The Objectives of the Believer

Colossians 1:24–29 (ESV)

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.

Introduction: A job without a job description is a failure waiting to happen. Successful companies and organizations run well because everyone knows what they are supposed to do. People operate and function according the expectations of the organization. They have job descriptions and those job descriptions generally outline what they are expected to do.

The Christian who intends to be successful must also adhere to what is expected from one as one journeys with Christ.

Today, as we continue to look at Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae, we are given responsibilities that we should take seriously.

DT: When we take the responsibilities of Christianity serious we will joyfully share God’s Word and disciple others.

AIM: We will witness to others the joys of serving Christ

Transition: Paul identifies three objectives that Christians must focus upon and strive to achieve. The first we find in v.25. Serve The Lord With Joy

Serve The Lord with Joy (v.25)

“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,”

Paul admits that there is pain involved in his journey. He writes this letter while he is imprisoned. He faces execution yet Paul says he rejoices.

Paul also reminds the Colossian church that he is enduring such sufferings for their sake. He states that this so that they will also know the joy of being in the family of Christ.

Paul uses a couple terms that i want us to understand. First he says, “I am filling up”, this is just another way of saying, “I am doing my part or I am sharing”. But then he says, “what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions” this is Paul’s way of stating that he is continuing the work of Christ as it relates to the Church.

Transition: The work of salvation was completed on the cross by Jesus. The work of the church remains as a responsibility for the Christian. And even in that some suffering should be expected, However, we are charged to serve with Joy!

Application: Serve the Lord with joy. How does that look?

Transition: Paul’s goal was to introduce these people to the significance of sharing Christ with other. So the second objective of the Christian is to Spread the Word of God.

Spread the Word of God (vv.25-27)

“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.”

These verses explain what Paul believes to be one of his primary responsibilities. Paul found it important to show the people of Colossae that:

Christ is assessable to all

Christ died for all

Mystery - do not become conflicted by this word. Paul uses it to specify that Christ is revealed to the Gentile and they too are chosen of God.

This is the message Paul finds important to give, that Christ is our Savior. Paul says, that regardless of the challenges, he has made this a priority to spread the word.

Transition: Likewise you and I must step up to this challenge and spread the Gospel.

Application: How important is the Word of God in your life? How often do you share it with someone else? If you are not spreading the word and sharing Jesus, you are not living up to your responsibility as a believer. Being a Christian is not just about being good and doing things right. It is also about telling people about Christ.

Transition: The last objective found in this text is in vv. 28-29. Disciple Others for the Kingdom.

Disciple Others for the Kingdom (vv.28-29)

“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.”

Paul states, that he wants people to know Jesus and to grow in Christ. This is what he means when he uses this word “mature”. Paul says, his objective is that people will not remain the same as they were before Christ; but that they will change and live so that their lives become pleasing to God.

This is what discipling is. It is nurturing converts in a way that matures them in the faith. This is done by teaching the Word. Teaching the word properly and rightly.

v.29 describes Paul’s determination to disciple people and teach the Word. He say’s, “I toil, struggling with all energy, that Christ gives me”. In other words Paul is saying, he will not give up. He won’t quit!

Transition: You and I also have this challenge before us. We must be determined to disciple other people for the Kingdom.

Application: Identify people you associate with and help them mature in their faith. Make people disciples for the Kingdom. Don’t give up!

Conclusion:

Aren’t you glad Jesus did not quit on you!