Open Yourself Up To the Mystery

Colossians 4:3

“…to speak the mystery of Christ.”

            The mystery is not a secret to us, but to those who are of the world.

I.          THE MYSTERY DIFINED.

            A. Christ the God of all people.  1 Timothy 3:16

                        Examples of theo-ethnic exclusiveness: (Daniel 2:47;3:28; Ruth 1:16; Exodus 10:16)

            B. Christ the personal friend.

                        What a friend we have in Jesus, we sing.

                        The scripture also says, “and there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

                        Jesus said, “I call you friends.” John 15:15

            C. Christ the Good Shepherd.  John 10:11, and the Great Shepherd  1 Peter 5:4.

            D. Christ our High Priest.  Hebrews 10:21-22

II.        THE MYSTERY REVEALED.

            A. By the power of the Holy Spirit.  (Pentacost Acts 1-2)

            B. Without respect of persons.  (Acts 10:34)

            C. Through the obedience of discipleship. 

The importance of this term cannot be overstated. It is used no less than 272 times in the N.T. showing clearly the relationship of the believer to Christ.

                        1. It was to His disciples that Jesus gave commandment to preach the gospel 5 times.

                        (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; John 20:21; Acts 1:8)

                        2. It was also to His disciples that he said if you love me, keep my commandments.

            D. Through the foolishness of preaching.  (Romans 10:14; 1 Corinthians 1:21)