in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

As we learn more about Christ and grow in our relationship with him, so we begin to discover the secrets to life and living. A full and prosperous life are discovered not in focusing on ourselves, but in focusing on Jesus

My purpose 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,

The battle against the enemy occurs around discouragement and division, two of satans strongest attacks. Satan also does not want us to understand all we are and all we have in God through Jesus Christ. Understanding this mystery should be the pursuit of every believer

I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.

Paul is writing this letter from gaol. So he is not referring to a physical struggle. He is referring to his prayer for the Colossian Christians. The Greek word translated struggle is agon. It means a contest, a conflict. So he was letting them know the intense intercession he was involved in as he prayed for them. Prayer is not just communing with God. That is a part of prayer. But sometimes it involves wrestling in the spirit, in prayer, for God’s purpose to be fulfilled. This is not easy, it is strenuous, but it is very rewarding when the breakthrough comes

and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

On the Cross, Jesus brought peace and reconciliation between God and creation. Between God and man. It is only through his blood do we have entrance into God’s favour and presence. No amount of good works or sacrifice can bridge the gap. Only faith in Jesus and what he has done will bring us salvation

To this end I labour, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.

Fulfilling God’s purpose and achieve anything great requires 3 things revealed in this verse.

1. A fight
The word translated struggling here is the Greek word agōnizomai. It means a contest, a battle, to obtain something through strenuous effort. You have to be willing to fight for what you want.

2. His energy
We need God’s energy and power to fulfil God’s purpose and desire. The power of the Holy Spirit an essential element in our lives. Jesus said in John 15:5 without me you can do nothing.

3. Works
It’s his power, but it is at work in me. Without our involvement nothing will happen. God wants to work through you and me to bring about his purpose. What a privilege

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

This was Paul’s purpose. Proclaiming Christ, encouraging, redirecting, teaching people, so that they would become everything God desires for them. This is our purpose as a church. To reach, build and empower people, to be everything God desires them to be. There is no greater purpose on the planet

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.

Christ in you, is what makes you an overcomer. Christ in you, is what makes you capable of much more than you can ask, think or imagine. Christ in you, is what makes you stronger than any opposition or situation who will face. It’s Christ, in you. The one who conquered death resides in you. If he can overcome death, then nothing you are facing will be too much for him. And he wants to bring the victory, in and through you. So, yes you can……because he has

the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.

Understanding and revelation is not determined by man’s pursuit, no matter how vigorous, although this is necessary. It is determined by God’s purpose and timing. When you get a revelation from God’s word, and insight and understanding into the things of God, it has happened because God allowed you to see it. What was a mystery to you, has now been disclosed. Understanding this will keep you protected from the pride of knowing

I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—

You do not become a teacher in the church because you go to bible college. Two things are revealed here by Paul. 1. A servant heart. 2. A commission and calling that comes from God. It is also the responsibility of teachers to present the word of God in it’s fullness, so the hearers are well rounded and balanced in their diet. If you listen to teaching podcasts, make sure you listen to a variety of teachers, from differing backgrounds. Make sure they are doctrinally sound first. Will help develop your understanding of the Word.

Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

When you are persecuted, insulted, rejected, ridiculed or anything else because of the gospel, they are not really attacking you, but Christ, who is in you. So the affliction we endure are really Christ’s affliction. The apostles and early disciples considered it a privilege when persecution came because of Jesus. It says in Acts 5:41-42 They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. ⁴²Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

One day William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army was marching down the street, a young man came up and spat in his face and said, that is what I think of your Jesus. One of Booths friends went to wipe it off with his handkerchief and Booth said, It’s OK, leave it there, I consider it a medal.

Whatever you’re having to endure because of Jesus in your life, remember those who have gone before you, consider it an honour born for Christ, and endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. God is watching and is pleased with you