Colossians 1:24-29 (NLT)
24 I 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. 25 God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. 26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27 For 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.
28 So 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, perfectin their relationship to Christ. 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
Reflection
Proclaiming, warning, teaching and pastoring, Paul labored hard with sweat and blood to pass on the message of grace that he received from the Lord. He ministered in the midst of stoning, jail, shipwreck and more. Paul was willing to put up with trials and tribulations so that many could hear and experience the glorious message of grace. Paul worked hard to share the gospel, even to the point of suffering. But he was completely dependent on Christ’s mighty power working in him. He did not just deliver any message but he delivered his life-changing account of the message, testifying of his personal encounter with Jesus Christ. So when he proclaimed “Christ lives in you,” it was out of God’s mighty power, abundant riches and hopeful glory.
Responding to the Transmitted Message
When trying to tell others about Christ, we recognize quickly that we can’t go far on our own strength and wisdom. Let’s ask for His grace and power. As we receive from God, let’s pray for our missional groups, campuses and churches. May God lead us to those who need to hear His message of grace, and may we be completely dependent on Christ’s power working in us.
