GOD REVEALED – A New Testament Journey (PART 6)Sample

Colossians – Complete Maturity in Christ

It is a joy to see children grow, develop, and attain maturity. We are concerned at any signs of slowing or stunted growth. God similarly wants us to develop from spiritual babes into complete maturity.

False doctrines threaten maturity. Several churches today undermine the Lordship and supremacy of Christ, replacing him with lesser beings or traditions. This is prevalent in the early Christian churches and may have evolved from there.

Supremacy of Christ

Countering false doctrines, including primitive gnosticism, Paul stresses the divine person and finished nature of the creative and redemptive work of Christ (1:14-22, 2:8-15).

The following had crept into the Colossian church [2]:
- Human philosophy
- Jewish ritual elements
- Ascetic elements to control the flesh (2:20-23)
- Worship of angels (2:18)
- Mystery, secrecy, superiority, in knowledge

Christ, the essence of the sovereign God Himself, with supreme authority over all creation, is no less than God. He holds worlds together, is the head of the church and filled with the fullness of God. Through Him alone, there is reconciliation to God through the cross (1:15-19).

Maturity from Leaders

Typically, it takes mature leaders to develop mature Christians. They need to:

- Complete Christ’s suffering – often through trials (1:24) in order to reach the world for Christ.

A missionary walked from village to village preaching the gospel amidst many hardships. He was driven out of a village and, exhausted, went to sleep just outside the village.

The villagers saw his blistered feet while he slept and realized that they may have sent out a man of God who had suffered to give them a message.

The evangelist filled up the afflictions of Jesus with his beautiful blistered feet.

- Completely cover God’s word – Often fragmented and diluted, the word loses its effectiveness if not presented “in its fullness.” (1:25-26)

- Complete wisdom in teaching – God’s wisdom and God’s spirit make a powerful message leading people to maturity. (1:28)

- Complete the Ministry Received – Perseverance is required to bring completion to the work we and those before us started. (4:12, 17)

Maturity of the Christian

Characterized by:

- Complete Knowledge of God’s Will (1:8-11, 22-23; 2:2-3; 3:2-3)
- Complete Thankfulness (2:6-7, 15, 17)
- Completely Seasoned Speech (2:16, 4:5-6)
- Complete Confidence (4:12, 3:23-24)

Are we prepared to seek and follow the truth despite popular trends? Do we go all out to complete Christ’s work in and through our lives?