Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. – Colossians 1:28
Click to read passage
In this passage, Paul speaks about the heart behind his ministry and gives us a glimpse into the life of a servant of God. What is striking is that he says, “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.” To many people today, suffering often feels like failure, disappointment, or something meaningless. Yet Paul was able to rejoice in hardship because he knew that his suffering was not in vain. He suffered for Christ, for the church, and for the gospel.
Paul understood that he was “a minister of Christ,” entrusted with a calling from God. His life was no longer centred on his own ambitions, but on God’s purposes. That purpose was to make known “the mystery hidden for ages and generations.” This mystery was not secret knowledge or complicated teaching, but this glorious truth: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The greatest treasure of the gospel is not only the forgiveness of sins, but that Christ Himself dwells within us and becomes the hope and strength of our lives.
Because of this, Paul was willing to labour, struggle, and endure suffering. He knew that through these things, God was shaping and building people’s lives. His goal in ministry was not just so that people would “believe in Jesus,” but that he might “present everyone mature in Christ.” The gospel does not end at the moment of conversion. It is a lifelong journey of being formed, shaped, and matured by Christ.
Today, we live in a culture that values comfort, speed, and convenience. Many people equate blessing with smooth circumstances and assume that difficulties mean God is distant. Yet Paul reminds us that faithful obedience to Christ may sometimes lead to misunderstanding, pressure, sacrifice, or weariness. Perhaps it is remaining faithful to Christ in a family that does not understand your faith. Perhaps it is choosing honesty at work even when it comes at a personal cost. Perhaps it is continuing to serve even when ministry feels tiring and unseen. Such labour may not seem worthwhile in the eyes of the world, but in the Lord it carries eternal value.
Over the years, Foochow Methodist Church has also walked through many challenges. From the pioneers of earlier generations to the brothers and sisters of different ages and language backgrounds today, the church has continued not because the journey was easy, but because many chose to serve faithfully. Some prayed quietly behind the scenes. Some served faithfully for many years. Some persevered in nurturing the next generation. Much of this labour may go unnoticed by people, yet God is using it to accomplish His work.
Finally, Paul says, “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” These words are deeply encouraging. Ministry is not sustained by human enthusiasm alone, but by the power of Christ at work within us. What truly sustains us is not our own strength, but the grace and presence of the Lord.
May we not remain merely “Sunday Christians,” but become people continually shaped by Christ. In seasons of joy, may we remain thankful. In seasons of difficulty, may we remain faithful. And through it all, may Christ become increasingly visible in our lives.
Reflection:
Am I willing to pay the cost of following Christ and participating in the spiritual growth and salvation of others?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the hope of the gospel. Help me not to pursue a comfortable faith, but to follow You faithfully. Even in difficult seasons, remind me that You are with me. Continue to shape my life through Christ, so that I may grow in love and become a vessel of blessing to others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Click to read passage
In this passage, Paul speaks about the heart behind his ministry and gives us a glimpse into the life of a servant of God. What is striking is that he says, “I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.” To many people today, suffering often feels like failure, disappointment, or something meaningless. Yet Paul was able to rejoice in hardship because he knew that his suffering was not in vain. He suffered for Christ, for the church, and for the gospel.
Paul understood that he was “a minister of Christ,” entrusted with a calling from God. His life was no longer centred on his own ambitions, but on God’s purposes. That purpose was to make known “the mystery hidden for ages and generations.” This mystery was not secret knowledge or complicated teaching, but this glorious truth: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” The greatest treasure of the gospel is not only the forgiveness of sins, but that Christ Himself dwells within us and becomes the hope and strength of our lives.
Because of this, Paul was willing to labour, struggle, and endure suffering. He knew that through these things, God was shaping and building people’s lives. His goal in ministry was not just so that people would “believe in Jesus,” but that he might “present everyone mature in Christ.” The gospel does not end at the moment of conversion. It is a lifelong journey of being formed, shaped, and matured by Christ.
Today, we live in a culture that values comfort, speed, and convenience. Many people equate blessing with smooth circumstances and assume that difficulties mean God is distant. Yet Paul reminds us that faithful obedience to Christ may sometimes lead to misunderstanding, pressure, sacrifice, or weariness. Perhaps it is remaining faithful to Christ in a family that does not understand your faith. Perhaps it is choosing honesty at work even when it comes at a personal cost. Perhaps it is continuing to serve even when ministry feels tiring and unseen. Such labour may not seem worthwhile in the eyes of the world, but in the Lord it carries eternal value.
Over the years, Foochow Methodist Church has also walked through many challenges. From the pioneers of earlier generations to the brothers and sisters of different ages and language backgrounds today, the church has continued not because the journey was easy, but because many chose to serve faithfully. Some prayed quietly behind the scenes. Some served faithfully for many years. Some persevered in nurturing the next generation. Much of this labour may go unnoticed by people, yet God is using it to accomplish His work.
Finally, Paul says, “For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” These words are deeply encouraging. Ministry is not sustained by human enthusiasm alone, but by the power of Christ at work within us. What truly sustains us is not our own strength, but the grace and presence of the Lord.
May we not remain merely “Sunday Christians,” but become people continually shaped by Christ. In seasons of joy, may we remain thankful. In seasons of difficulty, may we remain faithful. And through it all, may Christ become increasingly visible in our lives.
Reflection:
Am I willing to pay the cost of following Christ and participating in the spiritual growth and salvation of others?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the hope of the gospel. Help me not to pursue a comfortable faith, but to follow You faithfully. Even in difficult seasons, remind me that You are with me. Continue to shape my life through Christ, so that I may grow in love and become a vessel of blessing to others. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.