Pastor Chris talked what it means to enter into a type of suffering that is simply a part of following Jesus ... and in some mysterious way, this happens because we are indwelt by Jesus through the Holy Spirit.
MY STORY
What’s a responsible choice, a right decision, you made that created a significant loss for you or someone else?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but not revealed to his saints...
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance and understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.”(Colossians 1:24-26; 2:1-4)
Paul refers to some of the painful encounters and significant losses he experienced because of his obedience to Christ. Take a quick glance at 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 to see some of the specific injurious situations he went through.
What did God ask Paul to sacrifice for the sake of His kingdom assignment? How did he see his suffering as “part of the deal” when it comes to following Jesus?
What would the assurance and understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery look like, practically speaking, in your life?
What does God want us to hear? Based on the passage and the questions above, what takeaways do you think God has revealed to you?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO? What type of suffering would be absent from your life if you were not following Christ? In what ways is the current pain all worth it?
How does one go from infancy to maturity in Christ? What are some of the hallmarks of a mature Christian that less mature Christians (generally speaking) haven’t experienced yet?
Is maturity in Christ solely dependent on the amount of time you’ve been a Christian? Why or why not? How does the amount of time you’ve known Christ, and the trials you’ve endured, play a part of becoming mature in Him?
What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage, or the Spirit's leading, call us to?
WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?
If someone were to interact with you, and later say (to someone else), “That’s what Jesus must be like”... what would that person be pointing out?
What does it mean to have a greater sense of the ways Christ indwells you?
What are some practical ways to allow that greater awareness to impact the ways you interact with others?
What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step God is calling you, personally, toward?
Message Notes
You can add your own personal sermon notes along the way. When you're finished, you'll be able to email or download your notes.