There is Power in Purpose

Why did Paul write to the Colossians?

In the letter, we can discern a focus on Christ and His headship or supremacy. We learn of a heresy within this church. A church that Paul probably never actually visited. How did he build a relationship with the church? Epaphras, one of Paul’s converts, carried the Gospel back to his hometown (Colosse). This heresy is believed by many to be Gnosticism, or “knowing”, having a superior knowledge of spiritual things. Paul combats this heresy teaching on the supremacy of Christ.

Colossians 1:28–29 ESV

28 Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. 29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

In these two verses we see Paul’s purpose in writing as well as Paul’s purpose in living.

Question to ponder: What do “you” proclaim?

2 Corinthians 4:5 ESV

5 For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Some teach a SYSTEM, some teach SELF, but Paul taught the SAVIOR.

We see heresy running wild in our world today. People preaching a gospel that pursues many different longings and desires of the heart. Just turn on the TV, go to the movies, or fire up social media and you will find out what’s missing in your life that the world is telling you that you need whether that be materialism, a mindset, or a mission.

Heresy has also crept into the church as pastors and church leaders focus their teaching on a system while others are strictly focused on promoting self. But here Paul set’s the standard for how we should live and lead others....it’s all about the SAVIOR.

Notice the ACTION of Paul’s purpose:

Paul Proclaimed the Positive (Jesus).

Paul Warned against Wickedness (Heresy).

Paul Taught the Truth (Word of God).

Proclaiming the Positive — “Him we proclaim!” The focus must be on Jesus and none other.

Warn against Wickedness — This warning has intent to change the attitude/actions of the one being warned. It is a corrective action. It demands a response.

Teach the Truth — Teaching follows in order to complement. It allows the individual to learn how to grow/progress in the right direction.

Here we have confrontation and instruction together in order to accomplish an objective.

This is how you should live...

You should introduce others to Jesus.

You should warn them of the dangers of the world.

You should teach the basic truth of the Word.

What is the end goal?

To present everyone mature (complete, perfect) in Christ.

Did you pick up on something important in these verses? Who is Paul pursuing? EVERYONE! It must be important for he repeats it three times. This objective, in reality, is not fully accomplished until when? There is future fulfillment of perfection with Jesus’ return.

What kind of effort does Paul put into this purpose?

He gives everything to it! Notice the next verse...

Colossians 1:29 ESV

29 For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

Something else is happening here though. Paul is giving his all, but it’s not enough. Do you ever feel that way? You give, and you give, and you give…but it’s never enough. Paul can only fulfill this powerful purpose through the energy, power, and strength of God working in him!

The same is true for YOU today!

You may say, I am no Paul. I don’t have that kind of calling. God hasn’t given me that purpose.

Well, you are mistaken. You are an ambassador of Christ! The moment that you put your trust in Jesus as your Savior, you adopted this purpose, this calling for your own life. Not to get legalistic on you but many of you like to pretend that this rule does not apply to you. That you are exempt from your responsibility. The sad thing is, your friends, your family, your neighbors…they are lost and without hope, and will spend eternity outside of the blessed promise of God…UNLESS YOU PROCLAIM HIM! Unless you warn them! Unless you teach them!

That is why YOU are here! That is what YOU are called to do!

Are you lacking POWER and IMPACT in your life? If so, it is because you have not realized/leaned into your true purpose.

SO What?

Let’s follow Paul’s progression to see how this passage applies to you...

Have you bought in to the lies of the world? Are you pursuing after the wrong kinds of things? Do you have a growing relationship with Jesus?

Believer, are you warning others about the pitfalls of this broken world?

Are you growing in the truth, on the pathway toward spiritual maturity? WHO are you bringing along with you (there is no option here)?

Don’t try to make excuses, because the promise of powerful provision is there. That is how Paul accomplished what he did. God wants to do the same through you. But you must let Him.

Let’s not forget how the message made it to this city. Via the disciple maker process! Are you a part of that process?

HOW?

Repent of your sin and selfishness and turn to Jesus today.

Begin praying for the lost around you.

Position yourself to be a difference maker in their lives.

Look for opportunities to WARN and TEACH them (GOSPEL), they WILL come.

Invest in the next generation, they need your help and can learn from your wisdom.

Pray for the effectiveness of our church.

Find ways to contribute to the body of Christ. There are plenty of opportunities to serve.

Listen to the leading of the Spirit in your life, be obedient and respond promptly.