Rejoicing in Suffering: Fulfilling Christ's Afflictions

Devotional

Day 1: Suffering as a Pathway to Hope

Suffering is not merely an obstacle but a transformative process that leads to endurance, character, and hope. In Romans 5, Paul emphasizes that suffering is not without purpose. It is a divine tool that shapes our inner being, producing endurance and character, which ultimately lead to hope. This hope is not a transient feeling but a profound assurance that our trials are preparing us for an eternal glory that far outweighs them. This perspective allows believers to rejoice in their sufferings, knowing that they are part of a divine process that leads to spiritual maturity and eternal reward. [01:43]

2 Corinthians 1:5-7 (ESV): "For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer."

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you view this situation as an opportunity for growth in endurance, character, and hope?

Day 2: Eternal Perspective in Temporary Afflictions

Our temporary afflictions are working for us an eternal weight of glory. This perspective allows us to see beyond our present pain and focus on the eternal significance of our suffering. In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul speaks of the renewal of our inner selves despite the wasting away of our outer selves. This renewal is a reminder that our sufferings are temporary and are preparing us for an eternal glory that far surpasses any earthly pain. By focusing on the eternal, believers can find strength and purpose in their trials, knowing that they are contributing to a greater divine plan. [02:28]

1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: How can you shift your focus from the temporary nature of your current struggles to the eternal glory that God is preparing for you?

Day 3: Joy in Sacrificial Love

When we pour out our lives for the faith and joy of others, our joy is magnified in their joy. This sacrificial love is a reflection of Christ's love for us and is a source of deep, abiding joy. In Philippians 2, Paul likens his life to a drink offering poured out for the faith of others, finding joy in the strengthening of their faith. This selfless act of love not only benefits others but also brings profound joy to the giver, as it mirrors the sacrificial love of Christ. By serving others, believers experience a deeper connection with Christ and a greater sense of fulfillment. [03:37]

Hebrews 13:16 (ESV): "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."

Reflection: Identify one person in your life whom you can serve selflessly this week. How can you pour out your life for their faith and joy?

Day 4: Embodying Christ's Love to the World

The concept of "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" is about being the tangible expression of Christ's love to the world. As missionaries and believers, we embody Christ's love, making it real and accessible to those who have not yet experienced it. This mission-oriented suffering is not about completing Christ's atoning work but about presenting His love to the world. By embodying Christ's love, believers become the connection between Christ and the unreached, making His love tangible and accessible. [12:52]

Colossians 4:3-4 (ESV): "At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak."

Reflection: How can you be a tangible expression of Christ's love to someone who has not yet experienced it? What practical steps can you take to embody His love today?

Day 5: God's Plan Through Our Suffering

God's plan for reaching the nations involves the suffering of His people, who become the embodiment of Christ's love. Through their sacrifices, the unreached experience the love of Christ, leading to the planting of churches and the spread of the gospel. This divine plan highlights the importance of believers' willingness to suffer for the sake of the gospel. By embracing this calling, believers become vessels of God's grace, bringing the light of the gospel to the ends of the earth. [13:57]

Acts 20:24 (ESV): "But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God."

Reflection: What is one way you can participate in God's plan to reach the nations, even if it involves personal sacrifice? How can you prepare your heart to embrace this calling?

Sermon Summary

In our exploration of Colossians 1:24, we delve into the profound mystery of rejoicing in suffering and the concept of "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions." The Apostle Paul speaks of his joy in suffering for the sake of the church, a notion that seems paradoxical at first glance. To understand this, we must ask ourselves two critical questions: How can one rejoice in suffering, and what does it mean to fill up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions?

The first question is addressed by examining Paul's writings and the teachings of Jesus. In Romans 5, Paul explains that suffering produces endurance, character, and ultimately hope. This hope is not a fleeting emotion but a profound assurance that our suffering is working for us an eternal weight of glory. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 4, Paul speaks of the renewal of our inner selves despite the wasting away of our outer selves, emphasizing the eternal significance of our temporary afflictions. In Philippians 2, Paul likens his life to a drink offering poured out for the faith of others, finding joy in the strengthening of their faith. Jesus, too, encourages us to rejoice when persecuted, for great is our reward in heaven.

The second question, regarding what is lacking in Christ's afflictions, is more mission-oriented. It is not that Christ's atoning work is incomplete; rather, it is about the personal presentation of Christ's love to the world. Paul uses the example of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2, who risked his life to deliver the Philippians' love to Paul, filling up what was lacking in their service. Similarly, missionaries today embody Christ's love, becoming the connection between Christ and the unreached. Their sufferings are a continuation of Christ's afflictions, making His love tangible to those who have not yet heard the gospel.

In conclusion, God's plan involves drawing the nations to Christ through the suffering of His people, who embody His sacrificial love. As we embrace this calling, we become vessels of His grace, bringing the light of the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Key Takeaways

1. Rejoicing in suffering is possible because suffering produces endurance, character, and hope. This hope is not just a feeling but a deep assurance that our trials are preparing us for an eternal glory that far outweighs them. [01:43]
2. Our temporary afflictions are working for us an eternal weight of glory. This perspective allows us to see beyond our present pain and focus on the eternal significance of our suffering. [02:28]
3. When we pour out our lives for the faith and joy of others, our joy is magnified in their joy. This sacrificial love is a reflection of Christ's love for us and is a source of deep, abiding joy. [03:37]
4. The concept of "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" is about being the tangible expression of Christ's love to the world. As missionaries and believers, we embody Christ's love, making it real and accessible to those who have not yet experienced it. [12:52]
5. God's plan for reaching the nations involves the suffering of His people, who become the embodiment of Christ's love. Through their sacrifices, the unreached experience the love of Christ, leading to the planting of churches and the spread of the gospel. [13:57]
** [13:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Introduction to Colossians 1:24
[00:36] - Key Questions on Suffering
[01:28] - Rejoicing in Suffering: Romans 5
[02:13] - Eternal Weight of Glory: 2 Corinthians 4
[03:06] - Sacrificial Offering: Philippians 2
[04:29] - Jesus' Teaching on Persecution
[05:34] - Mission-Oriented Suffering
[06:02] - Filling Up What is Lacking
[07:18] - Atoning Work of Christ
[08:42] - Understanding Paul's Language
[09:29] - Example of Epaphroditus
[10:57] - Personal Connection in Service
[12:52] - Embodying Christ's Love
[13:43] - Conclusion and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Colossians 1:24
- Romans 5:3-5
- Philippians 2:17-18

---

Observation Questions:

In Colossians 1:24, what does Paul mean when he says he rejoices in his sufferings for the sake of the church? How does this align with his other writings? [00:16]
According to Romans 5:3-5, what are the outcomes of suffering that Paul describes? How do these outcomes contribute to a believer's spiritual growth? [01:28]
How does Paul describe his life in Philippians 2:17-18, and what does he find joy in? What does this reveal about his perspective on personal sacrifice? [03:06]
What example does Paul use in Philippians 2 to illustrate the concept of "filling up what is lacking"? How does this example help us understand his mission-oriented perspective? [09:29]

---

Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of rejoicing in suffering challenge common perceptions of suffering in today's culture? What might Paul be suggesting about the nature of Christian joy? [01:43]
In what ways does the idea of "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" expand our understanding of the role of believers in the world? How does this relate to the mission of the church? [06:02]
How does Paul's description of his life as a "drink offering" in Philippians 2:17-18 reflect his understanding of sacrificial love? What implications does this have for how believers should view their own lives? [03:21]
How does the example of Epaphroditus in Philippians 2 help clarify the meaning of "filling up what is lacking"? What does this teach us about the importance of personal connection in ministry? [09:47]

---

Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering. How did it impact your character and hope? How might viewing suffering through the lens of Romans 5:3-5 change your perspective on future challenges? [01:43]
Consider the idea of being a "tangible expression of Christ's love" to others. What are some practical ways you can embody this in your daily interactions, especially with those who have not experienced the gospel? [12:52]
Paul found joy in pouring out his life for the faith of others. Identify one area in your life where you can pour yourself out for the benefit of someone else's faith. What steps can you take to do this joyfully? [03:37]
How can you cultivate a mindset that sees beyond present pain to focus on the eternal significance of your suffering? What practices or habits can help you maintain this perspective? [02:28]
Think about a person or group in your life who is spiritually distant or unreached. How can you be a bridge of Christ's love to them, similar to how Epaphroditus was for Paul? What specific actions can you take this week? [10:25]
Reflect on the idea that God's plan involves the suffering of His people to reach the nations. How does this challenge or affirm your understanding of your role in God's mission? What changes might you need to make in your life to align with this calling? [13:43]
How can you support missionaries or those who are actively involved in spreading the gospel? Consider both practical and spiritual ways to be involved in their mission. [13:57]

Sermon Clips

I rejoice in my sufferings for the sake of the church and second question what in the world does it mean that he's filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions that almost sounds like blasphemy doesn't it I mean what could be lacking in the sufferings of Jesus so those are my two questions let's take them one at a time. [00:54:44]

We rejoice in our sufferings now here's the here's the ground participle you could translate this because right because we know that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character or could be translated a sense of approved like you've gone through the fire you came out on the other side I made it I made it I'm I'm I'm proved like steel and character produces hope. [01:36:06]

We do not lose heart which is another way of saying we we can keep on rejoicing we do not lose heart though our outer self is wasting away our inner self is being renewed by day for this light momentary Affliction and that means a lifetime light and momentary is preparing for us an eternal weight of Glory. [02:16:36]

Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your Fai so Paul Paul picture his life being poured out like an offering to make their faith either come into existence or get stronger if I'm to be poured out as a drink offering upon on the sacrificial offering of your faith I am glad. [03:11:51]

Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward in heaven so those are four answers to the question how in the world can you join Paul in rejoicing in your sufferings question number two this one is more immediately obviously Mission oriented that one is clearly for Missions because you're going to see in this second question that missions involve suffering. [05:15:36]

I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body that is the church now what could that possibly mean how would you go about answering that well what what I do is first of all try to nail down is it possible to improve upon the actual atoning sufferings of Jesus can you improve on that. [06:05:35]

God cancelled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands this he set aside nailing it to the cross my debts are cancelled it's over I mean you you there's no degree here my debts are canceled they're not 90% canceled or 80% or 99% cancelled therefore my sufferings can't improve on the cancellation of my sins. [06:40:75]

Receive epaphroditus so he's telling the Philippians as he sends apodus back to them receive epaphroditus in the Lord with all joy and honor such men for he nearly died for the work of Christ risking his life he nearly died risking his life to fill up what was lacking oh I mean every Bells go off like okay this is going to be helpful. [09:37:83]

He fills up what was lacking in your service to me now what what's the situation so apodius is part of the church in Philippi the church in Philippi wanted to bless Paul but they're separated by hundreds of miles he's in prison in Rome and and and how are they going to help him so let me show you the situation. [10:28:32]

I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me Paul is saying that to the church in Philippi you were indeed concerned for me but you had no opportunity there's hundreds of miles like you love somebody and you I I wish I could be with you to hold you to hug you in the death of your mom. [11:07:52]

I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake and in my flesh I'm filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body that is the church what was lacking he's in heaven he's in heaven risen from the dead in his body and there are unreached people groups all over the world. [12:49:68]

God's plan is that the Nations be drawn to Christ in part by experience in the suffering of missionaries in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking the suffering of missionaries he's filling up the personal presentation of the sacrificial Love Of Christ Miss missionaries are people who embody Christ they are Christ to unreach peoples. [13:35:16]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?

Rejoicing in Suffering: Fulfilling Christ's Afflictions

Devotional

Day 1: Suffering as a Pathway to Hope

Day 2: Eternal Perspective in Temporary Afflictions

Day 3: Joy in Sacrificial Love

Day 4: Embodying Christ's Love to the World

Day 5: God's Plan Through Our Suffering

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Rejoicing in Suffering: Fulfilling Christ's Afflictions

Share