Job Description

Colossians 1:24-2:5 | Ben Potloff | We are called to make disciples of all peoples because God loves them. He made them. He wants to return them to community with himself. How will we do this? Truth and love. Righteousness and compassion. Paul writes that “My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Not only is life in Christ but life to the fullest. These treasures and riches cannot be swallowed by the grave, destroyed by moths, or reduced to rubble. We become connected to Christ to spread his love. We are changed so that we cannot help but support our brothers and sisters, both those who are with us or will join us by God’s grace.MAIN IDEAGod’s wisdom is revealed when Christ is proclaimed. OUTLINEI. The minister’s mission is a struggle and toil (vv. 24, 29-2:1)II. The minister’s message is the mystery of Christ. (vv. 25-28, 2:2-5)DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. How do you understand what Paul is saying in verse 24?2. Paul mentions multiple times mystery. What is he referring to and why is it the driving focus of this section of Colossians?3. In 2:2 Paul talks about the believers’ hearts being “knit together in love”. What is the importance of this being a corporate thing and not an individual one?4. What are “plausible” arguments that you have come up against that have made you question your faith or still bother you?4. Paul mentions the firmness of the Colossian’s faith. Where do you see your church’s firmness and where might there still be opportunities for growth?