"Proclaim Him"

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Colossians 1:28).

     The Apostle Paul wrote the church at Colosse concerning the high view of Christ. He told of God’s fullness dwelling in Christ since he was God himself veiled in flesh. He exhorted them to be careful of those false teachers who would try to lead them astray by judging what they ate, drank, and the days of festivals and Sabbaths. However, Paul reminded the church that his task, along with the other elders, as well as each disciple of Christ was the proclamation of Jesus Christ. You have heard, "Preach the gospel. Use words if necessary." This is a false statement. You can not preach the gospel without words. The word "preach" implies speaking. Therefore, one must speak in order to preach, proclaim, or share the gospel. 

      The proclamation of Jesus Christ is not just a job for the preacher, but for every true follower of Jesus Christ. We have the distinct privilege and blessing to proclaim, tell, or share with others the good news of Jesus Christ. The good news of Jesus Christ is that God is Holy. Man is sinful, unholy, separated from God. Man is actively in rebellion against God. There is nothing about the natural man that desires God or His holiness at all. Yet, God in His grace sent His Son to take on flesh, live a perfect life, fulfilling God the Father's Holy Law, dying in the place of sinful man, and rising on the third day for our justification. This good news should be proclaimed and modeled in the local church from the pulpit each Lord’s Day. This is how the church worships, grows, and learns of God's goodness in Christ. This is what Paul means by “warning” and “teaching everyone" (disciples).

      There is also an evangelistic aspect to proclaiming Christ, which takes place as we go about our day. We are to proclaim Christ at home, work, school, restaurants, grocery stores, sporting events, or doctor’s office. This is also what Jesus meant when he gave his disciples the Great Commission. Jesus said, "Go into the world and MAKE disciples. He didn't say go invite them to church, to a singing or a potluck. He commanded his disciples (you and me) to make disciples. In other words, telling others the good news of Jesus Christ should be an everyday normal event of the disciple’s life, much like brushing our teeth. But, that seems odd, you say. True believers find the gospel glorious and majestic to the point it’s always on the tip of their mind and tongue. Hence, Paul would write, “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth”  (Colossians 3:1-2). The sad reality is too many believers seek and have their mind set on the things of this earth and this is why it's so difficult to have spiritual conversations with others.

      However, as followers of Jesus, we must discipline ourselves to think on things that are above, namely the gospel. Why? In order that we may present everyone mature in Christ. As disciples of Christ, our goal and aim in life are to proclaim, teach, and share Christ in such a way that others will be greatly edified and perfected in Christ. This is what discipleship truly is; helping others follow Jesus better. And in order to do that we have to proclaim Jesus, there is no plan B. This takes intentionality, prayer, and the leading of the Spirit of God. I have found when I combine those three things in my life God always sends someone for me to proclaim Christ to either by conversation or by handing them a gospel tract.

      Will you pray and ask God today to send you someone to proclaim Christ to? Will you take an earthly conversation and look for a way to share Christ with that person? Will you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ to have boldness as they share Christ with others? Will ask God who it may be you could build a relationship with around the gospel and begin to disciple him or her?  Do you have gospel tracts readily available to hand out to others, or leave at the gas station or wherever you go? This is how we truly grow in wisdom and maturity. SDG.;