week 8
arnita
Curricular_Plan_Sampleweek8.docxLIBERTY UNIVERSITY School of Divinity
Colossians Curricular Plan
Submitted to Dr. Kevin King, in partial fulfillment
of the requirements for the completion of the course,
HOMI 601
By
Student
Date
Overall Theme of the Book of Colossians: Jesus Christ is our Lord, our Life, and our Love
Chapter Themes: Chapter 1 Instruction, Chapter 2 Warnings, Chapter 3 Exhortations, Chapter 4 Reminders
Homiletical Outline: 1:1-8,1:9-14,1:15-23, 1:24-29, 2:1-7, 2:8-23, 3:1-17,3:18-25, 4:2-6, 4:7-18
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Title of Sermon: A prayer for faithful Christians. (Colossians 1:1-8)
Main Idea of the Sermon: Praying for one another faith is necessary for this Christians journey.
Introduction Theme: Paul demonstrates to us the importance and necessity of praying for one another in the Christian faith. With sin, temptation, immorality on the rise; Christians must continue to cover each other up in prayer. When the world continues to attack the moral failures of the church, it requires us to pray for each other.
Interrogative: What should we pray for?
Transition Sentence—emphasizes the MIS: In this text we see three ways a Christian should pray.
First Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: Christians should pray that we keep the faith in Jesus. (1:4)
Illustration: Growing up—when parents and church communities practiced intersession prayer for each other.
Transition Sentence: We must pray for Christian’s faith in Jesus and pray that we continue to love each other.
Second Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: We must pray that Christians continue to love each other. (1:4b)
Illustration: A tree with roots and fruit—Faith is the root of Christian life, and love is the fruit.
Transition Sentence: Christians should pray to be faithful, loving, and fruitful.
Third Sermon Division: We must pray that the Good News of the Gospel produce Spiritual fruit in the Christian life. (1:5-8)
Illustration: Transformation of the Gospel—testimonies of how the Gospel produced spiritual fruit in God’s word and in the pews.
Conclusion Theme: The church at Colosse is a paradigm that the postmodern church should emulate and model. The Christians demonstrates that we are to be faithful to the will of God, love each other, and produce Spiritual fruit. Living God’s will requires prayer and commitment of Christians helping each other.
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Title of Sermon: Spiritual Knowledge is Power (Colossians 1:9-14)
Main Idea of the Sermon: Gaining spiritual knowledge of God is worth more than any information we could ever attain.
Introduction Theme: The lack of spiritual knowledge is the reason why so many believers struggle during life, because many forsake the access of spiritual knowledge that is available through Jesus. It’s only through Christ we receive spiritual knowledge to discern God’s will for our lives.
Interrogative: Why do we need knowledge of who God is?
Transition Sentence- that emphasizes the MIS: In this text we see three benefits of having spiritual knowledge.
First Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: All believers should know the will of God. (1:9)
Illustration: Steve Harvey’s interview—mentions finding his God’s will and purpose for his life.
Transition Sentence: When you know the will of God for your life, you can then, experience the benefits of knowing life’s purpose.
Second Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: There is a benefit in having spiritual knowledge of the will of God. (1:10)
Illustration: Fruit growing on a fruit tree.
Transition Sentence: When all believers know the will of God, you can experiences the benefits of knowing life’s purpose, and you can grow in the faith by spiritual knowledge.
Third Sermon Division: When you have spiritual knowledge, you can grow in faith. (1:11-12)
Illustration: Acorn falls to the ground, and grows into the mighty oak tree.
Conclusion Theme: Paul prays—“I just want you to know God's truth, that's the bottom line of absolutes. With spiritual knowledge you’re going to be fruitful, be strengthened, and you're going to endure anything with joy. It’s through Christ Jesus we are partakers of this wonderful revelation of God’s truths. (1:12-14)
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Title of Sermon: There is None Who Can Compare to Christ (Colossians 1:15-23)
Main Idea of the Sermon: Jesus Christ is preeminent, not prominent.
Introduction Theme: A German painter name Adolph Menzal paints an incomplete picture of King Frederick the Great of Prussia and his generals. Menzal paints the generals, but only had a chance to outline the king before his demise. Menzal failed to put the king in proper place. How often do we go through life, and fail to put King Jesus in proper place.
Interrogative: Why should Jesus have first priority in our lives?
Transition Sentence- that emphasizes the MIS: In this text we see three examples of the preeminent Christ.
First Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: Jesus is the creator of all things. (v. 15-16)
Illustration: The Captain, Seaman, and the Lighthouse
Transition Sentence: Not only is Jesus created all things, but Jesus has authority over all things.
Second Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: Jesus has authority over all things. (v. 17-18)
Illustration: Examples of the Cuban Dictator Fidel Castro—we was ruler of Cuba, but he died. Jesus reigns forever.
Transition Sentence: Jesus Christ is the creator of all things and have authority of all things, therefore, Jesus reconciled all things to himself.
Third Sermon Division: Jesus reconciled all things to him through the redemptive work on the cross. (v. 19–23)
Illustration: Father’s son gets into trouble, and he’s kidnapped. Father pays the ransom for his son’s freedom.
Conclusion Theme: The first priority of the devil is to disconnect us from our relationship with Christ. If He can't turn us away, then he will seek to distort the true image of Christ so that we serve an illusion and not a reality. But don't mistake these things for the road to God. The road to God leads through Christ.
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Title of Sermon: Rejoicing While Serving the Lord (Colossians 1:24-29)
Main Idea of the Sermon: You can rejoice in personal suffering when Christ is the motivation for your ministry?
Introduction Theme: There are moments in ministry when it’s hard to manage the pain and wounds that we endure. However, when times like these occur, God supplies grace that enables us to rejoice in the midst of our suffering.
Interrogative: How can we rejoice in our suffering while serving the Lord?
Transition Sentence- that emphasizes the MIS: Paul in our text gives us three reasons to rejoice.
First Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: We can rejoice because suffering is for God’s glory. (v. 24-25)
Illustration: Example of a boil egg, carrots, and coffee beans—in hot water an egg gets hard, carrots get soft, but coffee flavors the house. Rejoicing in suffering flavors the house.
Transition Sentence: We can rejoice because suffering is for God’s glory, and our ministry must be Christ-centered.
Second Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: Paul knew his ministry must be Christ-centered. (v. 27-28)
Illustration: Paul thorn in the flesh, God’s grace is sufficient.
Transition Sentence: We can rejoice because our suffering is for God’s glory, our ministry must be Christ-centered, and Jesus is our pattern and power for ministry.
Third Sermon Division: Paul knew Jesus is our pattern and power for ministry. (v. 29)
Illustration: Jesus is the ultimate pattern of his father’s will, and his resurrection power is available for us to serve.
Conclusion Theme: Serving Christ requires dedication in the midst of troubles, trials, and tribulations. As servants we must remain steadfast in our faith. Finally, we know laboring for Christ does not go without a rich reward. God promises that he would reward those who diligently seek after him.
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Title of Sermon: Keep Going in Christ. (Colossians 2:1-7)
Main Idea of the Sermon: God’s truth is our own defense against error, in the face of doubt and discouragement keep going in Christ.
Introduction Theme: Discouraged and downcast Christians are easy prey for the world, the flesh, and the devil. However, as believers we have available to grasp and hold to God’s truth. It’s only by holding on to the truths of God, that we are able to remain faithful in service.
Interrogative: What is it that enables us to keep going in Christ?
Transition Sentence- that emphasizes the MIS: Paul in our text gives us three reasons to keep going for Christ.
First Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: We can keep going in Christ because God’s truth knits us together. (v. 2)
Illustration: Unity chord that a couple uses in a wedding ceremony, made of several chords braided together.
Transition Sentence: We can keep going in Christ because God’s truth knits us together, and God’s truth enables stability.
Second Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: We can keep going in Christ because God’s truth enables stability. (v. 4-5)
Illustration: Example of weak foundation and strong foundation—Christ the rock is the only true stability.
Transition Sentence: We can keep going in Christ because God’s truth knits us together, God’s truth enables stability, and God’s grace enables us to keep walking towards Christ.
Third Sermon Division: We can keep going in Christ because God’s grace enables us to keep walking towards Christ. (v. 6-7)
Illustration: Old Testament Example of Enoch walking with God for 300 years.
Conclusion Theme: Satan wants to steal our thankfulness so he can pull us into something else to find satisfaction and ultimately away from Christ altogether. When you are thankful and satisfied in Christ, you will not go looking for other wells to drink from because you are too content with God.
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Title of Sermon: We Must Stay on Guard (Colossians 2:8-23)
Main Idea of the Sermon: You can’t believe everything that people tell you.
Introduction Theme: In our nation and world there are many gods and religions. As believers we have to be careful about listening and receiving advice from pagan worshipers. My God has a son name Jesus who is Lord and Savior of the world. If Jesus is not your god’s son, then we serve a different God.
Interrogative: As Christians, what should we be on guard for?
Transition Sentence- that emphasizes the MIS: In our text, Paul gives us three ways to be on guard.
First Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: We must be on guard for the thoughts and ways of men that are not of God. (v. 8-10)
Illustration: Example of how an open wound becomes infected.
Transition Sentence: We must be on guard for the thoughts and ways of men that are not of God, and people forcing tradition for acceptance.
Second Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: We should be on guard for of people forcing tradition for acceptance. (v. 11-17)
Illustration: List of examples secularism vs. spirituality produce, and compare and contrast.
Transition Sentence: We must be on guard for the thoughts and ways of men that are not of God, people forcing tradition for acceptance, and be on guard for pretentious people.
Third Sermon Division: We must be on guard for pretentious people. (v. 18-23)
Illustration: Telephone scammers that call trying to swindle people out of money.
Conclusion Theme: There is only one God, on Savior, and one Holy Spirit. As believers in Christ, we must be totally aware of this truth. We must refuses to allow anyone or thing cause us to move or deny our faith. We must continue to trust God’s word, and live our lives accordingly.
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Title of Sermon: Possessing the Character of Christ (Colossians 3:1-17)
Main Idea of the Sermon: Christ’s life was exemplary for us to live by.
Introduction Theme: It does little good it Christians declare and defend the truth, but fail to demonstrate it in their lives. There are some Christians who will defend the truth at the drop of a dime, but deny that very truth by their behavior and attitude.
Interrogative: How can we develop a character of Christ?
Transition Sentence- that emphasizes the MIS: Paul gives three examples on how to live a Christ-like exemplified life.
First Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: We must have the mind of Christ. (v. 1-4)
Illustration: Example of a dry sponge, and how quickly it absorbs wet substances.
Transition Sentence: You exemplify Christ, when we have the mind of Christ, and put to death things of this world.
Second Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: We must put to death the things of the world. (v. 5-11)
Illustration: Compare and contrast a caterpillar and butterfly—old man vs. new man
Transition Sentence: You exemplify Christ, when we have the mind of Christ, put to death things of this world, and live through Christ who is the only one who can make us righteous.
Third Sermon Division: We must live through Christ who is the only one who can make us righteous. (v. 12-17)
Illustration: Example of certain items money can purchase, but only righteousness comes through relationship with Christ.
Conclusion Theme: We are required to evaluate our lives and ensure that we have not allowed sin to infiltrate our mind and desires. My brothers and sisters we must know God is pleased when we attempt to live as his son lived.
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Title of Sermon: Rules for a Christian Home (Colossians 3:18-25)
Main Idea of the Sermon: The Christian household should have standards and not governed any type of way.
Introduction Theme: Christian families are in trouble and require Godly guidance. First of all God must be first. Regardless of the love between each other, if God is not the center of family it is subject to failure. God is what holds our families together
Interrogative: What are the standards of a Christian home?
Transition Sentence- that emphasizes the MIS: Paul gives us three biblical standards to abide by.
First Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: Wives submit to their husbands. (v. 18)
Illustration: Old Testament Creation Story of Adam created, then Eve to walk and work beside the man.
Transition Sentence: In a Christian home wives submit to their husbands, and husbands love their wives.
Second Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: Husbands love your wives. (v. 19)
Illustration: Christ loves the church, as husband should love their wives.
Transition Sentence: In a Christian home wives submit to their husbands, husbands love their wives, and children obey your parents.
Third Sermon Division: Children obey your parents. (v. 20)
Illustration: Example of a carpenter building a house—first, the foundation is laid. This is metaphoric for the biblical principles parents are called to impart in their youths.
Conclusion Theme: The importance of a healthy family is vital to the improvement of our communities, churches, and country. The family thrives when wives submit, husbands love and children obey. If we all can follow these simple biblical standards, our churches, communities, and country would be a better place.
Title of Sermon: The World is Watching Us (Colossians 4:2-6)
Main Idea of the Sermon: Let your lips and your life influence and impact others.
Introduction Theme: The world is always watching the walk and testimony of the Christian. We should always be mindful of how we conduct ourselves in this fall world. Our walk and talk should be a life that is filled with Christ. Our words should be used to move God. Our ways should be managed to move mankind.
Interrogative: How should the world see a life that is influential and impactful?
Transition Sentence- that emphasizes the MIS: In this text we see three ways our lips and life can influence and impact others.
First Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: The world see us as people who refuses to stop praying. (v. 2-4)
Illustration: C. H. Spurgeon revivals were so powerful because he had intercessors praying 24 hours
Transition Sentence: The world see us as people who refuses to stop praying, and people who walk in wisdom.
Second Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: The world see us as people who walk in God’s wisdom. (v. 5)
Illustration: Compare and Contrast the perception different situation of a young man vs. old wisdom man
Transition Sentence: The world see us as people who refuses to stop praying, people who walk in wisdom, and people who speak with Grace.
Third Sermon Division: The world see us as people who speak with grace. (v. 6)
Illustration: Someone buys an old convenient store and renovate the entire store. It’s the same building, but it’s under new management.
Conclusion Theme: When the world witness who we are we must be seen praying, walking, and speaking in the spirit of Christ. Walking in the right direction in the wisdom of God word, and speaking lovingly can transform the life of unbelievers. We must live a life that always draws the lost.
Title of Sermon: Christ-like Fellowship (Colossians 4:7-18)
Main Idea of the Sermon: We all need fellowship that enable us to be more effective in our callings and that pick us up when we stumble.
Introduction Theme: All Christians need Christ-like fellowship. The one thing that brings about relationship with others is Christ and the gospel we shared in common. We all have been saved by the gospel, and it was this gospel that energized us as we continue to reach the world for Christ.
Interrogative: What should Christ–like fellowship look like?
Transition Sentence- that emphasizes the MIS: This text gives us three examples of Christ-like fellowship.
First Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: Christ-like fellowship is like family. (v. 7-9)
Illustration: Compare and contrast biological family vs. Christian Community
Transition Sentence: Christ-like fellowship is like family, and helps carry each other burdens.
Second Sermon Division that reiterates the MIS: Christ-like fellowship help carry each other burdens. (v. 10)
Transition Sentence: Christ-like fellowship is like family, helps carry each other burdens, and surpasses any discriminatory barriers in ethics, gender, or social class.
Illustration: How different types of discrimination in our world is plaguing humanity life a fast spreading cancer.
Conclusion Theme: Paul taught in his letter to the church of Colossians the centrality of Christ. Jesus Christ is creator, the sustainer, and the firstborn above all creation ever created. As believers, were crucified with him, raised with him, and therefore we should daily seek to look like him. In closing of this letter, Paul’s gives us a portrait of his new family, fellowship, and the difference that Christ had made in them.
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