Explore the Bible Sunday School Lesson for October 24

THE GOSPEL’S GOAL

Colossians 1:24–2:3

Committed as a Messenger (1:24–27)

Paul was writing to the Colossians while he was in prison, suffering for the cause of the gospel. But instead of being depressed or frustrated about his condition, Paul rejoiced because he saw this as being afflicted for Christ. We must be careful to note Paul is not saying Christ’s suffering – including His death on the cross – was not enough and we must suffer to complete our salvation. Indeed, Paul is making reference to the fact that now Christ has died, we are the ones who receive affliction on His behalf. Jesus Himself said if they persecuted Me, they will persecute you (John 15:18–25). Paul takes a negative situation and turns it into a positive as he is prone to do. The joy of serving Christ is so deep within Paul that even being punished for Christ is something to rejoice about. Given the current state of the world, in which Christians are persecuted from Nigeria, to Afghanistan, to China, this is relevant. Even in the U.S., where Christianity is more and more pushed aside in the culture, we don’t have to wonder where is God in all of this. Rather, it gives us an opportunity to join Paul in suffering for the gospel. Historically, Christians have suffered for the faith, honoring God in the process and witnessing to His love, mercy and judgment. When Christians are persecuted for the gospel, it is imperative that we respond as Paul did – seeing it as a way to honor God. The early disciples rejoiced they were considered worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name (of Jesus) (see Acts 5:41). We need to remember this should we face persecution, that we honor and bring glory to God by standing firm in our beliefs no matter the cost.

The gospel Paul preached, for which he was in chains, was what he called a mystery. This did not mean it was something unknown; rather it was something that had been unknown until Christ came, that is, the gospel is for Gentiles as well as Jews! Even though it was God’s plan for Israel to be a light for the nations, the gospel meant Gentiles did not have to live as Jews. Instead, the gospel meant God loved the Gentiles and Christ’s death atoned for them as well, to those who believed in Christ. This is the message that inspired Paul to go to the Gentiles. It is also the message that allows us, even compels us, to go to our neighbors across the street, at work or across the world to share the gospel.

Focused on Maturity (1:28–29)

Part of Paul’s message was not just a basic gospel presentation. When Paul taught believers, his goal was not just they be saved, but they become mature as believers. This is often a neglected part of ministry – discipleship. One of the problems with 20^th century Christianity in the U.S. was its focus on the conversion experience, leaving believers with little knowledge about discipleship. It is one reason why so many churches have experienced decline in numbers. It is also an encouragement for churches today to focus on the teaching ministry so believers understand the Bible and what it means to be a follower of Christ. Discipleship will help bring glory to God and expand our witness to the world around us.

Concerned for the Faithful (2:1–3)

To help one another, Paul encouraged unity among believers. When we realize we are not alone in our struggle to live out the Christian life against the world around us, it brings encouragement to us. When we know we have others praying for us, it helps us live and act in boldness remembering we have the Holy Spirit within us. Paul encouraged the Colossians and the Laodiceans (with whom the letter was to be shared) to be united in Christ, not given to arguing with each other, but being unified in love for Christ manifesting itself in love of each other. As Christ said, they will know us by our love (John 13:35).