“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.” Colossians 1:28
Paul was not content to see people born again. He took the responsibility of leading them on to maturity. He moved them from infancy to infantry. Spiritual babies have great potential, but they became a serious drain on the church and a source of untold problems, if they remain in the nursery forever.
“Admonishing … teaching” indicates the Law and Gospel outline of the Christian message. “Mature” means literally “perfect” or “complete.” Only by virtue of our Baptism into Christ can we be what God wants us to be.
“In Christ” is a reference to the coming of Christ, when every believer will experience the completion of Christ’s work in him or her.
All people suffer because of the fallen nature of the world (original sin). But Christians are called to a special form of suffering for the sake of Christ … rejection, ridicule, and persecution. No one likes suffering. Nevertheless, the Christian suffering reflects the glory of the cross of Christ. Remember how God used Christ’s sufferings to save us. He will also use our sufferings to bring Christ’s saving work to others who have no hope.
God’s blessings on your day…