Colossians 1:24-2:1
God has called us to work.
· Toil – kopio – hard work, struggle, labor unto weariness
“And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.”” (Luke 5:5, ESV)
“Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour.” (John 4:6, ESV)
· Struggling – agonizomai – (agony) – Strive with intensity and effort, used of athlete striving for prize
· Our work is to be both physically and spiritually laborious.
o Paul is imprisoned, experience beatings, great physical sacrifice
o For spiritually see 4:12 – emotional, mental, and spiritual toil
I. I. We must work to make the Son of God fully known.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” Matthew 28:19–20
· Mystery – Not a secret insight reserved for the elite, but a truth that in the Old Testament was foreshadowed but veiled, and but now through Jesus has been fully revealed. – Christ through the Holy Spirit will take up residence in the hearts of all who put their faith in Him including Gentiles and they will have the hope of glory - heaven
· Everyone, Everyone, Everyone – The full Word of God is for all, not the elite. Illustration – Visit to the Mormon Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Mormons believe that certain spiritual truths are reserved for a select few who have worked their way to a level where they can understand. This is never Biblical. All of God’s truth is for all people everywhere. Anyone declaring that certain spiritual truths are to be kept secret because they are reserved for the spiritually elite is teaching that which is contrary to the clear Word of God. His Word is for everyone, everyone, everyone!
· God desires everyone everywhere to understand His Word and to know His Son – but they don’t and for this we must work!
II. II. We must work so that others will be saved and become spiritually mature.
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him,” Colossians 2:6
· Christianity does not stop when we receive – It just gets started so now we live for Jesus!
“And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”” Acts 26:28–29
“. . . From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:15–17
· Warn – The word of God warns us of the consequences of disobedience and calls us to repent.
· Teach – The word of God teaches us the righteousness and trains us to be men and women of God
The Word of God makes us spiritually mature. Let’s get in His word. Let’s work to share His word.
III. III. We must work in the strength of God.
“Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12–13
Illustration: Empty gloves can do nothing. Gloves with hands in them are capable of doing anything the hands are capable of doing.
