AM Scripture Reading: Colossians 1.24-29

This Morning’s Sermon:

Brent T. Willey

“HIM WE PROCLAIM”

Colossians 1.28

Introduction:

1. Paul’s aim was to “warn everyone” and to “teach everyone with all wisdom,” and to “present everyone” mature in Christ.
2. Two important contextual considerations:
   1. #1 – Colossians is Paul’s exposé of Gnosticism.
   2. #2 – “Everyone” is accountable to God.
3. Without Christ there is no hope of eternal life!

I. WARNING EVERYONE…WITH ALL WISDOM

1. “With all wisdom” modifies how Christ is to be proclaimed.
2. “Everyone” needs “warning.” [nouthetéō: “to put in mind, to warn” – used of both instruction & warning (Vine).]
   1. The non-Christian. (Acts 24.24-25)
   2. The Christian & church. (1 Thess. 5.14; Acts 20.28-32)

II. TEACHING EVERYONE…WITH ALL WISDOM

3. While “warning” principally deals with things that are wrong, “teaching” imparts all aspects of truth. Both are necessary! (Text; Col. 3.16)

4. “Everyone” needs “teaching.” [didaskō: “to give instruction; of both persons and things” (Vine).]

   1. The world needs gospel preaching! (Matt. 28.18-20)

   2. The church needs teaching! (Eph. 4.12; 1 Tim. 3.14-15)

5. Again we see “with all wisdom.” (Cf., 1 Cor. 9.19-22)

III. TO PRESENT EVEYONE MATURE IN CHRIST

6. This is why Christ is to be proclaimed – maturity in Christ!
   1. Variants: “perfect” (nkj; niv); “complete” (nas)
   2. Télios: “signifies having reached its end, finished, complete, perfect; fully grown, mature.” (Vine).

7. Paul devoted his life to preaching & teaching:

   1. He was compelled to reach the lost! (Cf., 1 Cor. 9.16-17)

   2. He was determined to lead the brethren to maturity in Christ! (Cf., Acts 14.22; 15.41; 18.23)

Conclusion: Paul concludes in verse 29, “For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me.”