Introduction:

Colossians 1:21-29 NASB
21 And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, 22 yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, was made a minister.

Salvation is a connection to perfection – God

Salvation is a connection to imperfection – me

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.

Christ suffered to accomplish salvation; we suffer to spread salvation.

25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, 27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Jesus, the mystery made manifest.

28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

Evidence of maturity:

We are increasingly aware of our sinfulness and weakness. (v.21)

Our spiritual battles become more intense, and yet we still rejoice. (v.24)

We view service to God as a high honor, not a burden. (v.25)

We enjoy learning from God’s word. (v25)

We view everything as coming from Him. (v.26)

We love spending alone time getting to know the mystery of Jesus. (v.27)

We experience an ever-increasing awareness of His presence. (v.27)

We are committed to growing within the community of God. (v.28)

We are eager to share what Christ is doing in our life. (v.28)

Our desire to obey Him becomes more intense, and sin is less attractive. (v.28)
We are more dependent on God’s Spirit working within us. (v.29)

Transcendent
Colossians 1:21-29, Pastor Lance Ainsworth
May 16th & 19th, 2024
The Mystery of Jesus

Prayer Requests:

Group Discussion: When has somebody made you feel included?

Read Aloud: Colossians 1:21-29

1.v.26 “that is the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints,” God reveals through Jesus the mystery of who the gospel is for, Jesus in us, and assurance for eternity. These three concepts were new to the audience. Which of these three ideas is most unique and mind-boggling for you?

2. v.28 “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.” God wants us to mature in Christ. Out of the below list of evidence of maturity, which do you see growth in, and which areas would you like to see growth in?

We are increasingly aware of our sinfulness and weakness. ( v.21)
Our spiritual battles become more intense, and yet we still rejoice. (v.24)
We view service to God as a high honor, not a burden. (v.25)
We enjoy learning from God’s word. (v25)
We view everything as coming from Him. (v.26)
We love spending alone time getting to know the mystery of Jesus. (v.27)
We experience an ever-increasing awareness of His presence. (v.27)
We are committed to growing within the community of God. (v.28)
We are eager to share what Christ is doing in our life. (v.28)
Our desire to obey Him becomes more intense, and sin is less attractive. (v.28)
We are more dependent on God’s Spirit working within us. (v.29)