A Gospel Focused Minister
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Introduction
Text:
What’s at the Heart of a Pastor’s Struggle (vs. 1-3)
Introduction
In January of 2014 we received a phone call from my sister that my dad, who had just driven to Florida with my mom in their motorhome, had just suffered from a stroke. We were shocked but still hopeful that the damages could be reversed. We were hopeful until we heard that it was a bleeding stroke - all of our hope started to ebb away.
I agonized for my dad. I was so far away from him and there was nothing I could do! I felt so helpless and frustrated. He was in danger and I couldn’t do anything about it other than pray and offer words of encouragement to my mom, who was so fearful.
What is the Hearer’s problem? What is your greatest struggle?
What an agony!
What is the Biblical Solution?
What do the hearers need to know? Paul, hearing about his friends in Colossae, was struggling for them as well...
Main Textual Idea: Paul, even though he had never met them personally, struggled for the Colossians deeply!
Main Idea: Are You a Minister of the Gospel? You Will Struggle for Your Disciples!
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,
When I think of the Apostle Paul, I typically think of a type “A” personality who is an undeterred driver - a “get it done” kinda guy! Impervious to pain and challenge. But this isn’t how this “Pastor” describes himself. Take a look at the text...
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,
Paul want those in Colossae that He is having a GREAT STRUGGLE for them. Not just them, but for the church in Laodicea, in fact anyone who he hasn’t met yet.
A word on Laodicea -
So, Paul is struggling. He is in agony for them. The word struggle is ἀγῶνα - of any heroic effort strive earnestly, make every effort, try very hard ();
Interrogative:
Notice why Paul is struggling. Paul is struggling for them that they might GROW IN CHRIST!
of any heroic effort strive earnestly, make every effort, try very hard ();
Timothy Friberg, Barbara Friberg, and Neva F. Miller, Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Baker’s Greek New Testament Library (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2000), 34.
ἀγῶναNotice why Paul is struggling. Paul is struggling for them that they might GROW IN CHRIST!
Wherever Paul went, the was inevitable conflict:
Interrogative: So, let’s get specific. How exactly did he struggle for them? Maybe in a couples ways you might not expect...
Riots in Ephesus
Beatings in Philippi
Stoning in Lystra
Shipwreck at sea
Dangers everywhere!
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself.
So, let’s get specific. How exactly did he struggle for them? Maybe in a couples ways you might not expect...
Body (Satisfaction)
1. You Will Struggle For their Encouragement (vs. 2-3)
Lead in…This seems like a strange thing to struggle for, but this is what he tells us, especially in verses 2-3. Take a look…He is having a great struggle...
Text -
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Explanation - Paul want these disciples whom he has never seen face to face to be encouraged!
A word on Laodicea -
By the way did you know that between our FaceBook livestream and YouTube channel we minister to over one hundred people weekly who most of which I’ve never seen face to face! That’s pretty amazing!
Anyway, Paul wanted these Christians to be encouraged. παρακληθῶσιν
Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament παράκλησις, εως, ἡ
from a basic meaning calling someone to oneself; (1) as a strong and persistent request appeal, entreaty (2C 8:4); (2) as an authoritative presentation of privileges and requirements exhortation, encouragement (1C 14:3); (3) as an offer of consoling help consolation, comfort (2C 1:4)
παρακληθῶσιν
The idea is to to come along side and speak into their lives...To “give heart” to a person.
So, Paul is struggling. The word struggle is
The word to “give heart” to a person.
Paul’s struggle is that these Christians would be encouraged. I think this is amazing and a little surprising! Of all the things he could be struggling about (being persecuted and in prison for his faith for one), and he is more concerned about their encouragement. No boo hooing for Paul. He would rather struggle in the ministry for other people. Wow! Thank the Lord for Paul’s example!
So, in what way does Paul desire for the Colossians, Laodiceans and all he hasn’t met yet to be encouraged? Take note of what Paul says, because I’m willing to bet they are just as applicable for today.
There are two areas in particular in which Paul is struggling for their encouragement...
There are three things in particular…He has an intense desire of a true pastor…God’s best in the life of his people.
Struggling for their Encouragement -
Struggling for their Unity - A Practical outcome of Love. “being knit together in love…”
Struggling for their Full Understanding of Christ - There, according to Paul is a great richness, a great wealth of “full assurance of understanding and knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
What does this mean? Well, so many people in this life recognize the value of wisdom and knowledge. Rightly applied, these characteristics can result in great advantages.
For example, when you work hard and live on less than you make you will (most likely) increase in wealth. This is what knowledge and wisdom teach us.
The problem is answering the question, “what is the source of all knowledge and wisdom?”
Most people around the world fail to recognize that the source of all wisdom is Christ.
It is Christ - Paul wants them to have “full assurance” or “complete confidence” that all wisdom and knowledge find their source in Jesus Christ!
“it is Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Eugene Peterson translates this passage this way. “Then you will have minds confident and at rest, focused on Christ, God’s great mystery. All the richest treasures of wisdom and knowledge are embedded in that mystery and nowhere else. And we’ve been shown the mystery!”
And so in this sense, we must treasure Christ!
8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Prosperous is not yout 401K but accomplishing God’s will.
Paul, more than anything, want these dear people in Colossae, who ARE the church of Jesus Christ, he wants them to know and understand Jesus Christ.
Why? Because he knows that Christ is their ultimate source of encouragement...
Well, on the surface that sounds pretty nice. I mean who is going to argue with someone who says, “all I need is Jesus?” Nobody!
Illustration -
Argumentation - Paul Agonized for his friend that he never met. This is amazing actually! his old stoney heart was long gone and now he had the heart of a pastor. He was so concerned for the Colossians and the Laodiceans and all he had not met face to face. This is an amazing characteristic of the Apostle. He didn’t know them personally and yet he struggled for them.
Application - This is convicting to me. And It has caused me to think about ways we can struggle for fellow believers that we have not seen face to face...
Paul struggled in prayer for them, so can we.
Paul took the time to communicate to them, so can we.
Paul challenged them to love, so can we!
Review - Are You a Minister of the Gospel? You Will Struggle for Your Disciples!
You Will Struggle For their Encouragement
2. Look at the Heart of a Pastor’s Concern (vs. 4)
2. Look at the Heart of a Pastor’s Concern (vs. 4)
2. You Will Struggle For Their Protection (vs. 4)
Lead in…Heresy from heretics is coming to town. This is why Epaphras left Colossae and went to Paul, who was in prison in Rome, to get his help. Paul can’t leave, he can’t call, FaceTime or even email. But he can write a letter and that what he did. A letter, not simply to encourage, but to warn! Take a look at verse 4...
Text -
4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints,
4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.
Explanation - Paul was very concerned that the Colossians were being led astray by false teaching.
FLASE TEACHING AT COLOSSAE
The doctrine that was infecting Colosse would eventually be called Gnosticism. This was a prominent Christian heresy in the second and third centuries. Gnosticism taught that special knowledge was needed for a soul to break from the physical realm into the spiritual realm. As this false doctrine developed, it claimed that salvation could only be obtained through such special knowledge. In this way the Gnostics replaced faith with intellect. Gnosticism followed the Greek philosophy that matter was inherently evil. Only nonphysical, “spiritual” realities were good. Gnosticism affected a person’s morality in one of two ways: One tendency was indulgence: the other was asceticism. Paul’s opponents at Colosse were ascetics. They found legalism alluring, and the strict Jewish laws (see 2:16) meshed easily with their harsh, self-denying rituals. Paul warned his readers that such rituals were useless and had no spiritual value (2:20-23). NKJSB Pg. 1797
https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Colossians.html
And like most all false teaching the teachers can be quite compelling - even beguiling.
In fact, Paul uses the “delude” which means to “cleverly deceive.”
Does that sound familiar? What is one of the titles of Satan? The “Great Deceiver.” After all, he was created by God to guard the holiness of God and he was considered the most beautiful of all the angels.
14 And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
Satan doesn’t come in as the evil looking boogie man trying to scare you to death! No, he is the voice of reason. All the way back in the garden, Satan has been about this tactic. He is the voice of sweet reasonableness. “Surely God didn’t say...”
“Come on, God doesn’t really expect you to forgive...”
“I know what the bible says, but all God really wants for you is to be happy and fulfilled.”
It goes on and on. And he will use whatever words, thoughts, attitudes and actions to trip you up and get you to fall head-long into sin!
And what might the “Great Deceiver” use against those he is trying to trap? Paul says, “Plausible arguments” The Greek word here mean “Persuasive Speech.”
The false teachers, who were worming their way into the congregation like wolves in sheep’s clothing, were promising “deeper knowledge of mysteries” and “secret wisdom” that would help in the Christian life. But their message appealed to the flesh.
One author said it this way...
“They claimed to have a deeper philosophy than the simple gospel of faith in Christ. They claimed to be holier than the apostles because of their self-abasement, ruled and severe treatment of the body.”
23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
“But they were promoting a religion that feeds pride, not the message of the cross.” (bible.org)
Illustration - I recently heard of a “Bible Study” group in Colorado where everyone smokes pot durning the study. The participants in the study said that their Bible study in traditional churches has always been boring to them, but now when smoking pot they see new insights and the bible is much more interesting to them (I’m sure it is very interesting!). The local pastor is helping them study the bible without confronting their drug use!
Argumentation - Listen, there is false teaching all over the place and we need to be SO careful that we do not fall into the subtle delusion that it is correct!
Cults are going door-to door in our neighborhoods and drawing people into their delusion by promoting strong family values. What could be wrong with that? It’s a trojan horse!
We have churches that refuse to preach the whole counsel of the Word of God for fear that it will offend and drive people away. Jesus didn’t fear preaching the truth and neither can we. If you come to church and feel comfortable the who time you are here then either you have ear plugs in or we have failed to open the holy scriptures!
If all we do here is give self help messages about how you can have a better marriage or how to succeed in your career
If we paint a picture of God as our “Grand Life Coach” who is only rooting us on, even if we are living a life sin...
If we fail to paint the whole picture of who God is and what He is capable of…”That is it a fearful thing to fall into the hands of a living God” and that he desires for His children t live holy lives, then we have failed. I have failed you as your pastor and I have opened the door wide to heresy that could potentially destroy the very fabric of this congregation.
I MUST PREACH AND TEACH THE TRUTH IN LOVE EVEN IF IT OFFENDS.
I have a great respect for Martin Luther who was called before the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (5th) at the “Diet of Worms”
("diet" meaning a formal meeting, not a weight-loss plan, and Worms being a city south of Frankfurt)
Luther could not go against the revealed word of God! His conscience would not allow it! He uttered these famous words.
“I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.” Martin Luther
Application - And as a church I cannot go against the Scriptures for they are the very words of God. And so I struggle in this way for you...
And you should share in this struggle as you minister for God…as you make disciples...
This puts a great deal of pressure on ALL OF US HERE to KNOW the Word of God and how to accurately apply it!
Read it! Memorize it! Study it! Rightly handle it! Paul’s challenge to timothy goes to you and me as well.
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
The assimilation of God’s truth into your heart and life is not an option for the average Christian.
Review - Are You a Minister of the Gospel? You Will Struggle for Your Disciples!
Look Inside the Heart of a Pastor!
You Will Struggle For their Encouragement
Look at the Heart of a Pastor’s Concern
You Will Struggle For Their Protection
But you know what? It’s not all a struggle!
3. You Will Rejoice When They are Firm in Their Faith (vs. 5)
Lead in…Discipleship is hard going, but just like when a parent sees their kids take their first steps or rides their bike for the first time or walks across the platform to receive their diploma, so it is when the minister/discipler sees their spiritual children standing firm in the faith! It’s still a struggle, but man, what a joy! Take a look at verse 5...
5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
Text -
Explanation - Because was a prisoner in Rome, there was no possible way for hime to be with those in Colossae to encourage them face to face. So, he relies on his pen and the services of a dependable courier to carry this letter to them. His goal is to encourage them.
By the way, just because there was a burgeoning heresy that was trying to muscle its way into their ranks, doesn’t mean they were all falling for it. Even though it was a temptation to list to the compelling and persuasive arguments of some, by and large, they were standing strong! At least that is the indication we get from Paul.
He says, “I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness in your faith in Christ.”
“Good Order” - as opposed to confusion.
40 But all things should be done decently and in order.
1 Cor
“Firmness” - “a support, foundation,” denotes “strength, steadfastness.” (Vines)
Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words Stedfast, Stedfastly, Stedfastness
“a support, foundation,” denotes “strength, steadfastness,”
Both term have a military connotation.
And Paul wants to encourage them that the truth that they have learned from Epaphras they should sink into more and more. They should close ranks around the truth. Because without the truth that is rooted in Jesus, we have nothing left.
I was thinking about this the other day. What is the most important thing? If we could boil this life down to the most important thing what would that thing be?
Would it be money?
Would it be power?
Would it be sex?
Would it be identity?
Would it be family?
Would it be friends?
Would it be career?
What would it be? What is the most important thing?
I submit to you that the most important thing is this...
A relationship with Jesus.
Argumentation - We get so easily distracted by so many insignificant things. So many distractions that derail us from the most important main thing. A growing and thriving relationship with Jesus. Having a “firmness in our faith in Christ.”
I was able to be present for the births of all three of our children. And there is that strangely anxious moment when you are waiting for them to breath. And then, all of a sudden, the suck in that first breathe and then you can breath again!
And you have all kinds of hopes and dreams for that little one. It’s quite overwhelming!
However, I have been on the other side of life as well. and have watched my dad and my mom both take their last breath on this earth. God orchestrated it so that I would be present for both of their deaths. They had lived out, as best they could, all of their hopes and dreams. And they both had full lives! Blessed by any account.
But what struck me, especially as I watch the slow decent of my mom’s life and eventual passing was quite simple.
It wasn’t her money.
It wasn’t her family.
It wasn’t her friends.
It wasn’t her career.
It wasn’t her car.
It wasn’t her education.
It wasn’t all the experiences she had lived through.
The most important thing was, was she firm in her faith in Christ.
As she took her last breath, was she firm in her faith in Jesus Christ.
You see, there is a great promise that comes with faith in Jesus Christ. - Peter says it so beautifully...
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
Application - If Paul were writing this letter to you, would he be able to say this about you?
“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, REJOICING TO SEE YOUR GOOD ORDER AND THE FIRMNESS OF YOUR FAITH IN CHRIST.”
Would he be able to say this about you? That Jesus is THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF YOU LIFE ON THIS PLANET?
And are you concerned about this in the lives of those people you are discipling? That Jesus is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING? Are you helping them to see this?
Because, when it is all said and done, when they take their last breath on this planet, A relationship with Jesus is ALL that will matter! And like Paul, I hope you will be able to truly Rejoice! Believe me, It will be worth the struggle.
Review - Are You a Minister of the Gospel? You Will Struggle for Your Disciples!
Look Inside the Heart of a Pastor!
You Will Struggle For their Encouragement
Look at the Heart of a Pastor’s Concern
You Will Struggle For Their Protection
Look at the Heart of a Pastor’s Joy
You Will Rejoice When They are Firm in Their Faith
Conclusion (Visualization)
There was nothing I could do for my dad. I struggled and agonized in prayer! I tried to offer words of encouragement. Ultimatley, there was nothing I could do to help him.
You, however ARE in a position to help your disciples
Yes, it is a struggle! It is sometimes an agony, but there is no greater use of your time and energy than helping others grow in Christ!
Put yourself in the place of Growth
Put yourself in the place of Sevice
Put yourself in the place of Love!
By the way, don’t do this for the Pastor. That’s being a people pleaser. Do this for Jesus! And if you do, your pastor will be pleased beyond your wildest dreams!
Land the Plane
Connection Group Reflection Questions
What encourages you from this passage?
In what ways does it encourage you to know that Paul struggled for his people?
What can you learn from Paul’s attitude?
How would you define an “encouraged heart?”
What is the mystery Paul refers to? Why was it so important for the Colossians to understand this mystery?
How were the Colossians being deluded? What can we do to protect ourselves and our disciples from false teaching?
Although Paul couldn’t be with the Colossians, he was with them in spirit. What can we learn from verse 5?
