Colossians 1:24–2:5
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, 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, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints. 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. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me.
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. (ESV)
Theme:
The goal of gospel ministry is mature disciples rooted in Christ.
Doctrine:
True ministry proclaims Christ, suffers for His sake, and labours for the maturity of His people.
Focus:
Paul’s example of gospel suffering and stewardship of God’s mystery.
1. Paul’s Delight in Suffering — The Minister’s Pain (1:24).
1.1 Rejoicing in Redemptive Suffering.
1.2 Representing the Redeemer’s Sacrifice.
1.3 Relating to the Church’s Summons (calling).
2. Paul’s Duty as a Steward — The Minister’s Privilege (1:25–27).
A. Appointed as a Missionary (servant).
B. Administering the Mystery.
C. Announcing the Messiah (Christ in us).
3. Paul’s Declaration of the Saviour — The Minister’s Proclamation (1:28).
A. The Centrality of the Message — “Him we proclaim”.
B. The Clarity of the Method — “Warning and Teaching”.
C. The Comprehensiveness of the Mission — “Everyone…”.
D. The Culmination of the Mission — “Mature in Christ”.