The Essence of Triumphant Living

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions. Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.” Colossians 1:24-29

Although the Christian life was never meant to be mysterious, we often act as if it is. Promises of discovering the newest biblical principle for victorious Christian living allure us. Seminars entice us with claims of revealing pivotal steps for fulfilled living. An assortment of books advertise their authors’ unique ingredients for the abundant life.

They all communicate the idea that if we can just uncover the key principle or verse or thought, then we can finally arrive in our Christian experience. The Scriptures, however, decry such shrouded secrecy. As the full revelation of God’s plan and purposes, they clearly light our path and illumine our minds.

At the core of Paul’s teaching concerning the vibrant, profitable Christian life is: “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:27). That, in a nutshell, is the essence of triumphant living. It is no longer a mystery waiting to be solved by a solid fact for ever believer.

Jesus in us is all we need. His indwelling provides hope, comfort, strength, wisdom, direction, and joy. There is nothing mysterious about it. We are to depend on Him in ever detail of our existence. We already possess the answer for every demand of life - Jesus Christ within us.

“...resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.” Colossians 2:2