24I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. 25God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. 26This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

28So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 29That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.  Colossians 1:24-29

I love the window Paul creates for his readers here. We get to see his internal motivations. Why would he suffer for the beginning of the church in each city he visits? Why would he persist to preach the Gospel even when it seems to cost him so much?  What vision continues to fuel his passion?

Well, for one thing, Paul treats the Gospel as a precious treasure contingent the secret and mystery of God.  And two, he treats the Gospel as a that gateway to most tremendous vision of our lives:  “Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.”

Some translations read: Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Wow! So this is why Paul labours and struggles so much in prayer, in teaching, in preaching, in disciplining his own life, in working to clearly communicate the truths of the Gospel. Paul has a vision of what people fully displaying the greatness and glory of Jesus. And that’s what motivates every disciple-maker. That’s what is going to motivate you someday as you care and take interest in another person who is following Jesus and trying to figure Him out!

You are walking treasure chest… full of the glory of Christ Jesus!