Striving with whose strength?
“We proclaim him… so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me. For I want you to know how greatly I am struggling for you, for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me in person…. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” – Colossians 1:28-2:3, CSB“seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:1-2, CSB
Extreme letter-writing.
Paul recognized something remarkable about God’s strength: it was powerfully at work in him, producing an ability to strive in faith, exerting extreme effort in proclaiming Jesus. God was the source of an inner endurance beyond his own natural strength. So, what did he do with it? He proclaimed Jesus through his life example, his words, his work, and even in his letters.
Beatings? Gospel. Shipwrecks? Gospel. Prison? Gospel letter-writing. I’m so glad he took the time to write! He could not be physically present with everyone, but he could reach many through his prayers and with his pen. He would labor to bring as many as possible to maturity in Christ, and still today we are benefitting from the example he demonstrated, those prayers he prayed, and the letters he wrote.
Not a mutant, just maturing in faith!
Paul was no mutant superhero. He had been captured and captivated by Jesus. Christ Jesus Himself was the source of Paul’s strength, and the source of the maturity for which he struggled on behalf of the church. It’s Jesus and His ways that Paul encourages us to seek: to set our minds on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of the Father. Part of maturing in Christ is forming a healthy mindset, a way of thinking and seeing the world, people, and events. This mindset will have a heavenly, Christ-centered, Christ-exalting perspective.
Take advantage of Paul’s strength
We can still take full advantage of Paul’s letters to help us see Jesus, to draw near to Jesus like Paul did, and to discover the same strength that so energized Paul’s life and shaped his way of thinking. This same Jesus that energized and matured Paul will energize and mature us. Just imagine how He will strengthen others through our own example, our prayer, and even our pen!
Think:
Reread the Scriptures above. What’s one thing they tell us about Jesus that fills you with hope or courage? Who could you tell this to today? Ask God for opportunity this week to share your hope in Christ with someone else!
Paul was very focused on helping others mature in Christ, so he painted a very Christ-centered worldview with his letters. We can be sure his in-person teaching would have the same focus. If someone were to read your emails, letters, social media threads, or play back a recording of your conversations or teachings, how do you think they would describe the picture your words are painting?
A healthy, Christ-centered worldview, as described by Paul, should energize us. Does your view of Christ and Scripture fill you with energizing faith? Or how would you describe the way your worldview makes you feel? Hopeful, or discouraged? Determined, or tired? Ready to engage, or ready to escape? It’s okay to be honest! Then evaluate if you’re having a mature response to the gospel, or if you may need to rediscover aspects of the gospel that Paul was so passionate to impart to others.
Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I’m captivated by the gospel of grace and the amazing future that awaits all whose faith, hope, and trust is in You! Who You are fills who I am with great strength. I pray that my own life example, actions, conversations, prayers, and my pen would all be filled with the wonder and truth of who You are, what You have done, and all that You have promised! Keep growing me in maturity in Christ, and I ask that my influence would help the faith of many others to develop in the same way!”
Thanks Jon - very encouraging