Resolve to Suffer (Colossians 1:23-2:3)
Text:
Most people in America are comfortable. Yes, our lives are not perfectly comfortable. And yes, there are exceptions. But we are extremely blessed to live in this nation, and we have so many luxuries. We spend a great deal of money and time to make ourselves comfortable. What is worth giving up these luxuries?
“if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. 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. For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 1:23-2:3).
Not many people enjoy suffering. But some things are more important than our comfort. Suffering for the sake of the church is important. Suffering for the sake of the unreached is important.
Christ’s suffering was complete. His suffering was for our propitiation. Our suffering in His name is for propagation. We share in His suffering when we share the gospel. You were not saved to sit. We all have gifts according to God’s stewardship.
Paul suffered and struggled for the church to encourage their hearts, to make sure they were united in love, and so that they might know the gospel of Christ fully.
But God does not call us to a life of suffering in order to make us miserable. Our present sufferings will not compare with the reward that we will obtain. And not only do we have a future reward, but we are rewarded now with immeasurable peace and joy.
Pastor Chris Huff has been with us since July 2009. He and his wife, Abby, have four children. Chris is originally from St. Louis, MO and even though he was raised as a city boy, he has a small town heart. Chris is all over the internet, so you can find him on Facebook, Twitter,… (read more)
