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A Strong Sense Of Commitment

Text: Colossians 1:29

The apostle Paul wrote candidly about how he sought to fulfil the task that was entrusted to him.

“To this end I also labour, striving according to His
working which works in me mightily.”
Colossians 1:29

1. “To this end”

a) Paul had very clear goals in mind.

b) He was driven to fulfil goals:-

i) God-given goals.

ii) These goals were clearly understood.

iii) These were believed in with all his heart and mind.

2. “I also labour”

a) This word (Greek “kopio” describes a labourer hard at work).

b) Much strenuous effort was poured into the ministry.

3. “Striving”

a) The word “striving” has an element of “pain” or “agony”.

b) There were many obstacles that had to be faced and overcome.

i) There were enemies who resisted strongly.

ii) There were powerful dark spiritual forces at work against him too.

iii) There was even a thorn in the flesh that brought much pain and agony.

c) Nevertheless Paul continued to strive hard for the sake of the body of Christ (Colossians 1:24).

4. Where did Paul find the power to labour as he did?

a) “According to His working”

i) The word “power” may be translated “energy”.

ii) Paul found the energy to work so hard from the Lord Himself.

iii) According to the power and energy given, so Paul laboured and strove mightily.

b) “Which works in me mightily”

i) Paul now combines the words “energy” (works) and “power” (mightily) together.

ii) He acknowledged that it was God who was energising and empowering him!