A Thankful Pastor

 Temple Baptist Church - 3-22-2026

Colossians 1:1-8; 2:5-7

 

Introduction:

A.  39 years ago, this morning, my family stepped through the front doors for the first time. What a beautiful spring morning that was, with the sun shining bright. We entered this sanctuary at 9:00 AM. No one was here, but one of the men from the church arrived early to open the doors. We walked through the church (which did not take long in those days, as there was just the original building with 3 classrooms and 14 pews) and then went out to eat breakfast. When we returned, 7 people were here for SS and Worship.  I came here just help a small church get on its feet and get a new pastor.  Little did I know!  God already had a pastor in mind!  I have never doubted God’s will for both Temple Baptist Church and my family since.

 

B.  I want to look at these few verses this morning on Homecoming

Day.  I have often described the pastorate as a bittersweet experience. Before we go any further, I want to clarify that statement. It is much sweeter than bitter, and I would choose it again without hesitation.

 

1.  Paul is in prison for his faith.

 

2.  Paul is writing to encourage people he has never met.  As far as I can discern, Paul did not plant the church at Colossae. 

 

3.  Paul is concerned about their welfare more than his own.

 

4.  Paul finds great joy in the testimony of the church that has come to him.

 

C.  Their “order” was right.  Order means priority!  Priorities keep our perspectives right.

 

1. Our nation needs to set the right priorities. We hear much about sequestration these days. Yes, our country must make spending cuts, but these cuts must be prioritized. You do not cut national defense; you cut the “fat' from contractors, etc. You do not cut meals for kids at school; you cut waste and non-essential expenses.

 

2. Our people need to keep their priorities straight. When we maintain proper perspective, life becomes simpler and rightly ordered. The Lord first, then our families, then our church, then our jobs and education, etc.

 

3. Our churches need to recognize their priorities. The Lord first, and then everything else should be spiritually ordered according to importance.

 

D. Their “steadfastness of faith” was right. I thank the Lord for the growth and steadfastness of our people. We must be cautious in these areas, though. Many of God’s people are losing their steadfastness, which shows in their attendance and service. Our spiritual steadfastness keeps everything else in the proper perspective. If we are spiritually right, then we will be right in other important areas.

 

E. When things go well, it brings joy to a pastor's heart. Here are a few things that need to be right in the church.

 

1.  The Saints Need To Stand Right – Jeremiah 6:16  Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

 

2.  The Saints Need To Fellowship Right – 1 John 3  That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

 

3.  The Saints Need To Labor Right – Hebrews 6:10  For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

 

4.  The Saints Need To Rejoice Right – Psalms 34:1  I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

 

5.  The Saints Need To Act Right – 1 Timothy 3:15  But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

 

6.  The Saints Need To Trust Right – Proverbs 3:5-6  Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

7.  The Saints Need To Pray Right – James 5:16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

 

8.  The Saints Need To Think Right – 2 Corinthians 10:5  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

 

9.  The Saints Need To Follow Right – 1 Corinthians 11:1  Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

 

10.  When The Saints Mature Right – vs. 11-13 - 2 Thessalonians 1:3  We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

 

Conclusion:  As Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church: “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”