Steadfast – How to Grow Up as a Believer

Steadfast: Living for Christ in a Wayward World

Part 4 – How to Grow Up as a Believer

Colossians 1:24-29

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:24-29

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.

1) Serve Christ , even when it’s difficult.

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. Colossians 1:24

15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. Acts 9:15

24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, Colossians 1:24

Jesus’ suffering was all that was needed to salvation to sinners, but Paul’s suffering was needed to salvation to sinners.

2) Share the Good News so lives can be !

25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. Colossians 1:25-26

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. 1 Peter 3:15

3) Make known to others the glorious you have found in Christ!

27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27

4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:4-6

4) Become more every day!

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

15 …we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15

5) Lean on Christ’s power to you when you want to !

29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:29

How can I mature as a Believer? How can I help lead others to mature?

1) Serve Christ joyfully, even when it’s difficult.

2) Share the Good News so lives can be changed!

3) Make known to others the glorious treasure you have found in Christ!

4) Become more like Christ every day!

5) Lean on Christ’s power to energize you when you want to give up!