One illustration from this sermon stayed with me: the difference between a pilot and a paratrooper.
When we travel by airplane, passengers can easily become anxious. We sit in our small seats, looking out the window, wondering what is happening. Is the flight delayed? Will the weather affect us? Why is there turbulence?
But the pilot has a different perspective. He knows much more about what is happening. He can see the bigger picture and has information that the passengers do not have.
The Apostle Paul also had this kind of perspective. Earlier in Colossians 1, he reminds us of the greatness of Jesus Christ. Christ is before all things. All things were created through Him and for Him. In Him all things hold together. Christ is Lord over everything.
Paul also understood the reality of this fallen world. He knew that human beings were once "alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds" (Colossians 1:21). He was not surprised by sin, suffering, rejection, or opposition.
Knowing these two realities—the greatness of Christ and the brokenness of the world—gave Paul confidence.
But Paul was not simply like a pilot who could look down from a safe distance. He was more like a paratrooper.
He saw the brokenness below, and he jumped into it.
Paul knew that following Christ and serving His church would bring suffering. He was imprisoned, beaten, shipwrecked, and constantly faced danger. Yet he could write:
"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake."
— Colossians 1:24
That is difficult for us to understand. Why would Paul rejoice in suffering?
The sermon reminded us that Paul was not suffering for no reason. His suffering was connected to the work of Christ. Christ had begun the work of gathering His church through His own suffering, death, and resurrection. Christ's atoning work was complete—nothing can be added to His sacrifice. But the gathering and building of His church continues.
And that work often involves suffering.
Sharing the gospel, discipling others, raising children in the faith, encouraging brothers and sisters, and caring for those who struggle can bring heartache. We may see people reject God's Word. We may watch someone we love fall into sin. We may experience rejection when we speak the truth.
Sometimes we may wonder, Why is this so difficult?
Paul's words remind us that difficulty does not mean that God has abandoned us. Suffering can be part of faithfully serving Christ.
Perhaps there is also a challenging question for us: If we never experience any difficulty, heartache, or sacrifice in serving others, are we really involved in the work Christ has called us to do?
Our culture often teaches us to avoid discomfort and pursue an easy and comfortable life. But Christ calls His people to something different. He calls us to love others, serve others, and sometimes enter difficult situations for the good of others.
The heart of Paul's message is found in Colossians 1:27:
"Christ in you, the hope of glory."
This is the great mystery that was once hidden but has now been revealed.
What does it mean that Christ is in us?
It does not simply mean that we believe certain facts about Jesus. Christ living in us means that His character, His power, and His Word increasingly shape our lives.
When Christ lives in us, we grow in holiness. We put sin to death. We become more compassionate, kind, humble, patient, and forgiving. We learn to love as Christ loves.
Our thoughts, words, and actions should increasingly reflect Jesus Christ.
This is also why the phrase "the hope of glory" is so beautiful.
The Colossians were once alienated from God and hostile toward Him. They were sinners with no hope in themselves. Yet through Christ, they were transformed.
The gospel tells us that even the worst sinner is not beyond the grace of God.
That is good news for the world—but it is also good news for me.
The Christian faith begins with humility. I cannot look at the sins of others and think that I am naturally better. Apart from God's grace, I too am a sinner. My only hope is Jesus Christ.
But through His death and resurrection, Christ saves sinners. He changes them. He makes them His children.
Christ in you, the hope of glory.
This is why Paul says:
"Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
— Colossians 1:28
Notice the repeated word: everyone.
Christ is the only message, but the message is for all people.
We do not decide that some people are too sinful, too difficult, too different, or too far away from God. The gospel is for everyone.
Parents are called to raise their children to know and love Christ. Teachers can point their students toward Christ. Elders encourage God's people to grow in Christ. Brothers and sisters in the church are called to encourage one another.
We all have a role in helping one another grow toward maturity in Christ.
This is challenging work. It requires patience, sacrifice, love, and perseverance.
But we are not doing this work by our own strength.
Paul concludes:
"For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me."
— Colossians 1:29
What a comforting reminder.
The source of our strength is not ourselves. It is Christ.
We are called to work faithfully, but we trust Christ to accomplish His purposes. We see the reality of sin in the world, but we also see the greater reality of Jesus Christ, who reigns at the right hand of God.
So we do not need to panic.
We can see the brokenness of the world without losing hope.
We can enter difficult situations without being overwhelmed.
We can serve, love, teach, warn, encourage, and proclaim Christ—even when it costs us something.
Because Christ is the hope of glory.
May we be willing to give ourselves to this work: proclaiming Christ to all people, encouraging one another toward maturity, and trusting not in our own strength but in His power working within us.
Christ is in control. Christ is with His church. And Christ will finish His work.
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