Presenting Mature

Grace to you and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It is my great honor to be before you today, presenting the Word of God.

We have spent some time now walking through the beginning verses of Colossians 1 throughout this series exploring what it means to be “Living the Christian Life.” Today we will find ourselves finishing up chapter one.

The last three weeks of this series we took a long look at the greatness of Jesus and saw how incredible it is that He would save such undeserving creatures as you and I.

It should be clearly noted that coming into a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ is the absolute best thing that could ever happen to you. It does not get better than be sealed unto the day of redemption and joyfully understanding the Lordship of Jesus Christ in your life. While that is most certainly the most monumental change in our lives, it is important to note that it is not the end of our lives.

On April 1, 1968 the final episode of the Andy Griffith showed aired on CBS. During its eight seasons it never ranked any lower than seventh in the Nielson Ratings and finished its final season as the number one show in America. Andy was 41 when he decided to end the show. When he entered his fifties, he found it increasingly difficult to find work in Hollywood, and his personal finances became tighter and tighter. He and his wife Cindi decided things would be easier if they moved from Los Angeles back to Andy’s home state of North Carolina; so they put their home up for sale and waited for a buyer. Unfortunately the real estate market was down, and no one gave them a decent offer for their home. Months passed, and Andy grew depressed. Cindy said to Andy, “Maybe this is a good thing. If we move to North Carolina, you may never act again.” So day after day they went together to the office of the talent agency that represented Andy. They sat in the lobby, chatted with agents, and went with them to lunch. Eventually the work started to come in: four TV movies that year, including the pilot for Matlock, a show that ended up running for nine years.

Even though Andy had already been a part of the biggest show of his career, he still had more acting to do.

Now, this is an imperfect analogy, but while coming to Christ is the biggest change and monumental aspect of our lives, it is important to not that is not the end of our lives. In many ways, it is just the beginning! Today as we walk through Colossians 1:24-29, we are really beginning to see what it means to be Living the Christian Life. When we see that Christ has made us holy, blameless, above reproach before God, by His sacrificial death on the cross, we are sealed for redemption and given a glorious duty and joyous purpose to participate in until God calls us to glory.

As we spoke about a few weeks ago, pressing on in the faith, serving the Lord in our earthly lives is the SIGN that we have been truly reconciled to God. It is the direct response to being covered by the grace the grace of God.

And let me just say, God’s grace makes a difference on our lives.

If you would, and haven’t already, open your Bibles to Colossians 1. Today we will see the direction and ambition for the life of one that has been redeemed by God. This is particularly exemplified through the testimony of Paul, the author of this letter to the church at Colossae.

Now, as a quick reminder Paul was Jewish by birth, the son of Pharisees, strictly believing and even adding to the Law of the Old Testament. Paul went on to become a lawyer, and all signs pointed to his becoming a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Supreme Court of 71 men who ruled over Jewish life and religion. Paul was zealous for his faith, and this faith did not allow for compromise. It is this zeal that led Paul down the path of religious extremism. Acts 8:3 states, “He began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison.” He was a terror to the early church, seeing it as a disgrace to the pure Judaism he grew up in. All of this changed when he was on the way to persecute a group of Christians and had an encounter with the Lord. On the road Paul was caught in a bright light from heaven that caused him to fall face down on the ground. He heard the words, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He replied, “Who are you Lord?” Jesus answered directly and clearly, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (verses 4–5). From that moment on, his life was very different. He was convinced of the reality of Jesus as Lord. He committed his life to sharing the gospel and building up churches.

Now in the context of our introduction this morning, we should note that Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus was absolutely the greatest thing to ever happen to him. That moment changed him completely. But he didn’t just call that the highlight of his life and give up trying on everything else because nothing would match it. Instead that encounter with Jesus, along with the indwelling Holy Spirit, propelled him to keep going, to keep ministering all throughout his earthly life.

Where we ended things last time in this series we read that Paul is a minister of the gospel. Let us now look to his example as guide for living out our own lives for the glory of God, beginning with verse 24

Colossians 1:24 ESV

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,

Here, Paul is talking about the day to day reality of his life as a minister of the gospel. There is suffering. I want to return to that in a moment, but we first must notice the disposition Paul takes with him through the suffering.

Paul says that he is rejoicing!

In his service to the Lord, no matter the difficulty and trial, Paul rejoices.

For the seasoned Christian amongst us today, I want to ask a very simple question. Have you lost your joy in service to the Lord? Is your life marked by joyous anticipation of the goodness of God or are you amongst the frozen chosen, trudging your way to the finish line? Do you identify with Paul’s joy here, or do you find more familiarity with Old Testament Prophet Jonah having to have your ear tugged to get you to do anything?

Pastor MacArthur wrote, “A Christian who has lost the joy of the ministry does not have bad circumstances, but bad connections. You do not lose the joy of serving Christ unless your communion with Him breaks down.”

We see in this verse from Paul that joy is not dependent upon circumstances! He is rejoice IN his suffering. That means that things are not peachy-keen and yet the rejoicing remains. And it remains because he realizes that everything is being used for God’s purpose, the gospel is being spread, sinners are coming to repentance. He realizes his life’s purpose is to be used for the glory of God and that is happening even in his suffering!

When we look at ourselves as the center of our lives we will never be content, we will never have real joy. This is because if we are self-centered we are out of alignment with reality! Christ is the center of the universe, not Brad Pearce, not Troy Scarbarough! If you want the proof for that take another look at verses 15-23! Putting ourselves where Christ belongs will never “feel” right because it isn’t! But we have content happiness, blessed joy, when things are as they should be, when Christ is center of our lives.

Paul rejoices in suffering because he is centered upon the goodness of Christ and resting upon God’s sovereign will to use even suffering for His glory.

Now I do want to know that the suffering Paul was going through was REAL suffering. Suffering that Christians experience around the world still today that most of us do not truly understand. Very few American Christians clung to faith in Christ despite being thrown out of their family. Very few of us risked being beaten for our beliefs. American Christians are not threatened with prison in unsanitary pits. We should not try to falsify suffering by confusing it with inconvenience. There may very well be a day in which true persecution and suffering comes our ways. And if it does, we should not fear, but instead express the same joy as Paul does here in verse 24.

Joy in suffering is possible for 4 reasons.

Suffering brings us closer to Christ. Phil 3:10

Philippians 3:10 ESV

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Suffering assures we belong to Christ John 15:18

John 15:18 ESV

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

Suffering brings future reward Romans 8:17-18

Romans 8:17–18 ESV

and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

And as we see right in Colossians 1:24

Colossians 1:24 ESV

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,

suffering can result in the salvation of others. Through Paul’s suffering, the church is being built and growing. This is for Christ’s glory and thus gives Paul joy.

Now I do want to take a moment to explain what is being said when Paul writes, “I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s affliction” when it comes to statements like this I often like to clarify what is NOT being said first. Paul is not saying that Christ’s sacrifice needed anything added to to it. Christ reconciled believers by his death. Nothing needed to be added to it. Paul is also not saying that the suffering adds to the suffering the Christ experienced on HIs way to the cross. Paul is “filling up what is lacking” in that he was receiving persecution that is ultimately intended for Christ. Jesus has ascended into heaven. But his enemies still wish to inflict insult upon Him. When Paul is being persecuted it really is Christ whom they are wanting to damage. Christ said blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven!

We may not be persecuted to extent of Paul or other Christians around the world, but we should know that any opposition we face for siding with Jesus Christ results in our reward. We can have joy knowing that His will is being done and He will reward us in glory. God uses even our persecution and suffering to advance His Kingdom. This thought is continued in verse 25

Colossians 1:25 ESV

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,

Paul tells the church that God gave him his position as a minister to the church for their benefit! The stewardship from God was given to him for YOU Church at Colossae.

Now as a rabbit to briefly chase, pay attention to that word stewardship! It means house manager, managing someone else’s property. This evening we are going to give the concept of stewardship a fuller examination. Make sure you are here with us!

But this morning, may we primarily focus on the intent of God’s gifting for Paul. We can think about the full story of Paul’s life and see that he was especially equipped by God to serve in the role God had for him. He was well versed in the Law. He held Roman citizenship. He had a powerful testimony. God used all of Paul’s life to equip him for the role that would fit God’s purpose for Paul.

But we must notice something that often gets lost when we consider the ways that God has gifted us for service. And let it be know that all of us have a unique gifting to serve God. The gifting isn’t given for personal benefit. The gifting is given so that we may serve other! Pauls gift was given for YOU, for the church! For Others!

1 Peter 4:10 ESV

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

Life with Christ is not lived in isolation. It is a life of vibrant community. We use our gifts to serve one another. To stir one another on to love and good works. Some of us are here to intentionally seek out others to pray with. Others offer the finest words of encouragement. Others are willing to get in the mud and get to work. But we have to see the interconnected communal nature of our gifting. Our gifts are not build ourselves up. Our gifts are to be used in service to the Lord and for the benefit of His people in the local congregation! Here me clearly, to be fully living out the life Christ has called us to live in response to the grace He shows us, we MUST be intentionally connected with other believers. This is why I believe church membership matters. We are called to be mutually accountable and encouraging as we walk through our lives for the glory of God.

And we do so contentedly wherever God have us be. Go back to verse 25

Colossians 1:25 ESV

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,

I want to hone in on Paul’s mission to make the Word of God fully known. Notice that this is contextually said in regards to the specific people in Colossae.

We don’t have to be a social media influencer to be influential in the Kingdom of God. Not all of us, likely none of us will ever have an international platform to share the gospel with the world. Should that dissuade us from service to the Kingdom? Not at all. God did not call any of us individually to complete the Great Commission on our own. He has called us to make the Word of God fully known where we are right now. We don’t have to try to the save the world. That’s Jesus Job. We’re called to faithfully serve right here. Right now. May we start in our neighborhood. May we be faithful in Clay’s Ferry.

Too many individuals are more interested in building a platform than being faithful where they are. Know that God has sovereignly placed you exactly where you are. Be looking for every opportunity to make His Word known to those He has placed around you. We have to start taking our Acts 1:8 initiatives seriously. Are we having gospel conversations? Are we giving out bibles? If we aren’t then we cannot change the past, but may be resolved ton get it right for the glory of God in the future!

What we know is too good not to share!

look at verses 26 and 27

Colossians 1:26–27 ESV

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.

What a grace of God it is that the mystery has been revealed to His saints. The use of mystery here may be a little confounding for us. But Paul here is not talking about some sort of secret teaching, rite, or ceremony only given to some elite religious figures.

This mystery is the reality that Christ, by the Holy Spirit, indwells, lives in all those who believe in Him. This is called a mystery because it while it was always God’s plan, it was unrealized by man prior to Pentecost. Believers now, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, are able to understand the things of God. To true believers it has been revealed that Jesus is Lord. Believers see the great benefit there is in following the Lord. To the lost all of this praise, worship, community stuff is foreign it is lunacy! The secret counsels of God which remain hidden from the ungodly (to them they are a true "mystery" as the word is commonly used in English) but when these truths are revealed to the godly, they are understood by them. The mystery is not in the fact that the truths are difficult to interpret, but that they are impossible to interpret until their meaning is revealed at which time the truth becomes plain. That happens by Christ dwelling in us. That happens when we come to saving faith in Jesus Christ!

Those who know the Lord, to whom Christ is no longer a mystery but a certain truth, to those who know the Lord they are given the hope of glory. When you have seen that Christ defeated death and now dwells in you, how can you not be hopeful! When you understand that Christ’s resurrection from the grave guarantees your own resurrection to glory, how can you not be hopeful! When you know that Christ will reign forever and you are His-coheir to reign in glory, how can you not be hopeful!

But to all those who do not know the Lord, such statements aren’t truth. They are mystery. They are folly. We can only hope that their eyes will be opened to see the reality of Christ as Lord.

Having Christ in you has an unavoidable response:

Colossians 1:28 ESV

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

Here is something that should be true about all born again Christians: When Christ dwells in us, we should shouldn’t be able to shut up about Him! Understanding what Christ has done for us undoubtedly and unavoidably results in His proclamation in our lives. Just minutes ago we talked about the importance of taking our local missionary initiatives seriously! I asked if we’re having gospel conversations, giving out Bibles. If we aren’t doing do, may we start doing so today! But understand that the initiative of sharing the gospel with unbelievers is not a burden! It is a privilege. I understand that some may have never taken part of any ministries like that. I understand it may feel new and different. But please, born again believer, know that there is no higher calling on your life than to proclaim Him!

And let me just say, we are all always proclaiming something. We proclaim the wonderful times we had on our vacation. The cool places we love to eat. The best place to catch a deal on a new product. We’re all proclaimers! So let’s stop wasting out time proclaiming the things that will pass away and proclaim the One who was before Abraham, the alpha, the omega, the beginning, the end, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, Christ Jesus. HIM we proclaim!

And what does that proclamation consist of? Do we just tell people that we heard about a guy named Jesus and leave it at that? No! We warn and we teach with all wisdom. The word for warn there in the greek literally means, “to put sense into someone’s head.” We are to warn people that their sin is an affront to a righteous God and that judgment day is coming! People need to know that they are separated from God in their sin. They need to know that there is only one way to the Father, that being the Son. They need to know that Jesus paid the price they could not pay. People need to know that they need to know the Lord!

But this context isn’t just given to the “other people.” We talk about this in the church as well. Reminding one another of the seriousness of our sin. Believers have the responsibility to look out for other believers. We call out sin. We also build up truth. We spur one another on to love and good works. We do all this centered upon giving glory to God, and proclaiming Jesus Christ. It should be the sincere desire of all believers hearts to become more ourselves and to help others become more like Christ.

We mature in our faith as we conform to the likeness of Christ. This is never done perfectly on this side of glory, but God is glorified when we follow Him. When we understand that Christ has saved us, we then understand that He is worthy of all our conversations, our missions, our community, and our efforts. That is the sentiment Paul gives us in the final verse this morning:

Colossians 1:29 ESV

For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Paul toils, that is labors, works, strives, even unto the point of exhaustion to see people come to Christ and then become more like Christ. Why would he be willing to spend so much energy on this? Why would he use his life this way? Before all this Jesus stuff, Paul had it made. He was going to be a high ranking official. Everyone looked up to him. He received honor everywhere. But then this “Jesus thing” happened and we’ve seen today that Paul is now suffering and toiling, struggling unto exhaustion. Wasn’t it better before? Wouldn’t it have been easier to keep the status quo?

Well, it may have been easier, but it was not better. Before his encounter with Christ, Paul may have been powerful, but he was powerfully broken. Now that he has been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, his sufferings our small and his toiling a worthy endeavor. Paul rejoices to see the his efforts used to help grow the church in Colossae, the same can be said for all of the churches that he helped start.

But never for even one second begin to think that this story is about Paul. Paul has done work that was well worth the cost. We too are called to do work that is well worth the cost. It is my hope that we will galvanize together, maybe even beginning this very afternoon to better accomplish the work there is for us to do. That we would TOIL together.

But as we work, as we look at the ministry of Paul, we must come to the awesome realization that we are not the catalyst for production. The energy to work nor the growth from the efforts come from us. But the energy and the growth comes from Christ who powerfully works within us!

May we conclude this morning saying, To God be the glory! It is His Power, It is HIs Energy, it is His Growth. We are called to wonderfully and joyously dwell upon Him and Proclaim Him. What a grace it is that He would allow us to serve Him in such a manner. Let us not waste this life He has given us to steward, but seek to give Him the glory in all things.

Let’s Pray.