The Goal of Preaching Christ
Tuesday, March 7
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. (Colossians 1:28)
Those who preach the Gospel should consider what Paul has said here. “We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ.” Paul’s goal is nothing short of presenting to Christ complete, mature, full grown Christians. For Paul it was not just saving lost souls. It was mainly about discipling them into maturity. His great joy was to present to Christ believers who have reached their maximum earthly potential.
The crown of a preacher is the spiritual development of his people. Paul said: “. . . what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20).
Paul’s means of bringing believers to maturity was threefold: proclamation, warning, and teaching. He proclaimed or told others about Christ. Christ was the beginning and the end, the means and the goal of his message.
When the preaching of Christ brought converts, Paul spent time “warning everyone,” which means that he corrected and admonished them. Paul did not shrink from this unpleasant task of admonishment, because he cared.
Paul also spent his time “teaching everyone.” The Greek text of verse 28 is emphatic, mentioning “everyone” three times. Paul proclaimed Christ and warned and taught everyone because he truly believed Christ was for everyone, and he saw great potential in every soul he touched. What a way to look at people!
Are you a preacher? Do you see your people as a crown that you will be rewarded with on the day of Christ’s return? Do you tell your people about Christ, warn them and teach them Christ? You are expected to do all these are a Christian, but more so, as a preacher of the Gospel.