Complete in Christ: Colossians 1.19-29 (5)

Opening Prayer: Psalm 71.14-16
But I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.
My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And Your salvation all the day,
For I do not know their limits.
I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.

Sing Psalm 71.14-16, 3
(Solid Rock: My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less)
But as for me my voice I raise to sing in hope and constant praise!
With saving grace my voice will swell Your never-ending grace to tell.
Refrain, v. 3
A Rock of habitation be; command Your Word to rescue me;
my Rock and Fortress ever be!

Read Colossians 1.28

Preparation
1. What does Paul want us to become?

2. How did he try to help the Colossians become that?

Meditation
Paul’s goal in ministry was to “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” The word “perfect” is perhaps better translated “complete.” Being complete in Christ has three phases, and effective preachers and teachers always aim at these in their work.

First, we are complete in Christ in the sense that nothing more can be added to secure God’s salvation for those who believe in Jesus. If we believe in Jesus, our salvation is complete. This is a matter of our position in Christ – like being “saints.” Being assured of this is essential to the other phases of being complete in Christ.

Third (I’ll come back to second), we will be complete in Christ when we see Him face to face and are made like Him (1 Jn. 3.1-3). Faithful teachers consistently hold out this “end” of salvation for the people they serve, that they might always know that they have an upward calling that culminates in being like Jesus in glory.

Second, then, we must strive to become more complete in Christ day by day, working out our salvation and pressing on toward holiness in the fear of the Lord (Phil. 2.13; 2 Cor. 7.1). The Spirit within us uses the Word of God to transform us increasingly into the image of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3.12-18). Thus we increase “in all wisdom” for daily living.

They are “complete in Christ” for whom all these phases are true. How serious was Paul about our understanding and embracing this upward calling? He not only taught this doctrine to us, but he “warned” or “admonished” us concerning it, that we should be as eager to be complete in Christ as he was to make us so.

Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
Who has never heard a child complain, “I’m bored. I don’t have anything to do”?

And of course, for the child who is unknowing enough to say that in our presence, will be found many things to do to relieve them of their perceived boredom.

As Christians, we should never say in front of Jesus or Paul, “I’m bored”, because they would knowingly and lovingly smile at us and point to this verse. (Col. 1.28) We have been given more to do than we will ever have time to do; and yet it is incumbent upon us to give it our all. It is the task of becoming complete in Christ and bringing along those who are in our Personal Mission Field to the same end.

Him we preach.
Warning every man.
Teaching every man.
In all wisdom.
That we may present every man,
Perfect in Christ Jesus. (Col.1.28)

“Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”
“Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
“…let us go on to perfection…” (2 Tim.4.2; 1 Thess. 5.14; Ps. 34.11-14; Prov. 9.10; Rom. 12.1; Heb. 6.1)

Complete. In. Christ. We have a whole lot to do!

Reflection
1. How does knowing you are complete in Christ affect your outlook on life?

2. How does knowing you are becoming complete in Christ affect your daily life?

3. How does knowing you will one day be complete in Christ affect your love for the Lord?

And we must grow and not be dwarves in Christianity, but still grow, for in Christianity there is no old age, but in the oldest age is a growth till such time as all rebellion and imperfection are taken away in the kingdom of God. Thomas Cartwright (1535-1606), Commentary on Colossians 1.28

Thank You, Lord, for delivering me from darkness and conveying me into Your light! Help me today to…

Closing Prayer: Psalm 71.17-24
Pray that God will continue to strengthen you, that you may grow in the Lord Jesus and serve Him faithfully in every aspect of your life.

Sing Psalm 71.17-24, 3
(Solid Rock: My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less)
O Lord, I praise Your righteousness Who me from youth have taught and blessed.
Forsake me not when I am old, ‘til I Your mercies all have told!
Refrain, v. 3
A Rock of habitation be; command Your Word to rescue me;
my Rock and Fortress ever be!

Your righteous deeds are great and true. O God, there is no one like You!
Though many troubles I have seen, You will revive my soul again!
Refrain

Increase my greatness, comfort me, and unto You shall praises be.
Your truth I will exalt full well, O Holy One of Israel!
Refrain

My lips with joy and praises ring; to You, Redeemer, praise I bring!
I praise Your goodness all day long; Lord, humble all who do me wrong.
Refrain

T. M. and Susie Moore

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Except as indicated, all Scripture are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (Williston: Waxed Tablet Publications, 2006), available by clicking here.