Perfect In Christ

Introduction

Today we are continuing our study of the book of Colossians.

As we begin our passage today, Paul reminds his readers of the suffering he endured. In the second part of we read, “This gospel that you heard and has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.” Not only was a servant of God, he also suffered for sharing the gospel.

Colossians 1:24–27 NIV84

Now I rejoice in what was suffered 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. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 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.

Colossians 1:24-

Paul says, he rejoices in what he suffered for sharing the gospel, and he is willing to suffer more for the sake of the Church.

Commissioned By God

Paul says God commissioned him to be a servant. As a servant his job was to present the Word of God in its fullness.

What does this mean? The gospel is part of the mystery of God that has been hidden for ages, and hidden for generations.

The gospel was intrusted to the saints—saints are those who accept the Gospel message.

The big surprise it that God also chose to make the gospel available to the Gentiles.

That means that Gentiles (like you and me) can now know the glorious riches which come in Christ Jesus!

The most amazing thing about salvation is that Jesus is in us, and we are in Jesus. This is Christ in us the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:28

Colossians 1:28–29 NIV84

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

Proclaiming Jesus!

Paul says he proclaims Jesus.

He admonishes everyone—this word means counsel, or warn.

Paul teaches everyone with all wisdom—teaching means to instruct.

The goal is to present everyone perfect in Christ!

Paul says this is the reason he labors—works. It is the reason he struggles with ALL God’s energy (which powerfully works in Paul).

Colossians 2:1-

Colossians 2:1–5 NIV84

I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose 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, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.

Struggling for the Gospel

Paul says he wants his readers to understand how much he struggled. He says he struggled for the church at Colosse, and for those in Laodicea (people who had never met Paul), and for all never met him personally.

Paul’s Purpose

Paul wants people to be encouraged in heart.

Paul wants people to be united in love.

Paul wants people to have the full riches of complete understanding.

Paul wants people to know the mystery of God—The mystery is Jesus.

Paul also wants to make sure no one can be deceived.

So What?

Paul wrote to Colossi help them grow. He wanted them to be the best followers of Jesus that they could be.

So the same should be true of us!

As we study Colossians our hearts should be encouraged.

As we study Colossians we should be united in love.

Studying Colossians should help us have complete understanding—experiencing the full riches of that understanding.

By studying Colossians, we should be able to stand firm so that no one can deceive us by “fine-sounding arguments.”

Studying God’s Word (no matter what part we study) reaps these benefits!

Encouragement

Unity

Understanding

and Standing Firm!