Mature in Christ
Mature in Christ Excerpt Paul, in proclaiming this Christ who now also dwells in Gentile believers was admonishing (nouthetountes, “counseling” ) and teaching (didaskontes, “instructing” ) everyone ( cf . 3:16 ). No doubt he did this “admonishing” and instructing because of the false teaching about Christ in Colosse. He did so wisely ( cf . 4:5-6 ) since his purpose was not to drive them into the hands of the heretics but to present everyone perfect (teleion, “mature” ; cf . James 1:4 ) in Christ . Paul was interested in believers not remaining spiritual babies ( cf . 1 Cor. 3:1-2 ) but in becoming spiritually mature ( cf . Heb. 5:11-14 ). Elsewhere Paul prayed for complete sanctification of believers ( 1 Thes. 5:23 ). Paul preached the “fullness” of the gospel so that believers could have the fullness of life Jesus promised ( John 10:10 ). To this end Paul expended all his God -given strength. Developing maturity in believers took great labor (kopiō) or wearisome...