Bible Study - Col 1:24 - 2:5

Reading - Paul’s Labour for the Church

The New International Version (Chapter 1)

Paul’s Labor for the Church

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

2:1 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Prayer - ask Holy Spirit to open the Word

He who does not know Christ does not know God hidden in suffering. Therefore he prefers works to suffering, glory to the cross, strength to weakness, wisdom to folly, and, in general, good to evil.

Martin Luther

Verse 24 - 25

The New International Version Chapter 1

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—

Paul very dramatically declares that he is happy to suffer physically, because he is suffering for the “Body of Christ”, that is the Church in Colossae, but also the rest of the world. He proclaims that the suffering is not complete yet, as the Church will still endure suffering until Christ’s return. Paul declares himself a servant of the Church of Christ, appointed by God, to present or proclaim the Word of God,

What does “suffering” mean in our time today, in other words, how do we “suffer” for our believes?

What is meant by “Body of Christ”?

What is another word for “Proclaim”?

Verse 26 - 27

The New International Version Chapter 1

26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

The gospel is the clear manifestation of the mystery of Christ.

John Calvin

Paul has been tasked by God to open up the “Mystery” that was hidden since the time of Adam until the day the Holy Spirit has been given to all believers. Only believers in Christ will be able to see and understand the "mistery” - Jesus Christ, and the full Glory of Jesus as the Christ, for all nations and all people who believe in Him.

“Mystery” - – things hidden, religious secrets, not obvious to understanding, used in the NT of truth undiscoverable except by divine revelation.

What is the reality of the words “Christ in you”?

Who is “Gentiles”?

What does the following phrase mean, then and for today: “the hope of glory.”

Verse 28 - 29

The New International Version Chapter 1

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

In these verses, Paul is saying that he is preaching and instructing the Gospel (that Christ is in all believers) to all people and everybody in all wisdom so that everyone can become fully grown Christians. He does thit with every effort with the power that is working in and through him.

“Power” - Energeia – only used for Godly power

What does “instructing” in this passage mean?

Who is “all people” in todays world?

Think aboiut yourself: what can you do to add value to the Church today. If Paul wants you to use all your effort, what can you do?

Verse 2:1 - 3

The New International Version Chapter 2

2 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Paul is working extremely hard, under very difficult circumstances for those who did not yet meet hom face to face, in order for their heart may be encouraged and to unite as one Christian Church in love, the world over. The richness of the fully understood Gospel will result in the knowledge of Jesus. He explains that in Jesus there are a treasure of wisdom and knowledge available for those that believe in Christ.

Treasure - Thesaurus - place where beautiful and valuable items are stored.

What does the phrase “encouraged in heart” mean?

What does “in whom are hidden all treasures” mean?

What does “full riches of complete understanding” mean?

Who can get to the treasure?

Verse 4 - 5

The New International Version Chapter 2

4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Paul is exhorting (warning) the Colossians not to be deceived and to be led astray by falls arguments. He encourages them that although he is not with them in person, he is with them in spirit.

Name a few false teachings that you are aware off:

How can we protect ourselves against falls teachings?

Personal Question - will Jesus be delighted in your firm faith? Think about it, and what you can do in this Congregation. Answer to God in private prayer.

Summary

Paul rejoices in his suffering, because he has been appointed by God to suffer for the Church of Christ while preaching the Gospel. The Church will suffer even as today, for this will only end when Christ has returned.

The gospel has been a mystery since the time of Adam, but has been revealed to all mankind during the Pentecost.

Paul procalims the gospel to all people and everbody so that they can understand the Gospel, and can be filled with the Wisdom and Love of Christ. He does this through the power of God.

He does this in order to empower them to have a deep and full understanding of the beautiful Gospel in order to become mature Christians.

He warns them against false teachings and give them encouragement in that he is with the in spirit.

Any questions from your side?