In what ways can we share the mystery of Christ with others? Opening the Text “ To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” — Colossians 1:27 What Is the Mystery? • Hidden for ages, now unveiled: Christ living in believers (v. 26–27). • A personal, indwelling Savior—“Christ in you”—not a distant concept. • The overflow of that indwelling Presence becomes “the hope of glory,” pointing beyond this life to eternal fellowship. Sharing the Mystery through Our Words • Speak the gospel plainly: “How will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). • Keep Jesus central; avoid distractions. Paul’s message was “we preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:23). • Tell personal testimony: the man born blind simply said, “One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see” (John 9:25). • Use Scripture itself: “The word of God is living and active” (Hebrews 4:12); let verses do the heavy lifting. Sharing the Mystery through Our Lives • Consistent character: “Live worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). • Visible fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23)—shows Christ within. • Joy in hardship: Paul’s chains advanced the gospel (Philippians 1:12-14); suffering can spotlight the hope of glory. • Everyday integrity: honest work (Colossians 3:23), faithful speech (Ephesians 4:29), self-sacrificial service (Mark 10:45). Sharing the Mystery through Hospitality • Open homes mirror an open gospel: Lydia welcomed believers (Acts 16:15). • Shared meals create space for questions and witness (Luke 5:29-32). • Practical help—food, rides, childcare—turns abstract truth into tangible love (1 John 3:18). Sharing the Mystery through Prayer • Pray for open doors: “Pray for us, that God may open to us a door for the word” (Colossians 4:3). • Ask God to soften hearts; He alone gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Pray with people, not just for them. Inviting God’s presence can introduce Christ directly. Sharing the Mystery through Community • Unified fellowship makes Christ visible: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). • Local church gatherings showcase worship, teaching, and transformed relationships (Acts 2:42-47). • Small groups allow seekers to observe and participate in authentic faith conversations. Sharing the Mystery through Acts of Compassion • Meeting felt needs opens ears to spiritual truth (Matthew 14:13-21). • Justice and mercy reflect God’s heart (Micah 6:8). • Remember the poor: generosity validates the gospel (Galatians 2:10; James 2:15-17). Sharing the Mystery through Cultural Engagement • Find touchpoints: Paul quoted poets in Athens (Acts 17:28). • Art, music, and story can bridge to Christ’s story. • Live counter-culturally yet graciously, “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). Sharing the Mystery through Discipleship • Teach new believers to obey Christ’s commands (Matthew 28:19-20). • Model reproducible faith—what we receive we pass on (2 Timothy 2:2). • Encourage others to discover and use spiritual gifts for kingdom impact (1 Peter 4:10). The Ongoing Invitation Christ in us is too glorious to keep to ourselves. As His life flows through our words, actions, homes, prayers, communities, compassion, engagement, and discipleship, others glimpse the hope of glory and are invited into the same mystery made known to us. |
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