Advertise on podcast: The Epic Life - Bob Hallman

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction There are a growing number of TV shows that are designed to take what you got (whether it’s your house, your car or your body) and reshape, reform, rebuild, and rework it so that the before and after shots are breathtaking! I went to the website for Extreme Makeover on the ABC site and they described the show this way: “… lucky individuals are chosen for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to participate in Extreme Makeover. These men and women are given a truly Cinderella-like experience: A real life fairy tale in which their wishes come true, not just to change their looks, but their lives and destinies.”       We like these kinds of shows because: We enjoy witnessing the remarkable transformations We enjoy imagining what it would be like to have our own Makeover We enjoy believing that while “those people” might need a makeover, we’re just fine like we are! God isn’t interested in renovating your life – He wants to transform it! You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In chapter 3, Paul makes a transition from teaching spiritual truths and begins to teach the practical applications of what he has presented in chapters 1 & 2.  BTW, he does the same thing in Romans 12:1 and Ephesians 4:1. In essence, Paul is saying that our doctrine should impact our lifestyle. In light of the fact that we have been raised from the dead with Christ and have a new identity as believers with a new citizenship in His heavenly kingdom, our lifestyle should become radically altered to reflect our new life. God isn’t interested in renovating your life – He wants to transform it! You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In chapter 3, Paul makes a transition from teaching spiritual truths and begins to teach the practical applications of what he has presented in chapters 1 & 2.  BTW, he does the same thing in Romans 12:1 and Ephesians 4:1. In essence, Paul is saying that our doctrine should impact our lifestyle. In light of the fact that we have been raised from the dead with Christ and have a new identity as believers with a new citizenship in His heavenly kingdom, our lifestyle should become radically altered to reflect our new life. God isn’t interested in renovating your life – He wants to transform it! You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction       The believers in Colosse were being influenced by false teachers who were promoting a mixture of doctrinal error, humanistic philosophy, pagan superstitions, and Eastern Mysticism --- sounds like life on Kauai.       In yesterday’s paper I counted no less than 5 articles that were promoting the very same 3 false teachings that Paul addressed in the book of Colossians: Legalism: The strict adherence to certain laws, rules, or standards with the objective of suppressing the flesh and gaining a right standing with God. Mysticism: The pursuit of spiritual knowledge and insight that transcends ordinary understanding by means of contemplation, meditation or some extra-biblical practice. Asceticism: The practice of extreme self-denial or self-mortification for the purpose of spiritual purification and spiritual elevation.       “The focus of each of these practices is trusting in the religious activity rather than trusting in God. It is putting our confidence in a practice rather than in a Person. And without fail this will lead us to love the practice more than the Person.”  (Jack Deer, Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, p. 151) You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction       The believers in Colosse were being influenced by false teachers who were promoting a mixture of doctrinal error, humanistic philosophy, pagan superstitions, and Eastern Mysticism --- sounds like life on Kauai.       In yesterday’s paper I counted no less than 5 articles that were promoting the very same 3 false teachings that Paul addressed in the book of Colossians: Legalism: The strict adherence to certain laws, rules, or standards with the objective of suppressing the flesh and gaining a right standing with God. Mysticism: The pursuit of spiritual knowledge and insight that transcends ordinary understanding by means of contemplation, meditation or some extra-biblical practice. Asceticism: The practice of extreme self-denial or self-mortification for the purpose of spiritual purification and spiritual elevation.       “The focus of each of these practices is trusting in the religious activity rather than trusting in God. It is putting our confidence in a practice rather than in a Person. And without fail this will lead us to love the practice more than the Person.”  (Jack Deer, Surprised by the Power of the Spirit, p. 151) You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction It must be a fearful thing to be taken hostage.  And while we may think of kidnapping as something that happens far away in foreign lands, Paul warns us in Colossians that as Christians we need to be on guard against being spiritually kidnapped and enslaved by false doctrine. As you may recall from our previous studies in Colossians, the church in Colosse was being infiltrated by false teachers who were teaching what later became known as the Colossian Heresy.  In addition to simple faith in Christ: They put a heavy emphasis on dietary restrictions and religious ceremonies. (Colossians 2:11, 16-17; 3:11) They were preoccupied with and worshipped angelic beings. (Col 2:18) They taught that they had an exclusive, secret knowledge (Col 2:18) and special insight into the spiritual world. They had a heavy reliance on human wisdom and tradition. (Colossians 2:4,8) I  The Trap Of Human Philosophy       See to it = Blepo = “Beware or be on guard” (present imperative command) 2 Peter 3:17  “… be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.” Don’t be taken captive: [Verse 8a]  Take captive = Sulagogeo = “To strip and lead away as slaves or hostages”  It is used here figuratively of carrying someone away from the freedom that comes from the truth in Christ into the bondage of doctrinal error. You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction It must be a fearful thing to be taken hostage.  And while we may think of kidnapping as something that happens far away in foreign lands, Paul warns us in Colossians that as Christians we need to be on guard against being spiritually kidnapped and enslaved by false doctrine. As you may recall from our previous studies in Colossians, the church in Colosse was being infiltrated by false teachers who were teaching what later became known as the Colossian Heresy.  In addition to simple faith in Christ: They put a heavy emphasis on dietary restrictions and religious ceremonies. (Colossians 2:11, 16-17; 3:11) They were preoccupied with and worshipped angelic beings. (Col 2:18) They taught that they had an exclusive, secret knowledge (Col 2:18) and special insight into the spiritual world. They had a heavy reliance on human wisdom and tradition. (Colossians 2:4,8) I  The Trap Of Human Philosophy       See to it = Blepo = “Beware or be on guard” (present imperative command) 2 Peter 3:17  “… be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position.” Don’t be taken captive: [Verse 8a]  Take captive = Sulagogeo = “To strip and lead away as slaves or hostages”  It is used here figuratively of carrying someone away from the freedom that comes from the truth in Christ into the bondage of doctrinal error. You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In Colossians 1:28-29, the apostle Paul described his goal of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ by “admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom that in order that he might present everyone perfect (or mature) in Christ.” As a Pharisee, Paul had only been concerned with what he communicated. But now as a Christian, Paul was also concerned with how he communicated. Through Christ and the modeling of Barnabas, Paul had learned the “Power of Encouragement” and became of source of encouragement for the church! You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In Colossians 1:28-29, the apostle Paul described his goal of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ by “admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom that in order that he might present everyone perfect (or mature) in Christ.”       As a Pharisee, Paul had only been concerned with what he communicated. But now as a Christian, Paul was also concerned with how he communicated. Through Christ and the modeling of Barnabas, Paul had learned the “Power of Encouragement” and became of source of encouragement for the church! You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction Pat Tillman reminds me of another great man of the past, the Apostle Paul who penned this letter to the church in Colosse: Like Pat, Paul walked away from a promising and lucrative career. Like Pat, Paul was a man of deep conviction and courage. Like Pat, Paul made his transition out of the limelight into obscurity without fanfare. Like Pat, Paul was willing to give up his life for a cause he believed in. Like Pat, Paul was a “Man On A Mission!” I  Paul's Attitude In Life He rejoiced in what was suffered [Verse 24a]             Three things characterized Paul’s suffering: They were a source of joy; They were for others; They were related to the afflictions of Christ             As you recall, Paul wrote the book of Colossians from a Roman jail. Undoubtedly, the false teachers in Colosse claimed that Paul’s imprisonment and suffering was a clear sign of God’s disapproval of his life and ministry.  But Paul, instead of being ashamed of his suffering, rejoiced in it!                   Rejoiced = Chairo = “To be cheerful” You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction Pat Tillman reminds me of another great man of the past, the Apostle Paul who penned this letter to the church in Colosse: Like Pat, Paul walked away from a promising and lucrative career. Like Pat, Paul was a man of deep conviction and courage. Like Pat, Paul made his transition out of the limelight into obscurity without fanfare. Like Pat, Paul was willing to give up his life for a cause he believed in. Like Pat, Paul was a “Man On A Mission!” I  Paul's Attitude In Life He rejoiced in what was suffered [Verse 24a]             Three things characterized Paul’s suffering: They were a source of joy; They were for others; They were related to the afflictions of Christ             As you recall, Paul wrote the book of Colossians from a Roman jail. Undoubtedly, the false teachers in Colosse claimed that Paul’s imprisonment and suffering was a clear sign of God’s disapproval of his life and ministry.  But Paul, instead of being ashamed of his suffering, rejoiced in it!                   Rejoiced = Chairo = “To be cheerful” You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In every religion outside of biblical Christianity, you will find either: A rejection of what the Bible teaches about Christ (his deity or humanity) An effort to add something to the work of Christ In the case of the Colossian church, the false teachers were doing both – subtracting from His person and adding to His work. Paul's solution to the Colossian Heresy was to present the supremacy of Christ in relation to God, Creation and the Church. I  The Identity Of Christ He is the image of the invisible God [Verse 15a]             Image = Eikon = “Likeness or manifestation”             Invisible = Aoratos = “Not visible or capable of being seen”           But Christian apologist Josh McDowell says, in light of the biblical claims, there are only three possible conclusions as to the identity of Jesus Christ:  “Either Jesus Christ was a liar, or He was a lunatic, or He was just who He claimed to be:  The Lord God.”  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Introduction In every religion outside of biblical Christianity, you will find either: A rejection of what the Bible teaches about Christ (his deity or humanity) An effort to add something to the work of Christ In the case of the Colossian church, the false teachers were doing both – subtracting from His person and adding to His work. Paul's solution to the Colossian Heresy was to present the supremacy of Christ in relation to God, Creation and the Church. I  The Identity Of Christ He is the image of the invisible God [Verse 15a]             Image = Eikon = “Likeness or manifestation”             Invisible = Aoratos = “Not visible or capable of being seen”           But Christian apologist Josh McDowell says, in light of the biblical claims, there are only three possible conclusions as to the identity of Jesus Christ:  “Either Jesus Christ was a liar, or He was a lunatic, or He was just who He claimed to be:  The Lord God.”  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Paul was a prisoner in Rome (1,000 miles east of Colosse), and was physically unable to help the church that was facing the dual threats of paganism and false teaching. Despite the fact that Paul was physically chained, he remained spiritually aggressive, mounting a forceful offensive on their behalf through the power of prayer.         I  The Motivation for Paul's Prayer He had heard about: [Verse 3-5] Their faith in Christ Jesus - Rom 10:17 Their love for all the saints - Gal 5:6 Their hope stored up in heaven - 1 Pet 1:3-5       Love ¬ Faith ¬ Hope ¬ Word ¬ Truth ¬ Christ (The wellspring of life) He had not stopped praying for them [Verse 9a]             Literally: “Pray and desiring”             Praying = Proseuchomai = “To pray”             Desiring = Aiteo = “To ask, beg, call for”             Paul praises God in prayer for: The report regarding their faith, love, and hope The success of the gospel in their midst through the ministry of Epaphras You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

(Pastor Bob's sermons notes on this series can be found on bible.org). Paul was a prisoner in Rome (1,000 miles east of Colosse), and was physically unable to help the church that was facing the dual threats of paganism and false teaching. Despite the fact that Paul was physically chained, he remained spiritually aggressive, mounting a forceful offensive on their behalf through the power of prayer.         I  The Motivation for Paul's Prayer He had heard about: [Verse 3-5] Their faith in Christ Jesus - Rom 10:17 Their love for all the saints - Gal 5:6 Their hope stored up in heaven - 1 Pet 1:3-5       Love ¬ Faith ¬ Hope ¬ Word ¬ Truth ¬ Christ (The wellspring of life) He had not stopped praying for them [Verse 9a]             Literally: “Pray and desiring”             Praying = Proseuchomai = “To pray”             Desiring = Aiteo = “To ask, beg, call for”             Paul praises God in prayer for: The report regarding their faith, love, and hope The success of the gospel in their midst through the ministry of Epaphras You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Life [email protected] https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com