Ministry Unto Maturity [Colossians 2:1-7]

By Pastor Jason Lim There's a serious threat of false teachings causing the Colossians to trip up in their faith. Paul sees to it that they march on towards Christian maturity instead.Paul's ProfessionHe declares his love, his longing and his labours for them. He reveals how he ceaselessly prays that their hearts to be strengthened, so that being knitted in love, they may arrive at a rich and full confidence and assurance that Jesus is enough. In Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. They do not need to listen to the false teachers that human traditions and worldly philosophies are required for spiritual life.Paul's PrecautionPaul warns them against leaving a door ajar for false teachings to creep in. There is no place for complacency, even if they have hitherto shown good order and firmness of faith in the gospel.Paul's PrescriptionPaul commands them to keep living their lives in Christ- rooted, built up and established in Him. They are to continue in the firmness of faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope in the gospel.As such, we learn that a mature Christian is:AssuredAwareAbidingAbounding (in thanksgiving)and an immature Christian will demonstrate the opposite.We also observe that the ministry unto maturity consists of:ProclamationPrayerProtectionPronouncement