Larry Siegle · Colossians 1:15-20
Link to sermon video: What Salvation? III – L Siegle
What Salvation? III
“The Serpentine EFFECT”
(Colossians 1:15-20)
Series: What Does the Bible Teach about Salvation?
Thesis: The Scriptures teach that salvation is necessary for those who place their faith in Jesus Christ.
INTRODUCTION
1. The title of this series is What Salvation?
2. This is the third message in this series, and today we are going to see how the elements of ‘salvation’ come together
as a whole body of truth.
3. I appreciated what Terry shared in his message last Sunday about the need of Peter to return to the place where His
relationship with Jesus had begun and to refresh his desire and determination to be the man God wanted him to be.
4. It is so very important that we revive our sense of focus in order to be effective in what we do for the Kingdom and
what salvation means to each of us.
THE ‘SERPENTIVE EFFECT’
1. Yesterday, I stopped by Sam’s Club to pick up a few things after our journey with the Keith and Linda Chopic into
Virginia—such a beautiful place at that time of the year.
a. The sounds of the birds and the gentle breeze…the sounds of Keith snoring in the distance…
b. Shenandoah Crossing, with horses, a lake, just an amazing place of adventure.
2. Yesterday, as I exited the parking lot of Sam’s Club, I was suddenly reminded of the importance of the “serpentine
belt” on a vehicle, because mine had disconnected itself.
a. The “Serpentine Belt” on a vehicle is that which connects all of the functioning ‘elements’ together…Circulation of
the cooling system for the engine, the power steering, the alternator that charges the battery, everything that is
essential for the car to function properly.
b. A very nice couple, saw that I was having trouble by the time I had reached Country Fair Citgo and asked if they
could help in taking myself and the groceries home. What a blessing!
c. The car was towed and will be repaired soon.
3. The “Serpentine Effect” is that which joins all of the essential elements of ‘salvation’ together in the fulfillment of
God’s “purpose of the ages” (Eph. 1:3-10).
a. The one element that brings together into the one all that God wants is the single element of FAITH
THE OVERARCHING IMPORTANCE OF “FAITH”
1. There is no possible way to discuss salvation (in any sense), apart for the emphasis of faith as the single element from
which everything else follows in having a walk with God.
a. Peter and the disciples, coming to the tomb, seeking Jesus, had to step forward in their faith and trust in the
instructions given to them, to “go to Galilee” and there Jesus would meet them (Matt. 28:5-10).
b. It must be our heart’s desire to take the steps of obedience even in those moments we do not fully understand
them (Rom. 1:5, 8).
2. This week families from all over, travel long distances, to come together to celebrate with their friends and their
families what it means to be thankful for 2024 and in looking ahead to the good things that are in store for 2025.
a. 2024 has been a year with challenges for many of us here, but we can remain thankful for the blessings God has
given to us.
b. 2025 will have more unique challenges to face and to overcome, but we can celebrate the fact that even as Jesus
promised the disciples of “go before them into Galilee” that He will also go “before us” as we walk before Him
with faith and trust (Deut. 31:1-6; Josh. 1:6-9)
1) The opposite of faith is not merely ‘unbelief’ or ‘disbelief’ but is manifested in fear—that causes us to
hesitate in what it is that God wants us to do and to be.
3. The letter of Hebrews was written to first century Jewish believers whose faith had become weak, and instead of
keeping their eyes focused on Jesus (Heb. 12:1, 2).
a. The “cloud of witnesses” were those people who, from the time of Abel onward had walked in obedient faith
before God (Heb. 11:1-3, 6).—God made the ages through which His purpose would become the manifested
reality!
b. The phrase “by faith” occurs 18 times, in Hebrews 11, because it is the essential overarching element that is seen
throughout redemptive history, that unites all of God’s people and all that is pleasing to him in both the Old and
New Covenant “ages”
c. The obedience of faith is seen in those listed in Hebrews 11 in relationship to the instructions that God had given
to them, in that place, and at that time.
d. These Jewish believers were in danger of abandoning their faith and returning to a system that could not save
them (Heb. 10:32-39)
1) Sadly, I know of many over the decades who knew and understood the truth of God’s Word, accepted, and
stood firm…for a season, but now have turned away and returned to the things of the world (II Tim. 4:10-18).
2) We cannot “take part” in the unfruitful works of “darkness” but it is our responsibility to “expose” them to
that which is found in the word of God (Eph. 5:11-17).
CONCLUSION
1. It is so very important that we guard our faith and trust in the Word of God—even when we do not see its effects in
the lives of others (Isa. 55:11).
2. It is operating in faith that is the ‘serpentine effect’ that connects everything together to provide all of the essential
elements in demonstration of the salvation that God gives to us.
3. Do we believe and trust that God “goes before us” and walks with us, and lives in us?
4. What can we pause to be thankful for today and this week?
1) This holiday that is approaching is not about thanksgiving, it is about Thanks-Living each and every day of our lives
as we honor God and rejoice in His provision and in His goodness.
Outline (Word document): What_Salvation_III.docx