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Trials And Tribulations

Text: Colossians 2:1

The Lord Jesus forewarned His disciples that they must be prepared for suffering. He Himself would have to endure much suffering, even to the point of death (Mark 8:31). All the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ experienced the reality of trials and tribulations.

1. Some were beaten (Acts 4:3).

2. Others were jailed (Acts 5:18).

3. Stephen was the first martyr of the Church (Acts 7:60).

4. A pogrom against the church saw many believers scattered (Acts 8:1).

CONFLICT IN MINISTRY

Paul was no stranger to conflict in ministry. However, many who were in the Colossians Church did not know the apostle personally. He wanted them to know that he too had to face conflicts in his life and ministry.

“For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you
and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my
face in the flesh.”
Colossians 2:1

1. “I want you to know”

a) This was typical of Paul’s way of ministering.

b) He spoke of his life and ministry candidly.

c) This was very much the way the Lord Jesus ministered too.

d) He always spoke very plainly (even when He spoke about suffering and death).

2. “What a great conflict I have”

a) This would be a reference to Paul’s many conflicts with his sworn enemies.

b) Many of them violently opposed him (Acts 13:50; 14:19).

c) The word “conflict” in the Greek text indicates two elements in particular:-

i) Anguish

ii) Agony

3. “For you”

a) Colossians

b) Laodiceans

c) Others who had never seen Paul’s face personally.

d) These were essentially Gentile believers.