Bible Reading
Colossians 1:24–2:7“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,”
[24:48]“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,”
[25:04]“the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.”
[25:10]“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.”
[25:23]“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”
[25:27]“For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”
[25:38]“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,”
[25:44]“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,”
[25:53]“in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
[26:00]“I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.”
[26:08]“For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.”
[26:13]“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,”
[26:25]“rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”
[26:31]Colossians 1:27“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.”
[25:23]Colossians 1:29“For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”
[25:39]Colossians 2:2–3“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.”
[25:53]Observation questions
- What words does Paul use to describe his work for the church, and what do those words show about the cost and effort involved in serving others?
- What is the “mystery” that God has now revealed, and which groups of people are specifically included in its riches? [51:50]
- According to Colossians 1:28 and 2:2–7, what are some visible marks of a person becoming mature in Christ? [58:20]
- What contrast does Paul make between “plausible arguments” and a faith that is rooted, built up, and established in Christ? [59:09]
Interpretation questions
- Paul says he is “filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.” Since Christ’s death fully paid for sin, what can Paul mean by this statement, and why does the gospel still need to be personally carried to people who have not heard it? [34:08]
- Paul calls himself a minister, or servant, who received a stewardship from God. How does this shape the way a believer views ordinary work, relationships, ministry roles, and opportunities to serve hope to others? [17:35]
- Paul rejoices in suffering and keeps struggling for people he has not met. How can a God-given purpose make hardship meaningful without pretending that suffering itself is easy or good? [28:43]
- Paul says he toils with God’s energy at work within him. What is the difference between serving out of personal drive alone and serving in reliance on Christ’s power through the Holy Spirit? [46:25]
Application questions
- God gives the hope of the gospel to be shared, not hidden away. Who is one person in your everyday circle—family, neighbor, coworker, classmate, or friend—who may need hope right now? What could it look like to care for them and point them toward Christ this week? [22:44]
- Purpose rooted in Christ produces joy, endurance, and selfless service. Where are you presently tired, discouraged, or tempted to quit? How might remembering whom you serve and why God has called you help you take the next faithful step? [31:21]
- A weakness, loss, limitation, or painful experience does not automatically disqualify someone from serving Christ. Is there an area of weakness that you tend to hide or view as useless? How might God use it to help you compassionately point someone else to Jesus? [39:30]
- Christ in believers is the hope of glory, and God supplies strength for the work he gives. What situations most often lead you toward burnout, bitterness, or trying to handle life in your own strength? What simple prayer could help you depend on the Holy Spirit in those moments? [47:36]
- The Word of God gives more than rules or behavior modification; it proclaims Christ. When you need hope or wisdom, where do you normally turn first? What specific habit could help you store up Scripture so you are ready to share its hope with someone else? [56:25]
- Spiritual maturity includes being encouraged, knit together in love, assured in Christ, firm in faith, and abounding in thanksgiving. Which of these areas seems strongest in your life right now, and which one needs intentional attention? What is one practical step you could take with this group or another believer? [01:00:01]
