Waters of LifeBiblical Studies in Multiple Languages |
|
Home Bible Treasures Afrikaans |
Home -- English -- Colossians -- 029 (Mystery of the Gospel) This page in: -- Arabic -- Chinese -- ENGLISH -- French -- German -- Portuguese -- Spanish -- Turkish
Previous Lesson -- Next Lesson COLOSSIANS - Christ in you, the hope of glory! Part 1 - The Foundations of Christian Faith (Colossians 1:1-29) 7. The Suffering of Paul for his Churches and the Mystery of the Gospel (Colossians 1:23c-29)Colossians 1:28-29 How Paul Spread the Mystery of the GospelPaul continued on in his letter, assuring the Colossians that he and his co-workers preached no other message than the glorified and almighty Jesus, who indwells His praying followers and makes them into true men and women through obedience to the faith. The apostle stressed that he admonished all he met with his message, so that they not, thoughtlessly and without hope, rush toward death and judgment. Perhaps he warned them that they were truly rushing toward the raging flames of hell if they did not quickly turn to Christ their Saviour. He taught, with all wisdom, all those he met who expressed interest, answering their questions, while leading them into the depth of the riches of the grace of Christ. His goal remained to lead every person into the perfection of the Messiah Jesus. Paul thereby testified that he and his team gave all effort to present every follower of Christ perfect in Biblical love, humility, joy, and in the peace of God. Such an existential transformation cannot happen through education, training or other human methods, but can only be realized through the power of the Spirit of Jesus. As soon as a person begins living in Jesus he receives a portion of His perfection. Wherever Jesus indwells a person, the Spirit of Jesus impels him to obey and fulfil His commands: “Therefore you also shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matt. 5:48). This program of evangelization sounds good, but looks very different in reality. Just as Jacob wrestled with the Angel of the Lord, so Paul wrestled with Jesus till one after the other of those spoken to were saved. Preaching demands hard spiritual work, under the leading of the Spirit of Truth, accompanied by prayer, faith, love, patience, hope, and, - when necessary, through fasting on the part of those whom Jesus has called (Luke 24:46-47; John 20:22-23). Paul wrote of a spiritual wrestling and battling against hereditary factors, evil forces, and depression amidst difficult situations. This battle is not fought in our own power, but in the power of the victorious Christ, who manifests Himself in great strength in every one of His servants who submits totally to Him. The power is not in one´s own self, but alone in the name of Jesus. These are those who confess to the victory of faith with the poet, Friedrich Adolf Krummacher: “Nothing have I to bring Prayer: Lord of all lords, we praise You that Your servant Paul evangelized all whom he met. He admonished and taught them in order to be able to present them perfect before You. Help us to spiritually wrestle and pray for our friends and acquaintances. Help us to be able to give them the right words at the right time. In Your name we pray. Amen. Question 29: Why are many Christians silent before other people, not testifying to them of their Saviour and His salvation? What are you doing for Jesus, and what aren´t you doing? Test One: Self-evaluation for Knowedge of the Book of ColossiansDear reader:
Dear reader: Please do not neglect to write your full address at the beginning or the end of the test paper you send in. Otherwise we will not be able to send you another book as a reward. Waters of Life Internet: www.waters-of-life.net Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, |