1. The church is the body of Jesus Christ.

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. (v. 24)

2. All church leaders are servants of the gospel and servants of the church

If you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant. (v. 23)

I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness (v. 25)

3. All church leaders should have confidence in the gospel and in the importance of local churches.

4. The worship service serves two aims, which is to make known among the Gentiles the mystery of Jesus Christ (Evangelism) and to present every Christian perfect in Christ (Maturity).

To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (v. 27)

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. (v. 28)

5. The two most important aspects of the worship service are (i) Worship, where the Gospel is proclaimed and (ii) Nurturing, where teaching and admonishing takes place.

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. (v. 28)

6. The church leaders are willing to labor with the strength of the Holy Spirit which works powerfully in us and to suffer for the Gospel if it is necessary.

To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. (v. 29)

Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. (v. 24)