Colossians
1:24-29Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Paul’s
Ministry
24 Now I
rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I am completing in my flesh what is
lacking in Christ’s afflictions for His body, that is, the church. 25 I have become its servant, according
to God’s administration that was given to me for you, to make God’s message
fully known, 26 the
mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to His saints.27 God wanted to make known
among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in
you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone
with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 I labor for this,
striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.
Questions:
1.
How is Paul suffering?
A. Paul is
suffering because he is arrested for being a Christian and has lost his freedom
as he awaits his trial from Cesar.
2.
What does it mean to suffer with Christ?
A. When we
become a Christian, Jesus tells us that we will suffer with Him. That can look different in so many ways. We might be made fun of, we might be accused
of doing something wrong. If you are a
believer and are doing what is right for Christ, you will suffer for Kingdom
work.
3.
What is this Mystery that was hidden for the ages and generations?
A. In the
Old Testament everyone was waiting for the Messiah. The Messiah has come, Jesus, and He came for
everyone. Jews and Gentiles. All of us.
He is the mystery that has been reviled to all people.
4.
Paul says, “Christ in you the hope of glory.” What do you think
this means?
A. Paul
means that Jesus Christ takes up residence inside Christians through the Holy
Spirit and allows us to looks forward to eternal life with God.
5.
Who does Paul spend all his energy talking to people about?
A. Paul
spends his energy talking about Jesus Christ, he writes letter to the churches
he planted, and encourages them to keep teaching God’s word.
