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COLOSSIANS - Christ in you, the hope of glory!
Studies in the Letter of Paul to the Colossians
Part 1 - The Foundations of Christian Faith (Colossians 1:1-29)
2. The prayer of thanksgiving of Paul and his co-workers for the church in Colosse (Colossians 1:3-8)
Which has come to you
Today, a third of the world population call themselves “Christian”, those who, more-or-less, believe what is stated in the gospel. Still, two-thirds of mankind have, until now, never heard the “good news” or vehemently rejected it. Others attempt to water it down, humanize it, or even to falsify it. They cannot, however, hinder the true gospel from penetrating the homes, hearts and minds of untold numbers through gospel radio broadcasts, internet and television. Whoever is prepared to listen and to believe will experience that it is this very word of truth that imparts power for all eternity.
The church in Colosse did not personally hear the gospel from Paul. Rather, new believers from their town had heard Paul speak in the capital city of Ephesus. They learned the truth of Christ through the apostle, experienced Jesus´ power, and enthusiastically passed it on. This special announcement from the throne of God, regarding the birth of His Son and the victory of the Lamb of God, did not remain some romantic history for this church assembly. Rather, it became the source of their power and the means of their receiving the Holy Spirit. The arrival of the gospel in a fresh location can result in a new creation, a new-birth, and the realization of eternal life in all those who embrace this “special announcement”.
The Word of Truth has gone into all the World
Paul saw in the Roman Empire a self-contained world. He hastened from region to region and from country to country, for, in this self-contained culture, the colloquial language, the opportunity to plan travel, and a safeguarding of one´s own manner of life could all be assured. Paul found possibilities for mission work in every location the Romans had exerted their power. He wanted to evangelize this self-contained world. In doing so, he experienced that, in every region and district he travelled, individuals heard the word of truth, believed and received it. They experienced the creative power in this word. The true gospel resembles seed-corn that remains lying wherever it is scattered. Some of it will be eaten up by the birds, and some of it will dry up and wither, not having adequate soil. Again, some of it will be choked through beguiling environmental influences. Yet, in the event it falls on good soil, some of it will sprout up and bring forth much fruit (Matt. 13:2-9; 18-23). Furthermore, Jesus promised: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14).
The evangelisation of the world does not mean the Christianizing of the world. Rather, it symbolizes the calling-out of those who hear, believe and obey the gospel. The word “church” is called “ecclesia” in the Greek language, and signifies “those who have been called out”. This word originally described those responsible in the city parliament of Greek cities, who were called together in the market square to decide which plans the city could carry through, and how much of the accrued costs could be passed on to each individual. Those called out in the local church are responsible for the spiritual well-being of the church of Jesus Christ in their city and surroundings. Through their shouldering of this responsibility, they are contributing to the growth of Christ´s church.
The Gospel is bringing forth Fruit among you
Paul wrote to the church in Colosse that they were not the ones, in and of themselves, who had brought forth their faith, love and hope. Rather, the word of truth in the gospel was the mystery behind their activity, power and orientation. A church in which “spiritual death is in the pot” should search for the cause of their stagnation. They should then repent and, once again, place the full word of God in the center of their church. In every place where spiritual revival comes, there develops a variety of deacon ministrations and evangelistic services. In these locations the praise of God is heard in the worship of the Holy Trinity. This, however, does not take place as a result of the management skill of a gifted pastor or through the advice of the church council. Much more, the fruit of the word of truth is to be seen therein. Nevertheless, wherever the entire church synod grows hard and rigid, there need be an analyzing and examining of the theological education of the pastors and the deacons. They may have only been educated in critical inquiry and simply heard grammatical analysis of Bible texts. The question is whether or not the word of truth was able to bring about a new creation in them. Without child-like faith in the authority of God´s word, the salvation of Christ can no where be realized (Matt. 11:25-26; 13: 11-16; 18: 2-5).
Prayer: Father in heaven, we thank You that Your holy gospel can be heard and read today in all countries of the world. Grant that everywhere those who are searching for truth and love will hear the creative and comforting words of Jesus Christ. Cause us to be witnesses to His words toward those longing for hope. Amen.
Question 16: What fruits does the gospel create in readers who, in faith, believe it?