Why can Paul rejoice in his suffering for them?
Because he knows God and the salvation God offers.
We share in God’s inheritance.
We are rescued from the kingdom of darkness into he Kingdom of the Son.
We are rescued through the forgiveness of sins.
Christ reconciled us by his death on the cross.
We are brought into God’s presence.
God makes us holy and blameless in his sight.
And then, to add to the list above, the attributes of Christ:
Visible replica of the invisible God.
Firstborn of all creation.
Creator of all things.
All things were Created for him.
Head of the church.
Firstborn from the dead.
God was pleased to have his fullness on him.
As ministry leaders, we do not run church programs for people to do their religious duty. We lay ourselves down so others can know the greatness of God and his salvation.
We can only know the true power of God working inside of us when we give of ourselves. Giving for programs will burn us out. Giving for the salvation of others will light our fire because God is fanning the flame.