Colossians 1:28
Verse
Context
Paul’s Suffering for the Church
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. 28We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.29To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
preach--rather as Greek, "announce" or "proclaim." warning . . . teaching--"Warning" is connected with repentance, refers to one's conduct, and is addressed primarily to the heart. "Teaching" is connected with faith, refers to doctrines, and is addressed primarily to the intellect. These are the two heads of evangelical teaching. every . . . every man--without distinction of Jew or Gentile, great or small (Rom 10:12-13). in all wisdom--with all the wisdom in our method of teaching that we possess: so ALFORD. But Col 1:9; Col 3:16, favor ESTIUS' view, which refers it to the wisdom communicated to those being taught: keeping back nothing, but instructing all in the perfect knowledge of the mysteries of faith which is the true wisdom (compare Co1 2:6-7; Co1 12:8; Eph 1:17). present--(See on Col 1:22); at Christ's coming. every man--Paul is zealous lest the false teachers should seduce one single soul of Christ's people at Colosse. So each individual among them should be zealous for himself and his neighbor. Even one soul is of incalculable value. perfect in Christ--who is the element in living union with whom alone each believer can find perfection: perfectly instructed (Eph 4:13) in doctrine, and full grown or matured in faith and practice. "Jesus" is omitted in all the oldest manuscripts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whom we preach,.... Under the above considerations; as the riches, the glory, and the mystery of the Gospel; as the hope set before lost sinners to lay hold upon; as the only Saviour and Redeemer, by whose righteousness believers are justified, through whose blood their sins are pardoned, by whose sacrifice and satisfaction atonement is made, and in whose person alone is acceptance with God: Christ and him crucified, and salvation by him, were the subjects of the ministry of the apostles; on this they dwelt, and it was this which was blessed for the conversion of sinners, the edification of saints, the planting of churches, and the setting up and establishing the kingdom and interest of Christ: warning every man; of his lost state and condition by nature; of the wrath to come, and the danger he is in of it; of the terrors of the Lord, and of an awful judgment; showing sinners that they are unrighteous and unholy, that their nature is corrupt and impure, their best righteousness imperfect, and cannot justify them before God; that they stand guilty before him, and that destruction and misery are in all their ways; and therefore advise them to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before them in the Gospel: and teaching every man in all wisdom; not natural, but spiritual and evangelical; the whole Gospel of Christ, the counsel of God, the wisdom of God in a mystery, and all the branches of it; teaching them to believe in Christ for salvation, to lay hold on his righteousness for justification, to deal with his blood for pardon, and with his sacrifice for the atonement of their sins; and to observe all things commanded by Christ, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly: by these two words, "warning" and "teaching", the several parts of the Gospel ministry are expressed; and which extend to all sorts of men, rich and poor, bond and free, greater and lesser sinners, Gentiles as well as Jews; and who are chiefly designed here, and elsewhere, by every man and every creature: that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; not in themselves, in which sense no man is perfect in this life; but in the grace, holiness, and righteousness of Christ, in whom all the saints are complete: or it may regard that ripeness of understanding, and perfection of knowledge, which, when arrived unto, saints become perfect men in Christ; and is the end of the Gospel ministry, and to which men are brought by it; see Eph 4:13; and to be understood of the presentation of the saints, not by Christ to himself, and to his Father, but by the ministers of the Gospel, as their glory and crown of rejoicing in the day of Christ.
Colossians 1:28
Paul’s Suffering for the Church
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. 28We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.29To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Holy Spirit, Church and Nations - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks2.2K44:17Holy SpiritJOS 1:1JHN 16:13ACT 1:8COL 1:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a spiritual energy and hunger to know and apprehend the word of God. He draws a parallel between the book of Joshua in the Old Testament and the New Testament, particularly the Gospel of John, highlighting the theme of the Holy Spirit leading God's people into their inheritance. The speaker explains that just as the Israelites lost their inheritance due to unbelief, many Christians today have been "dying in the wilderness" for the past 2,000 years. He then focuses on a specific passage in Joshua where Joshua encounters the Prince of the host of the Lord and is instructed to remove his shoes because he is standing on holy ground. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the need for a spirit of youth and energy in pursuing and understanding the inheritance that God has for His people.
The Riches of Christ in the Wisdom and Revelation of God
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K57:40Riches Of Christ1KI 4:291KI 5:12ROM 11:33EPH 1:17EPH 3:10COL 1:28COL 2:3In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the rapid development and advancements in the world, which are often seen as signs of human wisdom. However, the speaker argues that this wisdom is actually leading to the destruction of creation. The speaker also discusses the paradoxical nature of ministry, where times of feeling dry and limited can actually result in powerful impact, while times of abundance may go unnoticed. The sermon concludes with a reference to John Rustin's book on architecture, highlighting the importance of truth and the consequences of neglecting it.
Christ Is All: We Proclaim
By J. Glyn Owen1.5K52:58ProclamationCOL 1:28In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the goal of presenting all men perfect in Christ. He emphasizes the importance of encouraging and uniting believers in love, so that they may have a complete understanding of the mystery of God, which is Christ. The speaker highlights the invincibility of a man of God armed with divine power and involved in God's work. He urges believers to strive towards knowing God in Christ better and better, and to rely on the supply of power from God to achieve this. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of using our gifts to encourage and support others on their journey towards glory.
Ambassadors for Christ - Part 3
By Zac Poonen1.5K56:10EvangelismMAL 1:8MAT 28:192CO 12:142CO 12:182CO 13:9COL 1:28TIT 3:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of humbling ourselves and seeking God's face. He encourages the listeners to respond to the teachings they have heard and to ask God to reveal areas in their lives that need to be settled with Him. The speaker also highlights the need to trust God in difficult situations and to have faith that He can solve problems in supernatural ways. He references the verse in Matthew 13 where Jesus could not do many miracles because of the people's unbelief, prompting the listeners to examine their own faith. The speaker concludes by urging the audience to expect God to do miracles in their lives and to believe that He can confirm His word supernaturally in their homes and churches.
Apollos-Aquilla-Pcilla
By Carl Armerding1.4K36:19ApollosEXO 19:6MAT 6:33ACT 18:25ACT 18:28COL 1:28HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ in ministry. He explains that when we center our preaching on Jesus, it draws people away from worldly things and sanctifies them. The speaker also addresses the issue of monopolizing ministry opportunities, urging for inclusivity and giving younger believers a chance to participate. He highlights the objective of all ministry should be to present Christ and leave people with a vision of Him. Additionally, the speaker praises the ministry of Apollos, who helped believers by sharing his knowledge and convincing the Jews publicly.
How to Prepare the Way for a Christ Awakening
By David Bryant1.4K24:38Spiritual AwakeningMAT 22:16COL 1:28COL 3:16In this sermon, the speaker encourages listeners to develop a daily habit of focusing on Jesus and sharing about Him with others. He suggests keeping a diary to record any insights or experiences related to Jesus throughout the day. The speaker emphasizes the importance of intentionally seeking opportunities to speak about Jesus and making it a habit. He also shares a personal example of his son getting married and the significance of writing down answered prayers. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the need to prioritize Jesus in our daily lives and actively share about Him with others.
Bristol Conference 1962 - Part 2
By William MacDonald1.4K29:44Conference1CO 7:29COL 1:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the brevity of time and the need to prioritize eternal matters. He quotes from 1 Corinthians 7:29, where Paul reminds believers that the time is short and that they should live with a sense of urgency. The speaker encourages listeners to not be overly attached to worldly possessions or emotions, but to focus on the eternal kingdom of God. He also highlights the importance of knowing and studying the Word of God, as it determines our capacity for enjoying heaven. Additionally, the speaker mentions the significance of the nation of Israel in biblical prophecy as a sign that time is short.
(Spiritual Fullness #1) Come to Me and Drink
By Ernie Hile1.3K1:21:03JHN 7:37ROM 8:29COL 1:28In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the goal and purpose of spiritual fullness. He emphasizes the need for our minds to be transformed by the salvation of Christ. The speaker encourages the audience to open their hearts to Jesus and allow Him to flood their lives with His life-transforming love. He also references John's Gospel, where Jesus is identified as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with a description of a joyful celebration and Jesus standing up to address the crowd.
The Need for More Abundant Life
By Dan Augsburger1.2K53:24Abundant LifeMAT 5:48MAT 22:1COL 1:28JAS 1:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for believers to sell out and fully commit to God in order to experience a more abundant life. The speaker refers to Matthew chapter 22, where Jesus tells a parable about a king who arranges a wedding for his son. The invited guests initially refuse to come, and even when a second invitation is given, they make light of it and prioritize their own interests. Some even mistreat and kill the king's servants. The speaker highlights the importance of not being distracted by worldly pursuits and instead responding wholeheartedly to God's invitation to a life-changing event.
Putting an End to the Prosperity Message
By Miki Hardy1.0K1:16:53Prosperity GospelJER 15:19MAT 6:33ROM 8:131CO 1:18GAL 5:11COL 1:281TI 6:10In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading a verse from Jeremiah and emphasizes the importance of returning to God. He expresses concern for Christians who are imprisoned by suffering and discouragement, but assures them that Jesus, the good shepherd, wants to set them free and bring them back to the truth of the gospel. The preacher shares a personal example of his son-in-law who has only been exposed to one gospel message and highlights the need for Christians to be aware of what is happening outside the church. He concludes by reminding the audience that God is not done with them and that their ultimate goal should be to become perfect in Christ.
Brokenness and Compassion
By Zac Poonen1.0K00:00COL 1:28This sermon emphasizes the importance of presenting a true and accurate picture of Jesus through our lives, preaching, and actions in the body of Christ. It highlights the need to focus on building the church as the primary mission, rather than getting distracted by other good works. The goal is to make Christ our example and present every individual as perfect in Christ, focusing on quality over quantity. The message also addresses the need for honesty, humility, and seeking God's mercy in our lives.
The Making of a Disciple - Part 3
By David Roper97235:45MAT 28:20JHN 5:39ACT 20:27COL 1:282TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a college student who was searching for something more in life. The speaker emphasizes the importance of taking the initiative to ask others if they would like to sit down and discover what God can teach them from the Word. They suggest using sermons and study materials as a starting point for studying the Scriptures together. The speaker also highlights the significance of living out the truth and principles of God's Word in our own lives as we teach others.
Give God His Rightful Place
By Friedel Stegen96145:28Christian LifeDAN 4:24DAN 4:27COL 1:282TI 4:2HEB 10:29JAS 4:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the consequences of losing one's royal authority and the feeling of emptiness and desolation that comes with it. He uses the example of a king who was driven away from his people and lived like an animal until he acknowledged God. The preacher warns against relying on prosperity and blessings as signs of being on the right track, as God may be working to draw us closer to Him. He then references a passage from Daniel 4, where the interpretation of a dream reveals that the king will be driven away and live with wild animals until he acknowledges God's sovereignty. The preacher encourages the audience to lift their eyes to God and avoid falling into deeper darkness or wandering off into deserted places.
Spiritual Perfection Through the Mediator of the New Covenant
By Ed Miller9391:05:43COL 1:28COL 3:1HEB 2:18HEB 7:19HEB 10:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to God with an empty vessel in order to receive His blessings. He compares this concept to how God created the universe out of nothing and encourages the audience to bring their raw material to God and witness what He can do. The speaker also highlights the need for consecration, surrender, and total abandonment to God's will, emphasizing that there can only be one life in the body of Christ. He references the story of Elisha and the widow in 2 Kings 4 to illustrate how God is prepared to pour out as much as we are prepared to receive. The sermon concludes with a discussion on the brain's control over the body and how it serves as a metaphor for Christ's union with His people.
Seeking and Saving the Lost by Part 1
By Chip Brogden86421:38LUK 19:10COL 1:281TI 2:12PE 3:9This sermon delves into the concept of being lost spiritually and the importance of understanding God's desire to seek and save all who are lost. It emphasizes the need for believers to have a heart for the lost and to pray for the salvation of all people, aligning with God's will. The scriptural basis for this belief is explored through passages like Luke 19:10, 1 Timothy 2:1-4, 2 Peter 3:9, and Colossians 1:28, highlighting God's longing for all to come to repentance and be spiritually mature in Christ.
Growing in the Grace of God #11 - a Covenant of Relationship Part 1
By Bob Hoekstra8471:00:08PSA 119:18JER 33:3MAT 6:33COL 1:28In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing their excitement and love for praising God and listening to teaching tapes. They mention a specific teaching on Psalm 1 about a tree planted by the water, but they were too tired to listen to it. The speaker then prays for God to enlighten their understanding of the new covenant and to overwhelm them with the glory of His grace. They emphasize the importance of having a personal relationship with God and being united with Him like a branch is with a vine. The speaker also shares a personal testimony of their past involvement in gambling and selfish living before they encountered God's conviction and turned their life around.
Four R's of the Gospel: Ruin
By E.A. Johnston70921:07GospelECC 9:12EZK 3:18COL 1:28In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the four key doctrines of Rune, Redemption, Repentance, and Regeneration in the proper order. He highlights the fact that man is not an innocent victim, but a guilty rebel, born with a ruined and depraved nature due to Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden. The preacher emphasizes the need for repentance and the recognition of one's sinful nature before experiencing redemption through Jesus Christ. He warns against a partial gospel that only focuses on external behavior without a true heart transformation. The preacher encourages a return to the teachings of old-time preachers who fearfully proclaimed the truth of sin, the cross, and the need for a Savior.
Seeking and Saving the Lost by Part 2
By Chip Brogden67821:38PSA 22:27PSA 72:11PSA 86:9HAB 2:14LUK 15:4COL 1:282PE 3:9This sermon emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of God's will, highlighting the desire for all to come to repentance and be presented perfect in Christ. It challenges the notion of limiting God's saving grace and focuses on the heart of God towards all people, urging believers to align their prayers and actions with God's purpose to save everyone. The message stresses the importance of valuing the lost and actively seeking to share the good news with all nations, reflecting God's deep love for every soul.
Quotes
By Count Zinzendorf1PSA 126:6MAT 28:19ACT 20:241CO 6:202CO 5:20GAL 2:20EPH 2:8PHP 3:8COL 1:281PE 2:24Count Zinzendorf preaches about the sacrificial love of Jesus, emphasizing that believers have been purchased by His blood and are called to live for Him. He expresses his passion for Christ and the mission to proclaim His message regardless of personal consequences. Zinzendorf highlights the importance of focusing solely on Jesus in preaching salvation, sanctification, and justification. He also stresses the significance of missions, stating that every heart with Christ is a missionary. Lastly, he encourages a humble and faithful approach to serving God, even if it means working quietly and being forgotten.
God's Moral Law
By Oswald Chambers0JHN 12:32ROM 3:201CO 1:23GAL 6:14PHP 3:12COL 1:28JAS 2:10Oswald Chambers preaches about the unchanging nature of the moral law ordained by God, emphasizing that it remains absolute for all time and eternity, convicting us of sin and leading us to the realization of our need for the death of Jesus Christ to be made right with God. He warns against the misconception that God aims to make us perfect specimens of holiness, stressing that God's purpose is to make us one with Himself. Chambers highlights the importance of lifting up Jesus Christ, crucified, to draw all men unto Him, as the central focus of a New Testament worker's calling.
How a Spiritual Movement Declines
By Zac Poonen0PSA 12:1MAT 16:3ACT 13:362CO 11:3COL 1:282TI 2:222TI 3:12TI 3:5HEB 8:11REV 2:4Zac Poonen preaches about the importance of sincere devotion to God in a world filled with deception and flattery. He emphasizes the need for believers to know God personally, not just through knowledge of the Bible, to avoid being led astray by cults and false doctrines. Poonen warns about the dangers of losing personal devotion to Christ and the tendency for movements to decline after the passing of their founders, stressing the significance of shepherds after God's own heart who do not seek their own but build up believers in Christ.
The Insatiable Desire of the Redeemed
By John Follette0MAT 5:48LUK 9:23JHN 14:26ROM 8:29EPH 4:13COL 1:28COL 3:101PE 1:162PE 1:4John Wright Follette preaches on the theme of 'Identification,' emphasizing the importance of understanding who we are in Christ and the insatiable desire for spiritual growth and transformation. He compares the believer to a flame born of celestial fire, highlighting the need for a deep spiritual rebirth and a surrender of life to God. Follette discusses the significance of desire in the Christian life, pointing out that Jesus elevates and refines our desires to align with God's will, leading to a holy and mystical hunger for God. He challenges believers to strive for spiritual maturity and completion, emphasizing the continuous process of growth and transformation in Christ.
The Cross and the Tongue
By Jessie Penn-Lewis0Spiritual MaturityThe Power of WordsJER 15:19JHN 18:372CO 2:4EPH 4:14PHP 3:15PHP 3:18COL 1:28COL 4:12JAS 3:22PE 2:1Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the critical relationship between our words and our spiritual maturity, particularly in the context of speaking about those who oppose the Cross of Christ. She highlights that true identification with Christ is reflected in our ability to control our speech, as stumbling in words reveals immaturity. The sermon calls for believers to speak the truth in love, especially when addressing the enemies of the Cross, and to maintain a spirit of compassion and weeping for those who have strayed. Penn-Lewis warns that our power in prayer and spiritual authority is compromised when we engage in unloving speech, urging believers to remain hidden in Christ to avoid the strife of tongues. Ultimately, she encourages a life that bears witness to the truth of God, ensuring our words are life-giving and aligned with His will.
The Reformed Pastor - the Oversight of the Flock
By Richard Baxter0MAT 9:37LUK 15:4ACT 20:281CO 5:111CO 9:16GAL 6:1COL 1:281TI 4:162TI 2:15HEB 3:13HEB 13:17Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of oversight in the ministry, emphasizing the need for pastors to take heed to themselves first before taking heed to the flock. He highlights the necessity of pastors knowing their congregation intimately, being aware of their struggles, sins, and temptations. Baxter stresses the importance of pastors being diligent, laborious, and prudent in their ministry, focusing on the most necessary truths and delivering them in a plain and simple manner. He also emphasizes the need for humility, a balance of severity and mildness, and the practice of church discipline for the edification and salvation of souls.
Fit for the Master's Use
By Phil Beach Jr.0JOS 24:15LUK 11:36ROM 6:4EPH 4:11COL 1:281TH 5:232TI 2:19HEB 4:121JN 1:7Phil Beach Jr. preaches on the importance of being vessels of honor, sanctified and fit for the Master's use by purging ourselves from selfish ambitions and pride, allowing God to intervene through the Word of the cross. He emphasizes the need to depart from all lawlessness and be sanctified through and through by God, preserving our entire being blameless for the coming of Jesus Christ. Beach challenges believers to examine their hearts deeply, seeking to be truly devoted to selfless love like Timothy, rather than using God and others for personal gain.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
preach--rather as Greek, "announce" or "proclaim." warning . . . teaching--"Warning" is connected with repentance, refers to one's conduct, and is addressed primarily to the heart. "Teaching" is connected with faith, refers to doctrines, and is addressed primarily to the intellect. These are the two heads of evangelical teaching. every . . . every man--without distinction of Jew or Gentile, great or small (Rom 10:12-13). in all wisdom--with all the wisdom in our method of teaching that we possess: so ALFORD. But Col 1:9; Col 3:16, favor ESTIUS' view, which refers it to the wisdom communicated to those being taught: keeping back nothing, but instructing all in the perfect knowledge of the mysteries of faith which is the true wisdom (compare Co1 2:6-7; Co1 12:8; Eph 1:17). present--(See on Col 1:22); at Christ's coming. every man--Paul is zealous lest the false teachers should seduce one single soul of Christ's people at Colosse. So each individual among them should be zealous for himself and his neighbor. Even one soul is of incalculable value. perfect in Christ--who is the element in living union with whom alone each believer can find perfection: perfectly instructed (Eph 4:13) in doctrine, and full grown or matured in faith and practice. "Jesus" is omitted in all the oldest manuscripts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Whom we preach,.... Under the above considerations; as the riches, the glory, and the mystery of the Gospel; as the hope set before lost sinners to lay hold upon; as the only Saviour and Redeemer, by whose righteousness believers are justified, through whose blood their sins are pardoned, by whose sacrifice and satisfaction atonement is made, and in whose person alone is acceptance with God: Christ and him crucified, and salvation by him, were the subjects of the ministry of the apostles; on this they dwelt, and it was this which was blessed for the conversion of sinners, the edification of saints, the planting of churches, and the setting up and establishing the kingdom and interest of Christ: warning every man; of his lost state and condition by nature; of the wrath to come, and the danger he is in of it; of the terrors of the Lord, and of an awful judgment; showing sinners that they are unrighteous and unholy, that their nature is corrupt and impure, their best righteousness imperfect, and cannot justify them before God; that they stand guilty before him, and that destruction and misery are in all their ways; and therefore advise them to flee from the wrath to come, to the hope set before them in the Gospel: and teaching every man in all wisdom; not natural, but spiritual and evangelical; the whole Gospel of Christ, the counsel of God, the wisdom of God in a mystery, and all the branches of it; teaching them to believe in Christ for salvation, to lay hold on his righteousness for justification, to deal with his blood for pardon, and with his sacrifice for the atonement of their sins; and to observe all things commanded by Christ, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly: by these two words, "warning" and "teaching", the several parts of the Gospel ministry are expressed; and which extend to all sorts of men, rich and poor, bond and free, greater and lesser sinners, Gentiles as well as Jews; and who are chiefly designed here, and elsewhere, by every man and every creature: that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus; not in themselves, in which sense no man is perfect in this life; but in the grace, holiness, and righteousness of Christ, in whom all the saints are complete: or it may regard that ripeness of understanding, and perfection of knowledge, which, when arrived unto, saints become perfect men in Christ; and is the end of the Gospel ministry, and to which men are brought by it; see Eph 4:13; and to be understood of the presentation of the saints, not by Christ to himself, and to his Father, but by the ministers of the Gospel, as their glory and crown of rejoicing in the day of Christ.