BODY: Colossians
(Growing together)

scripture: Col. 3:12-17

I. We must grow in the knowledge of His will
   A. It is His will that we love
      1. 1:4 all the saints
      2. 1:8 in the Spirit
   B. It is His will that we be filled
      1. 1:9 with spiritual wisdom
      2. 1:9 with spiritual understanding
   C. It is His will that we walk in a worthy manner
      1. 1:10 pleasing in all respects
      2. 1:10 bearing fruit in every good work
      3. 1:10 increasing in the knowledge of God
   D. It is His will that we be strengthened
      1. 1:11 what: with all power
      2. 1:11 how: according to His glorious might
      3. 1:11 why: for the ataining of all steadfastness and                  patience
      4. 1:11-12 resulting in: giving thanks to the Father
   E. It is His will that we be delivered
      1. 1:13 from the domain of darkness
      2. 1:13 into the kingdom of His beloved Son.
   F. It is His will that Christ be honored
      1. 1:18 in the church
      2. 1:18 in all things
   G. It is His will that His word be preached
      1. 1:25-29 to all

II. We must grow in the knowledge of His mystery (idea started in 1:26)
   A. explain mystery: something not yet revealed.  But the N.T. is the mystery revealed.
   B. True knowledge comes from
      1. 2:2 the full assurance of understanding Christ
   C. True knowledge does not come from
      1. 2:4 being deluded by persuasive argument
      2. 2:8 philosophy, empty deception, traditions of men
   D. True knowledge leads to
      1. 2:5 good discipline
      2. 2:5 stability of faith
      3. 2:6 action: because we are
         a. 2:7 firmly rooted
         b. 2:7 established in faith
         c. 2:7 overflowing with gratitude

III.  We must grow in the knowledge of His Son
   A. We must seek him
      1. 3:1 by seeking the things above
      2. 3:2 by setting our minds on things above, not on earth
   B. We must die
      1. 3:3 with Christ
      2. 3:5-9 to worldliness
   C. We must be raised up
      1. 3:1 with Christ
      2. 3:10-17 with new "selves"

IV.  We must grow in the knowledge of getting along
   A. 3:12-17 in the church
   B. 3:18-21 at home
   C. 3:22-4:1 at work
   D. 4:5-6 with outsiders

suggestion: start daily Bible reading

Invitation:  We can't grow if we haven't been born yet.  And we can'T grow if we're sleeping on the job...