Study Seven: “There is no Mystery”Colossians 1:21-29
People today tend to want mysticism in their religion. Perhaps it is the result of the proliferation of supernatural themes in books, television, and movies. Even our young children are bombarded with characters with special powers. Adults are also enchanted with the idea of forces of nature they can call upon at will. In this passage, Paul reveals that there is no “secret” knowledge or power. He says God revealed all through Christ, and He revealed it to everybody – not just a select few.
Verse 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.
Verse 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--
Verse 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Verse 24 Now I rejoice in what was suffered 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.
Verse 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness--
Verse 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.
Verse 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.
Verse 28 We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
Verse 29 To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.