Message Notes

FOR THE SAKE OF THE CHURCH
Text: Colossians 1:24-29
19 Jun 2005

(I) UNDERSTANDING OF THE PHRASE- ‘FOR THE SAKE OF’

1. The Reason for which something is done

2. The Hint of Sacrifice

3. The Compelling force that motivates

4. Oftentimes – “A call beyond duty”

(II) APPLICATION OF THE PHRASE IN THE CONTEXT OF MINISTRY

“I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of the His body, which is the Church”
Colossians 1:24

1. Entering into the kind of sufferings that the Lord Jesus Himself endured

a) Rude Reproaches

b) Bitter Resentment

c) Hateful Retaliation

2. Enduring all kinds of suffering

a) Learning to rejoice amidst suffering

b) Learning what it means to suffer “for the sake of His body, which is the church”

(III) A STEWARDSHIP ENTRUSTED

“I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the Word of God”
Colossians 1:25

1. Made a minister by God

2. Entrusted with the task of fulfilling God’s word

3. Special ministry to the Gentiles

“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory”
Colossians 1:27

(IV) OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE OF FAITHFULLY FULFILLING A MINISTRY

“In Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
To this end I also labour, striving according to His working which works in me mightily”
Colossians 1:28-29

1. Understanding the Ministry entrusted

a) Preaching faithfully

b) Warning diligently

c) Teaching skillfully

d) Presenting believers mature (“perfect”) in Christ

2. Undertaking Ministry Tasks successfully

a) Labour needed

b) Striving according to God’s mighty working in one’s life

IT’S YOU!

Sez I to myself, as I grumbled and growled,

I’m sick of my church, and then I scowled.

The members are unfriendly, the sermons are too long;

In fact, it seems that everything’s wrong.

I don’t like the singing; the church- a disgrace,

For signs of neglect are all over the place.

I’ll quit going there, and won’t give a dime;

I can make better use of my money and time.

Then my conscience sez to me, sez he,

The trouble with you is, you’re blind to see

That the church reflects you, whatever it be.

Now come, pray, and serve cheerfully.

Stop all your faultfinding and boost it up strong;

You’ll find you’ll be happy and proud to belong.

Be friendly, be willing, and sing as you work.

For churches are not built by members who shirk.

– Anonymous –