The Mystery of Christ in Paul’s Ministry and Christian Experience (Colossians 1:24-2:5)

Class Outline:

Wednesday June 3, 2026

 

Intro:

 

Paul realized that he had become a steward in God’s house. First he recognized that God had built a new house, not on the foundation of Moses but on the greater Moses, Christ, then he realized he was a steward in it. He was told when he was first converted that he was going to suffer for the sake of God. Why?

 

The Mystery.

 

COL 1:24-2:5

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions. 25 Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, 26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, 27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

 

2 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself,  3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument. 5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. 

 

1. Paul’s ministry as an example. (1:24-2:5)

 

Suffering for Christ’s sake always has meaning. We suffer for the gospel, others, love, good, morality, light shining, etc.

 

Not all suffering has meaning, but suffering for Christ always does.

 

Paul is taking his part (“I do my share”) in a long line of Christians who are willing to be heralds of the gospel and be like the Lord.

 

PHI 1:29-30

For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 experiencing the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

 

Christ used language that indicated that the church would have a certain amount of suffering (MAT 23:32; MAT 23:34; MAT 24:9).

 

At the end of the Beatitudes, Jesus told us we were blessed if we were persecuted for His name’s sake.

 

Paul the steward:

 

His stewardship was a minister, which means servant. We all are. Each of us has a stewardship and in it we are to be faithful no matter what.

 

Now we will see what Paul was given to do. While our ministries and the works we do in them are not going to be the same, many things are the same, like the principle: what you do in the service of the Lord is for the benefit of others.

 

The key word “mystery” is loaded with meaning. This mystery is from heaven. And that one, now proclaimed in the gospel, in the hymn of 1:15-20, the one who opens all doors and gives all life and power - Him; He is in you.

 

 We proclaim Him - the foundation of every ministry, organization, church - everything said and done must ultimately feed this purpose.

 

Admonishing and teaching - discipling. 

 

2. Why reveal his ministry?

 

Paul wants them to know that living the gospel is going to be a struggle. 

 

So that all are encouraged.

 

Why is struggle going to lead to encouragement? Remember the power of the gospel in 1:3-23. Why is there opposition? Because the gospel is so very good.

 

When you stand in that power, and when it and you are persecuted, it shines brighter. 

 

All knit in love, because all have touched God.

 

Paul knows that understanding Christ with full assurance in what you understand is true wealth. Every believer should be filthy rich in this way. 

 

Conclusion:

 

You have to give away the gospel to know it / Him fully.

 

Every ministry must have its goal to teach Christ or it will fall prey to delusions.

 

When there is full assurance of understanding of the “mystery” (Christ revealed from and by heaven, and not known before) the persuasive arguments are not persuasive at all.