Stephen Kaung's 1996 spoken ministry expounds Colossians 1:24–29, centering on the mystery hidden through ages but now revealed to the saints: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." This divine secret, conceived before creation, manifests the riches of God's glory among the nations.
Paul's conversion illustrates God revealing His Son "in" him (not merely "to" him), effecting intimate union. While Jesus' physical body limited indwelling during His earthly ministry, the post-resurrection sending of the Holy Spirit enables Christ—and the Triune God—to dwell within believers' spirits. True salvation surpasses forgiveness and heaven; it is Christ Himself indwelling.
Genuine faith is evidenced by conscious awareness of Christ's presence through inner witness, voice, conviction, peace, and life. Glory denotes God's self-manifestation, weighty splendor, and satisfaction—when He can affirm of the believer, "This is how it ought to be," fully conformed to Christ's image.
Christ in you is both the key and hope of glory, but its realization requires the cross: self-denial, suffering, and yielding so Christ may live out His life. Paul labors to present every believer mature in Christ; believers must respond by offering themselves for divine transformation.
Outline of the Content
1. Introduction to the Mystery
Hidden through ages; revealed post-salvation as "Christ in you, the hope of glory."
2. Paul's Personal Revelation
Conversion experience: God revealed His Son "in" him (Galatians 1).
3. Jesus' Relationship with the Father
Eternal mutual indwelling in the Spirit; incomprehensible during Jesus' earthly life.
4. Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit
Post-resurrection indwelling; Triune God enters believers.
5. Knowing Christ's Indwelling
Proof of true faith; conscious communion and inner witness.
6. Nature of Glory
God's self-manifestation and satisfaction; purpose to conform believers to Christ.
7. The Key and Way to Glory
Christ as hope; attained through cross, self-denial, and yielding.
8. Conclusion and Prayer
Exhortation to offer oneself for transformation; Paul's aim to present mature believers.
24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: 25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; 26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.