The Gospel in the Epistle to the Colossians
The Gospel is the Word of truth which comes to us by way of faithful ministers, who proclaim it in all creation under heaven (Col 1:5–6, 23). In all the world, the Gospel is constantly bearing fruit and increasing (Col 1:6).
When the Gospel minister faithfully stewards this mystery entrusted to him (Col 1:25), he proclaims Him, Christ Jesus as Lord of all (Col 1:28; 4:3). Faith in Christ Jesus comes by hearing (Col 1:4–5), with a view to believers being presented holy and blameless before God the Father (Col 1:22). The goal is for every believer to be complete in Christ (Col 1:28).
In Christ, we have our all and in all. He is the creator of all things (Col 1:16), because He is before all things (Col 1:17). All the fullness of deity dwells within Jesus (Col 1:19; 2:9), God’s beloved Son (Col 1:13), who has first place in everything (Col 1:18). He is the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15), who holds all things together by the Word of His power (Col 1:17).
In Christ, we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins (Col 1:14; 2:13). God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself; and through the blood of His cross, we have peace with God (Col 1:20). There was no way for helpless sinners to reconcile themselves apart from His death (Col 1:22). At the cross, Jesus canceled out the certificate of debt of sin (Col 2:14). The Law of God and its decrees against us have been fulfilled; and it has all been taken out of the way, as the main prosecutor in the case against us.
The Christian has died with Christ (Col 2:20). We have been buried with Him (Col 2:12); and we have been raised up with Him through faith in the working of God (Col 2:12). The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead has made us alive together with Him (Col 2:12–13); for we were dead in our transgressions and the uncircumcision of our flesh (Col 2:13).
The circumcision of Christ, His blood shed on the cross in the flesh, has made way for the circumcision of the heart — a circumcision made without human hands (Col 2:11). It was God the Father who qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light (Col 1:12). For He rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son (Col 1:13).
We were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds (Col 1:21). It is for these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience (Col 3:6). Having died to this former way of life, the Christian’s life is now hidden in Christ (Col 3:3). The saints and faithful brethren now walk in Him (Col 1:2; 2:6), that is, in a manner worthy of the Lord (Col 1:10).
Our ambition, as faithful slaves of Christ (Col 1:7), is to please Him in all respects (Col 1:10). Having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him, through instruction in the faith (Col 2:7), we must increase in the true knowledge of God (Col 1:10; 3:10) and the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Col 1:9). God willed to make Christ known (Col 1:27).
The end goal objective for the Christian life is that we become complete in Christ (Col 1:28). The minister of the Gospel mystery, Christ, is purposed to preach and teach sound doctrine in the power that works mightily within us (Col 1:29). It is a struggle (Col 2:1), to labor and strive amidst diverse sufferings (Col 1:24), invariably brought on by opponents who would delude the brethren with persuasive argument (Col 2:4).
The elementary principles of the world, the traditions of men produce various philosophies dishonoring and devaluing Christ (Col 2:8). Using empty deception, opponents of the Gospel promote religion with all of its rites, rituals, and observances. The Apostle Paul warns against these hindrances to Christian growth to maturity.
Christ’s church must focus on Christ Jesus (Col 3:1–2), whose image we bear at the new birth into the new self (Col 3:10–11). Christians must behave in the manner of who we are in Christ (Col 3:12–14). We have been called into one body (Col 3:15), to serve the Lord Christ (Col 3:24).
With the Word of Christ richly dwelling within us, we do our work heartily, as unto the Lord rather than men (Col 3:23). We do everything in word and deed, in the name of the Lord Jesus (Col 3:17). This includes our prayers.
Christians pray and give thanks to God in everything (Col 1:3, 12; 3:15–17; 4:2). We pray for one another (Col 1:3, 9; 4:2, 12). Ministers preach, in order to fulfill their ministries, until all people understand the grace of God in truth (Col 1:26), that all would be built up and complete in Christ (Col 1:28).
In all that Christians do for the Lord and for one another, we do it in the love provided by the indwelling Spirit of Christ (Col 1:9), who is our hope of glory (Col 1:27). Here is our perfect bond of unity (Col 3:14). May God grant you, my dear reader, the full assurance of understanding in the matters of so great a salvation and the inheritance reserved for us in heaven.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
April 26, 20204
Colossians
