Christ in You, the Hope of Glory!

Pastor Keith Hassell

Foundation Scripture:       Colossians 1:24-29

I.          Paul and ministry

            A.        Our ministry is for others (v. 24)

            B.        We are to rejoice in our sufferings for the sake of others

            C.        It is Christ’s sufferings that we bear and not our own

D.        It is for the sake of His body, the church

E.         Our ministry is a stewardship (A steward is one who acts as an administrator for another or others)

F.         Our ministry is a gift (It was given to me)

G.        Its purpose is for the sake of others

H.        We fulfill the word of God (commission, prophecy)

II.         The mystery

            A.        Has been hidden from ages and from generations

            B.        NOW has been revealed to His saints

C.        To the saints God willed to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles

D.        What is the mystery?  “Christ in you, the hope of glory”

            1.         In Christ:  We died

            2.         Christ in us:  Christ lives in us

3.         Temple of the Holy Spirit:  Spirit of Christ dwells in us (Romans 8:8-11)

E.         Our destination in Christ is “glory”

III.       The responsibility of this mystery

            A.        We preach Him

            B.        We warn every man

                        1.         Of failing to come short of this glory

            C.        We teach every man in all wisdom

D.        For the purpose of presenting every man perfect IN CHRIST JESUS

E.         We labor to this end

F.         We strive according to His working which works in me mightily

1.         Strive:  From G73; to struggle:

a.         Literally (to compete for a prize)

b.         Figuratively (to contend with an adversary)

c.         Generally (to endeavor to accomplish something)

2.         According to His working (Greek: “energia”):  Energy, operation

3.         That works (energia) in me mightily (dunamis)