Our Reason For Living

 (3) Our Reason For Living
 (Colossians 1:24-2:5)
 Rev. Sara Pyon

 I. Suffer joyfully for the Gospel (v. 24)

 II. Serve according to our calling (vv. 25-27)
God’s plan and mystery revealed through obedience
Christ in us, the only hope of glory

 III. Present everyone mature in Christ (v. 28)
With admonishing & teaching
With all wisdom

 IV. Strive for the goal with Christ’s power (vv. 1:29-2:3)
To be encouraged in heart and united in love (v. 2:2)
To have all the treasures of wisdom and understanding in Christ (v. 2:3)
To not be deceived by fine-sounding arguments (v. 2:4)

 V. Reflections
Do you think suffering is an essential part of the Christian life?  Why or why not? If yes, how are you suffering for the sake of Christ?
Paul had a clear purpose for his life.  How would you state the purpose of your life in one sentence?
What do you think may have been the “fine-sounding/persuasive arguments” (v. 2:4) proclaimed by the false teachers at Colossae?  What “fine-sounding arguments” today draw some Christians away from their faith in Christ and/or from obeying God’s Word fully?