Scriptures to Read and Ponder
Main Teaching Text: Colossians 1:21–29 –
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 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 — if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move 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.
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. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 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. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Supporting Scriptures:
2 Timothy 2:3–4 – “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus…”
Acts 16:23–24; 2 Corinthians 11:23–28 – Paul’s catalogue of sufferings.
1 Corinthians 6:19–20 – “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…”
Romans 8:18–21 – Glory being revealed through the children of God.
Sermon Recap
INTRODUCTION: THE LIGHT BULB ANALOGY
A lightbulb has the potential to shine, but it is lifeless without power.
Likewise, we are beautifully designed by God, but we need to be connected to Christ to radiate life.
POINT 1: From Alienation to Adoption
Colossians 1:21–23 paints the picture of our spiritual past: alienated, hostile in mind, caught in evil deeds.
The Greek for “evil” (ponēros) has roots in pain and affliction—a life without Christ is one of inner torment.
But now, we have been reconciled (apokatallassō)—not just at peace, but restored to intimacy with God.
We are holy, without blemish, and free from accusation—not by merit, but by Christ’s death.
Paul urges us to continue in the faith, established and firm—this is a lifelong journey of trust and formation.
POINT 2: From Suffering to Stewardship
Salvation is not a retirement plan—it’s a commissioning.
Paul rejoiced in his sufferings because they were for the sake of Christ’s Body—the Church (v24).
Adoption leads to assignment. Every believer is a soldier of Christ, called to contend for the Kingdom.
Suffering isn’t always persecution—it can be resistance, sacrifice, or endurance for the sake of others.
POINT 3: From Mystery to Manifestation – Christ in You
The mystery once hidden is now revealed: Christ in you, the hope of glory (v27).
This is the wealth of the Gospel—not merely that Christ is for us or with us, but that Christ is in us.
We are now portable temples. God’s presence is no longer confined to sacred spaces but indwells His people.
Biblical hope is not wishful thinking—it is confident, joyful expectation.
Glory is not just a heavenly future—it is the fullness of Christ being formed in us, now.
POINT 4: From Proclamation to Maturity
Paul’s end goal: to present every believer mature in Christ (v28–29).
We are not called to be mere churchgoers but to become disciples, shaped by wisdom, suffering, mission, and hope.
Maturity is measured not by knowledge but by Christlikeness, and our ability to carry His presence into the world.
Memorable Quotes
“You weren’t just saved from something—you were saved for something.”
“You are a portable temple, and God has moved in.”
“Christ in you is not an escape plan—it’s a power source.”
“Reconciliation is not retirement—it’s the beginning of your assignment.”
“You’re not trying to get close to God—He moved in!”
“Hope is the oxygen of the soul—Christ in you is the hope of glory.”
“Paul didn’t want church attenders—he wanted mature believers.”
Questions for Discussion
Connection & Power
In what ways does the lightbulb analogy reflect your own spiritual journey?
Are there areas in your life where you feel disconnected from the “power source”?
Reconciliation
How do you personally understand being “holy, without blemish, and free from accusation”
What does true reconciliation with God look like in your daily life?
SufFering & Stewardship
What forms of “suffering” might God be calling you to embrace as part of your assignment
How can we steward our salvation with maturity and responsibility?
Christ in You
What difference does it make to you to know that Christ dwells in you?
How does this shape your identity, decisions, and relationships?
Hope of Glory
How is your understanding of glory being reshaped by this message?
Where do you need more confident and joyful expectation in your life?
Maturity
What does spiritual maturity look like in your context?
How can we help one another grow and be “presented mature in Christ”?
Further Reading
Scriptures:
Ephesians 3:16–19 – Christ dwelling in our hearts through faith.
Galatians 4:4–7 – From slaves to sons and heirs.
Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion.
Romans 12:1–2 – Living sacrifices, transformed by renewal.
Books and Resources:
“God Has a Name” by John Mark Comer – understanding the character of the God who dwells within us.
“The Normal Christian Life” by Watchman Nee – classic teaching on the indwelling Christ.
Bible Project video: Colossians – overview of the themes and structure of the epistle.
Prayer Points
Thanksgiving
Thank God for reconciling you through Christ’s body and blood.
Praise Him for making His home in your heart.
Spiritual Maturity
Ask the Lord to grow you into a mature disciple, able to carry His presence and power with integrity.
Hope Renewed
Pray for a fresh impartation of hope—joyful expectation of what God is doing in and through you.
Strength for the Assignment
Commit yourself as a “good soldier of Christ,” willing to endure resistance for the sake of His Kingdom.
For Others
Intercede for others in your church family—that Christ would be formed in them.
Pray for those who feel disconnected or hopeless to encounter the indwelling presence of Jesus.
Living as His Temple
Invite the Holy Spirit to remind you daily that you are His dwelling place, and to make you sensitive to His leading wherever you go.