In the early Church, there was much persecution of leadership. Of the original apostles all but John were killed as martyrs. John was also martyred, but when he was dropped in a cauldron of boiling oil he was not injured in any way. He was subsequently banished to Patmos where he wrote the book of the Revelation. The point is, that as Paul delivered this letter to the Colossians, he was suffering for the Gospel. He wanted the Colossians to understand that that was part of the deal. As they preached the Gospel, there was a spiritual war going on and those that fought for the cause of Christ did so knowing the cost.
He encouraged them to not be concerned for the persecution, but, also he asked that they not follow other forms of the gospel and make his suffering a waste. Paul reminded the people that Christ was the entire Gospel. There was no Christ plus knowledge, Christ plus tradition, or Christ plus a checklist. It was Christ and that was all. Christians that considered performance a part of the salvation process nullified the purpose of Jesus Death and resurrection. Christ plan was never to act as an accountant and somehow balance the books! He came as an advocate–our defense lawyer, and as a sacrifice the only legitimate restoration and redemption for people’s sinful lives.
That Gospel is as true today as it was when Paul penned the letter. We still need to celebrate the fact that our ministry is an act of war in the spiritual realm. We need to embrace the idea that we will never earn the salvation we have been so kindly given. We are still the chosen of God only because Christ acts as our advocate and our atonement. As of this day, Christ is all and Christ is enough to save us from our broken lives and restore us to eternal beings with hope and a future. Let’s not try to earn our way into God’s favor; instead, let us run the race set before us and follow Christ’s sanctification in our lives humbly and graciously.
God Bless You
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, 25 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, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them, God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
2 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, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
Walking With God 