The Goal of Preaching

How can you tell if you are being taught the truth by your preachers and teachers? Paul tells us the true goal of all preaching and teaching, and thus, provides the criteria by which we decide to whom we will listen. “To the saints, God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.” (Colossians 1:27-29) Are you being taught your true identity in Christ? Do you come away knowing that you are perfect in Christ? Are you being taught that Christ is in you living His life through you? Your relationship with God depends on Christ’s relationship with God. Can Christ be lost? No! Does Christ ever break fellowship with the Father? No! Then neither do you. The death you died, you died to sin once for all, and the life you now live is unto God in unbroken fellowship. (Romans 6:10, 11) Your hope of glory is Christ in you. If Christ is in you, why would you need to get any closer to God? Paul goes on to say, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world, rather than on Christ.” (Colossians 2:8) The most basic principle of this world is that we have to work to get what we need. Any preaching and teaching that makes you work or perform for God’s love, acceptance and approval is hollow and deceptive, and we know where deception comes from-the pits of hell. The gospel declares, “To the man who does not work, but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.” You are perfect, righteous and holy in Christ-Don’t except anything else-no matter how big a ministry one may have.