Colossians 1:24-2:5

Introduction

I recently listened to a podcast on the rise and horrible fall of one of the most influential pastors and churches of my lifetime

The church was unlike anything we had seen and its pastor changed the game.

Despite the fall of Mark Driscoll and Mars Hill Church his influence lives on

The way to the numerical success of a 10 thousand person membership, multi site, celebrity pastor high on charisma and low on character has been copied here in Greenville and across the country

All these churches look the same the pastors dress the same they all copy and the crowds throng to self esteem teaching and edgy charismatic pastors who make 6 figures and have never known suffering beyond a delayed flight

Some even think the way to church revitalization here can only come in this form

Ministry for Christ (1:24-29)

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, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Ministry for Christ’s Church (2:1-5)

2 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. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 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.

Paul’s ministry is for the glory of Christ.

The specific application of that labor is solely devoted to the New Creation Community Christ established

Paul suffers specifically for this church

Conclusion