Winter Devotionals Introduction

Colossians 1:28-29 - Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.

This weekend, we will be studying and meditating on Colossians 1:28-29. As we consider this passage, we must be careful to understand Paul’s original intention as we consider the different parts of these verses. At the center of Paul’s proclamation is one name: Christ Jesus! His warning and teaching aims to exalt Christ. Paul knows that maturity in Christ comes from the Spirit working in the hearts of those who hear with faith (Gal. 3:1-6). Paul’s aim is not maturity for maturity’s sake, but maturity defined by Christlikeness that glorifies God. In this, Paul also recognizes that apart from Christ’s power, his efforts are worthless. All of Paul’s work is from, for, and to Christ!

For us, Paul is a great example to follow.  So many people on our campus need to hear Christ proclaimed and Christians need to be built up and discipled towards maturity in Christ. However, proclaiming Christ, warning, teaching, toiling, and struggling become heavy burdens if we are not abiding in Christ and enjoying the love and peace found in him. My invitation to you in these devotionals is to behold Christ and worship him. Each day, we are going to observe from Colossians the wonder and beauty of Christ Jesus and what he has done for us in his life, death, and resurrection. My prayer is for your hearts to be filled with love for Christ as you do these devotionals and for your conversations at retreat be saturated with discussions of him above everything else. 

Love y’all and hope to see you soon!

Nick