Christ Is The Center of Christianity-Part 3

Colossians 1:22-29

Scripture Reference

Colossians 1:22-29 — “In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister. Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.”

Introduction

Christ Is The Center of Christianity — Part 3. In this sermon Dr. Terry LeQuieu completes his exposition of Colossians chapter one, focusing on the closing themes Paul gives: the people of Christ and the preachers of Christ. Paul moves from what Christ has accomplished to what Christ expects from His people and from those who are called to preach. The passage connects the finished work of Jesus with the ongoing responsibilities of believers: to be consecrated, to continue in the faith, to be confirmed in doctrine, and to be active in proclamation and discipleship by God’s power.

So much God has for us. God will make the trial a blessing. Got to stay faithful and you got to continue in the things God’s called us to do.

Quote from Preacher

The quote above is taken verbatim from the sermon transcript and serves as a short summary of the preacher’s pastoral thrust: God uses trials for blessing; faithfulness and perseverance in the Christian life are required.

Outline

The People of Christ: Consecration, Continuation, Confirmation
1. Consecration — Set Apart for God
  Paul teaches that because Christ died to present us holy and unblameable (v.22), Christians are to live separated lives. Consecration means our daily choices reflect the reality that we belong to God. That separation is practical: our conduct, language, entertainment choices, and relationships should not bring reproach on Christ. This is not legalism but gratitude for a holy Savior who has redeemed us.
2. Continuation — Grounded and Settled (Perseverance)
  V.23 gives the contingency: “If ye continue in the faith, grounded and settled.” Continuation is perseverance — not a suggestion but a biblical condition for the full enjoyment of Christ’s presentation of us. The preacher illustrated this with fence posts set deep in clay: a faith not deeply set will be moved by every wind of doctrine. The foundation is Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 3:11), and believers must be rooted so they don’t drift away.
3. Confirmation — Established in the Same Gospel
  Paul insists the gospel is the same one “which was preached to every creature” (v.23). Confirmation comes by constant time in the Word. Christians should be doctrinally established, able to recognize additions or alterations to the gospel and to repel false gospels (Galatians 1:6-9). Confirmation is built by study, teaching, and repetition of Scripture.
The Preachers of Christ: Persecution, Commission, Proclamation, Presentation, and Pursuit
1. Persecution — Suffering for the Sake of the Church
  Paul “rejoiced in my sufferings for you” (v.24). Preachers are pledged to Christ’s truth, and faithful proclamation brings opposition. True persecution is often physical and severe (as with Paul), but in our day it also includes slander and social pressure. The pastor’s call requires grit and steadfastness; the pulpit shapes the spine of the congregation.
2. Commission — Fulfilling the Word of God
  Verse 25 states Paul was made a minister “to fulfil the word of God.” The church grows by fulfilling the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20). Events and programs have value, but the central work is soul-winning and gospel proclamation. Preachers and people share responsibility for evangelism.
3. Proclamation — Reveal the Mystery, Christ in You
  Verses 26–27 reveal the mystery: “which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Preachers must proclaim that Christ indwells believers, transforming them. That doctrine governs daily life — Christians carry Christ into every place, and therefore must guard purity and testimony.
4. Presentation — Present Every Man Perfect in Christ
  Verse 28: preachers “warn every man, and teach every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” The goal of preaching and discipleship is maturity. This requires patient, wise teaching adapted to different spiritual maturities. Discipleship is intentional: presenting people complete in Christ, not leaving them as spiritual infants.
5. Pursuit — Laboring and Striving by God’s Power
  Verse 29: Paul labored and strove “according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” Ministry is both human labor and divine operation. As we work for God, God works in us more powerfully, increasing burden and vision. We must labor in dependence on God, not in self-effort, praying for wisdom and power to fulfill our calling.
Practical Connections Between People and Preachers
1. Mutual Responsibility
  The people must be teachable and persevering; preachers must be faithful and courageous. Both are accountable: laypeople to live holy lives and leaders to faithfully feed and protect the flock (Heb. 13:17; James 3:1).
2. Disciple-Making Rhythm
  Sunday preaching, discipleship groups, Sunday school, personal evangelism, and consistent home training all weave together. The pastor preaches and equips; the people practice and reproduce spiritual maturity in others (Eph. 4:11–16).

Summary

Colossians 1:22–29 pulls together the center of Christianity: Christ’s finished work and the life it produces. Believers are called to be consecrated, to continue steadfastly in the faith, and to be confirmed in sound doctrine. Preachers are called to suffer for the church, to fulfill the commission, proclaim the mystery of Christ in us, present believers mature in Christ, and pursue their calling empowered by God. The church is strongest when Christ is both embraced as Savior and honored as Lord, when pulpit and pew work together in holiness, doctrine, evangelism, and discipleship.

We are just going to get right into the people of Christ.

Quote to Ponder

This short line from Dr. LeQuieu reminds us the sermon’s immediate practical starting place: the people of Christ carry the responsibility to reflect Christ in daily living, and everything else the church does flows from that reality.

Application for the Week

Take these intentional, practical steps this week to live out Colossians 1:22–29. Each item is actionable and trainable; do not simply read them—do them, and ask God to help you grow.

Daily Quiet Time — Grounding the Faith
Spend at least 15–30 minutes each morning reading Scripture and praying. Focus this week on Colossians 1:15–29 to see Christ’s person and work and how it should change your living. Confirmation of doctrine and stability in faith come from time in the Word.
Choose One Area of Consecration
Identify one habit or entertainment choice that dishonors Christ (television program, streaming content, social media use, clothing choices, or language). Remove or restrict it this week and replace that time with Scripture or Gospel conversation.
Persevere in One Trial
If you are tempted to quit or withdraw from church service or a godly responsibility because of hardship, recommit this week. Tell your pastor or a spiritual friend that you will persevere for 30 days and ask them to check on you. Perseverance is a graced work; pray for endurance.
Invite and Follow Up — Fulfill the Commission
Invite one person to hear the gospel—an unsaved coworker, neighbor, or friend. If they do not come, follow up with a friendly invitation and a gospel witness. Keep a short list and pray for opportunities. Practice simple, loving evangelism: tell your one-sentence testimony and ask if you may pray for them.
Teach or Serve — Present Others to Christ
Volunteer to teach a Sunday school class, help in youth group, or disciple one younger believer. Intentionally invest 30–60 minutes this week into another believer’s spiritual growth—share a Bible passage, ask good questions, and pray together.
Pray for Power and Wisdom
Each morning this week pray specifically: “Lord, give me wisdom to teach and power to live what I teach.” Ask God to work mightily in you so His working can flow through you. Use Psalm 51:10–12 or James 1:5 as a short prayer model.
Accountability Check
Find one believer to be accountable with for the coming month. Meet (or call) once weekly to confess struggles, celebrate victories, and walk in practical holiness together. Accountability preserves continuation and confirms doctrine in life.

As you apply these steps, remember Paul’s example: he labored, strove, and relied on God’s mighty work in him. Your labor in Christ is not in vain; as you do your part, God works in you mightily (1 Cor. 15:58). May Jesus, who is the center of Christianity, be lifted up in your life this week so others may see Him in you.