“We proclaim Him, warning and instructing everyone in all wisdom [that is, with comprehensive insight into the word and purposes of God], so that we may present every person complete in Christ [mature, fully trained, and perfect in Him–the Anointed]. 29For this I labor [often to the point of exhaustion], striving with His power and energy, which so greatly works within me. ” Colossians 1:28-29 AMP

The Apostle Paul gives us some great advice here for the service of our life; “We proclaim Him…” It is important to remember that the message isn’t about perfection of life, sacrifice of money or even full-on service to God. The message is clear, proclaim Christ! In writing to the church at Corinth Paul proclaims,

“but we preach Christ crucified, [a message which is] to Jews a stumbling block [that provokes their opposition], and to Gentiles foolishness [just utter nonsense], 24but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

Notice that in our verse today we read, “…striving with His power and energy, which so greatly works within me.” It is the power of the Holy Spirit within us that gives us the anointing to accomplish that which He has purposed for our lives. Remember the words of Jesus?

““I have told you these things while I am still with you. 26But the [d]Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor–Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.” John 14:25-26 AMP

“But when the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father, He will testify and bear witness about Me.” John 15:26 AMP

If the ministry of the Holy Spirit is our councilor and His job is to give testimony pf Christ, then everything we say think and do should follow that same pattern. Jesus told the pharisees, the religious people of the day,

“You search and keep on searching and examining the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and yet it is those [very Scriptures] that testify about Me;” John 5:39 AMP

You see, real truth and freedom comes from knowing Him! The Apostle Peter spoke about the importance of knowing Him in his second letter.

 “Therefore, [let me warn you] beloved, knowing these things beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men [who distort doctrine] and fall from your own steadfastness [of mind, knowledge, truth, and faith],18but grow [spiritually mature] in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory (honor, majesty, splendor), both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:17-18

It is in knowing Him that we keep the course steady! Yes, we are to do good works and give and serve but not at the expense of our relationship with Him! Remember the warning given to the church at Ephesus,

“‘I know your deeds and your toil, and your patient endurance, and that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and have tested and critically appraised those who call themselves apostles (special messengers, personally chosen representatives, of Christ), and [in fact] are not, and have found them to be liars and impostors; 3and [I know that] you [who believe] are enduring patiently and are bearing up for My name’s sake, and that you have not grown weary [of being faithful to the truth]. 4But I have this [charge] against you, that you have left your first love [you have lost the depth of love that you first had for Me]” Revelations 3:2-4 AMP

You see it isn’t about what we can do for Hum but rather resting in what He has done for us. Once that is correct, out of our lives will flow rivers of living water! Have a blessed day, Pastor Ken.