GOD WILLED TO MAKE KNOWN THIS MYSTERY AMONG THE GENTILES

Text: Colossians 1:27
27 March 2011

(I) A DIVINE MYSTERY HIDDEN

“the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints…” Colossians 1:26

1. Ages

2. Generations

(II) A DIVINE MYSTERY REVEALED I

“of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God” Colossians 1:25

1. Revealed to Paul

2. According to the stewardship from God

3. To fulfill the word of God

(III) A DIVINE MYSTERY REVEALED II

“To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles” Colossians 1:27a

1. Revealed to the Gentiles

a) Non-Jews (racially)

b) Despised by the Jews

2. This mystery

a) Revelation

b) A special word/message from God

c) Riches of the glory of God

3. Unheard of

4. Unacceptable to the Jews

(IV) THE CONTENT OF THIS MYSTERY

“Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” Colossians 1:27b

1. Christ

a) The Messiah

b) The Saviour of both Jews and Gentiles

2. Christ living in the hearts of Gentiles

a) The same hope as that promised to Israel

b) The hope of glory

i) Present aspect: Glory

ii) Future aspect: Hope

(V) PREPARED TO PAY THE FULL PRICE

1. Afflictions (Colossians 1:24)

2. Vigorous ministry

a) Preaching

b) Admonishing (warning)

c) Teaching in all wisdom

d) Labouring

e) Striving mightily as God works in us

f) Presenting every man mature (perfect) in Christ Jesus