"All roads lead to Rome," is a popular phrase that has been repeated for centuries, but "all roads" do not lead to Heaven. In the church at Colossae just as in the church today there are those who would try to promote another "way" or another gospel which is not the Gospel at all! God's plan of redemption was a mystery to the Jews before Christ came. It was also a mystery to the Gentiles (those of other nations). When Jesus Christ came to earth as the long awaited Messiah, God's plan was revealed to us. In order to help the Colossians in their Christian walk, Paul begins his letter by making sure there is no confusion on their part about Who Christ is.
In Colossians 1:21-29 Paul clearly lays out the mystery of the gospel.
*We were enemies of God and alienated from Him.
*God reconciled us to Himself through Christ's death on the cross.
*We are now seen by God as holy (pure), unblameable (innocent), and unreprovable (unable to be convinced of a fault) because of Christ.
*We are to continue in the faith grounded and settled. The hope of the gospel (foundation of our faith) is Christ!
*Christ in us is the hope of glory!
This same JESUS is WHO WE PREACH!
Colossians 1:28-29 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.Paul explains that his labor, his work, his goal was to preach Christ to every man, warning them about their eternal destination and teaching them the Word of God in all wisdom. His desire was for them to be complete in Christ! This was Paul's all consuming passion - sharing his testimony for Christ because of what Christ had done for him and in him. The hope of glory changed his life.
The Hope of Glory has changed my life! Who do you preach?
We preach CHRIST!
Thanks for being faithful to the Gospel centered life! It is a breath of fresh air in this world with so many options...nice meal from the Word!
ReplyDeleteIt is so refreshing to hear more perspectives on the study of Colossians! :) Looking forward to following along with you as you study this out... and thanks for stopping by and reading what God has shared with me!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this passage in Colossians! Looking forward to following along as you study this passage out- it is so encouraging to hear other women's ideas on the same topic. Next time you stop by my blog- be sure to link back here, even if it is just with your address (I have not figured out all the link up stuff yet!) so that some of my girls can read what you are getting as well- so they can be encouraged!
ReplyDeletei love hearing others views on our study!! love your blog!
ReplyDelete