Colossians 1

“God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of His mystery, which is Christ [Messiah] in you, the hope of glory.  We proclaim Him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ [Messiah].  I labor for this, striving with His strength that works powerfully in me.” Colossians 1:27-29 (HCSB)

I urge you to read this chapter.  If for no other reason, it lays out the deity of Jesus.

At the moment they become a follower of Jesus, every believer receives the gift of the Holy Spirit.  It is God’s Spirit that teaches us and even intercedes to God on our behalf.   The Bible says there are times when the Spirit will express itself in great power.   These would be times when a work is accomplished, and there is no doubt that only God’s Spirit has achieved it.

Paul is speaking of such a time in today’s passage.  Paul notes that God is accomplishing His will through Paul, as he is strengthened and empowered by the Holy Spirit.  Wouldn’t you like the Spirit to work through you as it did for Paul?  Here are some things we can learn from Paul’s testimony:  

First, God is looking for faithful believers to labor at His mission.  Are you willing to step out in faith?  Does your fear of the World keep you from possessing what is only offered to God’s faithful servants?

Second, Paul proclaimed the whole Gospel.  When you share your faith, do you withhold the essential elements of true conversion yet make people feel uncomfortable?  It is unhealthy when a person values a relationship more than they value the other person in the relationship.  Often, people withhold sharing the truth of God’s standard, mankind’s sin, and the consequence of Hell for all who refuse Jesus’ atonement.  They do this simply because they value the personal relationship with the non-believer more than they care about the non-believer’s salvation.  Such a relationship is selfish because it puts the believer’s personal social comfort ahead of the spiritual necessities of the non-believing friend.  

Paul presented the Gospel as it is.  The whole Gospel.  He told of the great love of Messiah, and he warned of the reality of Hell.  He knew very well that the message of Jesus was the cornerstone of salvation to some and a “rock of offense” to others.  Paul didn’t “market” Jesus; he “preached” Him.

Lastly, after faithfully heeding God’s call and proclaiming the complete Gospel, the Spirit worked in power and strength.  Thus, Paul saw his efforts bear fruit worthy of his suffering because he was confident God’s Spirit would bring success, according to His perfect wisdom, purpose, plan, and promise.