Purpose: To show that loving believers requires determination and hard work.
Aim: I want the listener to decide to love the body of Christ no matter what.
INTRODUCTION: The Bible talks a lot about loving other believers in Christ’s body, the church. Here is a sample:
Listen to Jesus: John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
John 15:12, 17 This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. This I command you, that you love one another.
Listen to Paul: Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
Romans 13:8 Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Ephesians 4:2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love
1 Thessalonians 3:12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another...
1 Thessalonians 4:9 Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;
1 Thessalonians 5:13 ... Live in peace with one another.
Hebrews 10:24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
Listen to Peter: 1 Peter 1:22 ... fervently love one another from the heart,
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.
Listen to John: 1 John 3:11 For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;
1 John 3:23 This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.
1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:12 ...if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.
The command to love each other tends to bring up images of church members smiling and having fun together. We may think of joyful worship, relaxing picnics, or even exciting Bible studies, but what about conflicts and misunderstandings? What about persecutions from the world? What should we do then? Do we despair? Do we walk away?
"Paul did not ask, as do some believers. ’ What will I get out of it?’ Instead he asked, ’How much will God let me put into it?’" [1]
Vs.24 I. Loving the Church Means Being Loving when it’s Painful
Paul was in prison suffering the persecution that was meant for Christ. Remember that Jesus said, Matthew 5:11Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. (NAU)
Christians aren’t persecuted just because of what they believe. They are persecuted because of who they follow. This is why Peter said, 1 Peter 4:14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (NAU)
Jesus made this clear when He said: John 15:18 "If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. (NAU)
Paul is going to give us three things that will make it possible for us to love the church when it is hard.
Vs.24a A. Suffer willingly for the body of Christ "I rejoice in my sufferings"
In essence Paul is saying that he is willing to literally give his body for the body of Christ: "in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body."
The point is this; it is often painful to love to other believers. 2 Corinthians 12:15 I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? (NAU) Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. (NAU)
We need to be willing to love others even when you don’t feel like they love you back.
Suffering for Christ, though, should not discourage us because the more suffering we have the more comfort we have. 2 Corinthians 1:5 For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. (NAU)
Vs.24b B. Suffer obediently for the body of Christ "I do my share"
We must see suffering for Christ as a gift, a privilege! Philippians 1:29 For to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, (NAU)
Paul was good at keeping his eyes on the good results that his suffering would bring in the lives of other believers: 2 Corinthians 4:8--12 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you. (NAU)
Our willingness to cheerfully suffer for Christ encourages others.
This is what Paul told the Christians in Philippi: Philippians 1:12--14 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear. (NAU)
That kind of focus made it possible for Paul to see suffering as a good thing. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. (NAU)
We must be willing to carry the load that Christ wants us to carry. Galatians 6:2--5 Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. For each one will bear his own load. (NAU) Our "load" is to bear "one another’s burdens."
Vs.24c C. Suffer opposition as Christ did "filling up...Christ’s afflictions"
The word AFFLICTION is never used to describe Christ’s death on the Cross. Christ’s suffering on the Cross is complete. Shortly before He died Jesus cried out, "It is finished." We could never add to what Jesus did on the Cross.
But, Jesus did endure many other afflictions. The religious leaders hated Him, and even His own disciples were very slow to learn, fought among themselves, and forsook Him when He was arrested. Jesus suffered loneliness, character assignation, and scorn.
Christ’s AFFLICTIONS would include: 2347. θλίψις thlipsis, thlip´-sis; from 2346; pressure (lit. or fig.):--afflicted (-tion), anguish, burdened, persecution, tribulation, trouble. [2]
Christ is the head of the church. While He was on earth Christ’s enemies attacked Him. Now that He is in heaven they can only attack His body, which is the church.
What a blessing to remember that when we are persecuted Jesus feels the pain. Paul may have been thinking back to the first time that Jesus spoke to him. Paul (Saul at the time) was persecuting Christians everywhere he could find them. It didn’t matter if they were men, women or children. Then Jesus said to Saul: Acts 22:7 . . . `Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ (NAS)
Charles Spurgeon pointed out: "So, though my head is in heaven, and I am on earth, my griefs are Christ’s griefs; my trials are Christ’s trials, my afflictions, he suffers.... Christian, thou fightest side by side with Jesus; Christ is with thee; every blow is a blow aimed at Christ; every slander is a slander on Christ; the battle is the Lord’s; the triumph is the Lord’s therefore, still on to victory!" [3]
Vs.25-27 II. Loving the Church Means Displaying the Gospel
Vs.25 A. The Gospel is a gift to be shared "the preaching of the word"
The church (i.e. other believers) is a gift from Christ that we are responsible to care for.
It is also true that God gives us gifts so we can serve Christ BY serving each other. 1 Peter 4:10 As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (NAU)
Paul knew that his job to proclaim the Gospel was not complete until he had proclaimed the Word clearly and fully to believers. Acts 20:27 "For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God. (NAU)
Vs.26-27 B. The Gospel is all about Christ "Christ in you, the hope of glory"
"The truth of this mystery may be summarized as follows: (1) The church is the Body of Christ. All true believers are members of the Body, and are destined to share Christ’s glory forever. (2) The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Body, providing its life, nourishment, and direction. (3) Jews have no preference as to admission to the church; neither are Gentiles at any disadvantage." [4] Ephesians 3:6 to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, (NAU)
Vs.28-29 III. Loving the Church Means Working to Apply the Gospel to Believers
Vs.28a A. The method "admonishing...and teaching"
Paul’s message was a Person, not just a creed. "We proclaim Him."
ADMONISHING refers to giving out warnings. TEACHING refers to learning. Some highway signs are negative, some are positive but it is best to obey them all. The Bible is full of warnings and teachings.
Paul practiced what he is preaching here: Acts 20:31 Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. (NAU)
Paul tells us that we should do the same thing: 1 Thessalonians 5:14 We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. (NAU)
Not only should we look for opportunities to warn and teach others we must be open to receiving warnings and teaching: Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. (NAU)
Vs.28b-29 B. The goal "present every man complete in Christ"
In chapter 2 verse 5 Paul explains what he means by being complete: Colossians 2:5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ. (NAU)
Paul uses two words to describe what it takes in order to apply the Gospel to believers:
LABOR 2872 κοπιάω [kopiao /kop*ee*ah*o/] v. From a derivative of 2873; TDNT 3:827; TDNTA 453; GK 3159; 23 occurrences; AV translates as "labour" 16 times, "bestow labour" three times, "toil" three times, and "be wearied" once. 1 to grow weary, tired, exhausted (with toil or burdens or grief). 2 to labour with wearisome effort, to toil. 2a of bodily labour. [5]
STRIVING 75 ἀγωνίζομαι [agonizomai /ag*o*nid*zom*ahee/] v. From 73; TDNT 1:135; TDNTA 20; GK 76; Seven occurrences; AV translates as "strive" three times, "fight" three times, and "labour fervently" once. 1 to enter a contest: contend in the gymnastic games. 2 to contend with adversaries, fight. 3 metaph. to contend, struggle, with difficulties and dangers. 4 to endeavour with strenuous zeal, strive: to obtain something. [6] We get the English word AGONIZE from this Greek word.
We should never try to serve Christ with our own strength. We should only exercise this responsibility relying on the power of Christ. Ephesians 3:7 of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. (NAU)
Never forget why this goal is SO important. Christian unity displays Christ to the world, John 13:35 "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (NAU)
"Verses 28 and 29 are especially helpful in Phillips’ translation: ’So, naturally, we proclaim Christ. We warn everyone we meet, and we teach everyone we can, all that we know about Him, so that, if possible, we may bring every man up to his full maturity in Christ. This is what I am working at all the time, with all the strength that God gives me.’" [7]
Vs.1-3 IV. Loving the Church Means Fighting until Believers are Encouraged
The word STRUGGLE is a noun form of the verb STRIVING we saw in 1:29. 73 ἀγών [agon /ag*one/] n m. From 71; TDNT 1:135; TDNTA 20; GK 74; Six occurrences; AV translates as "conflict" twice, "fight" twice, "contention" once, and "race" once. 1 an assembly, 1a a place of assembly: especially an assembly met to see games. 1b the place of contest, the arena or stadium. 2 the assembly of the Greeks at their national games. 2a hence the contest for a prize at their games. 2b generally, any struggle or contest. 2c a battle. 2d an action at law, trial. [8]
We could put it this way: Loving the church is the football stadium of the Christian life. We battle worldly thinking, sinful natures, and even the Devil himself.
Christians get encouragement in two ways:
Vs.1-2a A. Through loving unity "knit together in love"
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! (NAU)
As Christians, everything we do affects everyone else. 1 Corinthians 12:26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. (NAU)
There is great joy in a close knit church. Philippians 2:1--3 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; (NAU)
Vs.2b-3 B. Through knowing Christ "true knowledge of...Christ"
John Calvin put it this way, ". . . the knowledge of Christ is of itself amply sufficient."
When we understand who Christ is and then live for Him with all of our heart we will have a confidence that we belong to Him. Hebrews 6:11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, (NAU)
This is why Paul said, 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. (NAU)
Romans 11:33--36 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. (NAU)
You will never miss out on anything important if you have Christ!
CONCLUSION: How much do you love the church? Do you love the church enough to do the hard thing because it is the right thing? Are you willing to do the hard work of loving other believers?
"Has your religion cost you anything? If it has cost you nothing, it is worth nothing." William Tiptaft
[1]Wiersbe, W. W. 1996. The Bible exposition commentary (Col 1:24). Victor Books: Wheaton, Ill.
[2]James Strong, S.T.D., LL.D., vol. 1, A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible, 36 (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009).
[3]Consolations Proportionate To Spiritual Sufferings By Charles Spurgeon March 11, 1855
[4]William MacDonald and Arthur Farstad, Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments, Col 1:27 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997).
[5]James Strong, The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Text of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurrence of Each Word in Regular Order., electronic ed. (Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996).
[6]Ibid.
[7]William MacDonald and Arthur Farstad, Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments, Col 1:29 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997).
[8]James Strong, The Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible : Showing Every Word of the Text of the Common English Version of the Canonical Books, and Every Occurrence of Each Word in Regular Order., electronic ed. (Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship., 1996).
