“We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.” (Colossians 1:28-29)

It’s remarkable to consider the legacy of the Apostle Paul. His influence on the growth of the early church is almost immeasurable. Not only did he write much of the New Testament, but he was also one of the very first missionaries, taking the gospel message to the far reaches of the known world. His impact didn't stop there. Centuries later, we still pour over his letters, learning the core doctrines of our faith from the words he penned.

What I find most impressive about Paul is his singular focus. He understood his God-given mission, he lived it out, and he often began his letters by restating it. Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ was the driving force of his life. In the verses just before this, Paul describes being commissioned to present God’s Word in its fullness. Here, he restates that mission and reveals the profound reason why he labored with every ounce of energy God gave him.

Mature and Complete in Christ

Paul’s goal was clear: "so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ" (Col. 1:28). This is the reason he labored so tirelessly for the church. The word "perfect" here can also be translated as mature or complete. This maturity doesn't come from our own efforts but through a deep, personal knowledge of God’s will, illuminated by the spiritual wisdom and understanding He provides (Col. 1:9).

This is why Paul proclaimed the gospel everywhere he went. He understood that the message of "Christ crucified" was both the power of God and the wisdom of God. He explained this to the Corinthian church, who were surrounded by competing worldviews. “Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom,” he wrote, “but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called... Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:22-24).

The gospel is the starting point of our journey in God's Kingdom, yet it is so profound that we will spend our entire lives continuing to unpack its depths. This is the truth that fueled the Apostle Paul. He labored with what he called a superhuman energy from God, all so that we could benefit from a complete understanding and be made perfect in Christ, who is our wisdom from God (1 Corinthians 1:30).

Everything You Need for Life

This idea that God provides everything we need through knowledge of Him is a theme echoed by other apostles. Peter put it this way: “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3). Think about that for a moment. Through our growing knowledge of Jesus, we are given everything we need not just for salvation, but for a life of godliness.

Peter continues by explaining that through God's "very great and precious promises," we can participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption of the world (2 Peter 1:4). This is the transformative power of the gospel. It’s not just a ticket to heaven; it's a life-altering force that reshapes us from the inside out, making us more like Christ. Paul's mission was to teach and admonish with all wisdom so that every believer could walk in this reality.

Keep Going, Don't Give Up

I am so thankful for the intentional labor of Paul and his companions. We are still reaping the harvest from their faithfulness, and from the countless men and women throughout history who grasped the power of the gospel and gave their lives to be part of God's redemptive story.

Their dedication is a powerful reminder that we, too, have a mission and a calling from God. It may not look like Paul's, but it is just as significant in the Kingdom. Whatever your mission is, I want to encourage you with the same words Paul wrote to the Galatians: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Your journey of faith, your efforts to love others, and your commitment to growing in the knowledge of Christ—it all matters. Keep going. The same divine energy that worked so powerfully in Paul is available to you today.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. Paul’s mission was to present believers as mature in Christ. What is one area where God is calling you to grow in maturity right now?

2. The gospel is the "power of God." When have you experienced its power in a difficult situation, and how can you lean on it this week?

3. Paul labored with God's energy. When you feel weary in doing good, what truth about your mission encourages you to persevere?