Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
The speaker admits Colossians 1:24 is “a new thought”—that believers have “a part in Christ’s suffering,” and that Paul “rejoices” to “fill up…what is lacking”; what do you think Paul means by suffering that is “lacking,” and how would embracing this (suffering for the church’s sake) confront modern Christian expectations of comfort, safety, and personal fulfillment?
Another way to ask: What do you think Paul means when he says something is “lacking” in Christ’s sufferings, and he “fills it up” by suffering for the church? How would taking that seriously challenge modern expectations of comfort, safety, and personal success?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript suggests Paul means there is a share of affliction connected to Christ’s body, the church, that believers—like Paul—end up bearing in their own flesh; in that sense, they “fill up” what remains to be suffered in serving the church. Embracing this confronts modern expectations because Paul not only accepts suffering, he “rejoices” in it when it is “for the sake of his body,” shifting focus from personal comfort to the church’s good.
- He calls it new and puzzling: “This was a new thought to me. We have a part in Christ’s suffering.”
- He paraphrases Paul’s meaning: “Paul is saying that he himself makes up the part of the suffering that Christ was lacking.”
- He admits uncertainty and invites discussion: “I’m sure there’s comments… and I’d love to hear that.”
- He contrasts his own instinct: “When I suffer… I don’t necessarily rejoice. But Paul rejoices.”
- He identifies the key motive: “I think that’s the key… It’s for his body. It’s for the church.”
- He gives a practical reframing: if we look at “the whole reason we are suffering… then we can rejoice.”