Stewardship of the Gospel: Embracing Reconciliation and Suffering
Summary
In the exploration of Colossians 1:24-29, the focus is on the concept of stewardship of God's mystery, which is deeply intertwined with the act of reconciliation. The mystery referred to is the profound truth of the gospel, which was once hidden but has now been revealed to the saints. This mystery encompasses the incarnation of Christ and the extension of God's kingdom to all people, not just the Jews. It is a message that transcends the boundaries of ethnicity, race, and social status, offering salvation to every person who believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
The discussion begins with an emphasis on the importance of not preaching oneself but Christ Jesus as Lord. The central purpose is to know Christ and Him crucified, which is the core of the gospel message. The vision for the church should be centered on Jesus Christ, not on traditions or legalistic systems. The role of mature believers is to warn and guide the younger or less mature in faith, helping them understand the path of righteousness and the dangers of sin.
The passage also delves into the apostle Paul's ministry, describing him as a steward of the mystery of God. Paul's stewardship involves suffering for the sake of the church, which he joyfully accepts as part of his calling. This suffering is not to be seen as a deficiency in Christ's afflictions but rather as a participation in the ongoing struggle for the gospel's advancement. Paul's willingness to endure hardships for the benefit of others exemplifies the sacrificial nature of Christian ministry.
Furthermore, the text highlights the inclusivity of the gospel. The hope laid up in heaven is not reserved for a select group but is proclaimed to all creation. The Holy Spirit indwells every believer, reconciling them to the Father and, by extension, to one another. This reconciliation breaks down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, creating a unified body of believers. The ministry of reconciliation is then entrusted to all Christians, who are called to be ambassadors for Christ, bridging the gap between a forgiving God and a repentant world.
The faithfulness to one's commission is another theme addressed. Believers are encouraged to proclaim Christ, admonish, and teach with wisdom to present everyone complete in Christ. This task is not about disseminating information but about revealing the person of Jesus. The ultimate goal is to help others mature in their faith, becoming complete in their relationship with God.
In conclusion, the passage calls for a commitment to the ministry of reconciliation, which involves suffering, teaching, and proclaiming the mystery of Christ. It is a call to be faithful stewards of the gospel, sharing the message of salvation with all people and guiding them toward spiritual maturity.
Key Takeaways:
- The mystery of the gospel, once hidden, is now revealed to all believers, signifying the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. This mystery is not esoteric knowledge but the revealed truth of Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection, which offers salvation to every person, transcending cultural and ethnic barriers. The inclusivity of the gospel is a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing that the message of Christ is for all humanity. [01:02:13]
- Suffering is an integral part of Christian ministry, as seen in Paul's willingness to endure hardships for the sake of the church. This suffering is not a reflection of Christ's work being incomplete but a participation in the mission to spread the gospel. Believers are called to embrace this aspect of their calling, understanding that suffering for Christ is a privilege that unites them with His purpose. [41:22]
- Stewardship of the gospel involves a deep sense of responsibility and service. As stewards, believers are entrusted with the care of God's message and are called to serve others, not to rule over them. This stewardship requires humility, dedication, and a servant's heart, reflecting the character of Christ Himself. [53:35]
- Reconciliation is a key element of the Christian mission, involving the bridging of the gap between God and humanity. This ministry requires sacrifice, negotiation, and a willingness to step into difficult situations to bring about peace. Christians are agents of reconciliation, called to reflect God's desire to restore relationships with His creation. [42:02]
- Faithfulness to one's commission is paramount in Christian service. Proclaiming Christ, admonishing, and teaching with wisdom are tasks that aim to present every person complete in Christ. This commitment to the spiritual growth of others is a reflection of the ultimate purpose of the gospel—to transform lives and bring them into a mature relationship with God. [01:04:05]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 1:24-29 - "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, 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, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 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. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me."
2. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
3. Romans 5:8-10 - "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he says he is "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" in Colossians 1:24?
2. According to Colossians 1:26, what is the "mystery" that has been hidden for ages but is now revealed?
3. How does Paul describe his role and mission in Colossians 1:25-28?
4. What does 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 say about the ministry of reconciliation and our role in it?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul's willingness to suffer for the church reflect the nature of Christian ministry? ([40:46])
2. What is the significance of the "mystery" being revealed to the Gentiles, and how does this impact the inclusivity of the gospel? ([59:11])
3. In what ways does the ministry of reconciliation require sacrifice and negotiation, as described in the sermon? ([42:02])
4. How does Paul's description of his labor and struggle in Colossians 1:29 relate to the power of God working within him? ([01:12:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Paul emphasizes the importance of not preaching oneself but Christ Jesus as Lord. How can you ensure that your actions and words point others to Christ rather than yourself? ([01:04:44])
2. Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering or hardship for the sake of your faith. How did this experience shape your understanding of Christian ministry? ([40:46])
3. The sermon highlights the inclusivity of the gospel. How can you actively work to break down barriers and promote unity within your church community? ([01:02:52])
4. Paul talks about being a steward of the mystery of God. What practical steps can you take to be a faithful steward of the gospel in your daily life? ([53:35])
5. The ministry of reconciliation involves bridging the gap between God and humanity. Identify one person in your life who is distant from God. How can you act as an ambassador for Christ to help reconcile them to God? ([01:03:29])
6. Paul labored tirelessly for the spiritual growth of others. What specific actions can you take to support and encourage the spiritual growth of someone in your small group or church? ([01:08:54])
7. Reflect on the power of the Holy Spirit working within you. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's strength and guidance in your ministry efforts? ([01:12:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Gospel Mystery Unveiled to All
The gospel's mystery, once concealed, is now an open invitation to every soul, revealing the boundless reach of God's grace. This truth, once exclusive to a chosen few, now welcomes all into a transformative relationship with Christ, breaking down the barriers that once divided humanity. [01:02:13]
Ephesians 3:6 - "This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate the inclusivity of the gospel in your interactions with others who may be different from you?
Day 2: Embracing Suffering in Ministry
Suffering for the gospel is not a sign of its inadequacy but a sharing in Christ's mission. As believers, the call to endure hardship is a sacred participation in the spread of the divine message, uniting us with the heart of Jesus' sacrificial love. [41:22]
Colossians 1:24 - "Now I rejoice in what I am suffering 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."
Reflection: In what ways might you be called to suffer for the sake of others, and how can you find joy in that calling?
Day 3: Humble Stewards of the Divine Message
As stewards of the gospel, believers are entrusted with the sacred task of caring for and sharing God's message. This role is not about dominion but service, reflecting Christ's humility and dedication to nurturing the faith of others. [53:35]
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
Reflection: What gifts has God given you, and how can you use them to serve others in the stewardship of the gospel?
Day 4: Agents of Reconciliation
Christians are called to be ambassadors of reconciliation, reflecting God's heart to restore broken relationships. This ministry requires stepping into the breach to bring peace, mirroring the reconciliatory work of Christ. [42:02]
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: Who in your life might be waiting for a gesture of reconciliation from you, and what steps can you take today to initiate that process?
Day 5: Committed to Spiritual Maturity
The commitment to proclaim Christ and guide others toward spiritual maturity is a reflection of the gospel's transformative power. This task goes beyond mere knowledge, aiming to foster a deep, mature relationship with God in every believer. [01:04:05]
Colossians 1:28-29 - "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of someone in your community, and what specific action can you take this week to support their journey?
Quotes
"God loves every single person on this planet and God wants us to seek and to save the Lost regardless of race, regardless of nation, regardless of background, regardless of gender, regardless of orientation, regardless of perspective, regardless of what they've done." [01:13:29] (Download)
"Being an agent of reconciliation for Paul, he's saying, is not easy. There's suffering that goes along with it." [45:39] (Download)
"Paul's response to criticism and ridicule was not dejection but joy, for he counted his sufferings as joy for the sake of others." [46:52] (Download)
"Our vision for this church should not just be about the things that we do; our vision should be Jesus Christ. It's not about the traditions of men, it's about Christ." [01:05:22] (Download)
"We have the ministry of reconciliation and each one of us is called to be an ambassador, to go into the world and be an interlocutor, a negotiator between God who wants to forgive and a world that does not want to repent." [01:03:29] (Download)
"A mystery is something that is hidden with the intention of revealing it to certain people. We're talking about being stewards of that mystery, being good stewards of it which we are called to be." [32:06] (Download)
"Reconciliation means to do what to bring two warring sides or two opposing parties together, and this is the ministry of the hope of reconciliation." [41:22] (Download)
"The world never anticipated that God would become man, that he would be crucified, that he would be resurrected and glorified. The Jews never really anticipated that the kingdom of God would involve more than the Jews." [59:11] (Download)
"God has revealed this mystery now not just to a select few; it's not just to a few initiates but this mystery is available to anyone with whom we will share it, and the promises are the riches of his glory." [01:00:52] (Download)
"Our responsibility as mature Christian adults is to help our younger Christians and our children so that someday they might be presented blameless and also without blemish as mature in Christ." [01:08:54] (Download)
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