How to Labor for Christ

Colossians 1:28-2:1

Written by Paul

Written to believers in Colossae

Written from Rome

Written in 61 AD

Written because of the Colossian heresy

Written to show the supremacy of Christ

Qualified us for a share in the inheritance, v 12

Transferred us from “domain” of darkness to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, v 13

Christ is qualified to “reconcile” ALL things, vv 15-20

He will “present” us at the Judgment Seat of Christ, vv 21-23

Paul labors for the Gospel of this Age, vv 24-29

Rejoice in suffering… it is making you mature, v 24

Maturity means we are influenced by the Word, vv 25-27

Be taught by the word so you will be presented complete, v 28

Follow Paul’s example. Be energized by Christ, v 29

He is SUFFICIENT

The purpose of the Labor, Col 1:28

The key to the Labor, Col 1:29

How to acquire the key, Col 2:1

Continually admonishing and continually teaching with ALL wisdom σοφια – sophia

Not man’s wisdom, i.e. meditation, harsh treatment of the body, social justice, etc.

God’s wisdom, i.e. the BibleInerrant

Literal interpretation, plain reading

Admonishing… teaching… EVERY man, so that we may present EVERY man COMPLETE in Christ

Complete – τελειον teleion

Complete τελειον teleionWe are to be τελειον like our heavenly Father, Matt 5:48

Our tongue is a great barrier to being τελειονJames 3:5-12

Teaching/learning leads to τελειονAnd He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a MATURE man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. Eph 4:11-13

For this purpose…Presenting every man τελειον in Christ

Paul labors, striving ACCORDING to HIS POWER, which mightily WORKS within him.

Intensive labor and striving, like a marathon

Abide in Christ, John 15:1-5, we can do nothing without Him

We must rest in Christ, Hebrews 4

Faith-Rest Hebrews 4God’s example in creation, the Sabbath, Hebrews 4:4

The example of Israel, the Land, Hebrews 4:1-3, 5-8

We rest/Sabbath/abide in Christ, Hebrews 4:10-13

Not a license to laziness! Paul LABORS, STRIVINGSo how do we do this?

For I want you to know how great a STRUGGLE I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodecia…

For I want you to know how great a STRUGGLE I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodecia…

Our struggle is for an imperishable prize, 1 Cor 9:24-27

Our struggle is not against flesh and blood! Eph 6:12

Two important questionsHow do we REST in Christ while laboring?

How do we struggle against a foe that we can’t see?

Must be equipped for the battle, Eph 6:10-17

Finally, BE STRONG (present passive imperative) in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 6:10

PUT ON (aorist middle imperative) the full armor of God, so that you will be able to STAND FIRM (with a view to the future) against the schemes of the devil. 6:11

Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 6:14

… and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; 6:15

… in addition to all TAKING UP (aorist ACTIVE participle) the shield of faith… 6:16

Taking up αναλαμβανω analambano, take to one’s self, grab

And TAKE (aorist middle imperative) the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 6:17

Take: δεχομαι dechomai also means RECEIVESword: μαχαιρα machaira, Roman short sword

THE WORD OF GOD IS THE KEY TO UNLOCKING THE STRUGGLE