Colossians 1:24

Now. rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church;

'NOW. REJOICE IN MY SUFFERINGS FOR YOUR SAKE' -

Points to Note:

1. Paul didn't rejoice in suffering, because he enjoyed pain. Rather, what make the sufferings tolerable, and especially what made them "meaningful", was Paul's perspective. His sufferings had enabled the gospel to come to Colossae, i.e. especially his determination to work in Ephesus, despite the opposition (1 Corinthians 16:8). For from Ephesus, the gospel penetrated into the interior of Asia, where Colossae was located (Acts 19:10).

2. Hard times, setbacks, frustrations, etc..become more meaningful, and "purposeful" when we get our minds off ourselves and realize that others are greatly benefiting because we are enduring. The Christian must realize that he or she doesn't live for themselves.

3. In addition, Paul's present imprisonment was directly linked with his preaching to the Gentiles. And the Colossian church was largely Gentile in composition. He had upset many people by preaching to non-Jews (Acts 22:21)

'AND FILL UP ON MY PART THAT WHICH IS LACKING OF THE AFFLICTIONS OF CHRIST IN MY FLESH FOR HIS BODY'S SAKE, WHICH IS THE CHURCH'

Points to Note:

1. Carefully note that Paul has already argued that the sacrifice of Christ is completely sufficient to reconcile us to God (Colossians 1:22). So we must reject any interpretation which suggests that Paul is teaching that his own good works are needed to make the atonement of Jesus Christ more effective.

2. Thus we must reject the Catholic notion that the extra good deeds of righteous men in the past can be obtained in furthering our own salvation. The practice of indulgences is linked with this false doctrine: 'INDULGENCES. In the Roman Catholic Church this is the remission of all or part of the debt of temporal punishment owed to God due to sin after the guilt has been forgiven...since the sinner is unable to do sufficient penance to expiate all his sins, he is able to draw on the spiritual treasury formed by the surplus merits of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints.' [Note:. The New International Dictionary of the Christian Church. J.D. Douglas, Editor. p. 508.]

3. In contrast, Paul has argued: The sacrifice of Jesus can completely and fully bring you into. state of complete innocence in the sight of God. (Colossians 1:22) To argue that Mary and the Saints had so many good deeds to their account, that they didn't need them all to get to heaven, must logically mean: (1) Mary and others didn't need the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8). (2) Good works can forgive sin. (3) The death of Christ is equal in value to the good works of religious men and women. (4) The blood of Christ can't fully cleanse you of sin (1 Peter 1:18). (4) God Himself can't provide anything more "cleansing" that the good deeds performed by fallible human beings. Brethren, when you elevate Mary to. god-like status, you must automatically lower God Himself.

4. What Paul is actually saying: (a) His sufferings don't cleanse anyone of sin, rather, Jesus died so people could become Christians, but effort needs to be put forth to spread that message, to extend the borders of the kingdom, to keep the church that Jesus died for strong in the faith. 'therefore, anyone who serves the Church by widening her borders..saving her from errors, is doing the work of Christ.' (Barclay p. 126) (b) Jesus said that if we seek to walk in His steps, i.e. take up His cause, then we will encounter suffering (Matthew 10:25; John 15:18; 1 Peter 3:10; 2 Timothy 3:12). (3) 'They were incurred in making known the redeeming work of Christ..they were endured for the sake of Christ. They were like those of Christ, endured for the benefit of others. They thus united Paul with Christ.' (Erdman p. 63)

5. This informs us that when we sacrifice so that others can be saved, fight against false doctrine, share the gospel with others, put the church ahead of our own needs, etc...that we have fellowship with Christ. That we are prepared to further God's cause, despite the personal cost--and that's the attitude Jesus has (1 Peter 2:5).

'ON MY PART' -Paul realized that he could only do 'his part'. He couldn't serve God for anyone else and neither could he suffer in another Christian's place. Are we willing "on my part" to fill up whatever sacrifices are needed in our own time and generation to further the gospel message? Are we committed to that goal? What sacrifices need to be made today by members of the church to see that the church is growing, strong and sound in our own time?

'FOR HIS BODY'S SAKE, WHICH IS THE CHURCH' -What an attitude, especially when we hear so many members bad-mouthing the church today.

Points to Note:

1.. am expendable, the church isn't. The church belongs to Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28). It is His bride (Ephesians 5:22 ff). If members really loved Christ as they claim, then you wouldn't see congregations fighting and dividing over non-essentials. Neither would you find members who divide without making every effort to keep the body united.

2. To what lengths am. willing to sacrifice myself for the well-being of this congregation?

3. And friend, if you find that it is just. chore to attend services, then you know that you are. long way from biblical Christianity (2 Corinthians 12:15).