September 23

Colossians 1:28

Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect (mature) in Christ Jesus:

Paul devoted himself to preaching, guiding, and instructing every believer in the wisdom of Christ. His goal was clear: to help each person grow into spiritual maturity.

Being in Christ gives us a secure position, yet our spiritual journey begins as newborns in faith. Growth comes as we learn, obey, and deepen our personal relationship with Jesus. True maturity reflects in how we live out His love, think with His wisdom, and influence the world around us. Paul’s vision calls every believer to move beyond infancy in faith and embrace a full, authentic life that mirrors Christ in thought, word, and action.

Paul’s warnings aim to protect believers, helping them stay grounded in the truth of the gospel, walk in love, and pursue the goal of spiritual maturity. He combines these warnings with teaching so that each person not only avoids pitfalls but also grows strong, wise, and fruitful in Christ.

Our identity in Christ is perfect because God declares it so the moment we believe. This means He sees us fully forgiven, accepted, and righteous, not based on our performance but on Jesus’ finished work. Being perfect in Christ doesn’t remove the process of growth, learning, or maturity, but it does give a secure foundation.

Because our position is already complete, we can approach life with confidence, freedom, and purpose. We grow from this perfect identity, not toward it. Every act of obedience, every lesson learned, and every step in love flows from the secure truth that we are already fully in Christ. This understanding transforms how we face challenges, interact with others, and pursue spiritual maturity: we grow from a place of victory, not striving to earn it.

Paul talks about “warning every man” when he refers to alerting believers to anything that could derail their faith or distract them from living fully in Christ. This has nothing to do with losing salvation but all becoming like Christ through renewing the mind, or transformation. It’s how we present ourselves to other so they might see the love and grace of Jesus. It’s working out our salvation here on earth.