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As a minister of the Gospel Paul exhibited good leadership qualities.

I. Paul Willingly and Joyfully Endured Suffering for the Good of Believers and the Glory of God (v. 24).

A. Historically, Paul was accustomed to this.

B. Paul’s motivation was to joyfully glorify God through suffering for the good of believers.

C. Why?
1. “to fill up in my flesh what was lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church.”
- “We should bear in mind that although Christ by means of the afflictions which he endured rendered complete satisfaction to God, so that Paul is able to glory in nothing but the cross (Gal. 6:14), the enemies of Christ were not satisfied! They hated Jesus with insatiable hatred, and wanted to add to his afflictions. But since he is no longer physically present on earth, their arrows, which are meant especially for him, strike his followers.it is in that sense that all true believers are in his stead supplying what, as the enemies see it, is lacking in the afflictions which Jesus endured. Christ’s afflictions overflow toward us.”

2. He loved them and saw them as his spiritual children

D. Are we willing to love each other this way even if it costs us?

II. Paul Viewed Himself as a Servant and Steward (25-27).

A. Paul viewed himself as a servant.
1. The Greek word for “servant” or “minister” means, one who executes the commands of another.
2. Paul lived and taught this (I Corinthians 3:5-7)

3. Paul served:
- The church (Colossians 1:24-25)

- Jesus (Philippians 1:1)

- The Gospel (Ephesians 3:6-7)

B. Paul viewed himself as a steward.
1. The Greek word translated “commission” or “dispensation” means, “a management of household affairs and properties belonging to others.”
2. Paul had been given stewardship of the Gospel.

III. Paul Was Focused on Making Disciples (28-29).

A. He worked to “present everyone mature in Christ.”
B. He used every resource to do this.
1. Proclaimed or preached
2. Warning (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

3. Taught (Acts 20:20)

C. He heavily invested himself.
1. “Labor”
2. “Striving” = Greek word that means to agonize.
3. “with His strength” = totally dependent on God
- I Corinthians 15:10