Every Christian’s Responsibility

Him 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).

Paul's Teaching

Paul wrote to the Church in Colosse to deal with a heresy that was creeping in. This errant teaching was a mixture of Jewish legalism and pagan mysticism. It would eventually be called Gnosticism.

Paul opened this letter by teaching on the pre-eminence, or primacy, of Christ, who existed before all things and is Creator of all things, and that He is indeed God. In Christ, believers have all we need; we have no need of worldly philosophy, legalism, carnality, the worship of angels, or dietary limitations.

In verse 28, Paul teaches the Colossians about the responsibilities of the Apostles – and by application every Christian's responsibility. We see 4 areas of responsibility highlighted.

What They Preached

Christ is the focus of the Apostles' preaching, as well as the focus of Scripture. This focus concerns the reconciliation to God we have through the crucifixion of, resurrection of, and faith in Christ. If an individual is not preaching Christ, he is not preaching truth. If an individual is not honoring God, the preaching is of no spiritual use. If an individual's preaching is not helping Christians grow spiritually, that preaching is but dust to be blown away in the wind.

To Whom They Preached

They preached to every man, stated three times in this verse! Paul took every opportunity to warn, teach, and present Christ to all Christians. Paul preached to Jews and Gentiles, to young and old, and to men and women. He preached to anyone who would listen to him, and even to those who didn't.

How They Preached

The Apostles preached in all wisdom. Biblical wisdom is the application of the knowledge God gives. Wisdom knows what to say and how to say it. It knows what decision to make, and how to respond to people or a situation with the truth of God's Word applied to that situation. Preaching in all wisdom requires knowledge, love, humility, truth, and understanding. It knows how to balance truth and love or grace. It knows that God gives wisdom and that we must rely upon Him for knowledge and understanding from His Word and know the Holy Spirit is the true teacher.

Why They Preached

Based on what, who, and how, the reason the Apostles preached was to teach that all believers are made perfect in Christ. This isn't to say believers become more holy in our position as a Christian, or there are levels of spirituality. Rather, it's about helping others understand who they are in Christ and living life on that basis as the Holy Spirit reveals to them the truth and wonder of God and His Word. We mature by learning the truth and applying it! We become mature by learning that in Christ we are complete.

Do as They Did

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are to do as the Apostles did. It is our responsibility to preach Christ faithfully. We are to preach in His wisdom, not our own. We need to desire to mature in Christ and help others to do the same.

Paul's teaching in Colossians 1:28 is a challenge to those who teach and preach God's Word, but by God's grace, it's also every Christian's responsibility.

Dr. Michael Weis is a pastor, video operator, editor, and social media manager at Zion's Hope.