Title: The Remaining Sufferings of Christ
Contents
The Remnant Sufferings of Christ (Colossians 1:24-27)
As we celebrate Passion Sunday, we want to see the meaning of the suffering Jesus suffered today and spend the Holy Week.
I. What was Paul's suffering?
For those of us who believe, there is God's will even in hardships, God's will even when we are sick, and God's will even when we fail. Just as Paul rejoiced in suffering in prison, let us give thanks and praise even in negative circumstances. When you live like this, you realize God's will, and after refinement, you become a person of pure faith like gold before God, and you become a person who can effectively help people who are more difficult than you. Suffering contains the message that God loves me. It is a signal to come closer to us.
Ⅱ. What does it mean to fill the sufferings of Christ?
The sufferings of Christ on the cross on Good Friday are entirely his share. No one can share that suffering. It is a suffering that only Christ, the Messiah, can bear. We cannot bear that suffering, nor can we share it. Because Jesus Christ is the only Mediator and Savior. (John 14:6, Colossians 1:14,20,22)
The sufferings of Christ that Paul is filling in his body now are sufferings for the church, so that his church may grow to the fullness of the fullness of Christ Jesus. As verse 28 says, it is suffering to make each one perfect in Christ. Although Christ completed the sufferings to save us on Good Friday, the sufferings to make us perfect are not yet perfect, but in progress.
Ⅲ. Why are there still hardships?
Why did Paul call this suffering the remnant of Christ's suffering? The suffering for the birth of the church was completed on the cross on Good Friday. However, the hardships involved in growing and expanding this church are not all over.
Christ, who suffered in his body on the cross on Good Friday, is still suffering for his body, the church. Christ's sufferings will not end as long as his body, the church, exists on this earth. The arrow that was directed at him is now flying towards us who are his retarded. (Rev 12:13,17) Think of the majesty of Satan trying to harm his chosen people. In that sense, faithful saints are those who receive the sufferings that the Lord must endure in His place. The Lord suffered for me, now let me rejoice that I suffer for the sake of Your church. Remember the words of the Lord Himself (Matthew 10:24,25).
Ⅳ. The sufferings of Christ not yet finished
Jesus of Nazareth identified himself with the people and said, “Why do you persecute me?” squealed Christ and the saints are one body. The church is the body of Christ, and their head is Christ. So, to persecute the saints is to persecute him. Saints! Is there ridicule and insult because of the gospel? Are there persecutions and hardships because of believing in Jesus? Have you ever run into trouble trying to keep your faith? Even in the saddest and most painful times in the world, our Lord does not leave us. Join me in my sufferings by my side. He feels more sorry than I do, but he wants you to help and overcome hardships. Let's listen to Paul's counsel once again. (Acts 14:22, Romans 8:17) Our suffering does not end with suffering. Our suffering is the gateway to glory. Those who suffer will also enjoy glory. Therefore, we should rejoice in suffering. This is the secret of God.
Ⅴ.Why did you say that you fill your body with the sufferings of others?
If we look forward to that glorious day, we must know that suffering is necessary for the dawn of a new day. Just as women go through the pain of childbirth in order for a new life to be born, believers should know that there are sufferings that need to be filled in our bodies for the dawn of God's new age (Galatians 4:19).
Ⅵ. Today, our resolve
What should be our resolve as we face Holy Sunday today? What should my confession be?
He was crucified for me. For the church that is his body, for the church to be renewed, and for the day when God's glory shines brightly all over the world, what kind of suffering am I filling in my life? Waking up in the morning and crying is also difficult for some people. However, the more the believers decide to fill the remaining sufferings of Christ, the more mature the church will be, and the new age will soon come.
Is there anyone among you who acts as a stumbling block to the Church of God, saying that you serve the Lord well and that you are zealous for the Lord? Does anyone go to the place of persecuting the heavenly Christ by persecuting believers and persecuting believers? If so, please change direction. I hope that all of you who are determined and devoted to living a life of suffering for a sinner like me and for the body of the Lord, the church. May we all enter the glorious kingdom of God, receive a reward, and reign with our Lord.