First Christian Church of Tallahassee, Florida

Lesson Notes

Scripture: Colossians 1:24-29

The Nature of the Storyteller

1. God reveals Himself in that which He has made.

   For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

   Romans 1:20 (NIV)

2. God has revealed Himself by coming to Earth.

   Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, He has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son He created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. When He had cleansed us from our sins, He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.

   Hebrews 1:1-3 (NLT)

3. God reveals Himself in scripture.

   All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.

   2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)

Five Requirements for Telling the Story

Colossians 1:24-29 (NLT)

1. Telling the story requires sacrifice.

   I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for His body, the church.

   Colossians 1:24 (NLT)

   Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”

   Matthew 16:24 (NIV)

   But I will rejoice even if I lose my life, pouring it out like a liquid offering to God, just like your faithful service is an offering to God. And I want all of you to share that joy. Yes, you should rejoice, and I will share your joy.

   Philippians 2:17-18 (NLT)

2. Telling the story requires we know the story.

   God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people.

   Colossians 1:25-26 (NLT)

3. Telling the story works best when you grow because of the story.

   For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too.

   Colossians 1:27a (NLT)

   So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.

   1 Peter 2:1-3 (NLT)

4. Telling the story is revealing the secret.

   And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

   Colossians 1:27b (NLT)

5. Telling the story expects growth in others.

   So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.

   Colossians 1:28-29 (NLT)

Audio Recording-We Exist to Tell the Story (9.7 MB)