“Whom 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 (KJV)
“So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.”– Colossians 1:28 (NLT)
“We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the message; we teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less.”– Colossians 1:28 (MSG)
What Does Colossians 1:28 Mean?
Colossians 1:28 is a powerful verse that captures the essence of what it means to share the Gospel and foster spiritual growth among believers. The Apostle Paul, the author of this letter, emphasizes his commitment to teaching and sharing the message of Christ. This verse highlights three critical aspects: preaching Christ, warning individuals about the implications of their choices, and teaching wisdom to help them grow spiritually.
When we look at the phrase “whom we preach,” it reminds us that our primary focus should always be Jesus Christ. We should not be preaching our opinions or ideologies, but rather sharing the Good News of Jesus. This is central to our calling as Christians. The verse continues with the concept of “warning every man,” which signifies our responsibility to guide and support one another in the faith. Warning does not mean scaring people away from God; rather, it is about guiding them towards a fuller understanding of who Christ is and what it means to live a life that honors Him.
The call to “teach every man in all wisdom” shows the importance of discipleship within the Christian community. It’s not just about conversion; it is about lifelong learning and growth in our faith. Each person has the potential to mature in their relationship with God, and it is our duty to help them on that journey. The ultimate goal is to present everyone “perfect in Christ Jesus.” This refers to spiritual maturity, where believers are fully devoted followers of Christ, living out their faith in practical and meaningful ways.
Colossians 1:28 Explanation and Commentary
In the context of Colossians, the Apostle Paul was addressing the church in Colossae, a burgeoning community of believers surrounded by various competing philosophies and teachings. Paul’s primary aim in this epistle was to affirm the supremacy of Christ over all creation and to correct false teachings that had infiltrated the church. Colossians 1:28 serves as a mission statement of sorts for Paul, summarizing his ministry’s fundamental aspects and goals.
The phrase “warning every man” signifies the early Christian understanding that spiritual life involves continual growth and vigilance against teachings that might lead believers astray. We are called to be watchful and to lovingly point out when a fellow believer is in danger of straying from the truth. Just as a good friend would warn us of potential dangers, we must also take on this role in our communities, ensuring that we are all on the right path.
Teaching with wisdom is equally crucial in this verse. Wisdom here refers to understanding God’s Word and applying it to our lives. It is not just about head knowledge but rather the depth of heart and soul that transforms us into Christ-like individuals. It is a call for all of us to deepen our knowledge of Scripture and to seek wisdom through prayer and fellowship with other believers.
The last part of the verse, that we may present everyone “perfect in Christ Jesus,” speaks to our goal as a church. This perfection does not mean sinlessness; instead, it refers to a kind of completeness found in a growing relationship with Jesus. As we engage with one another, imparting wisdom and warnings as needed, we are helping to shape each other into a unified body of believers that reflects Christ’s image. This relational aspect of growing in faith is essential as we all learn from one another’s experiences and insights.
Context of Colossians 1:28
To fully grasp the meaning of Colossians 1:28, it is essential to consider the context in which it was penned. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned, likely in Rome. He had received reports about the church in Colossae, highlighting both their faith in Christ and the troubling rise of false teachings. Paul sought to rectify these issues by focusing on the supremacy and centrality of Christ in all things.
The entire chapter emphasizes the nature of Christ and His role in our redemption. Before Colossians 1:28, Paul speaks about the preeminence of Christ, stating that all things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). This sets the stage for understanding why Paul urges believers to preach and teach Christ. It is from this foundation that the call to warn and educate believers flows — we are not merely imparting information; we are sharing the very essence of who Jesus is and how He transforms life.
Furthermore, the early church faced the challenge of competing ideologies, such as Gnosticism, which denied Christ’s full divinity and humanity. Paul’s ministry aimed to counteract these teachings by highlighting that true wisdom and maturity come from Christ alone. This context shapes how we interpret “teaching every man in all wisdom.” This wisdom does not come from the world but is rooted in knowing Christ and the truth of God’s Word.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Colossians 1:28
The verses’ structure reveals important truths for us. Let’s break down the different components for deeper understanding.
1. **”Whom we preach”** – Paul centers our attention on Jesus Christ and how crucial it is to prioritize Him in all conversation and teaching. It’s a reminder that our mission is to share the heart of the Gospel — the message of Jesus. Preaching is not limited to church services; it extends to every aspect of our lives, including our everyday conversations and interactions with others.
2. **”Warning every man”** – This is about nurturing and guiding one another in a community of faith. It calls us to be attentive to each other’s spiritual journeys. When we notice someone struggling or swaying from truth, love urges us to speak up, offering guidance and support.
3. **”Teaching every man in all wisdom”** – This reinforces our role as educators in faith. We are to nurture believers by sharing insights from God’s Word, supported by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom helps us apply knowledge in ways that honor God and enhance the spiritual growth of those around us.
4. **”Present every man perfect in Christ Jesus”** – This is our ultimate goal as Christians and a community. We want to see one another grow in understanding and practice to reflect God’s character. This transformation is not instantaneous; it is a process that occurs over time, which we support through encouragement and teaching.
Lessons to Learn From Colossians 1:28
As we explore Colossians 1:28, several key lessons emerge that are applicable to our lives and practices as Christians. These lessons help us understand our responsibilities within the church and our personal faith journeys.
1. **Always Focus on Christ** – When sharing our faith, our focus must always be on Christ. In our conversations and teachings, we need to ensure that we are pointing others towards the transformative power of Jesus. This means being intentional in our approach, reflecting our love for Him and others.
2. **Embrace Accountability** – The call to “warn every man” encourages us to support and hold each other accountable in our faith. Healthy relationships in the Christian community involve being open to correction and guidance. We should not avoid difficult conversations, as they may be the very thing that keeps someone from drifting away from their faith.
3. **Commit to Lifelong Learning** – Learning is a constant process. We ought to invest time in teaching ourselves and others the depths of God’s wisdom. This can be achieved through small groups, Bible studies, and personal time committed to reading and reflecting on Scripture.
4. **Aim for Spiritual Maturity** – The pursuit of being “perfect in Christ” is significant for us. It should be our goal to continually grow closer to God, exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit and maturing in our faith. This transformation brings glory to God and contributes to the health of the church.
5. **Foster Community** – Colossians 1:28 reminds us that spiritual growth is rarely a solo endeavor. We need the support, encouragement, and insights of our fellow believers to navigate our faith journeys. This means actively participating in our church communities, attending services, and engaging in fellowship.
Final Thoughts
Colossians 1:28 serves as a beautiful reminder of our responsibility as Christians to preach the Good News of Jesus, hold one another accountable, and teach the wisdom found in God’s Word. As we strive to present every person perfect in Christ, we ought to remember our role in supporting one another’s spiritual growth.
As we explore other topics related to faith, consider checking out an insightful discussion on love in 1 Corinthians 13:13. Engaging with various Scriptures can deepen our understanding of God’s plan for our lives and solidify our commitment to helping each other grow in faith.