Colossians 1:24

In our passage this week, we will see that Paul takes a short break from refuting the Gnostic false teachers to share about his passion for the ministry to which He has been called. Today, we will consider His overall general attitude or perspective about his ministry.

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering 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… Colossians 1:24 NIV

Here we find a powerful paradox. Paul rejoices that he has been called-but he is rejoicing that he has been called to suffer. We are reminded of Paul’s original calling recorded in Acts chapter 9 on the road to Damascus. God commissions a man named Annanias to pray for Saul (who changes his name to Paul) and makes this statement about the ministry Paul…

But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is My chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for My name. Acts 9:15-16 NIV

For Paul, suffering was unavoidable. Furthermore, the idea that Paul will “fill up in His flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s sufferings” has confounded scholars throughout the history of the church. Paul just established that the work of Jesus for salvation is supreme, so Paul is not saying that he is somehow adding to this work. John MacArther explains that “Paul was receiving the persecution that was intended for Christ. Jesus, having ascended into heaven, was out of their reach. But because His enemies had not filled up all the injuries that wanted to inflict on Him, they turned their hatred on those who preached the gospel.”

I am afraid that in today’s world, many people would like to serve Christ without suffering for His name. They would like to serve in an easy comfortable ministry that experiences no opposition or difficultly whatsoever. This is neither realistic nor Biblical. I personally have never suffered at the level of the prophets, the disciples, Paul, or those who gave their lives over the centuries. Nevertheless, I have walked through some very dark valleys and have experienced some acute pain attempting to do my best serving Christ. Having read the scriptures, I understood from the beginning that I would face hardship serving the Lord. Others, who were unaware, have long since abandoned the mission and moved on to safer endeavors. Persevering in ministry truly comes down to standing on the calling one receives from God and God alone. Throughout my career, I have always drawn comfort and inspiration from Acts 5:41…

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
May we all be counted worthy!!

Questions to consider…
Why does Paul rejoice in the opportunity to suffer for Christ?
In ways have you become discouraged due to hardships in serving Jesus?
Ask God today to help you rejoice in your opportunity to serve Christ in any and every circumstance.