Colossians 1:27
Verse
Context
Sermons
Smith Wigglesworth
Leonard Ravenhill
T. Austin-SparksT. Austin-Sparks
Alan RedpathSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The riches of the glory - God manifests to these how abundantly glorious this Gospel is among the Gentiles; and how effectual is this doctrine of Christ crucified to the salvation of multitudes. Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory - In this and the following verse there are several remarkable particulars: - I. We find here the sum and substance of the apostle's preaching. 1. He preached Christ, as the only Savior of sinners. 2. He proclaimed this Christ as being in them; for the design of the Gospel is to put men in possession of the Spirit and power of Christ, to make them partakers of the Divine nature, and thus prepare them for an eternal union with himself. Should it be said that the preposition εν should be translated among, it amounts to the same; for Christ was among them, to enlighten, quicken, purify, and refine them, and this he could not do without dwelling in them. 3. He preached this present and indwelling Christ as the hope of glory; for no man could rationally hope for glory who had not the pardon of his sins, and whose nature was not sanctified; and none could have pardon but through the blood of his cross; and none could have glorification but through the indwelling, sanctifying Spirit of Christ. II. We see the manner in which the apostles preached. 1. They warned every one - they showed every man his danger; they proved that both Jews and Gentiles were under sin; and that the wrath of God was revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men; that time and life were uncertain; and that now was the day of salvation. 2. They taught every man in all wisdom - they considered the world in a state of ignorance and darkness, every man being through sin ignorant of himself and God; and the apostles taught them to know themselves, viz., that they were sinners, wretched, helpless, and perishing; and they taught them to know God, in his purity, justice, and truth, and in his mercy through Christ Jesus. Thus they instructed men in all wisdom; for the knowledge of a man's self and his God constitutes all that is essentially necessary to be known for present and eternal happiness. III. The end which the apostles had in view in thus preaching Christ: to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. The words τελειον εν Χριστῳ, perfect in or through Christ, signify two things: 1. That they should be thoroughly instructed in the doctrines of Christianity, so that they should know the truth as it is in Jesus. 2. That they should be made partakers of the grace of the Gospel, so that they might be saved from all their sins, and be filled with His fullness. The succeeding chapter amply proves that nothing less than this entered into the apostle's design. Men may dispute as they please about Christian perfection, but without it no soul shall ever see God. He who is not saved from all sin here, cannot, to his joy, see God hereafter. This perfection of which the apostle speaks, and to which he labored to bring all men, was something to be attained in and through Christ. The apostles preached Christ in the people; and they preached him as crucified for mankind. He who died for them was to live in them, and fill their whole souls with his own purity. No indwelling sin can be tolerated by an indwelling Christ; for he came into the world to save his people from their sins. IV. We see who were the objects of the apostle's ministry: the Jews and Gentiles; παντα ανθρωπον, every man, the whole human race. Every man had sinned; and for every sinner Christ had died; and he died for them that they might be saved from all their sins. The apostles never restrained the offers of salvation; they made them frankly to all, believing that it was the will of God that all should believe and be saved: hence they warned and taught every man that they might, at the day of judgment, present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; for, although their own personal ministry could not reach all the inhabitants of the earth, yet it is by the doctrines which they preached, and by the writings which they have left on record, that the earth is to be filled with the knowledge and glory of God, and the souls of men brought to the enjoyment of the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of peace.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
would--rather as Greek, "willed," or "was pleased to make known." He resolves all into God's good pleasure and will, that man should not glory save in God's grace. what--How full and inexhaustible! the riches of the glory of this mystery--He accumulates phrase on phrase to enhance the greatness of the blessing in Christ bestowed by God on the Gentiles. Compare Col 2:3, "all the treasures" of wisdom; Eph 3:8, "the unsearchable riches of Christ"; Eph 1:7, "riches of His grace." "The glory of this mystery" must be the glory which this once hidden, and now revealed, truth makes you Gentiles partakers of, partly now, but mainly when Christ shall come (Col 3:4; Rom 5:2; Rom 8:17-18; Eph 1:18). This sense is proved by the following: "Christ in you the hope of the (so Greek) glory." The lower was the degradation of you Gentiles, the higher is the richness of the glory to which the mystery revealed now raises you. You were "without Christ, and having no hope" (Eph 2:12). Now you have "Christ in you the hope of the glory" just mentioned. ALFORD translates, "Christ among you," to answer to "this mystery among the Gentiles." But the whole clause, "Christ IN you (Eph 3:17) the hope of glory," answers to "this mystery," and not to the whole sentence, "this mystery among the Gentiles." What is made known "among you Gentiles" is, "Christ in you (now by faith as your hidden life, Col 3:3; Gal 2:20) the hope of glory" (your manifested life). The contrast (antithesis) between "CHRIST IN YOU" now as your hidden life, and "the hope of glory" hereafter to be manifested, requires this translation.
John Gill Bible Commentary
To whom God would make known,.... The spring and cause of the manifestation of the Gospel to the saints, and chosen of God, is not their works, for God does not call them with an holy calling according to them, but according to his own grace; nor any preparations and dispositions in them before such manifestation, towards the Gospel and the truths of it, for there are none such naturally in men, but all the reverse; nor a foresight of their better improvement of it, when made known, for this is not the method of divine grace, witness the instances of Sodom and Gomorrha, Tyre and Sidon; nor any holiness in them, or because they were sanctified, for they became so by the power of divine grace, through the Gospel revelation; but it is the pure sovereign good will and pleasure of God; see Eph 1:9; as appears from what they were before the Gospel came unto them, what is made known to them in it and by it; and from this, that they and not others, equally as deserving, are favoured with it: what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles. The apostle, besides calling the Gospel a "mystery", as before, ascribes "glory" to it; it is a glorious mystery, there is a glory in all the mysteries of it; it is a glorious Gospel, as it is often called, in its author, subject, matter, use, and efficacy: and also "riches" of glory, or glorious riches; containing rich truths, an immense treasure of them, comparable to gold, silver, and precious stones; rich blessings of justification, pardon, reconciliation, adoption, and eternal life; and rich promises, relating both to this life, and that which is to come; all which were opened and made known, not to the Jews only, but "among the Gentiles" also; who before were aliens, enemies, exceeding wicked, poor, blind, and miserable, but now, through the Gospel, were become rich and glorious, wise, knowing, and happy: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; this is to be connected with all that goes before: Christ is the riches of the Gospel; the riches of the divine perfections, which the Gospel more clearly displays than the works of creation or providence, are all in Christ, the fulness of them dwells in him; and this is the grace the Gospel reveals, that he, who was rich with all these, became poor to make us rich; the rich promises of the Gospel were all made to Christ, and are all yea and "Amen" in him; the rich blessings of it are all in his hands, righteousness, peace, and pardon, the riches both of grace and glory; the rich treasures of its divine truths are hid in him; and he is the substance of everyone of them: Christ is also the glory of the Gospel, inasmuch as he is the author, preacher, and subject of it; it is full of the glory of his person, both as the only begotten of the Father, and as the only Mediator between God and man; it is the glass through which this is seen: moreover, the glory of God in him is expressed hereby; the glory of his wisdom and power, of his truth and faithfulness, of his justice and holiness, of his love, grace, and mercy, and every other perfection, is eminently held forth in the Gospel; as this is great in the salvation and redemption of his people by Christ, which the Gospel brings the good news of; add to this, that that glory which the saints shall have with Christ, and will lie in the enjoyment of him to all eternity, is brought to light in the Gospel: Christ is also the mystery of the Gospel; he is one of the persons in the mystery of the Trinity; the mystery of his divine sonship, of his divine person, being God and yet man, man and yet God, and both in one person, and of his incarnation and redemption, makes a considerable part of the Gospel: and Christ, who is the sum and substance of it, is "in" his people; not only as the omnipresent God, as the author of the light of nature, as the Creator of all things, in whom all live, move, and have their beings, but in a way of special grace; and the phrase is expressive of a revelation of him in them, of their possession of him, of his inhabitation in them by his Spirit and grace, particularly by faith, and of their communion with him, in consequence of their union to him; and being so, he is the ground and foundation of their hopes of glory. There is a glory which the saints are hoping for, which the glories of this world are but a faint resemblance of; which is unseen at present, and which the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared unto; what is eternal, and which Christ has entered into, and took possession of; and what will greatly consist in beholding his glory, and in everlasting communion with him; this through grace saints have a good hope of, and are waiting for, and even rejoice at times in the hope of it; of which hope Christ is the foundation; for not only the promise of it is with him, but the glory itself is in his hands; the gift of it is with him, and through him; he has made way by his sufferings and death for the enjoyment of it, and is now preparing it for them, by his presence and intercession; his grace makes them meet for it, his righteousness gives them a title to it, and his Spirit is the earnest of it, and the substance of it will be the fruition of himself.
Colossians 1:27
Paul’s Suffering for the Church
26the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints.27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Concerning Spiritual Gifts
By Smith Wigglesworth18K33:22Audio BooksMAT 6:33ACT 2:4ROM 10:9ROM 14:92CO 12:1EPH 5:18COL 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the secret of power, which is the unveiling of Christ within us. He uses the story of Peter and John encountering a crippled man at the beautiful gate to illustrate this point. The preacher highlights the importance of faith in God and the belief that there is no limit to what God can do. He also emphasizes the need for believers to continually seek the filling of the Holy Spirit and to not become stagnant in their spiritual journey.
The Enemy of Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality)
By Leonard Ravenhill10K59:27RevivalJDG 13:1JDG 16:6ISA 6:9MAT 6:33ROM 7:24GAL 2:20COL 1:27In this sermon, the preacher starts by quoting a scripture about the children of Israel doing evil in the sight of the Lord and being delivered into the hands of the Philistines for 40 years. He then shares a story about a man who claimed that all robots present God as a terrorist. The preacher criticizes this view and emphasizes the importance of understanding God's true nature. He goes on to talk about the judgment day when all people, including believers and non-believers, will stand before God. The sermon also touches on the topic of entertainment in the church and how it can be a substitute for true joy. The preacher encourages the presence of the Holy Spirit to keep young people engaged and emphasizes the need for silence and reverence in the presence of God. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of Samson and his strength, highlighting the importance of being bound to God's will rather than worldly desires.
A Living Hope - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks6.5K46:27HopeMAT 6:33MRK 1:14ACT 2:36ROM 10:14COL 1:271PE 1:3REV 19:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the fundamental reality that Christ in us is the hope of glory. He acknowledges that even the best of human nature is flawed and cannot bring about true hope. The speaker highlights the example of the disciples, who despite their good intentions, failed and denied Jesus. He emphasizes that our hope lies not in ourselves, but in the work of grace and the presence of Christ within us. The sermon encourages listeners to focus on the smallest bit of Christ in others and to recognize the transformative power of God's grace.
The Meaning of Life - 6. I Will Do It Through You
By Norman Grubb6.4K43:30Meaning Of LifeGEN 12:3JHN 4:14JHN 6:35ACT 18:25EPH 1:3EPH 2:6COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of God in their lives and the lives of others. They emphasize the importance of understanding and knowing the way of God more perfectly. The central message of the sermon is the purpose of God to create a vast family of sons through His own son, Jesus, and to elevate them to the same level as Jesus, giving them the inheritance of the universe. The speaker also discusses the concept of the soul and the need to overcome the illusion of being an independent self, recognizing that in Christ, we are a self that is truly His.
A Living Hope - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks5.0K45:41HopeMAT 6:33JHN 6:33COL 1:271PE 1:3In this sermon, the speaker uses the example of Israel's journey through the wilderness to illustrate three phases of every Christian's life. The first phase is the Passover, representing the foundation of our faith and the mysterious ministry of Christ that sustains us even in the midst of challenges. The second phase is the wilderness, where believers are under discipline and learning the lessons of walking by faith. The speaker emphasizes that in both phases, we are unable to do anything on our own and must rely on God's provision and guidance. The sermon highlights the hope of glory that springs forth when we feed on Christ, who is in us, and how this transforms our lives.
(The Chief End of Man - Part 8): Soul Is the Natural Habitat of the Spirit
By A.W. Tozer4.4K42:40Chief End of ManMAT 6:33JHN 4:23ROM 12:11CO 6:19COL 1:27HEB 13:8In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a broken teapot to illustrate how we can become broken and useless when we encounter difficulties in life. He emphasizes the importance of knowing ourselves and relying on Christ living in us as the source of our hope and glory. The preacher highlights three key texts from the Bible: "Christ in you, the hope of glory," "Jesus Christ the same, yesterday, today, and forever," and "In the world, but not of the world." He urges believers to live up to their name and be simple, worshipful, and sincere in their prayers. The sermon emphasizes the need for simplicity and authenticity in our relationship with God.
Salvation
By Alan Redpath4.3K1:19:58SalvationMAT 6:33ROM 8:2PHP 2:12COL 1:272PE 1:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the purpose of the Christian's life is not for personal gratification, but for widespread blessing. The Christian is described as living in a crooked and perverse generation, surrounded by people who are morally distorted and have a distorted view of God and the Bible. The preacher uses the analogy of a ship with a leak to illustrate that when the world influences the Christian, it leads to disaster. The ultimate purpose of the Christian is to shine in the world and reflect the light of Jesus. The sermon emphasizes the importance of reflecting the beauty of Jesus and not relying on church programs or modern methods to convert people.
Real Revival
By Denny Kenaston4.1K53:19Biblical RevivalISA 64:4MAT 6:33ACT 2:17ROM 8:191CO 2:9EPH 3:19COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker shares a series of events that occurred during a prayer meeting at their church. They initially planned to listen to a tape, but rocks started coming through the windows, thrown by someone hiding in a cornfield. The speaker and the congregation called out to the person in the name of Jesus, and they eventually ran away. Despite the disturbance, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being obedient to God's will and allowing Him to rule over their services. They stress the need for believers to be filled with the fullness of Christ, as this is what will truly transform their hearts and lives. The speaker references the prayer of Paul for the church at Ephesus and encourages the congregation to seek this fullness of Christ.
Christ in You the Hope of Glory - Version 1
By A.W. Tozer4.0K16:21Hope Of GloryPSA 18:2ISA 2:2MAL 4:2JHN 1:29COL 1:271PE 1:10REV 22:16In this sermon, the preacher explores the identity and significance of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the answer to who Jesus is and why He holds such a high position can be understood by anyone with a humble heart. The preacher refers to various biblical references, such as the sun, stars, mountains, and rock, to symbolize Jesus' role as the healer, the morning star, the great mountain, and the rock of salvation. He explains that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises and the mystery of godliness. The preacher also delves into the concept of the Trinity, highlighting the eternal nature of the Father and the Son, and how Jesus, being both fully God and fully human, could assume the created nature.
He Is a Jealous Lover
By A.W. Tozer3.8K51:21Jealousy Of GodEXO 33:18MAT 5:48ACT 2:41CO 2:101CO 3:19PHP 3:15COL 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being perfect and thinking in alignment with God's word. He mentions that those who reason differently will face consequences from God. The preacher also introduces the concept of three models: being forward and backward, doing God's will alone, and being a jealous lover of God. He talks about the need for a mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a return to New Testament Christianity. The sermon concludes with a reminder that true worship and service to God do not require fancy equipment or gadgets, but rather a sincere heart and a willingness to pray.
Holy Spirit - Part 1
By Keith Daniel3.0K51:47Holy SpiritMAT 15:14JHN 16:81CO 2:142CO 1:42CO 1:6COL 1:272TI 3:16In this sermon, the preacher expresses gratitude for the opportunities to spread the word of God through tapes and videos, particularly in America. He shares a personal experience of facing opposition during a sermon, where an old man in the audience pointed out sins being mentioned. The preacher emphasizes the importance of music in church meetings and how it can either enhance or destroy the message being preached. He highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment, and emphasizes the need for repentance and seeking God's righteousness to avoid judgment.
Christ's Indwelling
By Stephen Olford3.0K30:07Indwelling SpiritMAT 6:33ROM 8:102CO 13:5GAL 2:20EPH 3:16COL 1:271PE 3:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of sanctifying the Lord God in one's heart. He urges the audience to give Christ complete lordship over their lives. The speaker shares a testimony of a missionary who initially lacked joy, power, and fruitfulness in her service. However, after seeking a private interview with a servant of God, she realized that she had never truly experienced Christ's indwelling. The speaker concludes by highlighting the need for a supreme empowering to receive the indwelling of Christ, acknowledging that the heart may have reservations about His absolute indwelling.
Monday Night (2 Peter 1-21) - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill3.0K37:14LAM 2:10MAT 6:33PHP 2:13COL 1:271PE 2:112PE 1:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson, who was once a powerful and mighty warrior, is now imprisoned and bound with chains. The preacher emphasizes that Samson's power came from the Spirit of the Lord being upon him. He also mentions the importance of seeking a second work of grace, beyond what one already has, in order to experience a deeper level of spiritual power. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to let God transform them into a new creation and to trust in His authority and power.
When Even Prayer Seems Impossible
By Carter Conlon2.5K50:11ImpossibilitiesMAT 26:362CO 4:1COL 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a living relationship with God rather than just embracing theories about Him. He prays for an explosion of faith in the church and asks the Holy Spirit to come and breathe on them. The preacher discusses the feeling of impossibility when faced with tasks such as forgiving someone who has wronged us. He highlights the need to shift our focus from ourselves and our own strength to relying on Christ. The sermon concludes with the message that without the power of the Holy Spirit and a reliance on God, we are incapable of finishing the race of faith.
Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
By Major Ian Thomas2.2K06:421CO 6:19GAL 2:20EPH 2:10PHP 2:13COL 1:27
This sermon emphasizes that the knowledge of having sins forgiven through Christ's sacrifice does not automatically transform one's spiritual capacity. It highlights that Christ's death qualifies believers to receive the life He lived, enabling them to live a different kind of life through His presence within. The focus is on inviting individuals to Jesus not just for forgiveness or heaven, but for the indwelling presence of Christ to transform and empower them for God's purposes.
The Place and Destiny of Man in the Divine Economy
By T. Austin-Sparks2.1K1:03:42Destiny Of ManMAT 6:33ROM 1:162CO 4:42CO 4:6GAL 1:15EPH 1:17COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a comprehensive and revolutionary vision of Jesus Christ. He explains that Jesus is the summation of all of God's previous forms and ways of self-revelation. The speaker also highlights four major aspects that come with truly seeing Jesus: understanding the place and destiny of man in God's economy, grasping the nature and dynamic of ministry in this dispensation, recognizing the nature and purpose of the church now and in the future, and acknowledging the immense significance of Christ crucified, risen, and exalted. The speaker references 2 Corinthians 4:4-6 to support his points.
Death and Christ's Lordship
By John Murray2.1K43:14Lordship Of ChristGEN 8:22LUK 2:101CO 15:542CO 5:72CO 5:17COL 1:271TH 4:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christ being formed in each believer, leading to the hope of glory. The preacher highlights the joy that comes from knowing Christ as our Redeemer, Savior, and Lord. The sermon also discusses the concept of believers being pilgrims and strangers on earth, looking forward to an eternal home in heaven. The passage of time is seen as a reminder of the cycles of divine appointment in the history of the world. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the desire to be accepted by God, whether in this life or in the presence of the Lord after death.
Until Christ if Formed in You
By J. Glyn Owen2.0K45:41Christ LikenessISA 53:11MAT 6:33ROM 8:292CO 3:18GAL 4:19EPH 4:13COL 1:27In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God and the presence of Jesus in various biblical stories. He explains that the power of God enabled Moses to lead the Israelites through the desert and provided for their needs. He also mentions the story of the three friends of Daniel who were protected by a fourth person in the fiery furnace. The preacher highlights the importance of having the spirit of God within oneself, which brings joy and peace. He concludes by urging believers to surrender to the lordship of Christ and allow him to rule over every aspect of their lives.
Christ in Us - Part 1
By Norman Grubb2.0K48:27GEN 1:26JHN 8:12JHN 15:51CO 3:16EPH 2:10COL 1:27TIT 1:2HEB 6:18HEB 12:291JN 1:5
This sermon delves into the concept of God's nature as a person of love and light, emphasizing the transformation from being self-focused to becoming a vessel for God's love and blessings. It explores the idea of God as a consuming fire that turns into light, symbolizing the shift from self-centeredness to selflessness. The speaker reflects on the importance of being a complete vessel for God to dwell in, acknowledging the need for personal transformation to align with God's character of love and truth.
The Persistent Purpose of God - Part 9
By T. Austin-Sparks1.9K52:41Purpose Of GodEZK 43:4EZK 43:7MAT 6:33JHN 5:39EPH 3:8EPH 3:10COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit. They describe a house as a channel through which God's life flows, and this life is not something artificial or secondhand, but a natural outpouring. The testimony of this life is what truly matters, not just a system of doctrine or teaching. The speaker also highlights the threefold purpose of the house: as a place of God's glory, a representation of the new creation in Christ, and a vessel to fill all things. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to live a life filled with the Holy Spirit and to let that life be the testimony of their faith.
Christ in You
By Paris Reidhead1.8K31:48Christ In YouJHN 15:25COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the witness of the Spirit in the lives of believers. He references several scriptures, including Romans 8:15-17, Galatians 4:4-6, and 1 John 3:24 and 5:10, to support his point. The speaker then focuses on the concept of the mystery of Christ, explaining that it is not just the historical events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, but also the indwelling of Christ in the hearts of believers that brings hope and glory. He concludes by highlighting the centrality of the relationship with Jesus in Christianity and the need to overcome prejudices and cultural influences to embrace God's love and grace for all people.
Who Is Jesus?
By David Hocking1.8K54:43COL 1:16COL 1:19COL 1:23COL 1:27HEB 12:22In this sermon, Dr. David Hawking emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the gospel and sharing the good news of Jesus with others. He encourages believers to serve God by getting involved in the process of proclaiming the gospel to everyone they can reach. Dr. Hawking highlights that Jesus is a revelation of the invisible God, as he had a human body and lived among us. He explains that Jesus is the complete and final revelation of God to mankind, and through him, we can know and understand the invisible God. The sermon concludes with a prayer for those who are unsure of their relationship with God, inviting them to see that Jesus alone can save them.
Grace for Knowing God
By Bob Hoekstra1.7K1:02:47JHN 6:57JHN 14:10JHN 17:3GAL 2:20GAL 6:15EPH 1:7EPH 2:13PHP 3:8COL 1:272PE 1:22PE 3:18
This sermon focuses on the theme of Grace for Knowing God, emphasizing the importance of developing a deep relationship with God through His grace. It highlights the concept of being in Christ and Christ being in us, leading to a transformative life lived by faith in the Son of God. The sermon encourages believers to seek a multiplied abundance of grace and peace through growing in the knowledge and intimacy of God and Jesus our Lord.
Recovery - Part 3 of 4
By T. Austin-Sparks1.6K1:02:25RecoveryNEH 2:17PSA 119:11MAT 6:33ACT 16:6ROM 8:14ROM 10:14COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being alert to the tricks and schemes of the devil. They highlight that a lack of a sense of responsibility can make believers vulnerable to being deceived and distracted from God's purpose. The speaker connects this sense of responsibility with prayer and watching, urging listeners to ask the Lord to increase it in their lives. They also express concern that conferences and gatherings should not be seen as mere events to attend, but rather as opportunities to deepen one's relationship with God and take on serious responsibilities in the spiritual realm.
10 Vital Evidences of Salvation
By Keith Daniel1.6K1:27:16PSA 142:4PRO 11:30PRO 15:28PRO 16:23DAN 12:3ROM 1:162CO 5:20COL 1:27PHM 1:6HEB 9:27
This sermon emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of the gospel of Christ, highlighting the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. It discusses the unleashing of the Holy Ghost's power when Christians passionately share the gospel, urging believers to be soul winners. The sermon shares personal testimonies of leading souls to Christ and the urgency of reaching the lost before it's too late. It also stresses the need for boldness, courage, and a sense of urgency in sharing the gospel, as well as the fear of standing before God empty-handed. The sermon concludes with the importance of being equipped by God to effectively reach the lost and the promise that those who turn many to righteousness will shine brightly.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The riches of the glory - God manifests to these how abundantly glorious this Gospel is among the Gentiles; and how effectual is this doctrine of Christ crucified to the salvation of multitudes. Which is Christ in you, the hope of glory - In this and the following verse there are several remarkable particulars: - I. We find here the sum and substance of the apostle's preaching. 1. He preached Christ, as the only Savior of sinners. 2. He proclaimed this Christ as being in them; for the design of the Gospel is to put men in possession of the Spirit and power of Christ, to make them partakers of the Divine nature, and thus prepare them for an eternal union with himself. Should it be said that the preposition εν should be translated among, it amounts to the same; for Christ was among them, to enlighten, quicken, purify, and refine them, and this he could not do without dwelling in them. 3. He preached this present and indwelling Christ as the hope of glory; for no man could rationally hope for glory who had not the pardon of his sins, and whose nature was not sanctified; and none could have pardon but through the blood of his cross; and none could have glorification but through the indwelling, sanctifying Spirit of Christ. II. We see the manner in which the apostles preached. 1. They warned every one - they showed every man his danger; they proved that both Jews and Gentiles were under sin; and that the wrath of God was revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men; that time and life were uncertain; and that now was the day of salvation. 2. They taught every man in all wisdom - they considered the world in a state of ignorance and darkness, every man being through sin ignorant of himself and God; and the apostles taught them to know themselves, viz., that they were sinners, wretched, helpless, and perishing; and they taught them to know God, in his purity, justice, and truth, and in his mercy through Christ Jesus. Thus they instructed men in all wisdom; for the knowledge of a man's self and his God constitutes all that is essentially necessary to be known for present and eternal happiness. III. The end which the apostles had in view in thus preaching Christ: to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. The words τελειον εν Χριστῳ, perfect in or through Christ, signify two things: 1. That they should be thoroughly instructed in the doctrines of Christianity, so that they should know the truth as it is in Jesus. 2. That they should be made partakers of the grace of the Gospel, so that they might be saved from all their sins, and be filled with His fullness. The succeeding chapter amply proves that nothing less than this entered into the apostle's design. Men may dispute as they please about Christian perfection, but without it no soul shall ever see God. He who is not saved from all sin here, cannot, to his joy, see God hereafter. This perfection of which the apostle speaks, and to which he labored to bring all men, was something to be attained in and through Christ. The apostles preached Christ in the people; and they preached him as crucified for mankind. He who died for them was to live in them, and fill their whole souls with his own purity. No indwelling sin can be tolerated by an indwelling Christ; for he came into the world to save his people from their sins. IV. We see who were the objects of the apostle's ministry: the Jews and Gentiles; παντα ανθρωπον, every man, the whole human race. Every man had sinned; and for every sinner Christ had died; and he died for them that they might be saved from all their sins. The apostles never restrained the offers of salvation; they made them frankly to all, believing that it was the will of God that all should believe and be saved: hence they warned and taught every man that they might, at the day of judgment, present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; for, although their own personal ministry could not reach all the inhabitants of the earth, yet it is by the doctrines which they preached, and by the writings which they have left on record, that the earth is to be filled with the knowledge and glory of God, and the souls of men brought to the enjoyment of the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel of peace.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
would--rather as Greek, "willed," or "was pleased to make known." He resolves all into God's good pleasure and will, that man should not glory save in God's grace. what--How full and inexhaustible! the riches of the glory of this mystery--He accumulates phrase on phrase to enhance the greatness of the blessing in Christ bestowed by God on the Gentiles. Compare Col 2:3, "all the treasures" of wisdom; Eph 3:8, "the unsearchable riches of Christ"; Eph 1:7, "riches of His grace." "The glory of this mystery" must be the glory which this once hidden, and now revealed, truth makes you Gentiles partakers of, partly now, but mainly when Christ shall come (Col 3:4; Rom 5:2; Rom 8:17-18; Eph 1:18). This sense is proved by the following: "Christ in you the hope of the (so Greek) glory." The lower was the degradation of you Gentiles, the higher is the richness of the glory to which the mystery revealed now raises you. You were "without Christ, and having no hope" (Eph 2:12). Now you have "Christ in you the hope of the glory" just mentioned. ALFORD translates, "Christ among you," to answer to "this mystery among the Gentiles." But the whole clause, "Christ IN you (Eph 3:17) the hope of glory," answers to "this mystery," and not to the whole sentence, "this mystery among the Gentiles." What is made known "among you Gentiles" is, "Christ in you (now by faith as your hidden life, Col 3:3; Gal 2:20) the hope of glory" (your manifested life). The contrast (antithesis) between "CHRIST IN YOU" now as your hidden life, and "the hope of glory" hereafter to be manifested, requires this translation.
John Gill Bible Commentary
To whom God would make known,.... The spring and cause of the manifestation of the Gospel to the saints, and chosen of God, is not their works, for God does not call them with an holy calling according to them, but according to his own grace; nor any preparations and dispositions in them before such manifestation, towards the Gospel and the truths of it, for there are none such naturally in men, but all the reverse; nor a foresight of their better improvement of it, when made known, for this is not the method of divine grace, witness the instances of Sodom and Gomorrha, Tyre and Sidon; nor any holiness in them, or because they were sanctified, for they became so by the power of divine grace, through the Gospel revelation; but it is the pure sovereign good will and pleasure of God; see Eph 1:9; as appears from what they were before the Gospel came unto them, what is made known to them in it and by it; and from this, that they and not others, equally as deserving, are favoured with it: what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles. The apostle, besides calling the Gospel a "mystery", as before, ascribes "glory" to it; it is a glorious mystery, there is a glory in all the mysteries of it; it is a glorious Gospel, as it is often called, in its author, subject, matter, use, and efficacy: and also "riches" of glory, or glorious riches; containing rich truths, an immense treasure of them, comparable to gold, silver, and precious stones; rich blessings of justification, pardon, reconciliation, adoption, and eternal life; and rich promises, relating both to this life, and that which is to come; all which were opened and made known, not to the Jews only, but "among the Gentiles" also; who before were aliens, enemies, exceeding wicked, poor, blind, and miserable, but now, through the Gospel, were become rich and glorious, wise, knowing, and happy: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory; this is to be connected with all that goes before: Christ is the riches of the Gospel; the riches of the divine perfections, which the Gospel more clearly displays than the works of creation or providence, are all in Christ, the fulness of them dwells in him; and this is the grace the Gospel reveals, that he, who was rich with all these, became poor to make us rich; the rich promises of the Gospel were all made to Christ, and are all yea and "Amen" in him; the rich blessings of it are all in his hands, righteousness, peace, and pardon, the riches both of grace and glory; the rich treasures of its divine truths are hid in him; and he is the substance of everyone of them: Christ is also the glory of the Gospel, inasmuch as he is the author, preacher, and subject of it; it is full of the glory of his person, both as the only begotten of the Father, and as the only Mediator between God and man; it is the glass through which this is seen: moreover, the glory of God in him is expressed hereby; the glory of his wisdom and power, of his truth and faithfulness, of his justice and holiness, of his love, grace, and mercy, and every other perfection, is eminently held forth in the Gospel; as this is great in the salvation and redemption of his people by Christ, which the Gospel brings the good news of; add to this, that that glory which the saints shall have with Christ, and will lie in the enjoyment of him to all eternity, is brought to light in the Gospel: Christ is also the mystery of the Gospel; he is one of the persons in the mystery of the Trinity; the mystery of his divine sonship, of his divine person, being God and yet man, man and yet God, and both in one person, and of his incarnation and redemption, makes a considerable part of the Gospel: and Christ, who is the sum and substance of it, is "in" his people; not only as the omnipresent God, as the author of the light of nature, as the Creator of all things, in whom all live, move, and have their beings, but in a way of special grace; and the phrase is expressive of a revelation of him in them, of their possession of him, of his inhabitation in them by his Spirit and grace, particularly by faith, and of their communion with him, in consequence of their union to him; and being so, he is the ground and foundation of their hopes of glory. There is a glory which the saints are hoping for, which the glories of this world are but a faint resemblance of; which is unseen at present, and which the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared unto; what is eternal, and which Christ has entered into, and took possession of; and what will greatly consist in beholding his glory, and in everlasting communion with him; this through grace saints have a good hope of, and are waiting for, and even rejoice at times in the hope of it; of which hope Christ is the foundation; for not only the promise of it is with him, but the glory itself is in his hands; the gift of it is with him, and through him; he has made way by his sufferings and death for the enjoyment of it, and is now preparing it for them, by his presence and intercession; his grace makes them meet for it, his righteousness gives them a title to it, and his Spirit is the earnest of it, and the substance of it will be the fruition of himself.