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Colossians 1:24-29 Suffering and Perfection in Christ

Colossians 1:24-29 The mystery of Christ and the perfection in Christ

Paul received a stewardship from God to preach this divine Christ (shown in verses 9-18) who had reconciled the world (vv. 19-23). It was Paul’s ministry, but we, too, are responsible to God to preach Christ.

Paul’s enemies used his imprisonment against him. The Colossian false teachers probably ridiculed Paul and used this as a weapon to fight the truth of the Gospel. But Paul being Paul, turned this attack around and used it to defeat his enemies and to build a closer relationship with the Colossian church. Had Paul compromised with his enemies and stopped ministering to the Gentiles, he could have been spared a great deal of suffering. But he could not abandon his calling just for personal safety and comfort. God had made him a minister, he had been given a “stewardship” (dispensation), and he had to be faithful to his calling (1 Cor. 4:2). It was not a matter of choice: he was called to fulfill the Word of God.

Paul’s special message regarding the Gentiles had to do with what he called the mystery. To us today, a mystery is something eerie and perhaps frightening; but this was not the way the word was defined in Paul’s day. The false teachers used this word to describe the inner secrets of their religions. A mystery is a “sacred secret,” hidden in the past and now revealed by the Holy Spirit (see Eph. 3:1–13).

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. (ESV)

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Because of what Christ did, we can expect to share in glory. We must rely on Jesus for our salvation, not on works or rules, but solely on Him who saved us by grace through faith.
  • We are servants of God called to do His will, whether in good times or bad times.
  • Knowing the truth about the power of the gospel and the person of Christ is the believer’s best protection against deception.

CLOSER LOOK:

Verse 24: Paul was rejoicing in this suffering because he was counted worthy to suffer for Christ. Also, Paul was the chosen apostle to the Gentiles and is now suffering because of them. This reconciliation by Christ of Jews and Gentiles to God in one body is a mystery revealed only in Christ. Paul rejoiced that he was able to suffer for them what was still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions. It is important to note, however, that these sufferings had nothing to do with the sacrificial sufferings of Christ on the cross. Only Jesus could die for the sins of the world (Jn 1:29). Paul is not saying that Christ’s death on the cross was insufficient (2:11-15; cf. Rom. 3:21–26; Heb. 10:10–14) or that he was a co-redeemer with Christ. He was speaking not of salvation but of service. Christ’s suffering alone procures salvation (1 Pet 1:11; 5:1; Heb. 2:9). But it is a believer’s privilege to suffer for Christ (2 Tim. 3:11; 1 Pet 3:13–14; 5:9; Heb. 10:32). The word “affliction” (thlipsis) means “distress,” “pressure,” or “trouble” (remember, Paul had plenty of trouble; 2 Cor. 11:23–29).[1] Generally, it refers to trials in life, not the pains of death. Christ does indeed continue to suffer when Christians suffer for Him. He asked Saul (later called Paul) on the Damascus Road, “Why do you persecute Me?” (Acts 9:4) Since the church is Christ’s body, He is affected when it is affected. For the sake of Christ’s body, Paul willingly suffered (Phil. 1:29).[2]

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Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 21 Psalm 18:1-2

APRIL 21 – PSALM 18:1-2

GOD IS MY ROCK & FORTRESS

Today, we look at a short section of Scripture to remind ourselves of who God is. Just as David did, it is good to remember who God is and how He is our Rock, shelter, fortress, and stronghold, especially in times of trouble. Throughout this lengthy Psalm, we see David remember many ways in which God delivered Him. During these difficult times, it is good for us to do likewise in remembering the ways God has provided and cared for us.

1 “I love You, O Lord, my strength.”

2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge;

My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (NASB)

Key Takeaways:

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Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 20 Philippians 2:12-15

APRIL 20 – PHILIPPIANS 2:12-15

LIGHTS IN THE WORLD

Continuing our reading plan, we stay in Philippians 2 by looking at verses 12-15. In this section today, Paul returns to the exhortations which he began earlier in verses 2-4. Verses 14-15 (and 16) give specific instructions on how to work out God’s “good purpose” (v. 13) concerning daily Christian living. Paul had shown them in 1:27-2:13 the kind of attitude and actions they were to follow. They were to demonstrate in their corporate and individual life this kind of conduct that would prove worthy of the great calling that God has given them. He uses all things to emphasize the inclusiveness of this command.

12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world (NASB)

Key Takeaways:

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Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 16 Psalm 9:9-10

April 16, 2020

PSALM 9:9-10 GOD IS OUR STRONGHOLD

Today’s devotional is a quick reminder about who God is, especially during times of trouble. We are attacked often during these trials to trust ourselves, others, or other means, but this psalm speaks to the value of trusting God.

9 The Lord also will be a stronghold for the oppressed,
A stronghold in times of trouble;
10 And those who know Your name will put their trust in You,
For You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

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Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 15 PHILIPPIANS 1:21, 27-30 LIVING ON MISSION

April 15, 2020

PHILIPPIANS 1:21, 27-30 LIVING ON MISSION

Today, we finish Philippians 1 by looking at Paul’s command to live on a mission with a heavenly perspective, standing in faith, and being united as Christians and united in purpose to glorify Christ and share the gospel.

21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain….

27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28 in no way alarmed by your opponents—which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. 29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me. (NASB)

Key takeaways:

  • “striving together”
    • Paul asks the church at Philippi to compete together as a team of athletes to help advance the faith that comes through the preaching of the gospel.
  • Shift perspective from earthly to heavenly
    • “let your conduct” is the first command of Philippians and Paul instructs them to shift their perspective from the earthly realm to the heavenly one. They should live in this world as citizens of another world, the heavenly kingdom. Their conduct should reveal their heavenly citizenship.
Read More »Covid-19 Quarantine Devotional – April 15 PHILIPPIANS 1:21, 27-30 LIVING ON MISSION