Dear Brethren,

MEDITATION

Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily

Colossians 1:28-29

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION

Him we preach…

1. The focus of preaching is none other than “Him” – the Lord Jesus
   1. Not a mere doctrine
   2. Not a system of belief
   3. But the Person named Jesus Christ
2. As we preach Christ Jesus, so we warn (admonish) and teach all people in all wisdom
   1. We warn people by reproving them gently
   2. We teach people by helping them to learn
   3. These are part and parcel of preaching (Cf. Matthew 4)
3. The goal and purpose of preaching is to present every one perfect (complete/fully mature) in Christ Jesus

To this end, I labor, striving according to His working which works …

1. “To this end” refers to the goal and purpose of preaching explicitly stated in verse 28
2. Paul works, laboring fervently
   1. According to His working which works in him mightily,
   2. Or a more literal translation, “according to His energy which works in him in power”

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY

1. The Lord Jesus Christ is the focus of all our preaching!
   1. Let us never lose sight of this focus
   2. Let us be challenged all the more to lift up the Lord Jesus
2. Let us serve the Lord passionately in response to His energy working in us!

Prayerfully

Tomas Zatel