PAUL’S STEWARDSHIP AND TOIL (COL 1: 24-29)

PAUL’S STEWARDSHIP AND TOIL (COL 1: 24-29):

Paul writes that then he rejoices in his sufferings for their sake, and in his flesh, he is filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the church, of which he became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to him for them, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but then revealed to his saints. Paul says that he is happy and content though there are sorrows and pains because of the people’s attitude not to accept what is right and transform themself towards the truth, and do some miserable deeds to suppress him. Christ had also suffered for the people to know Him and be reconciled with God. Paul says that he is continuing what Christ had modeled for the believers, and he fills the gaps. Paul understood that his life will soon pass away and had defined his life to preach and teach the Word of God by explaining it well, as God had given that responsibility. The Word of God had many prophecies and commands that remained as mysteries for generations, but God had revealed them to the believers.

The author then writes that God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of that mystery, which is Christ in them, the hope of glory. God is impartial and without any favoritism. Though the pathway for salvation came from the tribe of Israel, through which Christ was born, God’s righteousness and justice are common for all. Christ died once for all mankind, whoever they are. The Grace of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is amazing to all and the blood of Jesus takes away the sin and guilt, which is the greatest secret and the greatest hope for all, but experienced by all who genuinely believe in Him.

The author also writes that they proclaim Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that they may present everyone mature in Christ. For that, he toils struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within him. The believers who had tasted the Love of God shall tell the Gospel of Christ that the Love and Grace of God could transform anyone. The believers who are growing in the Lord also are aware of the righteousness of God and shall guide everyone with God’s wisdom. The mature believers in Christ are in balance in their emotions and intellect. Paul also wants the believers to follow the footsteps of the Lord Jesus Christ by having Him in their minds and hearts and Paul puts the best effort to guide them.

Stimulations for Self-Reflection:

1.      In what does the Author rejoice? Why?

2.      What does Paul try to fill up? Why?

3.      What was given to Paul by God? Why?

4.      What is hidden for generations and to whom it is revealed?

5.      What does Paul mean by mystery?

6.      What is great among the gentiles? Why?

7.      How Christ is the Hope of Glory??

8.      What do the believers do in order to present everyone mature in Christ?

9.      For what does Paul toil?

10.  How we can be good stewards?

11.  How we can proclaim the Words of Christ?