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Anchored in Jesus: The Mysterious Body

Colossians 1:24–2:5
Preacher: Alex Hogendoorn – October 12, 2025

Tagline

Christ reveals His mystery not just to us but through us—the Church is His living body where His glory is made known.

Sermon Summary

Paul rejoices in his sufferings, not because pain is pleasant, but because it draws him deeper into Christ’s own sufferings and serves the Church—the body of Christ. In this passage, he reveals the great mystery that has now been made known: Christ in you, the hope of glory. The gospel is not an evolving secret or a new teaching; it is the ancient truth revealed in Jesus, who is both fully God and truly human, reconciling all things through his cross. Paul insists that this mystery is worth every struggle, because through it, God displays his wisdom and love in ways beyond our imagination—power through weakness, victory through suffering, glory through humility.

Yet this mystery doesn’t end with Christ alone—it continues in His people. The astonishing truth is that God has chosen to make himself known through us. Christ is revealed not just in doctrine but in the life of his church. When we humbly repent, forgive, and serve one another, we manifest Christ in the world. The Spirit makes this mystery visible in community—especially when relationships are strained, and yet we seek Christ’s work in us and through us. In this mysterious body, even our weaknesses become a stage for his glory.

Icebreaker Question (pick one)

  • Playful: What’s the most surprising or mysterious thing you’ve ever discovered that wasn’t what you expected?

  • Meaningful: When have you sensed God doing something deep and unseen in your life that only made sense later?

Opening Prayer

Ask the Spirit to speak through the word and to lead your time together.

Scripture Reading

Read Colossians 1:24–2:5 aloud as a group.

Main Discussion Questions

1. God Revealed 
What in this passage stirs your heart to worship Jesus? What does it show us about the nature of Christ’s mystery and how God chooses to reveal himself? 

2. Humanity Mirrored
Review Paul's attitude toward his sufferings: He says he expected to suffer more of Christ's afflictions in his body for the sake of the church and with Christ. What does this teach us about the human calling to suffer, serve, and grow together in the body of Christ?

3. Gospel-Centered Vision
The false teachers in Colossae promised new secrets and higher knowledge, but Paul insists the mystery has already been revealed in Christ. How does this shape the way we think about spiritual growth and maturity today?

4. Transformed Living
Bonhoeffer wrote that real Christian community is not found in an ideal dream of a church, but in our actual church. How does seeing the church as Christ’s body change the way you approach humility, repentance, or strained relationships?

5. Sharing and Witness
God is revealing His mystery through His people. Where do you see God using you—or our church—in His mission right now? How can we pray for and support one another in joining what He’s already doing?

For Further Study

  1. Ephesians 3:1–12 – The mystery of Christ revealed to the Gentiles through the Church.
  2. Romans 8:9–11 – The Spirit of Christ dwells in believers, giving life to mortal bodies.
  3. Philippians 3:10–11 – Sharing in Christ’s sufferings and knowing His resurrection power.
  4. 1 Corinthians 12:12–27 – The Church as one body with many members.
  5. John 17:20–23 – Jesus prays for unity so the world may know the Father’s love.
  6. 2 Corinthians 4:6–10 – God’s glory shines through our weakness.
  7. Galatians 2:20 – “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
  8. Colossians 3:12–15 – The character of Christ displayed in community life.
  9. 1 Peter 2:9–10 – The people of God called to proclaim His excellencies.
  10. Revelation 21:1–3 – The ultimate revelation of God dwelling with His people.
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