant to have "the full assurance of understanding."

   • Application: We can be fully assured of our salvation through Christ, not just "hopeful" because we are a "good person." This assurance comes from knowing Him.

4. The Fullness of the Godhead in Christ:

   Colossians 2:9: "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."

Structure of the Book of Colossians

• The book moves from doctrine to practical application.

• Part 1: Doctrine - The Supremacy of Christ (Chapters 1-2)

  • This section is heavy on teaching, establishing the theological foundation that Christ is the fullness of God and He wants to fill us up.

  • Analogy: God wants to fill up our "spiritual gas tank" so we have the fuel to live for Him.

• Part 2: Practice - The Submission to Christ (Chapters 3-4)

  • This section is heavy on practical living. If we believe in Christ's supremacy, we must live in submission to Him.

  • Our decisions and lifestyle should reflect our submission to Christ’s supreme authority.

Portrait of Jesus in Colossians: Who God Is and How He Relates to Us

• The pastor surveyed Colossians to show Christ’s supremacy and sufficiency.

• Jesus is Redeemer and Reconciler:

  • Colossians 1:14: "In whom we have redemption through his blood."

  • Colossians 1:20–22: "Having made peace through the blood of his cross… to reconcile all things unto himself."

• Jesus is Fully God:

  • Colossians 1:15: "Who is the image of the invisible God."

  • Colossians 1:19: "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell."

  • Colossians 2:9: "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."

• Jesus is Creator and Sustainer:

  • Colossians 1:16–17: "For by him were all things created… and by him all things consist."

• Jesus is the Head of All Authority:

  • Colossians 1:18: "He is the head of the body, the church."

  • Colossians 2:10: "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power."

• Jesus is the Source of Power and Hope:

  • Colossians 1:11: "Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power… with joyfulness."

  • Colossians 1:29: "Whereunto I also labor, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily."

  • Colossians 3:1: "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above."

• Theological Summary: Jesus is all-sufficient, supreme, fully God, Redeemer, Reconciler, Creator, Sustainer, Head, and source of power. In light of who He is, our problems shrink under His supremacy.

Who God Says You Are and How to Live

• The sermon challenges listeners to relinquish self-rule and allow Christ’s supremacy to order their lives.

• Why We Resist Christ’s Supremacy: We often want people to see us, not Jesus. Fear of people’s opinions keeps us from speaking for Christ, leading to a "jacked up" life.

• Identity in Christ:

  • You are Complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).

  • You are Indwelt by Christ: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). Your best life is not now; your hope is future glory.

  • You are Strengthened with His glorious power (Colossians 1:11).

  • You are Risen with Christ (Colossians 3:1).

Application: From Being Filled to Fulfilling

• The pastor emphasizes that "full" and "fulfill" are a thematic pair in Colossians. We are filled with Christ so we can fulfill His Word.

Colossians 1:25 — “Whereof I am made a minister… to fulfil the word of God.”

Colossians 4:17 — “And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry… that thou fulfil it.”

• Call to Action: "Be Filled, Then Walk"

  • Analogy: A car's gas tank is filled not just to be full, but to be driven. God fills us with His power not for us to remain idle, but to actively live for Him.

• Redeeming the Time:

Colossians 1:24: Paul writes about filling up "what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ." The pastor interprets this as an encouragement for believers to make up for lost time by getting busy for God and going "all out" in service to Him.

• The Danger of Mixing Supremacy:

  • "Bachelor Cooking" Illustration: The pastor shared a story of a barbecue rice experiment that was initially satisfying but ultimately disappointing. This illustrates how mixing personal desires as "co-supreme" with Jesus cancels out His supremacy. It must be singular.

  • "Sugar-Free" Donut Illustration: A donut that seems harmless but still spikes blood sugar parallels how Christians try to have both self-centered desires and Jesus on the throne, resulting in lukewarmness.

• A Visible Walk: People can "read" our allegiance by the way we live. If Jesus is supreme, He has our time, attention, and obedience. Ten minutes of Bible reading followed by a day of self-centered consumption does not reflect His supremacy.

• Empty vs. Full: A life full of Christ is satisfied and content. A life lacking spiritual fulfillment is perpetually hungry for "more" and draining to others.

• Final Exhortation: Let Jesus be supreme. Let it affect the way you walk daily. Seek fullness in Him, not in lesser things, and live to fulfill His Word with Spirit-empowered obedience. Amen.