Christ in You: The Hope that Transforms
God’s plan for you is to entrust you with the gospel and call you to help others love Jesus. What does it look like to live out that plan faithfully?
1. Minister Through Your Suffering
In Colossians 1:24-25, Paul refers to himself as a “minister” or “servant,” and that’s what we are called to be as followers of Jesus. We are entrusted with the responsibility to help others love Jesus, sometimes through our own suffering.
For us, this means:
Embrace your suffering: Keep an eternal perspective, knowing your suffering is momentary.
Endure your suffering: Let God use your trials to spread the gospel and strengthen others’ faith.
You help others love Jesus not in spite of your suffering but through it.
2. Minister to Fulfill the Mission of God
In verses 26-27, Paul speaks of a “mystery” that’s now revealed: the gospel is for all people, not just the Jews. “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (v.27) is for Jews and Gentiles alike. This means salvation is available to everyone, regardless of their background or status.
3. Minister to Strengthen the Faith of Others
Paul reminds us in Colossians 1:28-29 that our mission is to “preach Christ” and help others grow in their faith. This includes warning people of the reality of hell and teaching them the truths of Scripture so they can mature in their relationship with Jesus.
Conclusion: The Hope We Share
Following Jesus calls us to live for something greater than ourselves. We are called to labor for His kingdom, sharing the hope we have in Christ with all who will listen.
One inspiring example of this kind of dedication is John Harper, a pastor who was aboard the Titanic. Even as the ship sank, Harper spent his final moments swimming from person to person in the icy waters, asking them if they were saved and encouraging them to trust in Jesus. His final hours were spent sharing the hope of Jesus, and many lives were transformed as a result.
In the same way, God calls each of us to spread the hope that transforms lives: Christ in us, the hope of glory. Let’s live out that hope and bring others into the kingdom of God.
