COLOSSIANS 1:24-29 – GOD HAD A SECRET
CHRIST SUPREME (COLOSSIANS) #6
If this illustration is going to work, I need everyone to do what I say, no matter how silly it seems.
I have a secret. I have something in my hand only the Lord and I know what it is. I want you to guess what it is (Take answers.)
Thanks for trying to answer. Now I’ll show you what it is! Tad da! It’s a cosmetic plug that goes in my office chair. Pastor has a chair plug in his hand! Please say it with me “Pastor has a chair plug in his hand!” Now turn to someone and say “Pastor has a chair plug in his hand! Now, if you can, go tell at least one person in the room, “Pastor has a chair plug in his hand!”
Now everyone in this room knows, “Pastor has a chair plug in his hand!” I had a secret, revealed it and we told everybody, “Pastor has a chair plug in his hand.”
Now other than proving I’m as crazy as ever, why did I share this crazy illustration? Because God had a secret held before the foundation of the world and revealed to the Apostle Paul, and others. Because Paul knew God’s secret was, he passed it on! He shared it!
Review Colossians 1:19-23 – We saw another one of God’s great words. This one is “reconciliation”. It’s Powerful, Personal, and Permanent. Because of this reconciliation…
PAUL HAD A MISSION – Colossians 1:24
Paul was joyful in his sufferings for the Colossians. In 2 Timothy 3:7, Paul explained, “Yea, and all will live Godly shall suffer persecution.” If you are a true Christ-follower, expect to experience some form of suffering for Christ’s sake.
How did he suffer?
- He was imprisoned.
- He was misrepresented and falsely accused.
- He fought false teachers.
- He endured pain and deprivation for their sake.
Whatever was lacking had nothing to do with Christ’s death. On the cross, our sins were “paid in full”. All we must do is “believe”. There’s nothing to add!
Paul was accepting hardship for the sake of Christ’s church. The afflictions that needed to be experienced was for future and current members of Christ’s body.
We are not on Paul’s journey or mission. We are on our own individual journeys or missions. It will cost us! 1 Peter 4:12-16
PAUL HAD A MISSION.
PAUL HAD A MINISTRY – Colossians 1:25
Paul was a servant, fulfilling the role of a household steward, who was responsible for his master’s household.
This would include those in Christ’s church in Colossae. He was to fulfill the word of God. You are also a steward of the Word of God. You are responsible to learn it, live it, and share it however the sees fit to use you.
For Paul, his main function was to teach and preach the Word of God. He did it individually, publicly, and through his letters, Colossians being one of them.
When God gives you a specific task, you must do it faithfully. If he calls you to be a missionary, teacher, preacher, church leader evangelist or loyal servant of Christ in a church. We must do what we are called to do.
I believe it was my Pastor who told me, if you think you can do any other thing other than pastor, you should do it. Personally, I feel the call, so I can’t do anything else!
PAUL HAD MISSION
PAUL HAD A MINISTRY
PAUL SHARED A MYSTERY – Colossians 1:26-27
Vs. 26 – A mystery is God’s “sacred secret”. He kept it secret until it was time for it to be revealed. It was time for Paul and the Apostles to share it. It is time for us to keep sharing it!
This mystery is for God’s saints. A saint is one set apart for God. A saint is anyone who has heard the Gospel and believed it, thus being born-again into the Family of God.
Vs. 27 – There is a rich glory in this mystery. Those who were “far off”, the Gentiles are now brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13
This means every Gentile may experience the riches in glory the same way any Jew may receive. In Christ there is no difference between Jew and Greek. Ephesians 2:14-18
There was a difference, Israel was and is God’s Chosen People. Now there is no difference! Colossians 3:9-11
The glorious mystery is God took Jews and Gentiles, and made it possible for them to come to God for forgiveness and eternal life the same way. Romans 10:13. Call or believe on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved!
PAUL HAD MISSION
PAUL HAD A MINISTRY
PAUL SHARED A MYSTERY
PAUL HAD A METHOD – Colossians 1:28-29
Paul’s method, first of all was to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to everyone! He warned everyone and taught everyone. Using the correct application of God’s wisdom, the Word of God. Romans 1:16-17
When a we trust Christ as Savior we are positionally complete, mature or perfect in Him and will like Him one day. 1 John 3:1-2
However, the completeness is not until the Resurrection. In the meantime our goal must be to become more like Jesus. 1 John 3:3, Philippians 3:8-16
Paul’s goal was to lead people to Christ, and to keep training them.
Those of us who are Pastors, teachers and shepherds need to have that same goal. We must be working with you to help us all grow in Christ-likeness Ephesians 4:10-16
Vs. 19 – He labored to the point of exhaustion. He was striving or anguishing. IT WAS HARD WORK.
In the late 1880’s into the early 1900’s there were great preachers in Victorian England. One of the greatest was Alexander MacLaren. The secret to his clear, powerful presentation of the Word of God, was hard work. It is said that he was at his desk when he could hear the clumping of men’s boots as he went to work. It is also said that he wore work boots in which to study. He meant business!
Those of us today who called a severe responsibility he will watch for the souls of men and women!
And we can’t do it ourselves!
So what I am saying?
Those of us who teach must work hard in the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul worked hard, but He allowed the Holy Spirit to work harder.
What does it mean to all of us? We should take heed to the pastors, elders, leaders, and you strive to learn from us, to grow in your faith.
If we are not pastors and teachers, we have a responsibility to make disciples ourselves and to see that they are baptized and growing. Matthew 28:19-20
Pray for me, please. Pray for each other and be ready to heed God’s call as he calls you to share this great mystery.
PAUL HAD MISSION
PAUL HAD A MINISTRY
PAUL SHARED A MYSTERY
PAUL HAD A METHOD
