Join Preacher Michael Orlino in this powerful and heartfelt sermon as we dive deep into the Book of Colossians, focusing on the rich truths of Colossians 1:3-8.
Recorded on March 14, 2025, this study unveils the beauty of Paul’s abundant thanksgiving—a "copious thanksgiving"—offered to our Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In this message, we explore three transformative themes that stir the soul and challenge the heart: gratitude to God, gratitude for the Gospel, and gratitude to the Gospel bearer.
Kicking off with verses 1-2, Brother Michael highlights Paul’s Christian greeting, marked by grace and peace—a pattern woven through all of Paul’s epistles. Then, in verses 3-8, we unpack the second major section of this passage: a thanksgiving that overflows with praise. Paul, despite the Colossians’ challenges, models a spirit of gratitude that refuses to complain. “We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you” (v. 3). This Trinitarian thanksgiving—to the Father (v. 3), the Lord Jesus Christ (v. 3), and the Spirit (v. 8)—reminds us that our worship is directed to the one true God of the Bible, the Blessed Trinity we adore.
Why is Paul so grateful? Verses 4-5 reveal a triad of Christian virtues: faith in Christ Jesus, love for all the saints, and hope laid up in heaven. Pastor Michael passionately declares, “Salvation is found in Christ and Christ alone—by faith in Him!” This faith isn’t vague; it has an object—Jesus. The Colossians’ love for one another and their certain hope in heaven fuel Paul’s praise. “Our hope isn’t in this world,” Brother Michael urges, “but in the glory secured for us above!”
Next, we turn to gratitude for the Gospel (vv. 5-6). Paul rejoices that the Colossians heard “the word of the truth of the Gospel,” a message that’s heard, biblical, and true. “The Gospel isn’t just good news—it’s the best news!” Brother Michael proclaims. He warns against false gospels—prosperity, works-based, universalist, moralistic, and social activist distortions—insisting that the true Gospel, rooted in Scripture, saves. From Romans 1:16 (“I am not ashamed of the Gospel…”) to 1 Thessalonians 2:13, we see its power to redeem. This Gospel spreads externally, turning the world upside down (Acts 17:6), and grows internally, bearing fruit in believers’ lives (v. 6). “Read your Bible, pray every day, and you’ll grow, grow, grow!” he exhorts, quoting the timeless hymn.
Finally, gratitude shines on Epaphras, the Gospel bearer (v. 7). Described as a teacher, dear co-laborer, faithful servant, and minister of Christ, Epaphras brought the Gospel to Colossae. Brother Michael honours such labourers, from Martin Luther’s steadfastness to modern missionaries, urging us to thank those who’ve shared Christ with us. Verse 8 sweetens the message: Epaphras commends the Colossians’ “love in the Spirit,” a testimony of their Spirit-wrought affection.
This sermon isn’t just a study—it’s a call. Are you grateful to the Triune God? Do you treasure the Gospel that saves? Are you proclaiming it so the world hears? With vivid illustrations—from George Whitefield’s “I have no other message” to Eric Liddell’s “Christ for the world”—Brother Michael challenges us to send the light of the Gospel far and wide. “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God,” he echoes William Carey, igniting a passion for mission.
Perfect for believers seeking encouragement or skeptics exploring faith, this message stirs gratitude and action. Watch now and reflect: When was the last time you thanked the Lord? Is the Gospel growing in you? Subscribe for more studies in Colossians as we journey through this life-changing book.
Let’s pray with Brother Michael: “Lord, open our hearts to follow You, proclaim Your Gospel, and fulfill Your commission. Amen.”
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction & Colossians Overview
5:12 - Christian Greeting (vv. 1-2)
10:45 - Copious Thanksgiving (vv. 3-8)
18:30 - Gratitude to God: Faith, Love, Hope
27:15 - Gratitude for the Gospel: Heard, Biblical, True
38:50 - The Gospel’s Spread: External & Internal
50:20 - Gratitude to Epaphras: The Gospel Bearer
1:00:10 - Challenge & Closing Prayer
Tags: Colossians Bible Study, Christian Sermon 2025, Thanksgiving in Faith, Gospel Truth, Epaphras Colossians, Triune God Worship, Michael Orlino Preaching
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