Daily Devotions
Colossians
A Difficult Concept To Accept
Text: Colossians 1:28
The doctrine of Christ indwelling all believers, including Gentiles was a particularly difficult doctrine for many to accept!
1. Unbelieving Jews
a) The unbelieving Jews rejected this word outright.
b) They could not believe that Christ, their Messiah, could be so closely associated with Gentiles.
2. Unbelieving Gentiles
a) This was too profound for many.
b) How could the Lord Jesus Christ dwell in the hearts of believers?
THE PREACHING OF THE APOSTLES
Paul and many others were deeply committed to the preaching of this great mystery.
“Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every
man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect
in Christ Jesus.”
Colossians 1:28
1. “Him we preach”
a) There was emphasis when Paul wrote the words “we preach”.
b) What are some elements of “preaching?”
i) Firm proclamation
ii) Clear and definite declaration
c) The subject was “The Lord Jesus Christ, the hope of glory!”.
2. Other means of communication
a) Warning (the element of “counselling” may be found in this word)
b) Teaching (there is a strong didactic element)
c) The idea of so-called “autodidact” (self-taught is not a Christian principle)
3. Manner of teaching
a) Wisdom was highlighted.
b) Teaching with great conviction may also be mentioned.
4. A clear goal in mind
Paul was deeply committed to present believers “perfect in Christ Jesus”. The word “perfect” simply means “fully mature” in this context!