The Mystery of Christ in You

Opening Prayer

Father, we thank You for the gospel that saves and transforms. Thank You for revealing to us the mystery once hidden but now made known—Christ in us, the hope of glory. Open our hearts today to see the riches of this truth, to rejoice in our Savior, and to walk in His power. May Your Word strengthen our faith and draw us nearer to Christ. In His name we pray, Amen.

Would you take God’s Word and turn with me to Colossians chapter 1, beginning in verse 24?

We are in a series entitled “Christ Above All.” Paul is writing to believers in Colossae who were being tempted by false teachers—men who said that Jesus was not enough. They were teaching that you needed special knowledge, secret rituals, or extra laws to be truly spiritual. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, says, “No—Christ is enough. He is above all.”

Now in our passage today, Paul unfolds one of the most glorious truths in all of Scripture—the mystery of the gospel. And what is that mystery? Not just that Christ came to earth. Not just that Christ died for our sins. But this: Christ lives in you.

Friend, if you are saved, the greatest reality of your life is not simply that you believe in Christ, but that Christ lives in you! The Creator of the universe has taken up residence in your heart. That is the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:24–27 NKJV

24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

I. The Privilege of Suffering for Christ (1:24–27)

Paul begins in verse 24: “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ…”

Now, what does that mean? It doesn’t mean Christ’s cross was insufficient. When Jesus died on the cross, He said, “It is finished.” The debt of sin was paid in full. What Paul means is that in every age, God’s people have a share in the world’s hatred toward Christ. Jesus said in John 15:18, “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.”

Paul’s body bore the scars of persecution, but his heart was filled with joy. Why? Because suffering for Christ is not a penalty—it’s a privilege.

Illustration: Suppose you were a soldier in battle, and your commander gave you a dangerous mission. Would you complain, or would you count it an honor that your commander trusted you with such a task? Paul said, “If I must suffer for the sake of the gospel, so be it. I rejoice.”

Then in verse 26 he says, “The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.”

The Old Testament saints had promises, shadows, and types—but they didn’t see the full picture. Abraham knew God would bless all nations through his seed, but he didn’t fully understand how. Moses saw the tabernacle and sacrifices, but he didn’t see the face of Christ. The prophets spoke of Messiah, but even they longed to know the timing and the fullness of God’s plan.

But now, Paul says, the veil has been lifted. The mystery is revealed. And what is it? Verse 27: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

Oh, what a truth! Christianity is not rules, rituals, or religion. Christianity is Christ living in you.

Illustration: Think of a glove. A glove is limp and powerless until a hand fills it. Then it can do things it could never do on its own. You and I are the glove. Christ is the hand. The Christian life is not us trying harder—it is Christ in us, living His life through us.

Colossians 1:28–29 NKJV

28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

II. The Proclamation of Christ (1:28–29)

Paul says in verse 28: “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

Notice—Paul didn’t preach ideas, philosophies, or traditions. He preached Christ. The false teachers were proclaiming systems. Paul proclaimed a Savior.

And how did he do it? By warning and teaching. Warning means he told the truth about sin, judgment, and false teaching. Teaching means he instructed in righteousness and truth. Both are needed. A doctor who only tells you good news but never warns of disease is a poor doctor. A preacher who never warns of sin is a poor preacher.

Paul’s goal was clear: “that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” The word “perfect” doesn’t mean sinless perfection—it means mature, complete, grown up in Christ.

Illustration: When a child is born, the parents are thrilled. But they don’t just want a baby—they want that child to grow. In the same way, God wants His children to grow up in Christ.

Paul says in verse 29: “To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.”

Here’s the paradox—Paul worked hard, but it was Christ working in him. That’s the Christian life—not “I can do it,” but “Christ in me can do it.”

Cross-reference: Galatians 2:20—“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”

Colossians 2:1–5 NKJV

1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

III. The Purpose of Encouragement in Christ (2:1–5)

In chapter 2 Paul opens his heart: “For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea.” He was agonizing in prayer for them. Why?

Verse 2: “That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding…”

Paul wanted the church to be strong, united, and confident in Christ. Not shaken by false teachers. Not discouraged by suffering. But anchored in love and truth.

He says in verse 3: “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Friend, you don’t need to look anywhere else for truth. You don’t need secret codes, mystical visions, or human traditions. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Jesus.

Illustration: Suppose someone handed you a treasure map, marked with a great X. Would you go looking in another direction? No—you’d go straight to where the treasure is. Paul says, “All treasure is in Christ. Don’t dig anywhere else.”

Then in verse 5 he says, “Though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.”

Paul says, “Stay steady. Stay strong. Stay steadfast in Christ.”

Conclusion

Friends, the greatest truth of this passage is this: Christ lives in you—the hope of glory. This is not a matter of trying harder, following more rules, or seeking secret knowledge. The Christian life is powered by His presence within us.

Because Christ lives in us, we can remain steadfast and mature, even amid trials, false teaching, or the pressures of the world. Like a runner in a marathon, the goal is not merely to start the race, but to finish well—grounded in the gospel, growing in faith, and relying on the strength of Christ at every step.

And now, a question for your heart: Is Christ in you? Not church attendance, not baptism, not good deeds—Christ Himself. If He is not, today is the day to invite Him in. Open your heart, receive Him as Savior and Lord, and let the Creator of the universe live in you, giving forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. Jesus said in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in…”

Friend, open the door of your heart and let Jesus come in.

Closing Prayer

“Lord Jesus, thank You for the glorious mystery revealed in the gospel—that You live in us, the hope of glory. May we suffer joyfully, proclaim boldly, grow faithfully, and endure steadfastly. Strengthen us to run the race and finish well. And Lord, for those who do not yet know You, may today be the day they open their hearts and receive You as Savior and Lord. In Your name we pray, Amen.”