TEXT: Colossians 1:24-2:7

SUBJECT: Colossians #5: Paul's Defense

Today brings us to the fifth sermon in our study of Colossians. This is the books longest paragraph and also its most complicated. Scholars differ on some of its details, but they all agree on its "big idea".

What's that? It is Paul's defense of himself against the slander of the false teachers. The heretics knew that the easiest way to discredit Paul's Gospel was to discredit Paul himself. They were good at it! They used "persuasive words" Paul said, to "deceive" the Colossians. To separate them from Paul. And from the One he preached, Jesus Christ.

Will they get away with it? No they won't. For Paul's going to answer them with such power the Colossians will never doubt him again.

THE ORIGIN OF HIS MINISTRY

He starts with the origin of his ministry. How did Paul become a preacher? The last part of v.23 and the first part of v.25 explain.

The translators of the NKJV messed up here, it seems to me. The word "became" is better rendered "made". Paul, in other words, didn't "become a minister" the way you became a hod carrier or a secretary or an engineer. You chose your job or somebody chose you for it or you stumbled into it some way or another.

This is not how Paul entered the ministry. God "made" him a preacher! At first, it was against his will. For he was called to it while "Yet breathing out threats and slaughter against the church". Over time, he came to accept his calling--but even if he hadn't, Paul had no choice. "A stewardship of the Gospel had been committed to [him]".

He says the same thing in v.25,

He didn't volunteer for the duty; Jesus Christ assigned it to him. He was a "man under orders". Paul makes this point often in his letters. Look at

Why is Paul so worried about this? He's not after the perks of the Apostolate, for there aren't any. He just wants his people to believe him. Why take Paul's Gospel over the others out there? They're often more interesting than his; and always better presented. Why accept Paul's version? Because he is "made a minster" His Gospel is God's Gospel! Every other Gospel is but the invention of man--and not acceptable to God or saving in its effect.

THE DEPTH OF HIS MINISTRY

Some ministries are all words and no action. They sound impressive, maybe, but there's nothing to them. This was true of the heretics at Colossae. They spouted "deep philosophies", but were, in fact, shallow men.

Is Paul like them? No he isn't. He not only preached the Gospel, but suffered for it. He puts it this way,

This is a verse the heretics love to quote. To their way of thinking, it proves that Christ did not suffer enough to atone for our sins, and therefore, we have to suffer our part in purgatory or call on the saints for some of their merit. Is that the true interpretation? The grammar permits it, but the context doesn't. What is the theme of Colossians?

If that's true, our sufferings or those of the saints in glory add nothing to the work of Christ.

What does it mean then? Something like this: Our Lord had many afflictions for Paul. Not all of which had yet been suffered. Paul would not duck any of them, but take them all.

What's more, he would suffer them all with joy! Why? Because his sufferings would do the church good. And if his jail time blessed the church, he'd stay in jail. If his poverty made God's people rich, he'd do without. If his death would give life to the church, he would die with no regrets.

This is impressive, isn't it? Paul is willing to suffer and die for the Church. But he doesn't leave it there. He's also willing to work for the Church.

For its welfare, he "labors and strives" says v.29. The words bring to mind a work of intense and exhausting effort. He didn't go into the ministry to avoid work! He is in "labors more abundant".

They include "conflict" for the people of God says 2:1. This probably means mental anguish or deep and painful concern. Elsewhere, he likens his pain for the churches to the agonies of childbirth.

That is how deep his ministry is. Paul is willing to work his fingers to the bone for us. And to die for us too.

What's more, he's willing to do this for people he'd never met!

The Colossians are not his dearest friends, but believers he had never seen!

How dare the false teachers undermine Paul's ministry! What have they ever done for the Colossians? Exploited them? Yes. Robbed them? Yes. Misled them? Yes. But they didn't live for God's people and wouldn't die for them either.

In a world of religious con-men, Paul is the genuine article! The depth of his ministry.

THE MESSAGE OF HIS MINISTRY

Paul is an heroic man and called by God. But what is he preaching? We needn't guess. He spells it out for us. He is preaching

The message was, at one time, a mystery--"hidden from ages and from generations". Men like Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, or even John the Baptist didn't know it. Not because they were stupid, but because God didn't reveal it during their lifetimes.

But now He has revealed it. Thus, it's no longer a mystery.

God has revealed "the riches of His glory to the Gentiles". Had they never known His glory before? Yes they had. "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork...There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard...their words have gone to the end of the world..." (Psalm 19).

Gentiles knew God's glory. But they didn't know its "riches". They didn't know His saving glory in Jesus Christ.

But now we do! Christ is now "in us" and His indwelling makes sure "the hope of glory". Believers are going to heaven and we know it! Why? Because Christ is in us!

That's Paul message. But notice, he doesn't say "that" or "this" and so on. He says, v.28, "Him we preach". He didn't merely preach "doctrines about Christ", but Christ Himself!

He did it positively--by "teaching" and negatively--by "warning". Why? So he could "present every man perfect in Christ Jesus". He taught--not to make money or to fill up time--but to make his people "fully developed" in Christ.

That is Paul's great message: The Christ who images the Father, who made the world, and who redeemed sinners is now in us making our salvation sure.

THE EXHORTATIONS

Paul's ministry is the real thing. In its origin, depth, and message, it accurately communicates Christ to the world. From this come two exhortations:

The first is: "Don't be deceived by persuasive words", 2:4. Other "Christs" may be more acceptable and easier to believe in or obey. The problem is: They're not the real Jesus. And, therefore, they cannot "save [their] people from their sins".

The second is like it: "As you have received the Lord Jesus, so walk in Him", 2:6. The Jesus Paul preached is the Lord every believer once welcomed into his life. Stay with Him! Don't re-invent a Savior to suit yourself. No, better re-invent yourself to suit your Savior.

"Root yourself in Him; build your life upon Him and abound in it with thanksgiving".

May the love of God be with you. For Christ's sake. Amen.