"The Church Completes What is Lacking in the Sufferings of Christ"

SERMON APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

1. As noted in our introduction to the book of Colossians, Paul was suffering in prison at Rome for the preaching of the gospel. Having never visited the church at Colossae, what does he mean when he writes, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake?”                                                                                                
2. When Paul declares that he is completing or filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions, what aspect of Christ’s suffering cannot be in view? (John 19:30; Heb. 9:12, 24-26; Heb. 10:10-14)                                                                             
3. If the work of atonement (i.e. the reconciliation between God and sinful man through the blood of the cross of Jesus) has been completed through the sufferings of Christ, then in what sense does Jesus continue to suffer through His church?  (Acts 9:1-5, John 15:18-20; Matthew 5:11-12)                                                                                                                                                 “They hated Jesus with insatiable hatred, and wanted to add to His affiliations. But since He is no longer physically present on earth, their arrows, which are meant especially for Him, strike His followers.” - William Hendriksen                                                                                                  
4. Why should we, like Paul, rejoice in suffering for the gospel?  (Acts 5:40-42)                  
5. What did Pastor Dave mean when he said that our suffering for the gospel is redemptive with a little “r”? Consider this quote in your answer, “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.”                                                            
6. According to Philippians 1:29, what is “on par” with God granting us the grace to believe the gospel?                                                                                                  
7. Why should suffering for the gospel not take us by surprise? (Matthew 5:11-12; 1 Peter 4:12-13)                                                                                                      
8. Lifelong assignment - In your prayers, remember the persecuted church.                                                                                                                (Hebrews 13:3 ESV) “Remember those who are in prison (for their faithfulness to Jesus Christ), as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you are the body.”