5. The Triumph of the Gospel: Why the Message of Jesus Will Always Prosper - Col. 1:3-8

We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, which has come to you, has it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, who also declared to us your love in the Spirit. - The New King James Version (Col 1:3–8).

Historical Context: The church in Colossae was likely founded by Epaphras, who had become a fellow worker with Paul (Colossians 4:12-13). Epaphras had probably taught the Colossians about the gospel, and Paul had heard about the church's faith and love through him.

We give thanks to God

Paul expresses his gratitude to God for the Colossian church and its reputation. He says that when he prays for them, he thanks God for their faith in Jesus and love for other believers. Isn’t it interesting that Paul relates their faith to their love, not to miraculous signs and wonders? Because he says that in addition to hearing of their faith, he heard of their love towards others.

It’s important to note that this is the natural outcome of faith his love, not signs and wonders or miracles.

He heard of their love. (Colossians 1:4)

When Paul says he heard of their love for all the saints, he is not merely talking about an emotional sentiment. Instead, what he’s referring to is something very concrete and observable. Paul defines love and first Corinthians 13. Where it lists the key traits of love. When a person loves somebody, there’s no need for the precipitant of the love to be told that they’re being loved. A person knows they’re being loved by the actions or lack of actions being demonstrated or asserted by the one claiming they are loving.

What does it mean to Love, according to Paul?

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul describes the following traits of love:

• Patience

• Kindness

• Not envying or boasting

• Not being arrogant or rude

• Not insisting on one's own way

• Not being irritable or resentful

• Not rejoicing in wrongdoing but rejoicing in truth

• Bearing all things

• Believing all things

• Hoping all things

• Enduring all things

These qualities provide a concrete framework for understanding what it means to love another person. According to Paul, love is not just a feeling but a set of actions and attitudes that prioritize the well-being and flourishing of the other person. When someone loves another person in this way, their actions and behaviours will naturally demonstrate these traits, and the recipient of their love will be able to perceive it without needing to be told explicitly.

Love was a central theme of Jesus' teaching and the early Christian church. The idea of loving one's neighbour as oneself was not new, but Jesus emphasized it as the second greatest commandment, after loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37-40). The early church was known for loving and caring for one another, especially during persecution and hardship. This love was a powerful witness to the truth of the gospel and the reality of the Christian faith.

The gospel will always prosper.

Another truth that can be extracted from this verse is the idea that the nature of the Gospel is such that it will always prosper and triumph over evil. This theme is echoed in other parts of the Bible, such as Matthew 16:18, where Jesus says, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." This verse speaks to the idea that even though the forces of evil may try to resist the spread of the Gospel, they will ultimately fail, and the message of Jesus will continue to thrive and flourish. This passage also shows the fulfillment of prophecy as the Gospel spreads to the gentile world. This idea is rooted in passages such as Isaiah 42:6, which says,

The gospel message was never just for the Jewish people but was intended to reach all nations and peoples. And in context, it did.

Can you feel the awe and wonder that comes with realizing the magnitude of the Great Commission? The early listeners of Jesus accepted this monumental task and embraced it with fervour and determination. Despite their physical challenges and obstacles, they spread the news of Jesus far and wide, taking His message of hope and redemption to the ends of the earth.

Imagine walking for days on end through treacherous terrain and harsh weather conditions, fueled only by your faith and passion for the Gospel. According to estimates, it would have taken nearly 38 days of non-stop walking to travel from Jerusalem to Colossae - and yet, the news of Jesus managed to reach even further, all the way to Rome.

It's easy to underestimate the power of the Gospel, especially in our modern age, where we have access to advanced technology and communication methods. But this passage reminds us that physical limitations or technological advancements do not confine the message of Jesus. It can transcend borders, cultures, and even time itself.

A key priority of the early Christian church was to disseminate the message of the gospel and the account of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ to people worldwide. The apostles and other missionaries travelled far and wide to preach the gospel to all nations, and as a result, many gentiles came to believe in Christ.

The book of Acts records many of these missionary journeys and the church’s growth in various regions.

• Romans 1:8 - "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world."

• Romans 10:18 - "But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: 'Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.'"

• 1 Thessalonians 1:8 - "The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere."

• 2 Timothy 2:9 - "for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained."

Known for love, not signs and wonders

The church in Colossae was not known for its impressive worship or preaching, nor for the miraculous signs and wonders that occurred within their walls. Instead, their reputation was built on their testimony of love - a love demonstrated through their actions by the principles outlined in 1 Corinthians 13.

Don't have a church? Look for one like Colossae!

If you are searching for a church to attend, do not be swayed by flashy music, dynamic preaching, or spectacular displays of supernatural power. Instead, seek out a church passionate about sharing the message of the resurrected Christ and actively demonstrating their love through their deeds.

Remember, it is not the external trappings of a church that matter, but the sincerity of their faith and their commitment to living out the love of Christ in their daily lives. By following the example of the church in Colossae and seeking out a community that embodies the spirit of 1 Corinthians 13, you can find a place to grow in your faith and experience the transformative power of God's love.