The Subject, Manner, And End Of Paul's Preaching

Adapted From A Sermon By

Philip Doddridge

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

(Colossians 1:28)

This morning, in a sermon adapted from Philip Doddridge, we will consider The Subject, Manner, And End Of the apostle Paul's Preaching. And our text is Colossians1:28: Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

For a minister deeply devoted to Christ, whose heart overflows with love for his Divine Master and compassion for the souls of people, the days between Sabbaths can feel endless without the chance to engage in public ministry. The primary consolation he finds is in privately sharing that heartfelt affection. How ideal it would be if we could always feel this way! Like Elihu, we would speak out, knowing that our words are witnessed by God who sees into our hearts, feeling compelled by the spirit within us to express ourselves.

This seems to mirror the spirit of the apostle Paul, who, when speaking of Christ as the hope of glory in Colossians, demonstrated his devotion by explaining how he preached, as described in the text: "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ." These words serve as an exemplary guide for ministers to emulate, prompting reflections that are equally vital for lay Christians to ponder. Here, it is natural to consider,

I. The subject of the apostle's preaching---Him we proclaim.

II. The manner of it---Warning everyone and teaching everyone.

III. The end---That we may present everyone mature in Christ. Having considered these, we will close,

IV. With some practical application.

We are to consider,

I. The subject of the apostle's preaching: Him we proclaim. The context must determine the sense of these words, and they determine it very plainly: he preached about "Christ in you, the hope of glory."(Colossians 1:28}

The apostle's primary mission was to preach about Christ, a task that essentially means spreading the gospel, encompassing the entire message he was entrusted to convey. Christ is described as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end of the gospel's doctrine. Thus, we preach Christ crucified, which is a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Greeks. Despite any offense or derision this might provoke, we persist in preaching about him, not promoting ourselves, as is made clear elsewhere, but focusing solely on Christ Jesus the Lord.

This was the apostle's steadfast commitment when he preached to the Corinthians, who were educated, cultured, and sophisticated; he decided to know nothing among them except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. He considered this an immense honor, even if others viewed it as a disgrace. He therefore spoke of it as an extraordinary privilege he felt undeserving of, acknowledging his humility when reflecting on God's astonishing grace for entrusting him with this role, saying, "To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ."{Ephesians 3:8} Even when writing to Timothy about a truth well-known to him, that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost,"{1 Timothy 1:15} he couldn't help but burst into praise, expressing, "I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service."{1 Timothy 1:12}

Paul's message was clear: he preached Christ as the embodiment of hope for glory, a concept deeply intertwined with his teachings in Colossians. He aimed to elevate the minds of his audience, urging them away from the mundane, earthly pursuits that consumed the Gentiles—eating, drinking, and dressing—as Jesus noted. Instead, Paul sought to instill a vision of glory, honor, and immortality---themes he also explored in Romans.

He recognized that humanity was largely caught up in the trivialities of daily life, missing the grandeur of their own immortal nature and the potential for eternal happiness. The gospel, in Paul's view, was meant to heal this widespread spiritual malaise, redirecting human focus towards something far more noble and divine. This glory wasn't merely about accolades or earthly prestige but about the profound joy and honor of being close to God, living as his children in his eternal presence.

Paul himself was driven by this vision, having experienced what he described as a "heavenly fire" touching his heart. His method was unique: through Christ within, not just Christ known or followed externally. He spoke of Christ being formed in the believers' souls, a transformation so vital that he likened his efforts to the pangs of childbirth. Paul directed all who sought true glory to find it through Christ, ensuring that their hope was not fleeting like the hypocrite's but enduring and real. He proclaimed Christ fervently, knowing that this was the only path to true glory, open even to those who had committed the gravest sins, offering redemption and hope to all.

II. Let us now consider the manner in which the apostle preached this doctrine, and bore this testimony; expressed in those words, warning everyone and teaching everyone. This may imply the plain and practical manner in which he taught, and the particular application that he made to particular persons.

1. Paul's ministry was characterized by a straightforward, accessible approach to teaching. He was committed to ensuring that everyone could grasp his messages, avoiding complex or obscure language that might make him seem like a stranger, or "barbarian," to his audience. As he noted elsewhere, he spoke with great clarity, unlike Moses who veiled his face. He shunned the use of grandiose, empty phrases that Jude called "great swelling words,"{Jude 1:16 NKJV} recognizing that while some might admire such language, it only highlighted the foolishness of those who used it. Such elaborate expressions, as one sharp commentator put it, were initially crafted to mask the ignorance of those pretending to be wise, and others, not wanting to appear ignorant themselves, pretended to understand them.

But Paul was beyond these petty tricks; his deep affection for Christ wouldn't permit him to indulge in them. While his writings sometimes ventured into complex and hard-to-understand territory, as Peter acknowledged, this was purposeful, guided by divine wisdom. Most of his texts are clear, though sometimes muddled by overzealous commentators. We can infer that his spoken teachings were even more straightforward, where spoken words could clarify what written words might obscure.

2. Paul approached his ministry with a practical mindset, combining teaching with warnings. He didn't just focus on the grand doctrines of the gospel but also on its practical applications, as evidenced by the bulk of his epistles being dedicated to these matters. He didn't merely prescribe duties; he provided necessary cautions based on the specific needs and situations of his listeners. He warned and admonished, protecting them from the perils and temptations they faced. For instance, he likely instructed the wealthy, as he did with Timothy, not to pride themselves or rely on their riches but to use their wealth generously for the benefit of the less fortunate, without oppressing them.

He addressed the poor, urging them against discontent, idleness, or unnecessarily relying on charity when they could support themselves, as seen in his advice to the Thessalonians to work quietly and earn their own bread. Paul also directed young men to be sober, cautioning them against succumbing to temptations that could lead to sin, shame, or disgrace. In both his teachings and writings, he emphasized responsibilities within relationships: husbands loving their wives, wives respecting their husbands, masters treating servants justly, and servants honoring their masters.

He also spoke to church leaders, encouraging elders to shepherd their congregations without authoritarianism and deacons to manage their families well and maintain dignity. His method was not just about imparting knowledge but ensuring it was actionable and relevant to the daily lives of his audience. This approach illustrates his commitment to "warning as well as teaching everyone," though it doesn't capture the full scope of what he meant by this, and therefore add,

3. That Paul's approach to ministry also encompassed personal, one-on-one interactions. He didn't just teach in public settings but made private visits to individuals at their homes, tailoring his messages based on what he knew or observed about their personal circumstances. This practice was evident in Ephesus, and it is reasonable to assume he applied it elsewhere too, teaching both publicly and privately from house to house.

He was eager to engage in spiritual discussions with his friends, knowing that if they were true to their faith, they would welcome such conversations. Paul was deeply invested in the spiritual growth of his congregation, often asking them about their experiences with religious practices, whether they felt their faith was strengthening or waning, and if there were areas where his prayers or counsel could assist. Where he saw the need, he would offer corrections, balancing his approach with gentleness or firmness according to the gravity of the issue at hand. He preferred to address problems privately first, before resorting to public confrontation or more severe measures, indicating his care for both the individual's spiritual health and the community's harmony.

4. Paul was meticulous in his approach, teaching with all wisdom. This doesn't just refer to imparting wise knowledge but also to his method of teaching with discretion and prudence, reflecting his role as a true servant of Christ. He adapted his teachings to what his audience could handle, much like Jesus did with his disciples, giving them "milk" instead of "solid food" when they weren't yet ready for deeper teachings. An example of this wisdom in practice was his private communication to the influential leaders in Jerusalem about the freedom from Mosaic law, ensuring his message would not undermine his mission. This careful consideration extended to understanding the temperaments of people, aiming to avoid causing offense.

Paul's approach was so considerate that, despite being free from all, he made himself a servant to everyone. This behavior stemmed from a selfless motivation; he aimed to please everyone for their salvation, not for his own benefit. Such conduct was undoubtedly demanding and required significant self-sacrifice. Let us, therefore, in the next place, move on to consider,

III. The end he proposed to himself in all this.

The ultimate goal was glorious and important: to present each person as perfect in Christ Jesus. This presentation he's alluding to, happens on the Great Day when everyone stands before Christ's judgment seat. Here, both ministers and laypeople will account for themselves to their ultimate Judge. Believers will be showcased before God, as numerous scriptures suggest; Christ will bring the entire church into his presence, displaying it as a glorious entity; even he, who through his death, aimed to offer us holy and blameless in his sight, capable of keeping us from falling, and presenting us without fault before his glory. Ministers and congregants alike will share in this moment, as it is written, that he who raised Jesus will also raise us with Him, presenting us together.

Although Christ's primary role is to present the church to Himself and to God, ministers have a secondary but significant part. They are depicted as if they are organizing and presenting, in a way, the souls they've helped save, akin to arranging them in distinct groups before Christ. The apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthians about betrothing them to one husband to present them as a pure virgin to Christ. He similarly remarked to the Thessalonians, suggesting they'd be his crown of rejoicing at Christ's return. Here, he's clearly talking about this when he mentions presenting every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Essentially, he's saying, "This is our goal: to save souls, to elevate our listeners and converts to the pinnacle of Christian perfection possible now, so we can take joy in presenting them with corresponding glory and happiness before our Lord at the universal judgment, when he reconciles with all his servants." This shows how much this day was on his mind, viewing it as deeply desirable to have souls to present to Christ, thus earnestly desiring to influence every soul he encountered.

1. It appears that, in the general, he thought it a very desirable thing to have souls to present to Christ at the great day, as those whom he had been instrumental in saving.

Paul considered it immensely valuable to have souls to present to Christ on the day of judgment, those he had helped save. His primary concern was not his worldly status; he knew how to handle both prosperity and hardship, and he wasn't particularly worried about his own life, being ready to sacrifice it if it meant furthering the salvation of others. His main goal was clear: "I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."{2 Timothy 2:10} Essentially, he was saying, "Let me face imprisonment, slander, torture, or death; it doesn't matter much as long as it leads to the salvation of immortal souls. If only I could reach the resurrection of the dead myself but also, on that day when everyone gets their due from God, be uniquely honored by my Judge; if I could see a multitude of joyful souls around me, acknowledging me as their spiritual father; if I could see the fruits of my ministry in Christ's harvest, delivering them into his hands for eternal safety and happiness; to witness their glorification, the elect saved with everlasting salvation in perpetual joy and security, and Jesus rewarded for his efforts and sufferings---this would be joy beyond words. To receive their thanks, the certainty of their eternal friendship, and above all, to see the approving smile of my Lord, hearing "Well done, good and faithful servant!"{Matthew 25:23}---this surpasses all worldly ambitions. The joy of victory, the honor of a crown, the glory of ruling an empire, pale in comparison. Even the anticipation of this, under the confirmation of the Holy Spirit in my work, outweighs all these; so, despite any sorrow, we are always rejoicing. For while we might be poor, we are enriching many with these hopes and the graces that lead to them, which are so closely linked to this future joy."

2. The expression hints at the apostle's fervent wish that, if possible, every soul he encountered would be among those presented perfectly in Christ Jesus.

He might have said, "This is what I pray for with all my heart, what I strive for every day, that not a single soul would be lost. To me, each soul seems profoundly significant, especially knowing it is immortal, destined to be acknowledged by Christ on Judgment Day for either salvation or damnation. I would be thrilled to save the rich, the powerful, the educated, the wise, recognizing their potential influence and the glory it would bring to God's grace and its bearers. However, since God chooses to humble human pride, calling few of the worldly wise, mighty, or noble, I accept this divine plan. It is an honor to follow my Divine Master in preaching to the poor.

If I can win souls, I leave it to God to decide who they are; if my ministry is to those less endowed in intellect, education, or wealth, I gratefully embrace them. God will elevate their abilities, prepare them for heaven, enrich and ennoble them there; they are already enriched and ennobled through faith as children of God.

If God entrusts me with the souls of children, far from belittling them, I will especially rejoice, giving thanks that from the mouths of infants he has ordained strength, revealing to them what he has hidden from the wise. I feel such love for them, and above all for my Lord, our shepherd, that I find joy in nurturing his lambs, delighting in expressing myself in simple, accessible language to fit their young minds, finding more satisfaction in this than in crafting the most eloquent or sophisticated speeches for the approval of those who pride themselves on wisdom but lack the childlike simplicity of true understanding."

In essence, the apostle might have said, and any true minister of the gospel would echo, "my ambition here knows no bounds, my desires extend to a satisfaction that's never fully achieved. I can hardly bear the thought of a single soul perishing under my watch. Oh, that every one might be presented perfect in Christ Jesus! Oh, that I might not be to even one soul a cause of death! Oh, that those who have remained unaffected or unchanged for years might, through some extraordinary grace, be transformed and brought home! Like the loving father in the parable, I could then proclaim, 'This my son was dead but is alive again; he was lost but now is found; this stone has become a child of Abraham; this barren tree, which so long encumbered the ground, now bears fruit, adorned with the victories of divine, transformative grace!'"

As we close let us consider some practical application of these thoughts,

IV. With a word both to ministers and private Christians.

1. Let ministers be both instructed and encouraged in their work by what I have now been saying.

For those new to the ministry and those already in it, understand that your primary task is to preach Christ. He should be the bedrock of hope for glory in your teachings, not just a part of an outward profession but a living presence through faith in every listener. Emulate the apostle's straightforward and practical preaching style. Warn and teach everyone individually and collectively, value each soul under your care to prevent any from being lost. Your conduct should be prudent, your life exemplary, as your success hinges on these qualities. Consider the soul's infinite worth, remember the blood price paid for it, and the eternal state each soul will soon enter. Life is fleeting, and any moment could end our ability to influence or their chance to benefit from our ministry. Therefore, approach your work with diligence and zeal, knowing that you stand at the edge of eternity alongside your congregation, eager for the honor of saving souls and presenting them to Christ on that great day.

Let's find our encouragement in this thought: the work is difficult, often with little success, which can make our hearts sink and our resolve weaken. There are countless reasons for discouragement—from external foes to, regrettably, sometimes from those we consider friends. Yet, there's comfort in knowing that the Lord's day is near, and then we'll see that even if our success wasn't as broad as we hoped, it was still significant.

Imagine presenting even one person perfected before Christ! What a profound achievement—to say, "Lord, thanks to your grace, not only have you saved me, but You've made me the means to save another. Here's someone who would've been lost to hell without your work through me; here's a soul I'll look upon with eternal joy, knowing their salvation answered my prayers and resulted from my efforts. Blessed be God, my life, prayers, and preaching were not in vain!" But, my fellow ministers, if we're faithful and zealously serve our generation according to God's will, I hope it won't be just one soul that crowns our joy. Many of us who have been in ministry for some time have seen converts, believed God blessed our work for the benefit, growth, and betterment of many others, even those who were already in Christ before we met. We'll join with their spiritual fathers in presenting them before the throne. I trust there will be many we've never met, perhaps those God will bless even after we're gone, through our writings or memories, speaking to generations yet to come. So let our hope and trust be in God; let's thank Him and take heart. Remember, we are a pleasing aroma to God in Christ, not just to those who believe but also to those who perish. On that day when the Chief Shepherd appears, every faithful shepherd, regardless of their success, will receive an unfading crown of glory.

2. Let this motivate every private Christian to be open to guidance and correction, and to diligently apply what they learn.

Let this encourage you to be open to being taught and warned; be willing hear Christ preached. Some find his name unpleasant, and an evangelical ministry boring. They crave novelty, thinking they know all about Christ's person, incarnation, life, sufferings, death, resurrection, ascension, intercession, and kingdom. Yet, there are unfathomable riches in Christ; if these skeptics listened more intently, they might discover something new each Sunday.

The role of ministers isn't to introduce new doctrines but to reiterate what we've heard from the beginning—truths that have saved souls across generations, truths we must pass on and repeat endlessly because one or even ten mentions aren't enough. Be patient with these repeated lessons; divine grace might one day make you grateful for them, revealing a sweetness you're currently unaware of. Also, be ready to be warned as well as taught, to hear about duties along with privileges, or else these privileges might condemn you one day.

It is alarming to see some believers show pride and folly, disliking when duties are stressed or sins rebuked, especially if it is a sin they're guilty of. Yet, these are the messages we should welcome most if we understand the purpose of church ordinances. Personally, I assure you, my aim isn't to expose or criticize individuals in public worship; doing so would be foolish and wicked. However, I see it as my duty to press on neglected duties and warn against both general and specific sins that are common among believers, like spiritual pride, gossip, hasty judgments, laziness, and insincerity. I'll continue these admonitions out of love for Christ and concern that his name isn't dishonored.

I urge you to submit to your church leaders. If your pastor or elders feel it necessary to privately address something inconsistent with Christian conduct, bear with them; it is a painful act of love. Remember, we aim for your perfection, to present you perfect in Christ. If plain, loving correction isn't love, then nothing is. But it is not enough just to tolerate our teachings and warnings; you must apply them well. My dear friends, many of you have heard about Christ for years. Has this hearing secured your faith in Him? Do you live this faith out? What distinguishes your life from others? Is there a visible glory in your practical faith that matches your privileges? Strive diligently to confirm your calling and election; live by faith in Christ, remembering there's no other way to stand comfortably before God.

Let us close with an encouragement to pray for ministers of the gospel, that they might be empowered and supported in fulfilling all their duties, both in public and private, and that God's blessing might accompany them. May true faith spread to hearts currently devoid of it, and may it flourish more visibly and gloriously in those already familiar with it.

May their efforts culminate in what we've discussed: presenting believers perfect in Christ Jesus on the Lord's day, earning the approval of our great Master, and bringing comfort and benefit to many.