UNFINISHED BUSINESS (Colossians 1:24)

I. Finish Filling Up through Suffering

^{Colossians 1:24}Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.

II. Finish Manifesting the Mystery through Service

²⁵I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness-- ²⁶the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now manifested to the saints - which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.

III. Finish the Full Riches through Struggle

²⁹To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me. ^2:1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. ²My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, ³in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.