“ A Sacrficial Servant”
Knowing Christ Part 1 • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 4 viewsHow often are we willing to offer ourselves as living sacrifices for Christ
Notes
Transcript
Colossians 1:24-29
Colossians 1:24-29
Introduction: Good morning, beloved. Today, we delve into Paul's letter to the Colossians, particularly Colossians 1:24-29, where we find profound insights about sacrificial servant. As we continue our series on knowing Christ Part 1, we looking into one of Christ’s personalties of being a servant who sacrifices for others.
John Ortberg said
Servant
121 When Jesus came in the form of a servant, he was not disguising who God is. He was revealing who God is.
John Ortberg
The Life You’ve Always Wanted (2002)
bio.johnortberg
In these verses, Paul reveals his heart for ministry, his dedication to the church, and the mysterious yet glorious work of Christ in us. If you could be a superhero who would you choose? That’s pretty much what our text is about “Sacrificial Servants for Others” I want to read this text just like a letter. Just like Paul wrote it to the church in Colosse. As you read this on the screen I want you to imagine this is addressed to the church of Forest Park. This text comes from the (New Testament for everyone) I’ve taken out the verse numbers and it goes like this.
Dear Forest Park, Right now I’m having a celebration – a celebration of my sufferings, which are for your benefit! And I’m steadily completing, in my own flesh, what remains of the king’s afflictions on behalf of his body, which is the church. I became the church’s servant, according to the terms laid down by God when he gave me my commission on your behalf, the commission to complete God’s word. This word declares the mystery that was kept secret from past ages and generations, but now has been unveiled to God’s holy people. God’s intention was to make known to them just what rich glory this mystery contains, out there among the nations. And this is the key: the king, living within you as the hope of glory! He is the one we are proclaiming. We are instructing everybody and teaching everybody in every kind of wisdom, so that we can present everybody grown up, complete, in the king. That’s what I am working for, struggling with all his energy which is powerfully at work within me.
If trees could talk, imagine the sort of conversation that might go on. Here is an old, weathered and seasoned oak tree, talking to the small sapling that’s just started to grow up nearby. ‘Soon it will be autumn, and the winds will start to blow hard and cold. But you’ll be safe. I’ll take care of you. The wind can do its worst to me. I don’t mind if I have to lose a few branches here and there in the process. What matters is that while you’re young and weak I should take the full force of the wintry wind on myself, and let you grow in safety.’ That’s something like what Paul is saying to the young church in verse 24. Unless we think of it like that, it seems very puzzling: how can Paul’s sufferings be for the benefit of the young church? It seems as though Paul drawing the enemy fire; as long as he stays in prison, The jewish leader who accused him of violating the temple and causing disturbances. This method is still used today, when a movement is causing people to question the direction or methods used in the past. You can think of love ones who where hurt bad chemicals either in war or in factories across the country. The jewish leaders opposed the gospel and imagine they have gunned it down. In concentrating on Paul, and giving him a bad time. They are not bothered about the young Christians who are growing up around him, in Ephesus itself and in the outlying towns and villages. But Paul develops this already rather strange idea a stage further. He says that in his sufferings he is completing ‘what remains of the king’s afflictions’. Here the image of trees sheltering one another won’t take us quite far enough. We need to examine the ‘royal’ theme, the idea of the king and his people. Near the heart of Paul’s vision of reality, we find a sense of identification between the king, Jesus the Messiah, and his people. This underlies the present passage, much of the rest of the letter, and a good deal in his other letters as well. Most human illustrations break down at this point, but we can get some idea of what Paul means through pictures we are familiar with. When an ambassador goes to a foreign court to represent a king or president, it is as though the king or president had paid the visit in person. In some societies, if someone wrongs or harms a person, it is regarded as though they had committed the offense against the whole family. When the head of a large company or organization makes a public statement, we don’t treat it as a mere private opinion, but as the view of the whole organization in question. None of these is exactly the same as what Paul has in mind, but they are signposts pointing in the right direction.
How often do we sacrifice or take the bunt of something for our loved one, your children, spouse kinfolk? And why do we do that why? Because we love them.
Suffering for others often involves enduring hardship, pain, or sacrifice for the benefit or well-being of someone else. This can take many forms, such as:
when dealing with sacrificial service there will always be two things. Challenges and rewards. Let’s look at a few passages to reinforce my statement.
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
The word gave is a kind way to say sacrifice. The Greek word has a few meanings. produce, allow, deposit and even offer. How often do we offer ourselves to do works for the kingdom of God?
### Challenges:
- **Exhaustion**: Physical and emotional fatigue can set in, especially if the sacrifice is prolonged.
- **Loneliness**: Feeling isolated if others do not recognize or share the burden.
- **Resentment**: Potential feelings of resentment if the sacrifice is not appreciated or reciprocated.
- **Stress**: High levels of stress and anxiety from constantly dealing with difficult situations.
there is a spiritual warfare going on inside of you when dealing with the word “Giving”
### Rewards: a profound suffering that leads to an amazing reward in
John 15:13 (NLT)
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
- **Purpose**: A deep sense of purpose and fulfillment from knowing that your efforts are making a positive impact on someone else's life.
- **Connection**: Strengthen relationships and bonds with those you are helping.
- **Growth**: Personal growth and development from facing and overcoming challenges.
- **Spiritual Reward**: a sense of spiritual fulfillment and alignment with values of compassion and selflessness.
This verse encapsulates the ultimate act of self-sacrifice and love, emphasizing the deep and transformative power of suffering for the benefit of others.
In essence, suffering for others is a complex and multifaceted experience, involving both significant challenges and profound rewards.
Suffering for others often reflects qualities of deep compassion, selflessness, and strength of character. Here are some aspects it might say about you:
**I. Joy in Suffering (Verse 24):** Col.1:24
I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church.
I now rejoice in my sufferings Paul refers to his imprisonment (4:3), which he considers part of his calling—not a cause for shame. His attitude serves as a model for the Colossians of how to endure hardship for the sake of others.
Paul begins by expressing joy in his sufferings. This seems paradoxical. How can one rejoice in suffering? Paul understands his suffering as a participation in Christ’s afflictions. His suffering is not for personal gain but for the benefit of the church, the body of Christ.
- **Application:** Our sacrificial service involves enduring hardships for the sake of others. We are called to bear one another’s burdens, finding joy in the opportunity to serve and strengthen the body of Christ.
**II. The Commission to Serve (Verses 25-27):** Col. 1:25-27
God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
Paul speaks of his divine commission to serve the church and to present the Word of God in its fullness. He highlights the mystery now revealed: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This mystery, once hidden, is now made known among the Gentiles.
- **Application:** Each of us has a unique calling and commission from God. Our sacrificial service is rooted in sharing the gospel and revealing the hope and glory of Christ to the world. We must embrace our role as servants, fully committed to God’s mission.
**III. Proclaiming Christ (Verse 28):** Col. 1:28
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.
Paul’s goal is clear: to proclaim Christ, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom. His aim is to present everyone fully mature in Christ. This task requires dedication, wisdom, and a deep love for those we serve.
- **Application:** Our sacrificial service involves proclaiming Christ in every aspect of our lives. We are called to teach, admonish, and guide others toward spiritual maturity, relying on the wisdom that comes from God.
**IV. Striving with Christ’s Energy (Verse 29):** Col. 1:29
That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
Paul acknowledges that his efforts are strenuous, but he is empowered by the energy Christ works in him. This supernatural strength enables him to fulfill his ministry.
- **Application:** We are not alone in our sacrificial service. Christ empowers us with His energy, enabling us to persevere and fulfill our God-given tasks. When we feel weary, we can draw on His strength to continue serving faithfully.
what are your challenges you face?
