In The Margins

by Justan Borth

Colossians 1:24–2:3

Within this passage, Paul shifts the focus away from the church of Colossae and onto his own walk with the Lord.

Specifically, Paul gives us a picture of his faith in 4 parts:

• His attitude: He rejoices even in suffering (1:24).
• His calling: To make Jesus known (1:25–27).
• His purpose: To help believers grow mature in Christ (1:28).
• His devotion: He works hard, relying on God’s strength (1:29).

Paul begins by saying something pretty wild: he rejoices in his sufferings (his attitude). That doesn’t mean he enjoyed being in pain, but he understood that his struggles had a purpose. He saw his hardships as part of serving the church and making Jesus known. That’s a huge perspective shift, isn’t it?

Paul also talks about his calling. God had called him to share the gospel, the “mystery” that had been hidden for generations but was now revealed: Christ in you, the hope of glory. In other words, Jesus doesn’t just save us—He lives in us. That’s the hope we carry into every part of life.

But Paul’s goal wasn’t just to get people to believe in Jesus. He wanted them to grow up in their faith, to become mature (his purpose). He says, “We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” For Paul, maturity wasn’t optional—it was the whole point.

Therefore, with such a high purpose in view, Paul labored toward that end. His devotion was so that he “strived” for the maturity of other Christians with the power that was working itself through him. His conclusion is that the devotion with which he worked was not possible without the strength of something greater than himself.

So what does maturity in Christ look like for you as a teenager? It’s more than just knowing Bible verses. It’s letting God’s Word sink deep into your heart so it shapes your daily choices. It’s choosing kindness even when popularity seems easier. It’s pursuing purity in your relationships. It’s refusing to let fear or anxiety control your identity. It’s deciding that who you are in Christ matters more than grades, sports, or friendships.

That kind of maturity doesn’t happen overnight—it takes work and discipline. Paul compared it to training for a race. Nobody shows up to a marathon without practice. In the same way, we need consistent time with God in prayer, in Scripture, in worship, and in community with other believers. That’s how He shapes us.

So here’s the big picture: following Jesus won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Christ in you is the hope of glory. He is with you, giving you strength to grow, endure, and live faithfully.

The question is—are you letting Him shape you?

Reflective questions:

-How can you keep your identity in Christ from being overshadowed by things like school, sports, or friendships?

-In what ways do you notice yourself depending on God, and where are you tempted to rely more on your own effort or discipline?

-When you face suffering, how do you honestly process your emotions while also learning to rejoice in God’s presence?

-Which spiritual disciplines are you practicing right now, and where do you sense God inviting you to grow?

Further Study and Reading: 2 Peter 1:5-8 ; Romans 5:3-5