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1. For what did Paul rejoice? For what was Paul willing to suffer? Why was this suffering necessary? What does the phrase "still lacking" mean? (Ac 9:16; 14:22; 1 Pe 4:13)

2. How did Paul become a servant of the church? (1:25a) What was his commission? (1:25b) Who is privileged to know this mystery? (1:26) Why did God reveal it to them? (1:27)

3. What is this mystery? (1:27b) What does "Christ in you" mean? In what sense is Jesus our hope of glory?

4. What was the focus of Paul's ministry? (1:28) How did he struggle for this? (1:29)

5. Why did Paul want them to know how much he was struggling for them? (2:1--5)

6. How many times is the word "mystery" repeated in this passage? (1:26,27; 2:2) Why did Paul call Christ "the mystery of God"? When we know the mystery of God, what blessings do we receive? (1:27; 2:2,3; Jn 4:14; 6:35; 8:12)