X Marks the Spot: Finding Your Identity, Purpose, and Belonging in Christ
Ever feel like you’re missing the point of life? In Colossians 1:24-29, Paul writes from a prison cell, but he’s not complaining, he’s rejoicing. Why? Because he’s caught a vision of something bigger than comfort or control: Christ living in him. And that changes everything.
In this week’s message, Pastor David walks us through Colossians 1:24-29. It’s here that Paul lays out a pattern that shapes the way we walk with Christ, build each other up, and bring light to a world that’s searching for answers. There’s a rhythm to it, a kind of divine “X marks the spot” where our need for identity, purpose, and connection all meet in the person of Jesus Christ.
Whether you’re struggling to believe any of this matters or you just feel stuck in neutral, you’re not alone. And you’re not without direction. Let’s take the next step together, and find out how Christ in you really does change everything.
Key Takeaways
- God wants each believer to walk in power. (Colossians 1:24, 29)
- God wants the church to shape one another. (Colossians 1:25, 28)
- God wants the world to know Hope. (Colossians 1:26, 27)
Further Study
- In Colossians 1:24, Paul rejoices in his sufferings for the church. Consider this alongside Romans 8:17 and 2 Corinthians 1:5-7. How does understanding our participation in “Christ’s afflictions” reshape your understanding of personal trials? How might this perspective transform the way you serve others in your church family, particularly during challenging seasons?
- Looking at Colossians 1:25-26, Paul describes himself as a servant “according to God’s commission.” Connecting this with 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 and 1 Peter 4:10-11, how does seeing yourself as commissioned by God rather than just volunteering change your approach to serving in the church? What specific ministry opportunities might God be calling you to embrace?
- In Colossians 1:27, Paul tells us the mystery as “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Take a minute to read this alongside Galatians 2:20 and Romans 8:10-11. How does the reality of Christ’s indwelling presence challenge the world’s definitions of identity and purpose? How might this truth impact your “who’s your one” relationship with someone near you but far from God?
- Paul says in Colossians 1:28 that we’re supposed to warn and teach each other with all wisdom. That’s not just for pastors, it’s for all of us. Pair that with 2 Timothy 3:16–17 and Hebrews 10:24–25, and it’s clear: God didn’t design us to grow alone. How are you helping other people grow in their faith? Are you showing up for them and sharing what God’s teaching you? Are you giving gentle correction when someone’s drifting? If you’re part of the body, you have something to offer. What does that look like for you right now?
- In Colossians 1:29, Paul says he’s striving, but not on his own, it’s God’s power working in him. That lines up with Philippians 2:12–13 and Ephesians 3:16–19. How would your week look different if you actually lived that out? Take a minute to journal some thoughts about it.
The Gospel
If you have questions about what it means to be a Christian, we would love to talk with you about it.
Reach outColossians 1:27 puts it plainly: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” That’s not just a theological phrase, it’s the center of the Christian life. Without Christ, we’re not simply flawed or struggling. We’re spiritually dead. No amount of stability, success, or self-improvement can fix that.
But Jesus stepped in and did what we couldn’t. As Pastor David put it, “Jesus did the work for me that I could not do for myself.” His death wasn’t just a moving example, it was a real substitution. He died in our place, and because He was sinless, He rose again. When we trust Him, we’re not just patched up, we’re made new. Brought from death into life.
This isn’t something we earn or maintain through effort. It’s something we receive. And with that new life comes a new identity, anchored in Christ, not in performance. We find real belonging in His people. And we discover lasting purpose in helping others see the hope we’ve been given.
The response is simple but not easy: surrender. Not in the sense of giving up in defeat, but laying down the illusion of self-sufficiency. Trusting in Christ’s finished work rather than trying to earn what’s already been offered.
The gospel doesn’t start with what we do for God. It starts with what He’s done for us. That’s the treasure. That’s where the X lands: Christ Himself, living in us.