Our Life-Work
J. J. Black, LL. D. Colossians 1:23 If you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard… In the end of vers. 22 and 28 we learn the great object of salvation. We should be fellow-workers with God in this (Philippians 2:12). Like an artist student copying the work of a great master under his superintendence, we must "work out" the beauty of Christ in our lives, though the great Master Himself must give the finishing touch and make it perfect. Here we are told what the Christian's course of conduct must be if this end is attained. I. THE FOUNDATION, the starting-point, "the gospel." 1. From various expressions in the chapter we can learn what Paul means by "Gospel."(1) News of a personal Savior. (ver. 20, 28, cf. 1 Corinthians 3:11). (2) The blood of the Cross (ver. 20; cf. Hebrews 9:22). (3) An indwelling Saviour (ver. 27). The searching medicine; the healing balm; the pledge and security of salvation. 2. The responsibility of the Colossians in connection with this gospel. (1) "Which ye have heard." The hearing has put them in a new position (John 15:24). (2) It was preached universally. Every one now has the offer. (3) Paul a minister of this gospel. The gospel you have heard from Epaphras your minister is mine. I got it by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:12). 3. This gospel demands faith and hope. These, like light and heat, go together; the two poles on which Christian life turns. Faith fixes the lower end of the ladder on the Rock, and Hope rests the higher end in the promised glory. II. PERSEVERANCE THEREIN. 1. Faith must be kept in continual exercise. Religion is a life of faith. (1) Continuance a necessary consequence of true faith. Three things are wanted for a good harvest — good seed, soil, sunshine, and shower. Having these the harvest is a necessity. So in spiritual things; the only thing We have to do with is the soil; the seed is good, and sunshine and shower are assured. If the soil "receives" and retains the Word, there must be "first the blade, then the ear," etc. (2) Here, then, is the test of faith. Is it the faith that continues and overcomes the world? That opens the soil, and draws down the roots into its bosom? That keeps the vessels filled with oil while the virgins wait? That draws the fruit-bearing sap from the True Vine? (3) The connection of faith is not loose and wavering. "Grounded" like the foundation of Eddystone — a grip — an identification. "Settled" — seated, restful, satisfied, un-doubting. 2. Hope meanwhile is steadily maintained. We have the object of hope in two words — "with Him," "like Him." That consummation we are never to lose sight of. Faith helps here; it makes substantial the things hoped for, and makes evident the things not seen: the telescope which brings within the range of hope's vision the unseen. Conclusion: — 1. There is danger implied in this waning, and experience shows how real it is. 2. Steady progress inculcated. To move on the only way to keep from moving away. The unseen should act as a magnet drawing us to itself. "Looking for and hasting unto." (J. J. Black, LL. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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; WEB: if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven; of which I, Paul, was made a servant.