Riches in Christ Revealed
27 God wanted to make known among the Gentiles the glorious wealth of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 We proclaim him, warning and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 I labor for this, striving with his strength that works powerfully in me.
Colossians 1:27-29 (CSB)
Colossians 1:27-29 urges us to understand and accept that Christ dwells within us. He supports us in overcoming daily struggles by giving us the strength we need for victory and the power to fulfill the purpose He has set for us. He enables us to spread the gospel message, inviting others to respond in faith to Jesus Christ and to experience the transformation salvation brings. Let us live in the riches revealed in Christ and share the promise of these riches with others.
The Message for Everyone. Paul understood that he was called to deliver the gospel message to the Jews, Gentiles, and Rulers (Acts 9). His role was to be the channel through which God revealed the mystery of the gospel to the nations. This calling reminds us that God wants everyone to hear the gospel and have the chance to respond. Similarly, we are called to be the means through which God shares the gospel with all people. Our goal should be to engage others with the message so they can be saved.
The Call to Spiritual Growth. Similar to Paul’s urging to share the gospel, he recognized the importance of spiritual development. He encouraged believers to deepen their understanding of the truth and to emulate Christ more closely in daily life. The goal of spiritual maturity was personal improvement and the capacity to fulfill the Great Commission through discipling others by teaching everything they had learned. Paul understood that spiritual growth is not an optional addition to life in Christ, but a vital part of one’s journey with Jesus. We must dedicate ourselves to spiritual growth and strive to live in a way that inspires others to deepen their walk with Christ.
The Sustaining Strength of God. Paul understood that sustaining his work required external spiritual strength. He knew that the power needed to fulfill God's calling wouldn't come from himself but from resting in God's provision. Trusting in God's promise to supply, Paul relied on divine empowerment, knowing that only the Lord could give him the energy and ability to fulfill his mission. As believers, we must also hold onto the promise that God will equip us for the tasks He assigns.
QUESTIONS
How does the proclamation of the gospel and the expectation of spiritual maturity work together?
What keeps us from trusting in the provision and strength of the Lord to carry out the task He calls us to?
