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Suffering For The Sake Of The Gospel

Text: Colossians 1:24

It is astonishing that suffering should be attached to the gospel ministry. Nevertheless it is true that the apostle Paul and many others had to endure much pain and hardship as they preached the gospel.

“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 His body, which is the church.”
Colossians 1:24

1. Sufferings of Paul

Paul had to endure much suffering. The following may be mentioned:-

a) He was beaten.

b) He was stoned.

c) He was maligned severely.

d) He was jailed.

2. “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you”

a) Paul’s spirit was one of “rejoicing”.

b) This was the dominant and consistent spirit that prevailed as he faced suffering.

c) “For you”

i) This phrase is best understood in the light of Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles.

ii) He suffered much from the Jewish quarter because he preached the Word of God to the Gentiles.

iii) The Colossian church was essentially a Gentile church.

3. How did Paul maintain this spirit of rejoicing amidst such suffering?

There were many reasons that enabled Paul to endure his sufferings so well. The following may be highlighted:-

a) Because of his faith.

b) Because of his strong conviction.

c) Because of the hope that he had in his heart.

d) Because of his knowledge of God.

e) Because of the example of the Lord Jesus Christ who had to endure much suffering.

f) Because he had cultivated a strong character.

g) Because he accepted that suffering for the gospel was inevitable.

h) Because he believed that good can come out of his sufferings.