Walking treasure chests… full of glory!

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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!

Jesus is not an absentee landlord.

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15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:15-17

 

Jesus holds it all together. Not only were all things created through Him and for Him, but He also remains connected and part of life — Jesus holds it all together. He is not an absentee landlord. This man Jesus who is the image of the invisible God, precedes Creation and now holds it all together! This is a magnificent declaration of Jesus’ supreme importance to life.

When I feel as if everything is falling apart — Jesus is holding it together. When I wonder if death and destruction is winning — I must remember that death has been defeated through Christ. These powers arrayed against the knowledge of God and the glory of God in creation, in people, and in the church have nothing on Him.

The universe is personal. It is personally connected to Jesus, yet it is a distinct reality. You and I can study all that is created as an entity separate from God — but the declaration of Scripture is that in the mind of God all things were created for Christ Jesus.

Jesus is supreme. Our lives, are held together by Jesus. Glory! to acknowledge Jesus as Lord, is to engage personally with the One who made you and knows you.

The making of saints.

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1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.  Colossians 1:1-8

 

When Paul uses the word “saints” to address the followers of Jesus he is saying that they are “holy.” They are a people “set aside” for God. That is, they are on reserve, cleaned and like God. When the Scripture speaks of holiness it always has God as the reference of holiness. One important note though, our holiness is not preserved by staying on a reserve shelf, tucked away safely from the world. No, we are also faithful. We are able to engage in life remaining faithful and responsive to Jesus.

Some Christian traditions have identified particularly outstanding Christians in our history as saints. But the New Testament reference of saints is to all the followers of Jesus. We are the saints, the holy ones made so “in Christ.” In Christ we are becoming a “faithful” people. The steady movement of our long obedience in response to Jesus’ grace transforms our character and makes us faithful.

This is who you are, and who you are becoming: A saint. A faithful one in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Having our needs met… in Christ.

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18At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

20Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.

Philippians 4:18-20 NLT

Paul is so grateful for what he has and he is thankful or the provisions sent to him by the Philippian church. Even when he was having difficulties, Paul said he had learned contentment. Its true,  God meets our needs in a variety of ways. Paul expresses confidence for God’s supply not only for himself but also for the them:

“This same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

To live in the “abundance” of your relationship with God through Jesus is to live confidently and generously. To live in the abundance of Jesus allows you to be a connecting person in your relationships. This kind of life is in contrast to a “stingy” demeanour about life. The stingy person acts as if all the glory of life depends on themselves. But for us, as followers of Jesus we have the promise of God’s great supply and grace even when we feel that we don’t immediately have enough money, strength, will-power, kindness, peace, joy, or even love.

He can supply. He will supply–from what may seem to be likely and unlikely sources.

 

 

 

 

 

Our Joy

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20For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. 21For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better. 22But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. 23I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. 24But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.

25Knowing this, I am convinced that I will remain alive so I can continue to help all of you grow and experience the joy of your faith.  Philippians 1:20-25

The Apostle Paul declares his heart for Jesus. You can hear in his words above, the zeal and passion he has for Jesus and his intention to live for Jesus and to be with Jesus no matter what happens in life. Even while writing from prison, death has lost its sting for Paul because he is looking forward to a day when he will be with Jesus fully.

But he has another desire. Paul desires greatly that people, like the Philippian church, keep growing in Christ. He wants them to grow and he’ love to be a part of it. Not only that, but Paul wants them to keep experiencing the joy of their faith.

I want the same thing for you. It’s true. There is joy in Christ Jesus for us. And I hope,  that you have the joy of knowing the One who has overcome death, sin, and evil. I hope you have the joy of knowing the One who loves you completely and fully. I pray that the Holy Spirit renews your mind in the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord so that you experience our Heavenly Father’s great love for you! And I pray that His love will produce joy.