A Labor of Love

Intro: Labor Day for many people is a time for parades, yard sales, and grieving the official end of summer. But this is not what Congress had in mind when it was declared a legal holiday in 1894. It’s purpose was to commemorate the social and economic achievements of American workers.

Coinciding with this subject, we come to a section in Colossians which highlights the nature and value of spiritual labor for the Lord.

Colossians 1:24-2:5

1:24 - Paul is not complaining, but stating a fact when he opens this section by telling us that:

I.SPIRITUAL LABOR IS EXHAUSTING.

Paul speaks first of what “was suffered for you”

(sorrow, emotions he has experienced, his weaknesses)

Second phrase: “…I fill up..what is still lacking…Christ’s afflictions”

Q. - What does Paul mean?

a) He is not in saying that he needs to supplement or add to what Christ has done.

The word “afflictions” - pressed, squeezed is never used by Paul in reference to Jesus’ redemptive sufferings.

b) Suffering as a Result of Serving Jesus is to be expected for all who are His disciples.

1:29 “..to this end I labor..”

labor - present active / work to the point of weariness

2 CORINTHIANS 11:24-29

11:28 “…the daily pressure of my concern” (burden, responsibility, care)

General Biblical Teaching:

< Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord and not to men...

< Do not grow weary in well doing

Having just said that Spiritual Labor is Exhausting, Paul encourages his hearers to remember that:

II.SPIRITUAL LABOR IS AN EXCELLENT WORK

1:24 “Now I rejoice....”

a) Identity as a servant of Christ

servant - one who labors on behalf of another

1:25-27

commissioned by God (stewardship, entrusted with)

Q - What have you been entrusted with?

Gospel / “mystery’ - Christ in you

1:28 - “…present everyone perfect” (maturity, reaching their goal - Christlikeness)

2:2-5

vv.2 - Three fold purpose:

Encouraged (urged) / United in love (held together) / complete understanding (assurance & certainty)

Between the lines, Paul indicates that all...

III.SPIRITUAL LABOR SHOULD HAVE AN ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE

1:28 “…so that we may present...” (stand beside, offer)

2:5 “I am present with you i spirit and delight...” (rejoice)

2 TIMOTHY 4:6-8

Conclusion:

Remembering all that Christ has done for us, will compel us as the body of Christ to serve Him and work for Him with all of our heart, soul, strength, and mind.