Off the Shelf Sunday School--Colossians

The Church and Jesus (1:24-29)

Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of this body, which is the church. I have become it(s) servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fulness—the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 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. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

1.????Paul suffered many kinds of physical and mental discomforts while travelling to spread the gospel. (2 Cor 11:23-29) Despite these hardships, Paul was filled with joy knowing that his sacrifices were bringing many to faith in Jesus. Christians suffer persecutions of various kinds yet they bear it joyfully and persevere in obeying God. (Acts 5:41; 2 Tim 3:12) Have you experienced joy because you suffered for doing what you know pleases God??

2.????Christians are part of the body of Christ. Jesus is our head and we are the other parts. When we are afflicted, Jesus feels this. (Acts 9:1-6) There is an intimate spiritual and mental connection which will be perfected in a physical connection at the resurrection of our bodies. We will bear his image in glorious bodies. (1 Cor 15:42-49)

3.????What are some of the mysteries that were hidden but have been revealed through the life and death of Jesus?

4.????Those who are born-again spiritually through faith in Jesus have the presence of God within. This is a deposit or guarantee of our salvation. Therefore, the “hope of glory” is sure and we “hope” for it not because it is uncertain but because we are waiting for it.

5.????The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. (Prov 9:10) Paul taught that humans are sinful and subject to the wrath of God without his forgiveness offered through faith in Jesus. Therefore, it is necessary to believe in a holy God and fear judgment because of sins.

6.????Paul diligently preached the gospel but he acknowledged that it was the presence and power of God that converted people. The Holy Spirit within Paul motivated him to keep going despite opposition and hardships. How has the Holy Spirit within you provided energy and determination to work for Jesus?