The Heart of a Faithful Leader – Colossians 1:24-2:5 (Pastor Jeremy Hartley)
The Heart of a Faithful Leader April 21, 2024
Colossians 1:24-2:5
- A Leader’s Excitement and Enthusiasm (24)
Colossians 1:24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, (ESV)
1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.
“Suffering is not an accident. Suffering is a strategy of God to complete the Great Commission. When Jesus bids a man follow him, he bids him come and die. We have plenty of time in eternity to enjoy the benefits for our bodies.” JOHN PIPER
- A Leader’s Privilege and Responsibility (25-27)
Colossians 1:25–27 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, [26] the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. [27] To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
- A Leader’s Message (28)
Colossians 1:28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. (ESV)
“Preaching is the overwhelming witness of Scripture as the means of communicating the words of God.” JEFF ROBINSON
“Christ-centered preaching both encourages belief and challenges unbelief.” WALT NILSSON
Romans 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
- A Leader’s Struggles and Burdens (1:29-2:1)
Colossians 1:29-2:1 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. [1] For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, (ESV)
- A Leader’s Aim (2:2-5)
As a pastor, Paul had some goals for the Colossian church.
Colossians 2:2–5 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, [3] in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [4] I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. [5] For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. (ESV)
2 Timothy 4:5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. (ESV)