Paul’s Ministry & Our Mission – Colossians 1:24-29 Bible Study
Scripture: Colossians 1:24-29 (ESV)
"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, 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, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 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. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me."
Laying the Foundation: Suffering, Stewardship, and Striving for Christ
What does it mean to truly live for Christ?
For Paul, it wasn’t just about believing in Jesus. It was about serving Him with everything, even when it meant suffering.
In this passage, Paul reveals:
His attitude toward suffering – He rejoices in it.
His calling in ministry – To make Christ known.
His ultimate goal – To present others mature in Christ.
This passage challenges us: Are we willing to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel? Are we actively making Christ known? Are we striving to grow in maturity?
Let’s dig into Paul’s words and see how they apply to our lives.
1. Rejoicing in Suffering for the Church (v.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."
"Rejoice in my sufferings" (χαίρω ἐν τοῖς παθήμασιν, chairō en tois pathēmasin) – Paul isn’t just enduring suffering. He is rejoicing in it because it benefits the church.
"Filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions" – This does not mean Christ’s suffering was incomplete. His death was fully sufficient for salvation. Instead, Paul is saying that he is continuing the suffering that comes with advancing the gospel.
Verse Explanation:
Paul understands something many of us struggle with—suffering for Christ is a privilege.
Jesus said, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20)
Paul embraces this reality and sees his pain as part of the mission. Instead of avoiding hardship, he accepts it as part of his calling.
Reflection:
Do you avoid hardship, or do you embrace it for the sake of Christ?
Are you willing to suffer rejection, discomfort, or even persecution to make Jesus known?
2. The Mission: Making the Word of God Fully Known (v.25-27)
"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, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints."
"Minister" (διάκονος, diakonos) – This word means servant. Paul doesn’t see himself as a leader to be exalted but as a servant of God’s Word.
"Stewardship" (οἰκονομία, oikonomia) – This word refers to managing something that belongs to another. Paul understands that his ministry is not his own. It was entrusted to him by God.
"The mystery hidden for ages" – In the Old Testament, God’s plan of salvation for the Gentiles was not fully revealed. But now, through Christ, the mystery has been made known.
"Christ in you, the hope of glory" – The greatest mystery of all is that God Himself now dwells within His people through Christ.
Verse Explanation:
Paul’s entire purpose is to make Christ known, not just intellectually, but experientially. The mystery that was once hidden has now been revealed: Salvation is for all people, and Christ lives within us.
Conviction Check:
Are you making God’s Word known in your life?
Do you recognize the glory of Christ dwelling in you?
3. The Goal: Maturity in Christ (v.28)
"Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
"Proclaim" (καταγγέλλω, katangellō) – This means to boldly declare a message. Paul doesn’t just talk about Jesus casually. He boldly preaches Him.
"Warning everyone" (νουθετῶν, nouthetōn) – This word means to correct, to caution, to call to repentance. True discipleship involves warning people about sin and deception.
"Teaching everyone" (διδάσκοντες, didaskontes) – Teaching is not just about information—it’s about transformation.
"Mature in Christ" (τέλειος, teleios) – This word means complete, fully grown, spiritually developed. Paul’s goal isn’t just conversion, it’s maturity.
Verse Explanation:
Paul’s ministry isn’t about quick decisions for Christ. It’s about growing disciples into spiritual maturity.
Faith isn’t just about knowing Christ. It’s about becoming like Him.
Reflection:
Are you just a believer, or are you growing into maturity in Christ?
Are you allowing yourself to be taught, warned, and challenged in your faith?
4. Striving with Christ’s Power (v.29)
"For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me."
"Toil" (κοπιῶ, kopiō) – This word means to work to the point of exhaustion. Paul pours everything into his mission.
"Struggling" (ἀγωνίζομαι, agōnizomai) – This word means to wrestle, to fight. Ministry is a battle, but Paul gives everything for the sake of the gospel.
"With all his energy" – Paul’s power doesn’t come from himself. God is the one empowering him.
Verse Explanation:
Paul is fully committed to his calling. He doesn’t serve half-heartedly. He labors, fights, and strives. But he also recognizes that it is Christ’s power working through him.
Heart Check:
Are you giving your all to the mission of Christ?
Do you rely on your own strength, or do you draw from God’s power?
Final Thoughts: Are You Living for Christ?
Paul’s example is convicting:
🔹 He rejoices in suffering for the gospel.
🔹 He makes Christ known to the world.
🔹 He labors to bring others to maturity in Christ.
🔹 He strives, but not in his own strength. He depends on God.
Are you living with that same mindset?
The Christian life is not about comfort. It’s about commitment. Let’s serve Christ with everything we have, just like Paul did.
Join me tomorrow as we continue learning what it means to be rooted in Christ!
Let’s keep studying.
