I enjoy sports. Like you, I have my favorites. When it comes to football, for example, I don’t just watch the game, I have inserted myself into the game and am actually making tackles and stretching out for a long completion. I do love football. This summer we are all anticipating the Summer Olympics in Rio. The commitment, dedication, and sacrifice of world class athletes is amazing to behold. Their daily training and attention to their craft is incredible. Paul often referred to athletics in his writings. Moreover, he demonstrated the same commitment, dedication, and sacrifice of world class athletes in how he lived out his faith in Jesus Christ. Paul said “I’M IN” and he was “All In.”
Paul had a vision for His life and for his followers…and for us. In Col 1:24-29, Paul shows us what it means to be able to say I’m In/All In.
Notice:
- Paul’s passion. 24
I’m In/All In—Regardless of personal pain, persecution, or punishment, I choose to serve Jesus with all that I have.
24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering 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.
- Paul’s purpose. 25, 26
I’m In/All In—To be a servant of Christ is my life’s single greatest calling.
25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people.
- Paul’s promise. 27
I’m In/All In—Jesus saved me and seeks to save everyone–place your complete trust and hope in Christ.
27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
- Paul’s priority. 28
I’m In/All In—Spiritual maturity, becoming more like Christ, must be our primary goal and source of joy.
28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.
- Paul’s perseverance. 29
I’m In/All In—Having a no stop, never quit, and total commitment to serve Jesus in all ways is my aim in life.
29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
Paul’s life and example screams “I’m In/All In,” and so must ours. We have been called to be fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Let’s show the same dedication and commitment to growing and living out our faith as Paul did.