Colossians 1:29

whereunto. labor also, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

'WHEREUNTO' -i.e. of presenting every man perfect in Christ. In fact, the purpose of this very letter was to enable the Colossians to be mature in Christ.

'I LABOR' -2872. kopiao kop-ee-ah'-o; from. derivative of 2873; to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard: -(bestow) labour, toil, be wearied.

'STRIVING' -75. agonizomai ag-o-nid'-zom-ahee; from 73; to struggle, literally (to compete for. prize), figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or genitive case (to endeavor to accomplish something): -fight, labor fervently, strive.

-'indicates the most strenuous and self-denying effort.' (Erdman p. 66) 'to contend in athletic games, to agonize,. favourite metaphor with Paul.' (Robertson p. 486)

Points to Note:

1. Evidently Paul believed that half-hearted Christians wouldn't end up saved (Revelation 3:15).

2. He also realized that an immature and untaught membership was only inviting spiritual disaster for any congregation (Romans 16:18; Hebrews 5:12; Colossians 2:8). Paul was willing to completely expend himself out in achieving the goal of Colossians 1:28.

3. In view of these statements let none say that preaching, bible classes, sermons, etc...are unimportant or part of. by-gone era.

4. 'His apostolic work did not rest with the conversion of his hearers.' (Bruce p. 88). tremendous amount of work is left to be done, even after one is converted.. lifetime of work.

5. And this is the grandest work in the world. To present. man mature in Christ--now that is the greatest work and accomplishment known to man. 'In such. work it is. privilege to exhaust our strength; in the performance of the duties of such an office, it is an honour to be permitted to wear out life itself.' (Eadie p. 102)

6. 'It was, indeed, no sluggish heart that beat in the apostle's bosom. His was no torpid temperament. There was such. keenness in all its emotions and anxieties, that its resolve and action were simultaneous movements.' (Eadie p. 102)

'ACCORDING TO HIS WORKING, WHICH WORKETH IN ME MIGHTILY' -'with all the strength that God gives me' (Phi).

Points to Note:

1. Paul was using all the spiritual gifts had God had bestowed upon Him to accomplish this purpose. He was using the gift of inspiration as much as he could in teaching and admonishing others (2 Timothy 1:6).

2. Paul was using whatever opportunities came his way (Acts 16:6). And Paul was willing to be as faithful and zealous. Christian as it was possible for him to be. Paul was willing to be as much as he could be-- 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Peter 4:13

3. Carefully note: "His working" didn't override Paul's freewill. For Paul had to strive and toil. God gave Paul certain gifts, privileges, and opportunities--Paul then was willing to use every ounce of those things, to milk it for all that it's worth--he will go as far as grace will take him.