How can you apply Paul's example of laboring for the Gospel in your life? Setting the Scene “ To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.” — Colossians 1:29 What Stands Out in Paul’s Words • Labor: deliberate, ongoing, wholehearted work • Striving: intense athletic effort, pushing past comfort • His energy: power sourced from Christ, not self • Working powerfully: continuous divine activity, never in short supply Christ’s Power Fuels Our Effort • 1 Corinthians 15:10 — Paul “worked harder… yet not I, but the grace of God.” • Philippians 2:13 — “God is the One working in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” • Ephesians 3:20 — He “is able to do far beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power at work within us.” Putting Paul’s Pattern into Everyday Practice 1. Start the day acknowledging dependence on Christ’s strength, not personal drive. 2. Identify a specific Gospel task (sharing, teaching, serving) and set a clear, actionable step. 3. Work at that task with diligence, viewing interruptions as appointments directed by the Lord. 4. Keep Scripture on your tongue and in your schedule; memorize short passages that anchor your motive. 5. Embrace ordinary labor—parenting, workplace excellence, neighborhood kindness—as sacred platforms. 6. Persist when progress seems slow, trusting Christ’s energy to keep you steady. 7. Measure success by faithfulness to the message, not by numbers or applause. Guarding Against Burnout • Plan regular Sabbath-style rest, convinced God runs the world when you sleep. • Lean on Christian fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25) for mutual encouragement. • Pray short, frequent prayers for renewed strength while you work (Romans 12:12). • Remember Jesus invites the weary to Himself, promising rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28-30). Living Proof That the Gospel Works • Your consistent, Spirit-powered labor authenticates the message you share (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10). • Hard work married to humility highlights the difference between self-promotion and Christ-exaltation. • Persistent service in unseen places preaches louder than words (Colossians 3:23-24). Encouragement to Keep Going • Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” • 2 Timothy 2:6 — “The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops.” • 1 Peter 4:11 — “Serve… by the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” Rely on His energy, labor with joyful grit, and let every effort echo Paul’s aim: the spread and supremacy of Christ. |
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