Beginning in verse 24 and all the way to the end of the chapter in verse 29 will be our text.

I'll ask you to stand if you're able.

You can follow along with me as I read.

If not, where you're seated is fine.

The Apostle Paul is writing to this church there in Colosse by the Holy Spirit from prison, a church that he had never

been to of all the churches. And he says, verse 24, now, I rejoice in what I am suffering for you.

How's that for starters?

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, verse 26, 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, verse 29, I strenuously contend with all the energy

Christ so powerfully works in me. Let's pray if you would, join with me. We'll ask God's blessing on our understanding.

Loving Heavenly Father, we cannot thank you enough. It's impossible, really.

To thank you enough for your word and for this portion that we have opened before us this

morning here in your word.

But Lord, we're also keenly aware that unless the Holy Spirit gets our attention and holds our attention, our minds are going to wander

and we're going to be distracted. And in so doing, we're going to miss that which you have for us today.

So Lord, we're going to ask you to quiet our minds and settle our hearts so that we can receive from you here in your word.

Speak, Lord. Your servants servants are listening for we ask this in

Jesus name amen and amen you can be seated thank you so I want to talk about rejoicing in suffering.

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