S) "28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. 29 For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me."
Colossians 1:28-29 (NASB)
O) Paul, speaking of the deity of Christ, places Him centrally to his every teaching. His goal is not wisdom for the sake of more knowledge. His goal is that every man would become complete in Christ, that is, perfected into His glory. The teaching does not simply come with knowledge, but applied knowledge. This is where it becomes admonishment (where correction is necessary) and wisdom (to guide future behaviors). Paul keeps this in focus by a very deliberate life, using strong language in "labor" and "striving" to describe his teaching. At the same time, He reasserts his point, that it is not through his efforts that anyone is saved. He confesses that he is only able because of the power of God working within him. By saying that God is working "mightily" within him to this end, he paints a picture that there was a great deficiency in his ability to do this apart from the power of God being manifested in his life.
A) There is a great struggle to teach and remain humble, but it is absolutely vital. Without acknowledging that my ability to teach is completely dependent on the power of God working in and through me, then I am setting myself up for a humiliation directly from my Father God. He will not abide haughty eyes, and will humble the proud. In humility now, I welcome that rebuke from His loving hand, because if it is necessary for my salvation, then I want nothing less. As I undertake the role of leading my family, a small group, peer-to-peer counseling, mutual ministry, and the like, it is crucial that I approach it all humbly, acknowledging all of the grace that was and is involved. As hard as that is, it may not even be the hardest part of Paul's example above. Teaching wisdom can be fairly easy, as it is usually welcomed. Admonishing others, though, can be very intimidating. In both cases (admonishing others, and being humble while teaching wisdom), the root of the answer is the same: The Word. By going back to the Bible, over and over, I am administering the words of God to teach wisdom (not from myself, but from Him), and I am administering the words of God to admonish (not from myself, but from Him). In both cases, that is the power of God actively at work through me.
P) Father God, I am still in awe at the grace You have at work in my life. As I reflect on Your hand over me, throughout my life, and the way You are still, currently, actively working through me, I am humbled by Your grace. I want to do this right, Father. I welcome Your discipline, if I am getting anything wrong. I welcome Your grace, but also Your rebuke. Open my eyes and ears, especially as I study Your words. As I attempt to convey the wisdom of Your words, and I take up the responsibility of admonishing others, please continue to work through me graciously. So that I may present them as complete in Christ, please let me be successful, for their sake and Your glory. Minimize my own impact in those ministry opportunities. Make it less and less me, and more and more You. Work powerfully through me, in spite of me if You must, to accomplish Your will. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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