Authentic Christianity

This past weekend found our family at our old church in Davenport.  In God's good providence, they are doing a series on Colossians though further ahead in the book than Maranatha.  The speaker that morning is short-time acquaintance, Bill Schwegler, whose company I have come to enjoy.  The passage was Col 3:1-4.  I commend his message as worthy of a listen.  Here is the outline with my notes in italics.  I need to listen again to catch all the content.

In contrast to the counterfeit spiritualities that threatened the Colossian believers, this is the real thing.

Review: Three counterfeit forms of spirituality (Col 2:16-23)
1.  Legalism is false: You do not become spiritual by works. (2:16-17)
     Legalism attempts to keep biblical (and unbiblical) standards by works. The works become a means of grace.
2.  Mysticism is false: You do not become spiritual by intuition or supernatural manifestations. (2:18-19)
     Mysticism forms false spirituality.
3.  Asceticism is false: You do not become spiritual by not working and not having experiences. (2:20-23)
     Ascetism seems genuine but actually comes from our sin nature.

Three requirements for believers to manifest authentic Christianity (v. 1-2)
1.  You must rest in your position in Christ. (v. 1a)
2.  You must desire to be a fruitful, mature believer (v. 1b)
3.  You must be mentally occupied with the Lord, or abide in Christ.  (v. 2)

Three motivations for the authentic Christian life (v. 3-4)
1.  Your past death has eliminated barriers to fruitfulness. (v. 3a)
2.  Your present life provides eternal security and the ability to live by the new nature. (v. 3b)
3.  Your future glory gives encouragement to remain faithful (v. 4)

Conclusion and application
God's plan of sanctification – The Christian life is occupation with Christ.

What am I occupied with?