The Right Kind of Struggles

Is there anything positive about struggling? Our series in the book of Colossians continues with an examination of struggles. What struggles did the Apostle Paul endure? Why does a loving God allow struggles in our own lives?

1. The Intensity of Paul’s Struggles (Colossians 2:1)

• Struggle is the Greek word agōn where we get our English words agony or agonize.
• The verb form of this word, striving, used in Colossians 1:29 means “to struggle to accomplish something, fight, labor fervently, strive."
• Paul agonized over the salvation of the lost and the spiritual growth of believers.

2. The Specifics of Paul’s Struggles (Colossians 2:2-3)

• He longed for Christians to be knit together in brotherly love.
• He longed for Christians to have the assurance of salvation.
• He longed for Christians to have the wisdom of God.
• He longed for Christians to have a close, intimate relationship with Christ.

3. The Reasons for Paul’s Struggles (Colossians 2:4-5)

• He did not want them to be lead astray by the allurements of the world.
• He wanted to see their Christian life in order and their faith in Christ firm.