Colossians 1:24-29

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Three Aspects of Paul's Service to Christ

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. There are two categories to the sufferings of Christ.

  2. The Church as the body of Christ is a glorious mystery.

  3. The aim of Christian service is Christian maturity.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Let’s realize that Christ is at work in us.

  2. Let’s try to rejoice in our sufferings for Christ.

QUESTIONS

  1. What is the great theme of Colossians?

  2. List the three aspects of Paul’s service to Christ.

  3. How does Paul’s service relate to the theme of Colossians?

  4. What is a mystery in the Bible?

  5. How are the words “every” and “all” significant in Colossians 1:28?

  6. Do we always see Christ at work in us?

  7. How can we rejoice in the midst of suffering?

ANSWERS

  1. The supremacy and all-sufficiency of Christ

  2. His sufferings on behalf of Christ, his stewardship of the mystery of Christ, and his striving to present every person complete in Christ.

  3. He is showing the great theme of Colossians being worked out in his own life.

  4. A mystery is a truth concealed in the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament.

  5. The Gnostics taught that only a select elite could know certain secret truth. On the contrary, Paul is teaching that every Christian can become complete, perfect, and mature in Christ.

  6. Not necessarily. Sometimes we see the outward signs of inward working. The important thing to remember is that Christ is at work in us, as He promised.

  7. We can rejoice because we know that suffering for Christ is in the line of duty when we serve the Lord. Let’s not cry about how hard it is to be a Christian, but let’s count it for joy. It is a privilege to serve Christ.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Review the mystery, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The Church as the body of Christ was not known in the Old Testament. Jews and Gentiles brought together as one body with Christ as the head was a new concept hidden before. Aren’t you thankful that Christ assigned Paul to make this mystery known?

  2. Review the three aspects of Paul’s service to Christ. Measure your service in these terms.

CHALLENGE

  1. Do you recognize that Christ is at work in you mightily? Do not be discouraged in your Christian service. Christ will not only give you direction in your ministry, He will give you the strength to do it. Picture a sign declaring “Christ at Work”!

KEY VERSES

  • “...God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

Colossians, New Testament, TalksDeb HarmsColossians 1:24-29