Proclaiming Christ: The Heart of Preaching

In this session, we delve into the profound calling of preaching Christ, focusing on the phrase "Him we Proclaim" from Colossians 1:24 to 2:5. This passage, though not often highlighted, is rich with insights into the ministry's nature, emphasizing the Christ-centeredness that should define our preaching. Paul's ministry was marked by a singular focus on Christ, a focus that should be our own as we preach. This Christ-centered approach is not just a method but a reflection of a life lived in Christ, where to live is Christ and to die is gain.

The essence of our preaching should be to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture, ensuring that He is not just a hermeneutical endpoint but the living, incarnate Savior who walks out of the pages of Scripture towards those we preach to. This involves understanding Christ in concert with all the saints, drawing from the rich theological heritage of the church to deepen our understanding and presentation of Christ. The early church fathers, despite their imperfections, labored to articulate the mystery of Christ with a passion that should inspire us today.

Moreover, our preaching should reflect the dual nature of Christ—fully God and fully man—without confusion or division. This understanding helps us communicate the profound truths of the Gospel, such as Christ's propitiation, redemption, and reconciliation, in a way that is both theologically sound and pastorally sensitive. We must also emphasize the believer's union with Christ, a union that is both a present reality and a future hope, as Christ indwells us and works to mature us into His image.

Finally, we must recognize that when we preach Christ, it is Christ Himself who preaches through us. This divine partnership transforms our preaching into a dialogical encounter where Christ speaks directly to the hearts of His people, drawing them to Himself. As we return to our congregations, let us carry this motto text, "Him we Proclaim," as a guiding principle, trusting that through our stammering tongues, His voice will be heard.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Preaching Christ from all of Scripture is essential. It is not merely about reaching Christ as a hermeneutical endpoint but presenting Him as the living Savior who engages with His people through the Word. This approach ensures that our preaching is vibrant and transformative, igniting hearts with the presence of Christ. [12:46]
• 2. Understanding Christ in concert with all the saints enriches our preaching. By drawing from the theological insights of the early church fathers and the broader Christian tradition, we gain a fuller picture of Christ's person and work, which deepens our proclamation and connects us to the historical faith. [17:00]
• 3. The dual nature of Christ—fully God and fully man—must be clearly communicated. This understanding helps us convey the profound truths of the Gospel, ensuring that our preaching is both theologically sound and pastorally sensitive, addressing the complexities of Christ's person and work. [26:02]
• 4. Emphasizing the believer's union with Christ is crucial. This union is both a present reality and a future hope, as Christ indwells us and works to mature us into His image. Preaching this truth brings believers into a deeper awe and wonder of their relationship with Christ. [42:26]
• 5. Recognizing that Christ preaches through us transforms our ministry. This divine partnership means that our preaching is a dialogical encounter where Christ speaks directly to the hearts of His people, drawing them to Himself and ensuring that His voice is heard clearly. [46:12]
  ** [46:12]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:12] - Introduction to Colossians
• [00:51] - Focus on "Him We Proclaim"
• [01:43] - The Mystery of Christ in You
• [03:06] - Our Holy Calling
• [04:23] - Christ-Centered Ministry
• [06:24] - The Dual Mystery of Christ
• [08:23] - Preaching Christ from All Scripture
• [11:18] - Christ in All the Scriptures
• [16:21] - Understanding Christ with All the Saints
• [21:53] - Preaching Christ in Relationship to the Trinity
• [26:02] - The Dual Nature of Christ
• [32:33] - Christ's Offices and Work
• [39:06] - Offering Christ to All
• [46:12] - Christ Preaching Through Us
• [52:13] - Closing Prayer

1. What does Paul mean when he says, "Him we Proclaim" in Colossians 1:28, and how does this reflect the focus of his ministry? [05:01]
2. How does Paul describe his struggle and toil in ministry, and what is the source of his strength according to Colossians 1:29? [02:06]
3. In Colossians 2:2-3, Paul speaks about the "mystery" of Christ. What are the treasures hidden in Christ that Paul refers to? [02:25]
4. How does Paul express his desire for the believers in Colossae and Laodicea in Colossians 2:2-5? What does he hope they will achieve? [02:06]

1. How does the concept of preaching Christ from all of Scripture challenge or affirm your understanding of biblical preaching? [08:23]
2. What does it mean to understand Christ "in concert with all the saints," and how can this enrich one's personal faith journey? [16:21]
3. How does the dual nature of Christ—being fully God and fully man—impact the way we understand the Gospel message? [26:02]
4. What is the significance of recognizing that Christ preaches through us, and how does this affect our approach to ministry? [46:12]

1. Reflect on your own life: How can you ensure that your conversations and actions proclaim Christ in a way that is vibrant and transformative? [12:46]
2. Consider the theological insights from the early church fathers. How can you incorporate historical Christian teachings into your understanding of Christ today? [17:00]
3. The dual nature of Christ is a profound mystery. How can you communicate this truth in a way that is both theologically sound and pastorally sensitive in your interactions with others? [26:02]
4. Think about your union with Christ. How does this reality influence your daily life and future hope? What practical steps can you take to deepen this union? [42:26]
5. In what ways can you be more aware of Christ preaching through you in your daily interactions? How can this awareness transform your approach to sharing the Gospel? [46:12]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to see Christ's presence. How can you invite Him into that area this week to experience His transformative power? [12:46]
7. How can you support others in your community to grow in their understanding and proclamation of Christ? What role can you play in fostering a Christ-centered community? [08:23]