In his letter to the Colossians, Paul expressed the purpose of his ministry and our work as Christians, given by God. “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily” (1:27-29). Paul taught men the doctrine of Christ, and established disciples (learners) of Him. It enabled Paul — and enables us as well — to present to the Lord mature, capable saints.
If we denigrate, alter, or substitute for the gospel of our Lord, what will we become? For those who chafe at the idea of adhering to the pattern of the New Covenant of our Lord, what do you offer? Paul addressed that question in chapters two and three in his letter to the Colossians.
What about the philosophies of men? Paul wrote, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power” (2:8-10).
The simple lesson here is that men are not as smart as God. It is also the problem with religion in our time. We tend to look at the Bible, and are put off by its ancient origins. Surely as society has changed, modern man is not well served by words written thousands of years ago? Such thinking is wrong minded. It is prideful to think that our views are superior to God’s word, or that God is unable to make His truths timeless, and applicable to all men in every age. Remember, “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1 Corinthians 1:25).
What about the Law of Moses? Paul wrote, “So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ” (2:16-17).
Men in Paul’s day were making their claim to being accepted by God based on their keeping of the law. This was invalid because they failed to keep it perfectly. As such, they were condemned by the law for their sin. Christ’s gospel is better, in that a provision for grace is supplied in the offering of Jesus on the cross. Under Christ, “He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses” (2:13).
Finally, what about living life for yourself? Going for the gusto? Paul wrote, “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience” (3:5-6).
Those who reject God’s words, and live their lives the way they want, will bring God’s wrath upon themselves.
Conclusion: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (3:16-17).
The conclusion is simple, the gospel of Jesus Christ, because it is His will, is to be learned and obeyed by men.
To see The Patternists Page on Facebook, click here, and Like!
