The Treasure and the Struggle

I begin here with something that must have startled the Colossians, for I meant it to: "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" (Colossians 1:24). Understand me rightly — Christ's cross lacks nothing for your salvation; that work is finished. But the afflictions that come to his body in this age, the cost of carrying his name into the world, that portion falls to those of us who serve. And I rejoice in it. I write this to you as one in chains, and I tell you plainly that suffering endured for the sake of Christ's people is not a sign that God has forgotten you. It is a share in the very love that saved you.

Why do I labor so? To make the word of God fully known — "the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints" (Colossians 1:26). And here is the mystery, so guard it well: it is not a secret formula or a deeper teaching for a chosen few. It is a Person, and he is nearer than you dared hope. "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27). Not Christ merely above you, or before you in history, but Christ in you by his Spirit — the crucified and risen Lord dwelling in ordinary people, Gentiles who once had no claim on him. That is your hope. Not what you have done, but who lives in you.

So "him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ" (Colossians 1:28). Mark the word everyone, three times over. I toil for the whole man, not the half — that you would not remain infants but grow up into him. And I strive even for those I have never met face to face, that "their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love" (Colossians 2:2). Notice: assurance comes not to the solitary but to the joined. You will know Christ more surely bound together with his people than alone.

Why does all this matter for the morning in front of you? Because "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3) — all of them, in Christ. I say it "in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments" (Colossians 2:4). There will always be a voice, reasonable and polished, offering you something to add to Christ, some further thing you must have to be truly whole. Do not believe it. If every treasure is hidden in him, and he is in you, then you already possess the field where the treasure lies. Go on digging there. Stand firm. And though I am far away and cannot come, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see the firmness of your faith. Grace and peace to you.