Sermons on Colossians 1:28

Colossians 1:28 Interpretation:

Proclaiming the Gospel: Christ's Centrality and Universal Hope (MLJTrust) offers a distinctive interpretation of Colossians 1:28 by emphasizing the repeated phrase "every man" as a deliberate counter to the exclusivist, secretive teachings of the false philosophers troubling the Colossian church. The sermon highlights that Paul’s triple repetition is not literary carelessness but a polemical device to stress the radical universality of the gospel—contrasting the “mystery religions” and elitist philosophies of the time, which reserved spiritual knowledge for a select few. The preacher also frames the verse as Paul’s personal manifesto, summing up his ministry as a public, clear, and joyful proclamation, not a speculative philosophy. The sermon uses the analogy of a town crier or herald, whose job is to announce clear, world-changing news, to illustrate the nature of Paul’s proclamation. The preacher further distinguishes between “proclamation” and “speculation,” arguing that the gospel is not a vague quest for truth but a definite, authoritative message centered on the person of Christ, not on intermediaries or esoteric knowledge. This focus on the clarity, universality, and Christ-centeredness of the message is presented as the heart of Colossians 1:28.

Transformative Journey of Discipleship in Christ (Harmony Church) interprets Colossians 1:28 through the metaphor of various mugs of different shapes, sizes, and materials, all filled with hot water, to illustrate the diversity of believers being filled with the same Christ. The sermon uniquely frames maturity in Christ as a journey without a fixed bar or scale, since God is infinite and each believer is uniquely “wired.” The preacher draws a parallel between the rabbi-disciple relationship of Jesus’ time and the familial language Paul uses—moving from “teacher-student” to “parent-child” and “family”—to show that maturity in Christ is relational, communal, and transformative. The analogy of “bonding” (as in family relationships) is used to explain how character and maturity are formed through deep relationships with Christ and with one another, rather than through isolated religious effort. This approach to Colossians 1:28 is distinct in its emphasis on the communal, relational, and process-oriented nature of Christian maturity.

Proclaiming Christ: The Heart of Preaching (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) offers a deeply nuanced interpretation of Colossians 1:28, focusing on the phrase "Him we proclaim" as a motto for ministry. The sermon uniquely emphasizes the inexhaustibility of preaching Christ, not just as a hermeneutical category but as the living, incarnate, crucified, resurrected, and returning Savior who steps out of the pages of Scripture to meet the hearer. Begg draws a vivid analogy between the surprise of the gospel and the unexpected answers in children’s sermons, warning against reducing Christ to a formulaic answer. He also explores the dual mystery of Christ: both the cosmic Lord and the indwelling hope of glory, highlighting the paradox of sin and glory coexisting in the believer. The sermon further distinguishes itself by integrating the Chalcedonian Definition’s language, stressing the importance of preaching Christ in his two natures, his union with the Trinity, and his fivefold work (propitiation, redemption, victory, reconciliation, justification), all as embodied in Christ himself rather than as abstract benefits. Begg’s use of the original Greek is subtle but present, particularly in his discussion of Romans 10:14-15, where he notes the genitive case in the verb "to hear," suggesting that in preaching, Christ himself is heard, not merely the preacher.

Embracing the Divine Call of Pastoral Ministry (Alistair Begg) interprets Colossians 1:28 as a foundational text for understanding the pattern and purpose of pastoral ministry. The sermon highlights the present continuous tense of "present everyone perfect in Christ," interpreting it as an ongoing, habitual process rather than a one-time event. Begg uses the analogy of children learning to ride a bike, with the pastor’s role likened to a parent removing training wheels, preparing believers for maturity and independence in faith. This analogy is distinct from the other sermons and frames the verse as a call to long-term, patient spiritual formation rather than immediate results or numerical success.

Colossians 1:28 Theological Themes:

Proclaiming the Gospel: Christ's Centrality and Universal Hope (MLJTrust) introduces the theme of the radical universality of the gospel, arguing that Colossians 1:28 is a direct repudiation of any form of spiritual elitism or secret knowledge. The sermon insists that the gospel is for “every man”—philosopher and barbarian, wise and unwise, child and adult—because it is not based on human capacity or intellect but on the power of God in Christ. Another unique theme is the insistence that the gospel is not merely about forgiveness but about preparing believers for ultimate perfection and glory, with the hope of a new creation. The preacher also stresses the necessity of warning (about judgment and the need for repentance) as an integral part of the gospel, not just teaching or encouragement.

Transformative Journey of Discipleship in Christ (Harmony Church) presents the theme that maturity in Christ is not a static achievement but a lifelong, communal process shaped by relationships—both with God and within the church family. The sermon adds a new facet by emphasizing that discipleship is not about religious performance or individual attainment, but about being “bonded” to Christ and to one another, with character and maturity developing through these bonds. The preacher also highlights the necessity of the church community (“the family of God”) for growth, arguing that one cannot become mature in Christ in isolation, and that the fullness of Christ is experienced only in the context of mutual love, encouragement, and accountability.

Proclaiming Christ: The Heart of Preaching (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) introduces several distinct theological themes: the centrality of Christ in all of Scripture (not just as a hermeneutical endpoint but as the living presence who surprises and confronts), the necessity of understanding Christ in concert with the whole church (drawing on the wisdom of the early fathers and the Chalcedonian Definition), and the inseparability of Christ’s person from his work (rejecting the notion of receiving benefits apart from union with Christ). A particularly fresh angle is the assertion that in preaching, Christ himself preaches through the preacher, making the act of proclamation a dialogical encounter between Christ and the hearer, not merely a monologue from the pulpit.

Embracing the Divine Call of Pastoral Ministry (Alistair Begg) adds a new facet by emphasizing the divine initiative in pastoral calling and the necessity of a God-given message, not a self-chosen one. The sermon also presents the idea that the true measure of ministry is not immediate success but the gradual, historical process of maturing believers, sometimes only keeping the "foot in the door" for future fruitfulness. This introduces a theology of ministry rooted in faithfulness and long-term formation rather than visible results.

Colossians 1:28 Historical and Contextual Insights:

Proclaiming the Gospel: Christ's Centrality and Universal Hope (MLJTrust) provides detailed historical context about the Colossian church, explaining that Paul wrote the letter to counteract the influence of early Gnostic-like teachers who promoted a complex system of intermediaries (angelic beings) between God and humanity, with Jesus as merely the highest among them. The sermon explains that these “mystery religions” were secretive, elitist, and reserved their knowledge for the initiated few, which Paul directly opposes by emphasizing the universality of the gospel in Colossians 1:28. The preacher also situates Paul’s ministry in the context of the Greco-Roman world, where philosophy was the domain of the educated elite, and contrasts this with the all-inclusive message of Christ.

Transformative Journey of Discipleship in Christ (Harmony Church) offers historical insight into the rabbi-disciple relationship in first-century Judaism, noting that discipleship was not unique to Jesus but was a common practice among various teachers. The sermon explains that Jesus transformed this model by speaking with unique authority and compassion, and that Paul further shifted the language from “teacher-student” to “family” (parent-child, brothers and sisters), reflecting a new paradigm for spiritual growth and maturity in the early church.

Proclaiming Christ: The Heart of Preaching (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) provides rich historical context by referencing the Chalcedonian Definition of 451, explaining its significance in shaping orthodox Christology and its distance from contemporary subculture. Begg also discusses the historical struggles of the early church fathers to articulate the two natures of Christ and their passionate love for Christ as a motivation for doctrinal precision. He further situates Paul’s ministry within the broader context of the church’s tradition, showing how the apostolic pattern of preaching Christ has been safeguarded and expanded by generations of believers.

Embracing the Divine Call of Pastoral Ministry (Alistair Begg) offers contextual insight into the distinction between apostles and pastors, noting that while apostles were a unique, unrepeatable group, the pastoral pattern is derived from their example and instruction. The sermon also references the cultural environment of Corinth, with its temples, sexual immorality, and consumer expectations, to highlight the countercultural nature of Paul’s preaching methodology—eschewing spectacle for the simple proclamation of Christ crucified.

Colossians 1:28 Cross-References in the Bible:

Proclaiming the Gospel: Christ's Centrality and Universal Hope (MLJTrust) references several passages to expand on Colossians 1:28: Colossians 2:8 is cited to warn against being deceived by philosophy and human tradition; Romans 1:14-16 is used to illustrate Paul’s sense of indebtedness to both Greeks and barbarians, wise and unwise, reinforcing the universality of the gospel; 2 Corinthians 5:19 (“God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself”) is used to explain the content of the teaching; John 3:16 is referenced to show the purpose of Christ’s coming (“that whosoever believes in him should not perish”); and 1 John 3:3 is cited to describe the purifying hope of glory. The sermon also alludes to the Ten Commandments and the moral law as the standard by which all will be judged, and to the parable of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25) in discussing final judgment. The preacher draws on the book of Revelation to underscore the warning of coming judgment and the hope of a new creation.

Transformative Journey of Discipleship in Christ (Harmony Church) references Ephesians 4:11-16 to support the idea that the five-fold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers) is given to equip the church for maturity and unity in Christ. The sermon also cites John 15 (the vine and branches) to illustrate abiding in Christ and bearing fruit, Hebrews 10:24-25 (“let us encourage one another… not giving up meeting together”) to stress the importance of community, and 2 Timothy 2:1 and 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9 to highlight the familial language of discipleship. Philippians 4:9 is used to show the importance of modeling and imitation in spiritual growth, and Acts 2 and 8 are referenced to demonstrate the early church’s communal life and evangelistic mission.

Proclaiming Christ: The Heart of Preaching (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) draws on several cross-references: Luke 24 (the Emmaus road, showing Christ in all Scriptures), Ephesians 2 (Christ preaching peace to those far off), Romans 10:14-15 (the necessity of hearing Christ’s voice in preaching), and Hebrews 2 (the ascended Christ leading and preaching among his people). Each reference is used to reinforce the idea that preaching is not merely about conveying information but about encountering the living Christ, who continues to speak and act through the proclamation of the Word.

Embracing the Divine Call of Pastoral Ministry (Alistair Begg) references Acts 20 (Paul proclaiming the whole counsel of God to the Ephesians), John 21 (Jesus’ reinstatement of Peter and the command to "feed my sheep"), Romans (faith comes by hearing the Word of God), and Jeremiah 23 (false prophets who run without being sent). These passages are used to support the necessity of a God-given message, the responsibility of spiritual leaders to present the fullness of God’s Word, and the dangers of self-appointed ministry.

Colossians 1:28 Christian References outside the Bible:

Proclaiming the Gospel: Christ's Centrality and Universal Hope (MLJTrust) explicitly references John Wesley, quoting the hymn “O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise” to illustrate the joy and magnitude of the gospel proclamation. The preacher uses Wesley’s hymn to challenge the congregation’s own response to the gospel, asking whether they truly feel the same exuberance and desire to proclaim Christ. The sermon also alludes to the broader tradition of evangelical hymnody and its role in expressing the centrality and glory of Christ.

Transformative Journey of Discipleship in Christ (Harmony Church) explicitly references Hudson Taylor, the founder of the China Inland Mission (OMF), quoting his statement: “The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.” This quote is used to reinforce the imperative nature of evangelism and discipleship as integral to Christian maturity, not just for pastors or missionaries but for every believer.

Proclaiming Christ: The Heart of Preaching (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) explicitly references the Chalcedonian Definition (451 AD), explaining its doctrinal content and its role in safeguarding the church’s understanding of Christ’s two natures. Begg also cites John Calvin’s initial reluctance and eventual embrace of the church fathers’ formulations, showing how historical theology can serve as both a guardrail and a reminder for faithful preaching. He further quotes Professor John Murray’s commentary on Romans 3:24, emphasizing that redemption is not merely something we receive from Christ but something that resides in Christ himself, reinforcing the inseparability of Christ’s person and work. BB Warfield is also mentioned, with his suggestion that Ephesians 1:13-14 should be sung rather than read, highlighting the doxological nature of redemption.

Embracing the Divine Call of Pastoral Ministry (Alistair Begg) references Derek Prime’s book "Pastors and Teachers" and his advice that if one can avoid entering pastoral ministry, one should do so, underscoring the seriousness of divine calling. John Ryle, a 19th-century bishop, is quoted regarding his sense of being "shut up" to the ministry, illustrating the compulsion of a true call. William Burns, an early Scottish missionary, is cited for his diary entry on the difficulty of balancing the doctrines of human inability and the free offer of the gospel, and his prayer for guidance in declaring the gospel. These references serve to root the sermon’s insights in the broader wisdom of the church.

Colossians 1:28 Illustrations from Secular Sources:

Transformative Journey of Discipleship in Christ (Harmony Church) uses the detailed analogy of mugs of various shapes, sizes, colors, and materials (steel, glass, plastic, paper) all filled with hot water to illustrate the diversity of believers being filled with the same Christ. The preacher describes how, regardless of the mug’s appearance or material, the heat can be felt from each, symbolizing how God fills and uses each unique person for His purpose. This metaphor is used to communicate the idea that maturity in Christ is not about uniformity but about being filled and transformed by Christ, regardless of one’s background or personality.

Proclaiming Christ: The Heart of Preaching (Alistair Begg, Truth For Life) uses a memorable secular illustration from his childhood: the children’s sermon with only four possible answers—Bible, sin, "pull your socks up," and Jesus—highlighting the danger of reducing Christ to a predictable formula rather than presenting him as the surprising, living Savior. He also recounts a humorous story of a child guessing "Jesus" when shown a dental mold, illustrating the tendency to give rote answers rather than encounter the real Christ. Additionally, Begg shares anecdotes from his pastoral experience, such as a congregant convinced the pastor had stolen his diary, to illustrate the mysterious and dialogical nature of Christ’s presence in preaching—how the Spirit can provoke unexpected responses in listeners, sometimes unrelated to the preacher’s conscious intent.

Embracing the Divine Call of Pastoral Ministry (Alistair Begg) employs the analogy of children learning to ride a bike, with the pastor’s role compared to a parent removing training wheels, to illustrate the process of leading believers to maturity. He also references his grandfather’s experience as a shepherd, using the image of leading sheep to pasture (rather than force-feeding them) to explain the pastor’s responsibility to guide rather than coerce spiritual growth. These analogies from everyday life serve to make the theological points of Colossians 1:28 tangible and relatable.