Have you ever suffered for someone on purpose? Were you rejoicing because you had such a chance? That’s how Paul felt. He was excited to have suffered for the sake of reaching others with the gospel message (at this time Paul was in jail). As for Paul wanting to “fill up” in his flesh, I think Paul really wanted to experience all that Jesus experienced. Paul’s love for Christ drove his desire to be as completely like Christ as possible, including all suffering. Paul’s love for Christ’s church (the body) drove him to want to suffer more. Why?
The mystery (how would man ever be seen as right before God) had now been revealed and Paul was 100% ready to give everything so all could here the resounding good news! Paul was personally chosen for the great task of spreading the message of salvation and of freedom from sin to the Gentile nations.
We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. Colossians 1:28 (NIV)
Look at verse 28! Paul’s passion for spreading the gospel and for living for God would not be complete in his eyes until everyone could be presented to God as perfect in Christ. Everyone! Paul proclaims Jesus as the one true Savior and Lord that everyone needed. Paul and his companions taught with admonishment or a warning to turn back to God and with wisdom (teaching) so the mystery in Old Testament Scripture would be clear.
Paul devoted his labor to this end. He used the strength and excitement of this cause from Christ. This is truly powerful. Me, I am so ashamed of my lack of passion. I can only hope to live up to the example given in Christ and lived out by Paul.
Paul wants the people of Colosse to see his passion and to see why he suffered. Suffering for Christ is a choice, and it is a choice we should all seek to experience – not to say we suffered but because Jesus is worth the suffering!
Spreading the gospel, for Paul, was an opportunity to spread wisdom and knowledge. Paul’s suffering was to be an encouragement in heart and a way to unite others in love. Unity brings the willpower to find out the truth of Christ. Unity opens the heart of God as He works to complete the good work He plans in us.
I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. Colossians 2:4 (NIV)
Without unity, wolves (false teachers) come with “fine-sounding arguments” and they take people away from the truth. Unity prevents deception. I wish the church (all the body of Christ) would listen to the heart of Paul here because he is sharing the heart of Christ. Through disunity, lies about faith emerge, the practice of faith is discouraged, and the enemy keeps the focus off the message of hope.
Paul commends the unity of the church in Colosse for their orderly worship and for their firm faith.
- How would Paul commend you?
- Is suffering for the cause of Jesus a choice you are ready to make? Why or why not?
- What does verse 28 say to you?
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