Colossians 1:24-2:5
The Struggles, Motivation and Joys of Helping Others
Fulton, NY.
By: John J. Iamaio, Ph.D.
May 4, 2008
I The Struggles of Helping Others
A] Paul ________ his struggles 1:29-2:1
B] Paul is _____________ about his struggles.
1] Paul struggled as _________ did. vs. 24.
2] His struggles were _______ other centered. vs. 24-25.
3] Paul struggled in _____________ Christ. vs. 28a.
4] He struggled in ____________ others. vs. 28b.
5] Paul struggled in ____________ others. vs. 28c.
6] He struggled in _____________ others. vs. 2:1
C] Paul is specific as to the ___________ of his struggles 1:29-2:1.
1] The word ___________ in 1: 29 = _________________
2] The word ___________ in 1:29; 2:1 = ________________
II The Motivation in Helping Others
Paul’s motivation was not self-centered but other centered. We all can be self-centered even in our help to others e.g. I will help you so that I can get something from you. I will help you so that you will like me. I will help you so that you will not disagree with me. Paul’s motivation was to help others so that they may __________ a deeper relationship with Christ. 2:2-4.
A] Paul’s struggles ___________ joy. 1:24a; 2:5.
B] His joy was seeing __________ in the Colossians saints. 2:5a-b.
C] Paul’s joy was seeing ________ in the Colossians saints. 2:5c.
Conclusion----- Questions to ponder.
Are the experiences of the apostle Paul in Colossians 1:24-2:5 to some degree our experiences? Do we struggle like he struggled? Is our motivation in helping others self centered or other centered? When we help others, is our ministry to them based upon a genuine desire to see them grow in a deeper relationship to Christ? Is there any joy in our ministry to others? If not, why do you think this is so?