GOSPEL PAIN

Colossians 2:1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. (NIV)


You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages


Paul is not ashamed of his personal struggling as a servant of the gospel. Everything which is worthwhile will involve some kind of suffering (the word used here is 'agona'). Examinations, athletics, construction and school teaching - they all have rewards when done excellently, but they will all involve struggle and suffering. Much time is sacrificed, skills are painfully refined, outcomes are clarified, strategies are devised, problems are anticipated; and everything is committed to the task irrespective of the cost - because the outcome is important.

Gospel ministry has added dimensions, and is a spiritual battle. Although it is ultimately God's work, He uses our bodies, hearts and minds ... which will take the strain and pain. In addition even Paul was struggling with his old sinful nature (Romans 7:14-25): he was conscious of Satan's attacks (2 Corinthians 2:11), his missionary travels brought him into conflict with people and exposure to many dangers (2 Corinthians 11:23-29): his prayers for the believers were intense and draining (Colossians 1:9): and he accepted that suffering was a normal part of authentic faith in Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:29-30). But why did he advertise his struggling? He wanted them to understand that the sufferings of Christ were so valuable that any struggle in making Him known is supremely worthwhile (Romans 1:16).

Our struggles can never atone for our sins; they are the privileged mark of those who share in God's family business. However, many Christians prefer the easy lifestyle options offered by the world, embraced by the flesh and orchestrated by the devil. For them the 'hope of glory' is an insurance policy, their commitment is to themselves and their principal objective is pleasure (or at least, the absence of pain). Every other legitimate call on their time and energy (family, work, money) is given priority above serving Christ. But wherever sacrifice is real, service for Christ becomes genuine: and the value of the cross becomes transparently wonderful. So, you see, your spiritual priorities are directly measured by your willingness to sacrifice yourself for them. It is time to assess what should really matter!

Prayer:
Dear loving Lord. Thank You for all You have done for me. Thank You too for those who have taken time and trouble to help me come to Christ, and to grow in my faith. But I am ashamed that my practical gratitude is so poor. Although You have sacrificed so much for me, and others have freely given love to me, I often avoid any struggle for You or those You want to reach with Your love. Forgive me for such wrong priorities, and help me to determine to serve You better, as I change my priorities to fit with Your agenda for my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

SHARING THE MYSTERY WITH EVERYONE

 

Colossians 1:27  To them [the saints] God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (NIV)
 

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God's plan of salvation was shrouded in mystery until Jesus came. It was a half-understood secret which the Israelites thought was exclusive for them alone. God, was their God; and they thought that He would only speak to them; even though He had already told Abraham that 'all peoples on earth will be blessed through you' (Genesis 12:3). But part of the 'mystery of salvation', was that salvation through the death of Christ would be for all, Jews and Gentiles alike.

It was not that Gentiles had to become Jews in order to be confident of a glorious future with God. No. God's plan was that both Jews and Gentiles should see their future in Christ. Indeed, Jesus said that real hope for an eternity with God is only found in Him. The Jews had looked for their Messiah, but did not recognise that their own Scriptures perfectly described the life and death of Jesus. On the other hand, the Gentiles had no interest in the God of the Jews, but He was very interested in them! The amazing truth is that every person who stops to listen to the gospel, irrespective of religious or cultural background, will all have the opportunity to receive Christ: and with Him, the hope of glory.

Although some think that all Western people are Christians, that is not true. Alas, very many are not; and at the same time many millions with totally different religions and social backgrounds have found the hope of glory when they heard the gospel and received Christ. So Jesus is for everybody. To some people that is still a mystery, but you can always let them into the secret! Let them watch www.crosscheck.org.uk: tell them how Jesus found you. It is your privilege, as a believer in Jesus Christ, to unwrap the mystery of Christ to your family, friends and colleagues and encourage them to reach out to Him and be saved. Today is the best day to start!

Prayer:  Glorious Lord. Thank You that Jesus came to save everybody, irrespective of their race, colour, religious background, social status, education, gender, wealth, intellect, language or country. Thank You that His blood is still the atoning sacrifice for all my friends, family and colleagues, those I meet while travelling and those in my community. Please help me to desire their salvation and to share the Good News of Jesus with them. May the hope of glory be much bigger in my heart than the fear of rejection. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
 

DISCLOSING THE MYSTERY

 

Colossians 1:25-26  I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fulness -- the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. (NIV)
 

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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

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Paul was commissioned to proclaim what had previously been a mystery. During all of the Old Testament period, God was preparing His people for the arrival of Jesus. The laws showed them what pleased and angered God, and the sacrifices provided temporary permission to worship God. But nothing was permanent or complete until Jesus came to be the Saviour and Redeemer of the world.

Paul and the other apostles preached from the Old Testament, because it was respected and contained so much about Jesus Christ. Before Jesus, the Scriptures were a mystery, but after Jesus died and rose again, the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to see that Jesus was central to explaining the mystery. And so their preaching was full of how Jesus Christ fulfilled the laws and promises of the Old Testament. That was important, because Jesus was never presented as a new religious leader: rather, He was preached as the completion of God's revelation of Himself to humanity, and its sacrificial Saviour. Augustine of Hippo said, "The New is in the Old concealed, the Old is in the New revealed". Like Paul, he preached Christ from the Old Testament.

Alas, today, too many people like to wallow in the uncertainty of mystery; however that is an evil temptation when the clarity of Jesus can be known, enjoyed and shared with others. Others respect the Old Testament for its wise sayings, but have not been alerted to the fact that it speaks of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:14-16 speaks of such people: "... their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away." So although they cannot see Christ in the Old Testament, they can see Him when He is shown to be the centre of those Scriptures and they turn to Him! Today is a good day to pray for friends and colleagues who might honour the Old Testament, but do not yet know Jesus. Pray for an opportunity to show them Christ in the Old Testament (perhaps start with Isaiah chapter 53), because as you explain Christ, He will take away the mystery so that they can see Him clearly.

Prayer:  Eternal God. Thank You for revealing Your plan of salvation through all of the Old Testament: for embedding the truth of Jesus' life, death and resurrection in those Scriptures. Please help me to understand the teaching of the law and the prophets with fresh eyes, and see the character of my Saviour there. I pray for those of my friends and colleagues who do not know Christ personally and cannot yet see His place in Your plan - even though they claim to respect the Old Testament. Help me to show them Christ in all the Scriptures and enable them to see that He is the fulfilment and centre of salvation and the door into eternal life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

SUFFERING FOR THE SAKE OF THE GOSPEL

 

Colossians 1:24  Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. (NIV)
 

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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

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This verse has often been misunderstood. Some think it means that that Christ's work on the cross was insufficient to achieve salvation. Not so. The sacrificial work of the Lord Jesus Christ was complete, perfect and sufficient to pay for all the sin of the world (Hebrews 10:12-14). So, what does this verse mean?

Clearly the Apostle Paul had suffered much in proclaiming the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), but none of his sufferings added anything to the finished work of Jesus Christ. So what did Paul mean by saying there was something 'lacking' in what Christ did? As the redemptive purpose of the cross was complete in itself, the only thing that was lacking was people knowing about it. That is why Paul suffered so much. His suffering came because he proclaimed Christ crucified, preached the gospel and urged people to repent and submit to Jesus. However, if he had not done that, people would never have known, they could not be saved and the church could not grow (Romans 10:13-15).

Sharing the gospel continues to be a hazardous task, simply because those who are in rebellion against Christ hate to be reminded of the truth that they are fighting against God. So their easiest solution is to try to get rid of the messengers of the gospel. That is why Paul was repeatedly attacked. However, the gospel is such a wonderful message, and salvation is such a wonderful deliverance, that God's people still want to tell others so that they may also be saved and be a part of the eternal church of Jesus Christ. So, if you encounter opposition, hostility or other persecution for the sake of the gospel you should be encouraged. It means that the gospel message is starting to be heard and that people are reacting. Although it may seem that everybody is against you, some people are actively and eagerly listening to find out how they may be saved. Then all the suffering will be worthwhile for you and for Christ.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father. I am very grateful for the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ for me. Thank You that His death alone has brought me to salvation. I also thank You for those people who have taught me the gospel, enabling me to come to faith in the Lord Jesus who laid down His life for me. Thank You too for the sufferings of men and women through the ages who did not hold back from proclaiming Christ, even though they may have suffered and, in some cases, lost their lives: but the church grew because people heard and believed the gospel. Forgive me when I have kept silent because I have been afraid. Help me to follow Your lead and learn how to speak boldly about my Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Saviour of all those who hear and believe the gospel. In His Name. Amen.
 

JESUS - THE CENTRE OF THE GOSPEL

 

Colossians 1:23b  This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. (NIV)

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The gospel is good news: that is what the word 'gospel' means - "Good News!" Everything that Jesus said and did is unknown unless somebody brings the Good News. Although the life and death of our Saviour was physically located in the Holy Land, the benefit of His sacrificial ministry will come to everybody ... but first they need to hear and believe the Good News (Romans 10:14-15). The task of the Apostles was to start proclaiming the gospel, in as many places as possible (Romans 15:20) until the gospel has become universally known. Through their inspired writing, their gospel ministry continues in many languages up to the present time. Everybody who helps to explain the gospel, serves the Lord.

To become a 'servant of the gospel' is much more than a philosophical idea. God personally commissioned Paul (Acts 26:16-18) for the task; and he chose to submit to be a servant of Jesus Christ and His gospel (Romans 1:1). Wherever courageous believers proclaim Christ, the church grows and the Lord is glorified. They may attract ridicule, and persecution, but they do it, persevering in sharing the gospel, because they are being obedient to the Lord of the gospel (Matthew 28:18-20).

The dynamic of gospel ministry is simple. Every believer is called to explain their faith (1 Peter 3:15), so that those who understand and obey the gospel call will be saved. So wherever the Christian goes, he or she is a mobile gospel container. But the gospel is not a secret to be kept locked up in the container; it is intended to be released everywhere because it is globally applicable. So it is our privilege and responsibility to release the gospel into the office, hospital, factory, transport hub, construction site, publishing house, lawyers' chambers, social club, sports venue, music festival and holiday resort. If every believer did that the Word would soon spread and the salvation purpose of our Saviour, who died for the sins of the world, would be well served.

Prayer:  Dear Lord. Thank You for the Apostles whose gospel proclamation and writing have enabled me to hear and believe the gospel. Thank You for those people who served You by telling me about the sacrifice of Jesus and His love for me. Forgive me for hiding Your light, so that those around me cannot see the Saviour of the world or know how to access His grace. Please help me to be aware of the treasure I carry with me every day; to work, community activities, sports venues, holiday locations and among my family. Open my eyes to see many people for whom Christ has died, yet are ignorant of the gospel and unsaved. Help me to let the gospel out, so that it will do its own work and I will be a good servant of Jesus Christ. In His Name. Amen.
 

 

 

Colossians 1:21-23  Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. (NIV)

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Conversion, from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God, is a huge change: from aliens to citizens; from enemies to allies. Before conversion, everybody is outside of God's kingdom, opposed to it in thinking and actions, and personally rebellious against the sovereignty of God. After conversion, born-again believers are welcomed because they are reconciled to God, and are counted as holy, sinless and blameless. The change is only possible through Christ's personal sacrifice of His physical body - accepting the punishment due to all who have rebelled against God.

Does that mean that all sinners are saved? No. Many do not want to be saved, they see no need. Some want to be saved through their own good works, and not through the grace of God alone. Some start to believe but have no interest in holding onto Christ as their only Saviour; they want to design their own salvation package - including Jesus but not excluding everything else. Although reconciliation is available to them, they resist His exclusive Lordship, and continue to alienate themselves from God. In their minds, that is quite acceptable (even though it is repugnant to God) but their behaviour demonstrates that they are not on God's side. Although the love of God and the sufferings of Jesus enable enemies of God to be reconciled to Him - many think they know better. For them holiness is unnecessary, deep roots of faith are restrictive: and the hope of being welcomed by Christ when He returns has no priority compared with human ambitions for self-satisfaction. What a tragedy!

But what blessing for those who are trusting, learning more, practising holy living and learning to relate with the Lord who loves them. If you know you are reconciled, live in harmony with Him. If you trust Him, invest everything in Him. If you have started in faith, be determined to keep trusting despite adverse circumstances. Put your roots down deep into His grace, and reject every alternative. If Christ has made you His friend, demonstrate the relationship in the way you behave. If you know you have been reconciled at such a great cost, worship Him, thank Him, love Him, and serve Him. Never forget that the gospel you have believed is the only information which tells people how to be reconciled with the holy God - so tell your friends and colleagues, and share it with them (www.crosscheck.org.uk)!

Prayer:  Gracious God. Thank You for the blood of Jesus Christ which has reconciled me to You. I am amazed at Your love and thank You for helping me to trust You. Please help me to invest everything into my life with You and to reject everything which competes with You. Help me to put my roots down deeply into You, Your truth and Your grace so that I may become firm and steady in my faith. And please refresh my understanding of the importance of sharing the gospel with others. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 courtesy of wordatwork beaconlight

JESUS - THE FULLNESS OF GOD

Colossians 1:19-20 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (NIV)


You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages


For those who think that Jesus was merely a good teacher, these verses will come as a shock. The Son of God contained all the fullness of God. Everything that identifies God was in Jesus Christ. So the great divine characteristics of perfect love, absolute authority and infinite power were and are in Jesus. Jesus was not just a spokesman or representative of God (like a prophet), or an educator of God's ideas (like a teacher), or a demonstrator of good living (like a mentor): all the fullness of God was and is His rightful property.

Jesus is also the reconciler. Being perfect God and perfect man, He had the ability and right to reconcile us to God: as Colossians 1:22 says, "But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation ...". Without a body, God could not die (which was why Jesus Christ was born as a human being): and without the sacrificial death of a perfect substitute, everybody would have to suffer for their own sins (which is why 1 Corinthians 5:7 says, "... Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed"). Reconciliation is in God's nature, but is only possible when rebellion is ended and the legacy of sin is removed. So, God prepared a body and filled it with Himself, so that He could be punished to death for all our sins - in order that we might be reconciled and have peace with God.

Many people think they can impress God with their good deeds. But they forget that their bad actions, words and thoughts stand against them, and can never be 'outweighed' by acts of charity or piety. Without Jesus there is no reconciler between sinful humanity and holy deity. But, as 2 Corinthians 5:19 says, "... God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them." It goes on to say, "And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation". That means that the wonderful news of peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1) is no longer a secret. The Lord expects those who have His peace to announce it to others! Start again today in the workplace, the community and wherever you travel. You are the Lord's messenger of hope; somebody is waiting for you to tell them about Jesus, the fullness of God.

Prayer: Dear Lord. I am amazed at how wonderful Jesus is, and that in Him all the fullness of the Godhead lives in bodily form (Colossians 2:9). I am sorry when I have treated Him lightly, or failed to announce Him to my friends and colleagues. Please help me to take in what it meant for Him to sacrifice Himself for me; the pain He endured to bring me peace with God. Help me to worship Him, meditate upon Him and advertise Him to those who have no certain peace or confidence of Your love. In Jesus' Name. Amen.