Struggling to Mature
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ
Colossians 1:24-2:5 (ESV)
24 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, 25 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, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
Sermon Outline
A life that deepens in Christ includes struggling (1:29-2:1) as part of the maturing process.
1. Proclaiming Christ
1:28 “ Him we proclaim…”
2:2-3 “God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
2. Suffering for Christ
1:24 “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”
1:29 “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”
3. Maturing in Christ
v28 “…that we may present everyone mature in Christ.”
v27 “this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
Prayer of Confession
Our great God, you have made available to us all the riches of wisdom and knowledge. Yet we have not trusted you, walked with you, or loved you. We confess our sins and turn to you for forgiveness. We have set our hearts on earthly treasures while neglecting the treasure of Christ. We have been more concerned with our bodies than with the body of Christ, your church. Comfort has been a greater priority than love for others. We have been childish, but not child-like. We thank you that through the remarkable love of Christ we have the hope of glory. Cleanse and renew us. Sustain us by the powerful working of your Spirit so that we have strength to walk in a manner worthy of Christ. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
What forms of suffering do you assume are a normal part of life? What forms of suffering do you not understand, or leave you confused or make it difficult to believe in God?
What encouragement can readers of Colossians take from the costly sufferings Paul endured in order to bring the gospel to us and to offer teaching and help?
Why is it important to stay focused on Christ? What is challenging about remaining focused on Christ?
How does a person “look to Christ”? What should you do?
How can challenges push you grow? What kinds of trials should Christians expect to be part of their growing process?
How can you draw from the power of God to be sustained when enduring difficulties?
Is there anything you are doing or failing to do that is hindering your maturing in Christ? What can you start to do differently?