Sunday, September 9, 2007 Sermon Text:
Colossians 1:24-27 (New King James Version)
Paul's Ministry, Proclaiming the Mystery of Christ
Colossians 1
[24] I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, [25] of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, [26] the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. [27] To them 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. [28] Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. [29] To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
Colossians 2
[1] For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, [2] that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [4] Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. [5] For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. [6] As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, [7] rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
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God's word continually reveals truths through his desire for us to know him through his strength, not ours. 2:6 says "just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him,". We had no power or could do nothing to earn his gift of Jesus. What makes us think we can do something to keep it. This "Cross-Walk" devotion emphasis this point.
"Pursuing Jesus Above All
By Micca Campbell
Psalms 63:1, "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirst for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water." (NIV)
Devotion:
There is a tale of an elderly woman in the church who served the Lord for years. Instead of seeking the help of others, she did most of the work herself. She was head of women's ministry, taught Sunday school, sung in the choir, was on the prayer team, and counseled the pastor on a regular basis. She was tired, worn out, and longed for heaven. Yet, because there was still so much work for her to do, she feared that she would never die. Eventually she did die. I guess God wanted His job back.
Nevertheless, from the perspective of most, today's successful leaders, whether in the Christian world or secular, are much like this woman.
Somewhere between her calling and service to God she took over, rushed ahead, and set her own agenda. It happens to the best of us. In our service to God we can easily slip into pursuing ministry instead of pursuing Jesus, and miss the purpose of our existence. The same is true in every facet of our lives. The pursuit of happiness, opportunity, or even being a good parent, can get in the way of simply pursuing Jesus.
" - crosswalk.com
Paul's struggle as he put it was that all may know the "mystery" of God. "Christ in you," (us) "the hope of his glory."
There are those we know of that seemingly make life look easy. They take things as they come and never become overwhelmed. Their secret, the mystery, is seeking Christ. Let him have us and more can be accomplished through our lives than we could ever do on our own.
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