Suffering = Joy?
A. The joy in suffering
1) Living in the Joy of Serving Others (1:24-26)
1:24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness--
26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.
2) Connecting all people to Christ (1:27-29)
27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
B. The joy of sharing, the struggle in sharing
1) Grasping the mystery of Christ (2:1-3)
2:1 I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.
2 My purpose 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,
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
2) Paul's concern and desire (2:4,5)
4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.
5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
Summary
The Church, as the body of Christ, exists to connect all people to him. As part of his body, we are called to sacrifice and suffer in order to serve each other. Christ is the head of the church of which we are a part. Our aim is to encourage and take delight in each other's faith in Christ, keeping ourselves away from false teachings.
For Discussion
1) What is the purpose of our lives?
2) How can we know Christ?