OCT 30

Colossians 1:28
Memorise Hebrews 4:12
“…whom we preach…”

In yesterday’s study of Colossians 1:28, we saw that the church has the goal of striving towards both positional and progressive sanctification in Christ Jesus, “whom we preach”. This sanctification cannot be legislated or be enforced by law. The church cannot have a police force to lock up members who disobey, or force members to obey at gunpoint. That is simply not possible! The only way for the church to encourage its members towards sanctification is through the preaching of the Word of God, for that alone has the power to change lives (Hebrews 4:12). The preaching of the church must have elements of warning and rebuke. This is important because what separates man from God is sin, and unless man is warned about the consequences of sin and believes it, that man has no reason to believe in Jesus Christ as Saviour. Remember it is not enough to acknowledge Jesus as God, for the devils also do so but are not regenerate. The church also has to warn against false teachers who preach a false gospel and so lure others away from salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

The church must also be “teaching every man in all wisdom”. The church has a responsibility of teaching the whole counsel of God, not just certain pet topics that the pastors or congregation prefer. The pastor must not shy away from topics like biblical separation or the realities of hell even though this may give rise to opposition. As long as God’s Word teaches it, the church must preach it. Such teachings towards progressive sanctification will be the subject of Colossians chapter 3 & 4, where Paul touches on the relationship between servants and masters, as well as family relations, all with Christ as our perfect example.

Dear teen, may you understand why your Bible-believing church takes a firm stand in warning against sin and does not shy away from teaching what the Bible says on any subject. So thank God for guiding you to such a church, and thank God every time you hear the pastor’s strong admonitions. There are many churches who desire instead to cater to “itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3), to preach only what man wants to hear. If you are in such a man-centered church, may you seek one that teaches the whole counsel of God instead.

Thought: Is my pastor obeying God or obeying man in his preaching?
Prayer: May I praise God when my pastor admonishes, and then listen, and obey!