“Sept 23, 2024 - Mature in Christ”

Sunday, September 22, 2024

Mature in Christ

Reading:  Colossians 1:24-29
    
    As God has begun the great project of “(reconciling) to himself all things”(Col 1:20) through Jesus, he has included mere men like Paul in the process.  “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known”(Col 1:24-25).  Paul is writing this letter from prison (Col 4:3), so his “sufferings” are not merely mental.  Yet he rejoices because his endurance can benefit the church, of which he is a steward and servant (“minister”).  His willingness to suffer bodily for the cause reminds everyone that the gospel is real, powerful, and worth hurting for.  That gospel also contains the great “mystery”(Col 1:26, 27), hidden from generations, that God wanted to save Jews and Gentiles together through Jesus.  God has done a new thing that blesses more people and brings glory to himself, so Paul is willing to suffer to tell others about it.

    It also explains Paul’s intense dedication to teaching the gospel even to believers.  “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.  For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me”(Col 1:28-29).  Paul teaches people about Jesus over and over again, doling out warnings and wisdom, because it will help them mature.  Just as physical growth demands time and nourishment, so spiritual growth requires a consistent diet of Jesus.  And just as Jesus wants to “present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him”(Col 1:21), so Paul wants to “present everyone mature in Christ”(Col 1:28).  He pictures Jesus inspecting his bride as Paul brings her to him—and finding her pure, strong, and mature.  “For this I toil”; this “presentation” fuels Paul’s great drive, along with the power of Jesus working within him.

    God’s will for his people is not that they simply “make a decision” for Jesus; it is that they grow into the image of Jesus.  God wants us to mature.  He wants us to learn to make wise choices in everyday living; he wants us to grow into loving, peaceful, patient people; he wants us to tell others about Jesus; he wants us to learn to give and not simply take.  This is the reason we study, pray, worship, and serve together:  so that someday we will be found mature in Christ. 

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One Thing to Think About: Am I motivated by helping my brothers and sisters grow? 

One Thing to Pray For:   The energy of Jesus working powerfully within me to accomplish his will
 

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