Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
Colossians 1:24–2:5 (NIV)
Introduction:
Have you ever found yourself asking, “Is it worth it?”
Maybe you’ve poured yourself into a ministry, a calling, a relationship… and wondered, “Does any of this matter?”
Maybe you’ve obeyed God in something difficult—enduring hardship, criticism, or loss—and quietly asked, “Lord, was this really part of the plan?”
If so, you’re not alone. Even Paul—used mightily by God, called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles—didn’t live a life of comfort and applause. His obedience came with chains, beatings, betrayal, sleepless nights, and deep concern for the church.
And yet, Paul didn’t crumble under pressure—he rejoiced.
Why? Because he wasn’t just enduring hardship—he was investing in something eternal.
In Colossians 1:24–2:5, Paul pulls back the curtain on his own ministry. He shows us not only the message of the gospel but the cost of carrying it. And in doing so, he offers a powerful challenge to every believer—especially to those who lead, teach, serve, and disciple:
Don’t give up. Christ is worth every sacrifice.
Don’t settle. Christ is still the mystery worth proclaiming.
Don’t water it down. Christ is the wisdom of God, and He lives in you.
Let’s look at Paul’s heart—and let his example reignite ours.
Colossians 1:24–2:5 (NIV)
24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 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. 28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
2:1 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
Paul knows that when faith becomes costly, when suffering seems senseless, and when our efforts feel unseen, we need more than sentiment—we need substance. And that’s exactly what he offers us in verse 24. He begins with a stunning statement that reframes how we view hardship in ministry and life.
1. Suffer Well—Because the Gospel Is Worth It (1:24)
“Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you…”
Paul’s words stop us in our tracks. Who says that?
He doesn’t say, “I’m frustrated…” or “I’m enduring…” but “I rejoice in what I am suffering for you.”
This is really shocking to me. It’s certainly not what we might describe as an “ivory-tower theology.” Paul is literally writing this passage (and this letter), from a Roman prison. He’s been beaten, slandered, abandoned. Yet he sees his suffering not as a tragedy—but as participation in Christ’s mission.
Now, when Paul says he is “filling up what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions,” he’s not suggesting Christ’s sacrifice was incomplete. The cross is finished. But what is still lacking is the ongoing presentation of Christ’s sufferings through His servants.
Paul says, “I am suffering for the sake of His body—the church.” He sees ministry not as a platform but as a sacrifice. And he’s glad to pay the price.
In the early 1700s, two young Moravian missionaries heard of an island in the West Indies where African slaves were forced to live and where no preacher was allowed. They chose to sell themselves into slavery just to live among the people and share Christ. As their boat pushed away, one cried out to his family on the shore:
“May the Lamb who was slain receive the reward of His suffering!”
That’s not emotion—that’s conviction.
Application: Are you willing to suffer—for the sake of Christ’s body? Are you discouraged in ministry because of rejection, fatigue, or pain? Let Paul remind you: suffering for Christ is never wasted. When you pour out your life in service, Jesus is glorified—and people are changed.
Paul’s suffering isn’t aimless—it’s anchored in a calling. He doesn’t view himself as a victim, but as a steward—someone entrusted with a sacred responsibility. And that responsibility? It’s to make known the greatest mystery ever revealed.
2. Steward the Mystery—Because You Carry the Message (1:25–27)
“I have become its servant by the commission God gave me…”
Paul reminds the Colossians that his calling was not self-appointed. He didn’t volunteer to be an apostle—he was commissioned by God to reveal the mystery of Christ to the Gentiles.
And what is this mystery? It’s not a riddle. It’s a revealed reality—once hidden, now made known.
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (v. 27)
This would have shocked both Jews and Gentiles.
To the Jews, the idea of Gentiles being included in God’s people was revolutionary.
To the Gentiles, the idea of a personal, indwelling Christ was unheard of.
But Paul says: the riches of the gospel are not just for you—they are now in you.
Imagine receiving a locked treasure chest with no key. You know it’s valuable—but you can’t access it. Then, one day, the key arrives—and you unlock the lid to discover a room filled with riches beyond imagining. That’s what happened at Pentecost. The mystery was unlocked. And the treasure? Christ Himself—now dwelling in His people.
Application: You’re not just saved—you’re filled. The presence of Jesus lives inside of you. That means hope is not a theory—it’s a Person. And His name is Jesus.
Don’t shrink back. Don’t hide your faith. You are a steward of the mystery. Carry it boldly. Share it freely. Live it daily.
But Paul doesn’t stop with mystery. He moves from revelation to responsibility. This message isn’t something to keep quiet about—it demands proclamation. Because the goal of the gospel isn’t just information—it’s transformation. Paul shows us the urgency of preaching Christ with clarity and conviction.
3. Proclaim Christ—Because Maturity Is the Goal (1:28–29)
“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom…”
Paul’s goal isn’t just converts—it’s maturity. He says, “We proclaim Him… so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”
Notice the intensity of his language:
Proclaim – with clarity and conviction.
Admonish – with courage and correction.
Teach – with patience and wisdom.
Contend – with energy and perseverance.
Paul isn’t interested in shallow faith. He doesn’t want people to be impressed—he wants them to be transformed.
Discipleship is not like microwaving popcorn—it’s more like tending a vineyard. You don’t get fruit overnight. You prune, water, wait, and protect. It takes labor and love. But over time, the result is a life that reflects the beauty of Christ.
Application: Are you content with surface-level faith? Are you helping others grow? The call of Christ is not to entertain crowds—but to present mature believers. Proclaim Him. Teach the Word. And do it with the strength He supplies.
That kind of ministry—one that proclaims, admonishes, teaches, and labors—can’t happen from a distance. And Paul wants the Colossians to know: even if he hasn’t met them face to face, he is fighting for them with everything he’s got. So he pivots now to speak pastorally, reminding them that ministry isn’t just about truth—it’s about people. And people are worth contending for.
4. Contend in Love—Because People Matter Deeply (2:1–5)
“I want you to know how hard I am contending for you…”
Paul wasn’t even their pastor—but he was contending for them in prayer, in teaching, and in tears. And why?
“…that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love…” (v. 2)
Paul knew that spiritual maturity doesn’t grow in isolation—it flourishes in a community of love and truth. He longed for them to stand firm, not be swayed by clever arguments, and grow in the full riches of understanding.
He knew that deception doesn’t always sound evil—it often sounds wise, even spiritual. That’s why he points them again to Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
A few years ago, an art museum discovered that a painting on display for decades was a forgery. It looked perfect—but under closer analysis, it lacked the signature of the original artist. That’s how false teaching works. It mimics truth—but it lacks Christ.
Application: Guard your heart. Grow in community. Discern what you’re hearing. And above all—cling to Christ, in whom is all wisdom.
Paul has taken us deep into the heart of his calling—and higher into the glory of Christ. He’s shown us what it means to suffer for the gospel, to carry its message, to proclaim it faithfully, and to contend for others with love. And now, standing at the end of this section, we’re left with one unshakable truth…
Conclusion
What keeps you going when ministry gets hard? What do you do when the weight of leadership, life, or obedience feels too much?
Paul’s answer is simple: Christ in you, the hope of glory.
You are not alone. You are not unequipped. You have a Savior who suffered before you, a mystery that lives within you, a message that must be proclaimed, and a Church that is worth contending for.
So don’t quit.
Don’t shrink back.
Don’t grow cold.
Fix your eyes on Christ.
Steward the gospel with joy. And keep pressing on until the day you stand before Him—not with regrets, but with fruit.
Because in the end, this is our aim:
–To proclaim Him.
–To glorify Him.
–To present others mature in Him.
So remember, Christ in you—the hope of glory.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the privilege of knowing You and making You known. Thank You that the mystery once hidden has now been revealed—and that You dwell in us. Forgive us when we grow weary or lose focus. Restore to us the joy of proclaiming Your name. Help us suffer well. Help us steward the message You’ve entrusted to us. Help us labor with endurance—to teach, admonish, and proclaim—so that others may grow to maturity. Keep us rooted in You. Guard us from deception. Unite us in love. And let the world see not just what we do—but Who lives within us. Christ in us—the hope of glory. We pray this in Your powerful name — Jesus. Amen.