Sermons by Rev. Geoff Willour (Page 15)
1. Understand the principle of representation. (v. 12)
2. Consider some of the practical implications of this doctrine. (v. 12)
1. Our identity as sojourners and exiles in the midst of a hostile world (v. 11a).
2. The “passions of the flesh” wage war against the soul (v. 11b).
1. Because of our status as adopted children of God, the Father has sent the Spirit into our hearts (vv. 4-6).
2. The Holy Spirit is identified as the Spirit of God’s Son (v. 6).
3. The Holy Spirit enables us to commune intimately with God as a loving heavenly Father (v. 6).
1. God’s righteous judgement will be fully manifested when the Lord Jesus returns from heaven in glory (vv. 5-7).
2. The two outcomes of the final judgment: destruction and glory (vv. 8-10).
1. Apart from saving union with Christ, fallen man is spiritually dead and spiritually defiled / uncircumcised (v. 13a).
2. Because Christ died to pay the penalty for our sins, He made us spiritually alive in Christ, forgave all of our sins, and canceled our sin debt (vv. 13b-14).
3. The evil demonic forces of this fallen world cannot do us any ultimate spiritual harm, for they have been disarmed and defeated through Christ and His work (v. 15)!
1. God sovereignly appoints some persons to stumble over Christ and disobey His gospel call, just as He sovereignly elects others to obtain salvation through obedience to the gospel call (v. 8b).
2. Understand that even the willful disobedience of the reprobate is under the sovereign control of God (v. 8).
1. Believer, because you have been spiritually raised with Christ, seek heavenly things (v. 1).
2. Christian, because you are united to Christ, set your minds on eternal and heavenly realities (v. 2).
3. Believer, consider your incentives for seeking and setting your mind on things above (vv. 3-4).
1. Christ as the chosen cornerstone of our Salvation (v. 6).
2. Christ as a rock of offense to the unbelieving (vv. 7-8a).
1. Notice that our Lord’s accession into heaven was an historical event seen by multiple witnesses (v. 9).
2. Understand that Christ’s ascension marked His heavenly exhalation, coronation, and enthronement at the right hand of God the Father (vv. 10-11).
3. Take to heart that the manner in which our Lord ascended indicates the manner in which He will return (v. 11).
1. As a church, we offer Spiritual sacrifices to God (v. 5).
2. Consider how our spiritual sacrifices are made acceptable to our holy God (v. 5).