Christ in You: The Hope of Glory Colossians 1:27
Introduction:
Today, we embark on a journey through Scripture to explore the profound truth revealed in Colossians 1:27. This verse encapsulates the mystery and the wonder of the Christian life—Christ dwelling within us, the hope of glory. Let us delve into this truth and understand its implications for our lives.
Colossians 1:27 (New Living Translation): "For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory."
Point 1: The Revelation of the Mystery
The Apostle Paul, writing to the Colossians, unveils a profound mystery: Christ lives in us. This truth was not fully understood in previous ages but has now been revealed through the gospel.
In Ephesians 3:4-6, Paul writes about this mystery, stating that Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ through the gospel. This mystery is now made known to us—the indwelling presence of Christ.
Ephesians 3:4-6 (NLT): "When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel."
In Ephesians 3:4-6, the Apostle Paul underscores the revelation of a profound mystery—the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan through Christ. This mystery, hidden in previous ages, has now been unveiled through the Holy Spirit to the apostles and prophets. Paul emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ, regardless of ethnicity or background, as fellow heirs of God's promises.
Point 2: The Assurance of Glory
Paul tells the Colossians that Christ dwelling in them is the assurance of sharing in His glory. This indwelling presence transforms our perspective.
In Romans 8:17, we are reminded that if we are children of God, then we are heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. This assurance of future glory motivates us to live for Christ now.
Romans 8:17 (NLT): "And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering."
Romans 8:17 highlights the identity and destiny of believers in Christ. As children of God, we are co-heirs with Christ, destined to share in His glory. However, this shared glory also involves sharing in His sufferings. This verse underscores the intimate relationship believers have with Christ and the promise of future glory awaiting them.
Point 3: The Transformative Impact
Understanding that Christ lives in us should profoundly impact our daily lives. It means that our lives are no longer our own but belong to Christ.
Galatians 2:20 (NLT): "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Galatians 2:20 expresses the profound transformation experienced by believers through faith in Christ. Our old selves, characterized by sin and self-centeredness, have been crucified with Christ. Now, Christ lives within us, empowering us to live by faith and trust in Him. This verse encapsulates the essence of the Christian life—dying to self and living for Christ.
The presence of Christ within us empowers us to live victoriously over sin and to manifest the fruit of the Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 (New Living Translation): "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"
Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit—attributes that manifest in the lives of believers who are led by the Holy Spirit. These virtues stand in contrast to the works of the flesh listed earlier in the chapter. The fruit of the Spirit reflects Christ's character and is evidence of His indwelling presence in the lives of believers.
Application and Call to Action:
These passages collectively emphasize the transformative power of Christ's presence in the lives of believers, the unity of the body of Christ, the promise of future glory, and the fruit of the Spirit that manifests in those who walk in step with the Holy Spirit. They inspire believers to live out their faith with assurance and reliance on God's ongoing work within them.
Beloved brothers and sisters, the truth of Christ dwelling in us is a game-changer. It should transform our thinking, our priorities, and our actions. Let us live with the awareness of His presence within us, drawing strength and assurance from this reality. May we strive to reflect His glory in all areas of our lives, knowing that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion.
Philippians 1:6 (NLT): "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."
Philippians 1:6 reassures believers of God's faithfulness to complete the work He has begun in them. This verse encourages perseverance and confidence in God's transformative work in the lives of His people. The ongoing sanctification and growth of believers ultimately culminate in the day of Christ's return.
Closing Prayer:
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible truth that Christ lives in us—the hope of glory. Help us to grasp the depth of this reality and live accordingly. Empower us by Your Spirit to be transformed by this truth and to shine forth Your glory in the world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
This sermon is intended to inspire believers to live with a deeper awareness of Christ's indwelling presence and to encourage them to reflect His glory in their daily lives.
