Scripture: Colossians 1:24-29
Paul’s Labor for the Church
24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering 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. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 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.
28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Observation:
Paul’s commission was to present “…the word of God in its fullness – the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 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 1:25-27)
So, if the fullness of God dwells in Jesus (Colossians 1:19), and if Christ is in us, the hope of Glory (Colossians 1:27), then we have everything we need to be faithful followers of the Living God.
Application:
As followers of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and with Christ being in us, the hope of glory, let us then be faithful in all things.
Prayer:
Dear Lord and Savior Jesus, may we present ourselves in our lives as people having a certain treasure in these jars of clay. Help us to live thankful lives reflecting the light of your love to a world that needs to see that. Help us to be servants of your word that others may come to know of your saving grace and powerful love. Show us where you would like us to serve you. Amen.