The Revelation of the Mystery of Christ

 Understanding the Big Secret God Has Shared with Us All 

Introduction: What’s This Mystery All About? 

Imagine being told there’s a secret that has been hidden for thousands of years. This secret has the power to change your life. It can give you hope and connect you personally to the Creator of the universe. That’s what the Apostle Paul talks about in his letter to the Colossians. He calls it the “mystery of Christ.” But what does that actually mean? And why should we care about something that was written almost two thousand years ago? 

Paul: The Messenger with a Special Task 

Let’s start with Paul. He was a leader in the early church. He saw himself as a servant. His job was to share this big secret (or “mystery”) that God had finally decided to reveal. Picture Paul like a mail carrier. Instead of delivering regular letters, he’s delivering the most important message the world has ever heard. 

Paul’s job wasn’t just for a certain group of people. He was sent to make sure everyone heard this good news. This included Jews and Gentiles—basically everyone who wasn’t Jewish—as well as men, women, the rich, and the poor. God wanted the message to reach every corner of the earth. He intended to break down old barriers. He was inviting everyone into His plan. 

The Secret Revealed: Christ in You 

So what exactly is this “mystery” that Paul talks about? Here’s the simple version: Through Jesus Christ, anyone can have a real, living relationship with God. It doesn’t matter what their background is. Not only that, but Jesus Himself comes to live inside each believer through His Spirit. In other words, when you trust in Jesus, He’s not just someone you read about in history. He’s not just someone you hear about at church. He actually comes to live within you, guiding you, helping you, and giving you hope for the future. 

Paul puts it this way in Colossians 1:27: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This is huge! For centuries, people thought God’s presence was only in a special temple or only for certain people. But now, because of Jesus, His presence is available to everyone, everywhere, all the time. 

Why Was It a Mystery? 

Let’s talk about why Paul calls it a mystery. In the Bible, a “mystery” isn’t like a puzzle you can’t solve. It’s more like a secret that God kept hidden for a while, until the right time to share it. In the past, God’s plans were like a story with missing chapters. People knew a Savior was coming, but they didn’t know all the details. They didn’t realize that God’s plan was for Jesus to die for our sins. Then he would rise from the dead and send His Spirit to live inside everyone who trusts Him. 

For the Jewish people, this was a radical idea. They had always thought of themselves as God’s special people. Now, God was saying, “My love and my promises are for everyone, not just one group.” Outsiders, people who had never followed God’s laws, were being welcomed in. They were not treated as second-class citizens, but as full members of God’s family. 

What Does It Mean for Us Today? 

It’s easy to think, “That’s great for people back then, but what does it mean for me?” The truth is, this mystery is just as important today as it was when Paul wrote his letter. Here’s why: 

• God’s Love is for Everyone: No matter who you are, God wants a relationship with you. It doesn’t matter where you’re from. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done. You don’t have to clean up your life first or follow a bunch of rules to be accepted. The invitation is open to all. 

• You’re Never Alone: When you trust in Christ, He comes to live inside you by His Spirit. That means you have access to His strength, wisdom, comfort, and guidance every day. 

• Hope for the Future: Life can be tough. We all face struggles, pain, and disappointment. “The hope of glory” means that, no matter what happens now, there’s a future filled with God’s presence. Joy is waiting for you. That hope gives meaning to our lives and strength to keep going. 

• A New Family: The mystery of Christ brings people together from all backgrounds. When you follow Jesus, you become part of a global family—the church—where everyone has a place and a purpose. 

Growing Up in Christ 

Paul doesn’t just want people to hear about the mystery; he wants them to grow in it. He says in Colossians 1:28 that his goal is to present everyone “fully mature in Christ.” In everyday terms, God wants you to become more like Jesus. This means not just in how you act, but also in how you think. Additionally, it involves how you love and live. 

Spiritual maturity isn’t about knowing a bunch of facts or checking off religious boxes. It’s about letting Jesus shape your heart. That takes time, but it’s possible because He’s living in you and giving you the power to change. 

Sharing the Mystery: Everyone’s Invited 

Paul worked really hard to get this message out. It wasn’t always easy—he faced rejection, danger, and even prison. But he kept going, because he believed everyone deserved to hear that God’s love is for them. In the same way, followers of Jesus are called to share this good news with others. You don’t have to be a preacher or a Bible scholar. Sometimes, sharing the mystery just means being kind. It can also mean listening or telling someone how Jesus changed your life. 

The Big Picture: God’s Plan for the World 

The mystery of Christ isn’t just about individuals—it’s about God’s plan for the whole world. One day, everything that’s wrong will be made right. Jesus will return, and His glory will fill the earth. Until then, every act of love is a joining in on what God is doing. Every word of hope and every step of faith also join in His work. 

How Do I Respond? 

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I want to experience that hope and relationship with God,” it’s simple. It’s not complicated. God invites you to trust Him. You can talk to Him honestly, asking Him to show you who Jesus is and to come into your life. It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about starting a journey with the One who loves you most. 

Conclusion: The Mystery Made Simple 

The “mystery of Christ” isn’t meant to be confusing or scary. It’s God’s way of saying, “I love you. I’ve made a way for you to know Me. I want to be with you.” Through Jesus, what was once hidden is now out in the open for everyone to receive. In Him, we find purpose, hope, and a family that spans the globe. 

So let’s treasure this mystery, live it out, and share it with others. That’s the invitation of the gospel—good news for everyone, everywhere, for all time.