I just returned from leading a pastors backpacking trip. Earlier this week, I was reading in Colossians for my devotions:
24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, 26 the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. 27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
Colossians 1:24-29
In this passage, Paul talks about encouragement coming from a "mystery hidden for ages and generations" or a "secret plan". This secret plan, hidden for generations, was to reveal Christ in you. Christ is our example. If we are in Christ, and Christ is in us, we are to walk as he walked.
6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.
1 John 2:6
This was the secret plan that God set into motion from the beginning of creation... Christ in you.
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