Colossians 1:24-29 "All His Energy" part 1
Notes
Transcript
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
*People that suffer who can’t take a break—Moms, first responders, athletes
Athletes suffer for the glory of victory—diet, training, live a disciplined life of sacrifice, pain with a purpose
Moms suffer for their families—Kids are sick, dad is sick, mom is sick BUT who is taking care of everyone? > If mom works too, who cooks dinner, does the laundry, packs school lunch > Now who is teaching the kids when school is at home?
First Responders—Night after night, rioters ravaging cities, violence increasing—police have to suit up and serve their communities, some are quitting or retiring, some have committed suicide > Most keep on keeping on
Those serving in the military—sacrifice so much > For the sake of our safety & security
Farmers that work without a break—We take for granted the hard work God used to bring food to our table
Those that serve in ministry—selfless, work is never done
Where do we find the strength to keep going?
Discover the strength not in our selves, but in the ENERGY GOD PROVIDES
“All His Energy” is the title of our message, which today is only the first part
We are using the last verse of this section as a springboard for two messages:
For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
God provides the energy for us to keep on keeping on!
Paul is presented as an EXAMPLE of one who suffer and can’t take a break
Jesus told Ananias that Paul’s calling would be marked by suffering:
For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
As he writes this, Paul was suffering under house arrest because of his ministry to the Gentile churches
Many Jewish leaders were upset that Gentiles were getting saved and sharing in God’s promises
Jews from Asia familiar w/ his ministry to Gentiles > When they and Paul were in Jerusalem at the same time, they wrongly accused him of bringing a Gentile into the Temple courts, which was punishable by death
INSCRIPTION [picture of warning] “No stranger is to enter within the columns round the temple and enclosure. Whoever is caught will be himself responsible for his ensuing death.”
Seen walking w/ Trophimus the Ephesian in the city of Jerusalem (Acts 21)
Maybe the false teachers pointed out Paul’s suffering, and tried to use it to discredit Paul
He shows the Colossians that his suffering is a mark of being a true teacher
He’s not in this for his own benefit, but for the good of the church
1.0 ENERGY TO SUFFER FOR THE CHURCH (1:24)
1.0 ENERGY TO SUFFER FOR THE CHURCH (1:24)
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,
1.1 SUFFERING WITH A PURPOSE
1.1 SUFFERING WITH A PURPOSE
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake—The only reason we rejoice in suffering is that there is a DIVINE PURPOSE:
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
God is refining us through suffering, like in this verse
We are standing for Him and therefore suffer for His name & Word of God
For the sake of our love for others, making sacrifices to love people
Sufferings = πάθημα páthēma n. a state of great pain and distress due to adversity.
Seen in the passion of Christ for us, which we return in our passion endured for Him.
In my flesh—not just a spiritual experience, but a physical, visceral suffering for the church
Listen to how Paul suffers for the church:
For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face. To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death. Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea; on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure. And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.
I thought that one day ministry would become easier! > NOT TRUE
Pastors face major stress event because of ministry every 18 months on average
Why do smart people subject themselves to this type of punishment?
For your sake—The reason for Paul’s suffering was FOR THE CHURCH, the body of Christ, the redeemed, saints, dearly loved ones, Jesus’ little flock, the people of God, Christians (little christs), a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, believers in Jesus, disciples, God’s beloved children!
We are not perfect, but we are called saints because we were washed with the precious blood of Jesus
We are a ragtag bunch of ruffians saved by grace & filled w/ the Holy Spirit
What we will be has not yet been appeared!
Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.
If you’re going to suffer for a people, the people of God is the greatest Kingdom to suffer for!
1.2 SUFFERING ON CHRIST’S BEHALF FOR HIS PEOPLE
1.2 SUFFERING ON CHRIST’S BEHALF FOR HIS PEOPLE
In my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for His body, that is the church—At first glance, this verse seems very strange and even confusing!
Many pages of commentary and scholarly work have been done on this statement
There have been various interpretations about what Paul is talking about
Today, we are going to try to keep it simple
To help us interpret this phrase, let’s start with the word afflictions:
Afflictions = θλίψις thlípsis n. from the verb to crush, press, squeeze; here an oppressive state of physical, mental, social, or economic adversity.
This is not talking about Jesus’ death on the Cross falling short
Not talking about Christ’s atonement for our sin not being enough
His death on the Cross is SUFFICIENT!
And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Nothing can be ADDED and nothing can be TAKEN AWAY from His atoning work on the Cross
Affliction is what Jesus went through in His earthly ministry before the cross
He faced opposition from the religious leaders & spiritual forces of evil
We are experiencing increasing affliction in our day against the church
Those that serve the church experience it for the sake of the JESUS & HIS PEOPLE:
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Filling up what is lacking in Christs afflictions—Because Jesus is not physically here, He chooses some to suffer on behalf of the church in His stead!
*Spleen-less in Seattle—When I was in Seattle receiving treatment, MaryAnn was with me as my caregiver, but my kids were at home > It was one of the hardest parts of the whole splenectomy & SCT
We asked our parents to take turns watching over our household
They were inconvenienced for the sake of my kids, dog, cat, house
Jesus is in heaven, sitting at the Father’s right hand until the time is fulfilled
Jesus chose Paul to suffer for the church on the behalf of Himself!
He has called certain people to watch over His household today!
This wouldn’t be so difficult if His children behaved & the wasn’t a dangerous place
But, the world is trying to tear His household apart > The enemy is trying to divide & conquer
As soon as someone steps into leadership, they become a threat to our enemy, as many of our leaders, pastors, and elders have learned
Wonderful example of leadership in the Bible—SHEPHERDS
Some of God’s greatest leaders were shepherds first—Patriarchs, Moses, David
Shepherds take daily care for the sheep
Waking up early, being away from warm bed, set aside own plans, life in danger for sake of sheep
Feeding & watering, leading to green pastures, keeping watch
Thank God for the undershepherds of Jesus, watching over the sheep:
Leaders must be faithful shepherds of God’s flock
Taking care of daily needs: Word, prayer, leading selflessly
Risking life to protect the flock from threats
A faithful shepherd lays down their life for the sheep
Hirelings run away when things get tough > “I don’t get paid enough for this!”
One day our True Shepherd will return & the undershepherds will give an account
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
If Jesus was here in the flesh, He would most definitely suffer for your well being today:
He was glorified, ascended, sat at the right hand of the Father
He intercedes for us before the Father
Now he cares for us through others
Other believers become His hands and feet in His place
Will you allow others to care for you?
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.
Will you allow Jesus to work through you to care for others?
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
1.3 FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS AND PAUL
1.3 FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF JESUS AND PAUL
*Have you ever wondered what it cost for you to have the faith you possess today?
Missionaries, martyrs, evangelists, scholars, translators, toiling pastors and leaders, etc.
Jesus suffered affliction for people when He was here on earth
He suffered death on the Cross to pay for your sin
Paul & the apostles suffered so we can have the faith we have today
Even this very letter we study this morning was a result of Paul’s service & suffering
Needless to say, the faith we enjoy today didn’t come cheep!
This suffering is CHOSEN > Just as Jesus chose to suffer for us, Paul chooses to suffer for others
We choose to suffer for those God has placed in our life:
If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.
But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
SUFFERING always comes before GLORY
*Ever get discouraged in ministry?
I thought leadership would bring dignity, position, power, authority, popularity…
These people should respect me more, they should be thankful, more understanding, better behaved, easier to work with
Feel like you are sacrificing so much & getting burned out for WHAT?
Ministry shouldn’t be this hard; it shouldn’t cost so much!
Unfortunately, that’s not what we see in Scripture
First of all, suffering is not limited to Jesus, Paul, or the Apostles
By being identified with Christ, all believers will face affliction:
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.
If you want to live for Jesus:
Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
We too, as part of Christ’s body will suffer because of Christ in us.
We receive His abuse, and He shares with us in suffering
Suffering for Christ is nothing to be fearful of or ashamed of:
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
It is a blessing to suffer for Jesus
You are in good company!
If that is how the world treated the apostles, prophets, and Jesus our Lord > That is how it will treat us!
Suffering develops our faith & helps others to be more courageous in their faith
Ultimately, it shows that we are worthy of bearing the name of Christ
Does the world see Christ in you, enough to persecute you?
There is a fellowship with Jesus that can only be known by suffering for Him
that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
Are you guilty of looking for comfy ministry? > Have you let yourself off too easy? > Have you quit when things got hard? > Have you only served because you get something out from it?
Problem when we think everything we do is too much, and everything God does is too little!
But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Give your life for things that matter the most!
Some give their life for the church!
As has been said, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
Missionary Letter—This letter was written by Southern Baptist Missionary to Iraq, KEREN WATSON [picture of Karen’s memorial], prior to leaving for the Middle East. The letter was dated March 7, 2003. Karen was killed, along with four other missionaries, on March 15, 2004.
Dear Pastor Phil and Pastor Roger:
You should only be opening this letter in the event of my death.
When God calls there are no regrets. I tried to share my heart with you as much as possible, my heart for the nations. I wasn't called to a place. I was called to him. To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, his glory my reward, his glory my reward.
One of the most important things to remember right now is to preserve the work….I am writing this as if I am still working with my people group.
I thank you all so much for your prayers and support. Surely your reward in heaven will be great. Thank you for investing in my life and spiritual well-being. Keep sending missionaries out. Keep raising up fine young pastors.
In regards to any service, keep it small and simple. Yes, simply, just preach the gospel….Be bold and preach the life-saving, life-changing, forever-eternal gospel. Give glory and honor to our Father.
The Missionary Heart:
Care more than some think is wise.
Risk more than some think is safe.
Dream more than some think is practical.
Expect more than some think is possible.
I was called not to comfort or success but to obedience….There is no joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving him. I love you two and my church family.
In his care,
Salaam,
Karen
"Keep Sending Missionaries," Baptist Press (3-24-04)
Our time here is short:
As you live your life on this earth, live for Christ to the hilt
As you labor, strive with his energy, not your own
May your life be one GIVEN not TAKEN
Be willing to face affliction for His name
APPLICATION
APPLICATION
1. Adopt Christ’s heart for His beloved people.
1. Adopt Christ’s heart for His beloved people.
Maybe you have forgotten the glorious identity of the Bride of Christ
Maybe you have become critical of those in the body > hypocrites, difficult
Remember how much Jesus loves His body
As you do to the LEAST of these, you do unto HIM!
He calls you to be His hands and feet to love His people > He loves THROUGH YOU!
2. Serve the body of Christ.
2. Serve the body of Christ.
When was the last time you were inconvenienced for another in the body of Christ?
As we get ready to meet together in person again, there is a great need for people to serve the body
Many have enjoyed a nice break from serving, but it is time to gather again
So many of you are chomping at the bit to get busy, and we have the opportunity
Remember He provides the ENERGY we need to serve His BODY
We will again sacrifice sleep, comfort, and ease to serve the Lord
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
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