{"id":1834,"date":"2025-05-28T16:41:17","date_gmt":"2025-05-28T16:41:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=1834"},"modified":"2025-12-15T21:07:27","modified_gmt":"2025-12-15T21:07:27","slug":"christ-in-you-the-hope-of-glory","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/christ-in-you-the-hope-of-glory\/","title":{"rendered":"CHRIST IN YOU, THE HOPE OF GLORY"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Christ in You, the Hope of Glory<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Colossians 1:24\u20132:5 (NIV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever found yourself asking, \u201cIs it worth it?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you\u2019ve poured yourself into a ministry, a calling, a relationship\u2026 and wondered, \u201cDoes any of this matter?\u201d<\/em>
Maybe you\u2019ve obeyed God in something difficult\u2014enduring hardship, criticism, or loss\u2014and quietly asked, \u201cLord, was this really part of the plan?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If so, you\u2019re not alone. Even Paul\u2014used mightily by God, called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles\u2014didn\u2019t live a life of comfort and applause. His obedience came with chains, beatings, betrayal, sleepless nights, and deep concern for the church.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And yet, Paul didn\u2019t crumble under pressure\u2014he rejoiced<\/strong>.
Why? Because he wasn\u2019t just enduring hardship\u2014he was investing in something eternal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Colossians 1:24\u20132:5,<\/strong> Paul pulls back the curtain on his own ministry. He shows us not only the\u00a0message<\/strong>\u00a0of the gospel but the\u00a0cost<\/strong>\u00a0of carrying it. And in doing so, he offers a powerful challenge to every believer\u2014especially to those who lead, teach, serve, and disciple:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t give up<\/strong>. Christ is worth every sacrifice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t settle.<\/strong> Christ is still the mystery worth proclaiming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t water it down.<\/strong> Christ is the wisdom of God, and He lives in you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s look at Paul\u2019s heart\u2014and let his example reignite ours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Colossians 1:24\u20132:5 (NIV)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

24<\/strong> 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\u2019s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25<\/strong> I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness\u2014 26<\/strong> the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord\u2019s people. 27<\/strong> 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.<\/strong> 28<\/strong> He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29<\/strong> To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2:1<\/strong> 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<\/strong> 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<\/strong> in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4<\/strong> I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5<\/strong> 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.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Paul knows that when faith becomes costly, when suffering seems senseless, and when our efforts feel unseen, we need more than sentiment\u2014we need substance. And that\u2019s exactly what he offers us in verse 24. He begins with a stunning statement that reframes how we view hardship in ministry and life.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

1. Suffer Well\u2014Because the Gospel Is Worth It (1:24)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n

\u201cNow I rejoice in what I am suffering for you\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Paul\u2019s words stop us in our tracks. Who says that? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He doesn’t say, \u201cI\u2019m frustrated\u2026\u201d<\/em> or \u201cI\u2019m enduring\u2026\u201d<\/em> but \u201cI rejoice in what I am suffering for you.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s been beaten, slandered, abandoned. Yet he sees his suffering not as a tragedy\u2014but as participation in Christ\u2019s mission<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, when Paul says he is \u201cfilling up what is lacking in regard to Christ\u2019s afflictions,\u201d he\u2019s not suggesting Christ\u2019s sacrifice was incomplete. The cross is finished. But what is still lacking<\/em> is the ongoing presentation<\/strong> of Christ\u2019s sufferings through His servants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul says, \u201cI am suffering for the sake of His body\u2014the church.\u201d<\/em> He sees ministry not as a platform but as a sacrifice. And he\u2019s glad to pay the price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cMay the Lamb who was slain receive the reward of His suffering!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s not emotion\u2014that\u2019s conviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Application:<\/strong> Are you willing to suffer\u2014for the sake of Christ\u2019s 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\u2014and people are changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul\u2019s suffering isn\u2019t aimless\u2014it\u2019s anchored in a calling. He doesn’t view himself as a victim, but as a steward\u2014someone entrusted with a sacred responsibility. And that responsibility? It\u2019s to make known the greatest mystery ever revealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Steward the Mystery\u2014Because You Carry the Message (1:25\u201327)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n

\u201cI have become its servant by the commission God gave me\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Paul reminds the Colossians that his calling was not self-appointed. He didn\u2019t volunteer to be an apostle\u2014he was commissioned<\/strong> by God to reveal the mystery of Christ to the Gentiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And what is this mystery? It\u2019s not a riddle. It\u2019s a revealed reality<\/strong>\u2014once hidden, now made known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cChrist in you, the hope of glory.\u201d<\/em> (v. 27)<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

This would have shocked both Jews and Gentiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the Jews, the idea of Gentiles being included in God\u2019s people was revolutionary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To the Gentiles, the idea of a personal, indwelling Christ was unheard of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Paul says: the riches of the gospel are not just for you<\/em>\u2014they are now in you<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Imagine receiving a locked treasure chest with no key. You know it\u2019s valuable\u2014but you can\u2019t access it. Then, one day, the key arrives\u2014and you unlock the lid to discover a room filled with riches beyond imagining. That\u2019s what happened at Pentecost. The mystery was unlocked. And the treasure? Christ Himself\u2014now dwelling in His people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Application:<\/strong> You\u2019re not just saved\u2014you\u2019re filled. The presence of Jesus lives inside of you. That means hope is not a theory\u2014it\u2019s a Person. And His name is Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t shrink back. Don\u2019t hide your faith. You are a steward of the mystery<\/strong>. Carry it boldly. Share it freely. Live it daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Paul doesn\u2019t stop with mystery. He moves from revelation to responsibility<\/strong>. This message isn\u2019t something to keep quiet about\u2014it demands proclamation. Because the goal of the gospel isn\u2019t just information\u2014it\u2019s transformation. Paul shows us the urgency of preaching Christ with clarity and conviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Proclaim Christ\u2014Because Maturity Is the Goal (1:28\u201329)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul\u2019s goal isn\u2019t just converts\u2014it\u2019s maturity<\/strong>. He says, \u201cWe proclaim Him\u2026 so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Notice the intensity of his language:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proclaim<\/strong> \u2013 with clarity and conviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Admonish<\/strong> \u2013 with courage and correction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teach<\/strong> \u2013 with patience and wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contend<\/strong> \u2013 with energy and perseverance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul isn\u2019t interested in shallow faith. He doesn\u2019t want people to be impressed\u2014he wants them to be transformed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discipleship is not like microwaving popcorn\u2014it\u2019s more like tending a vineyard. You don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Application:<\/strong> Are you content with surface-level faith? Are you helping others grow? The call of Christ is not to entertain crowds\u2014but to present mature believers. Proclaim Him. Teach the Word. And do it with the strength He supplies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That kind of ministry\u2014one that proclaims, admonishes, teaches, and labors\u2014can\u2019t happen from a distance. And Paul wants the Colossians to know: even if he hasn\u2019t met them face to face, he is fighting for them with everything he\u2019s got. So he pivots now to speak pastorally, reminding them that ministry isn\u2019t just about truth\u2014it\u2019s about people. And people are worth contending for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Contend in Love\u2014Because People Matter Deeply (2:1\u20135)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI want you to know how hard I am contending for you\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul wasn\u2019t even their pastor\u2014but he was contending for them in prayer, in teaching, and in tears. And why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c\u2026that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love\u2026\u201d (v. 2)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul knew that spiritual maturity doesn\u2019t grow in isolation\u2014it 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He knew that deception doesn\u2019t always sound evil\u2014it often sounds wise<\/strong>, even spiritual. That\u2019s why he points them again to Christ<\/strong>, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few years ago, an art museum discovered that a painting on display for decades was a forgery<\/strong>. It looked perfect\u2014but under closer analysis, it lacked the signature of the original artist. That\u2019s how false teaching works. It mimics truth\u2014but it lacks Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Application:<\/strong> Guard your heart. Grow in community. Discern what you\u2019re hearing. And above all\u2014cling to Christ, in whom is all wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul has taken us deep into the heart of his calling\u2014and higher into the glory of Christ. He\u2019s 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\u2019re left with one unshakable truth…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

What keeps you going when ministry gets hard? What do you do when the weight of leadership, life, or obedience feels too much?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul\u2019s answer is simple: Christ in you, the hope of glory.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So don\u2019t quit.
Don\u2019t shrink back.
Don\u2019t grow cold.
Fix your eyes on Christ. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steward the gospel with joy. And keep pressing on until the day you stand before Him\u2014not with regrets, but with fruit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because in the end, this is our aim:
–To proclaim Him.
–To glorify Him.
–To present others mature in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So remember, Christ in you\u2014the hope of glory.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Closing Prayer:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014and 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\u2019ve entrusted to us. Help us labor with endurance\u2014to teach, admonish, and proclaim\u2014so 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\u2014but Who lives within us. Christ in us\u2014the hope of glory. We pray this in Your powerful name — Jesus. Amen.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Christ in You, the Hope of Glory Colossians 1:24\u20132:5 (NIV) Introduction: Have you ever found yourself asking, \u201cIs it worth it?\u201d Maybe you\u2019ve poured yourself into …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1834","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1834","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1834"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1834\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2701,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1834\/revisions\/2701"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1834"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}