Colossians 1

1. From Alienation to Reconciliation 

a) Past State: You were once distant from God, hostile in your minds, and involved in evil works.

b) Present Reality: Christ's death in His physical body has reconciled you, reversing that hostility and

bringing you near.

c) Purpose: To present you holy, blameless, and above reproach before Him. 

2. The Condition: Perseverance in Faith

a) This reconciliation isn't unconditional; you must continue in the faith, be established, and not be moved

from the hope of the Gospel.

b) This is the same gospel proclaimed to all creation, of which Paul became a servant.

3. Paul's Ministry & Suffering

a) Paul rejoices in his sufferings for the church, seeing them as filling up what's lacking in Christ's afflictions

for His body (the Church).

b) He serves as a steward, given by God to fully reveal the divine "mystery".

4. The Mystery Revealed: Christ in You

a) The hidden mystery for ages is now revealed: Christ in you, the hope of glory.

b) This is the glorious truth God wants to make known to all people (Gentiles included). 

5. The Goal: Presenting Everyone Mature 

a) Paul's mission is to proclaim Christ, warning and teaching everyone with wisdom.

b) The aim is to present every person perfect (mature) in Christ Jesus.

c) This is achieved through God's powerful working within Paul, enabling him to labor and strive.