serve christ with purpose
TRANSCRIPT
This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to
every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have
become a servant
Col 1:23b
Paul’s reaction to pressure
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you
Col 1:24a NIV
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 Col 1:24 NLT
The pressures Paul faced
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the
hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great
pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of
life ...
2 Cor 1:8
The pressures Paul faced
Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my
concern for all the churches
2 Cor 11:28
Present the whole truth of Scripture
to present to you the word of God in its fullness
Col 1:25b
Paul’s purpose in serving Christ
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and
training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every
good work
2 Tim 3:16-17
Proclaim Christ
the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now
disclosed to the Lord’s people. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this
mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. He is the one we
proclaim … Col 1:27-28a
Paul’s purpose in serving Christ
Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if
indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory
Rom 8:17
Bring believers to maturity
admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so
that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ
Col 1:28b
Paul’s purpose in serving Christ
Maturity isn’t automatic
You have been Christians a long time now, and you ought to be
teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the
basic things a beginner must learn about the Scriptures. You are like babies who drink only milk and
cannot eat solid food
Heb 5:12-13 NLT
Maturity is a process
grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
2 Pet 3:18
Maturity involves discipline
Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness. Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward
in both this life and the next
1 Tim 4:7-8 NLT
Maturity requires effort
To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so
powerfully works in me
Col 1:29I want you to know how hard I am
contending for you
Col 2:1a
Encourage
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united
in love
Col 1:2a
Paul’s purpose in serving Christ
Enlighten
so that they may have the full riches of complete
understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of
God, namely, Christ
Col 2:2
Paul’s purpose in serving Christ