Rooted: Colossians - Week 4
Rooted - Week 4
Colossians 1:24-2:5, “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, 25 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. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 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, 2 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.”
The Cost and Call of Ministry
“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…”
Stewardship over Status
"25 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."
Are you using your influence as a platform or a pulpit?
The hope of the faithful
“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.”
The goal is growth (Maturity)
"28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
God's strength not your own
“29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.”
Are you exhausted because you’re working for God instead of with God?
Encouraged, unified, and resilient
"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, 2 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.."
Colossians 2:3, “In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
Colossians 2:4-5, “I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 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.”
Small Group Questions:
1. What role has suffering played in your spiritual growth?
- Can you look back and see how God has used difficult seasons to deepen your faith, compassion, or dependence on Him?
2. How do you currently view your ministry or calling — as a platform or as a stewardship?
- In what areas might God be calling you to lead with more humility, responsibility, or faithfulness?
3. What “false hopes” are you tempted to rely on instead of Christ?
- How does the truth that “Christ in you is the hope of glory” challenge or comfort you today?
4. Are you intentionally pursuing spiritual maturity or settling for spiritual survival?
- What does “maturity in Christ” look like in your current season, and how can you take a step toward it?
5. What voices or “plausible arguments” compete with the gospel in your life?
- How can you stay anchored in Christ when culture, doubt, or even Christian subculture offers alternatives?
3-Day Devotional Guide
Day 1: Suffering with Purpose
Read: Colossians 1:24; 2 Corinthians 1:3–7
Reflect: Paul says he “rejoices” in suffering — not because pain is good, but because it can be used by God. Suffering shaped him, connected him to the church, and revealed the sacrificial love of Christ through his life. In your pain, Christ is not absent — He is at work.
Challenge: Write down one way God might be using a current or past hardship to shape you or bless others. Pray for the strength to rejoice, not just endure.
Day 2: Christ in You — A Better Hope
Read: Colossians 1:27; 1 Peter 1:3–5
Reflect: The mystery revealed is not just that Christ saves, but that He dwells in you. This is your “hope of glory” — not performance, reputation, or success. Your hope is living and eternal because it’s anchored in a risen Savior who is with you and in you.
Challenge: Identify one area where you’ve placed your hope in something other than Jesus. Ask God to help you redirect that hope toward Him today.
Day 3: The Call to Maturity
Read: Colossians 1:28–29; Hebrews 5:12–14
Reflect: Paul’s goal is not just converts, but fully formed disciples. Maturity in Christ means becoming more like Him in character, obedience, and wisdom. This growth doesn’t come from passivity — it takes intentionality and dependence on His strength.
Challenge: Ask yourself: “What is one area where I need to grow in maturity?” Take one action today — confess sin, ask for accountability, begin a habit — to respond to that need.