The Gospel That Transforms Lives

 

Background

 

The Christian community at Colosse emerged during a period of vigorous evangelism, linked to Paul’s ministry at Ephesus (AD 52-55), as recorded in Acts 19. Paul was assisted by several coworkers who planted numerous churches in the province of Asia. Among these were the congregations of Colosse, Laodicea, and Hierapolis, which were the fruit of Epaphras’ evangelistic efforts. Epaphras, a native of Colosse who may have become a Christian during a visit to Ephesus, was a faithful minister of Christ. As Paul’s representative, he had taught the Colossians the truth of the gospel.

Epaphras had visited Paul in Rome and informed him of the state of the churches in the Lycus Valley. While much of the report was encouraging, one disquieting feature was an attractive, yet false, teaching that had recently been introduced into the congregation, which, if left unchecked, would undermine the gospel and lead the Colossians into spiritual bondage. Paul’s letter was written as a response to this urgent need.

Nowhere in the letter does the apostle define the heresy. But what we can tell is that it was a self-centered approach, focused on human merit. The whole thing cuts at the truth of true salvation by grace, through faith alone.[1]

 

The Preeminence of Christ- 1

 

Title: “The Gospel That Transforms Lives”

Text: Colossians 1:1–8

Theme: The true gospel changes everything—it is received by faith, revealed in love, reinforced by hope, reproduced through grace, and is relayed by witnesses.

Template of Text: Colossians 1:1–8 is a standard Pauline letter opening, divided into three main sections: the salutation (vv. 1–2), the thanksgiving (vv. 3–5a), and the gospel's fruitfulness (vv. 5b–8).

Teach: There is a big difference between true gospel transformation and moral maturity. Let me explain, true gospel transformation is an internal change driven by faith in Christ, resulting in a changed heart that leads to moral action. Moral maturity, by contrast, is an external pursuit of good behavior based on self-effort, rules, or social standards. The core difference lies in motivation: love and gratitude for Christ versus self-justification or approval. 

 

	True Gospel Transformation	Moral Maturity
Source	An internal, supernatural work of the Holy Spirit who creates a new nature in a believer.	An external, natural process of adhering to a set of rules or ethical principles through self-will.
Motivation	Love and gratitude for what Christ has already done on the cross. It is driven by grace, not the desire to earn God's favor.	The desire for social approval, avoidance of punishment, or a self-justifying sense of pride from doing the right thing.
Focus	A transformed heart, which then changes behavior from the inside out. The focus is on the Giver, Jesus Christ.	Outward behavior, with a focus on actions and performance. It emphasizes what a person "does" rather than who they are becoming.
Outcome	Changes desires and affections, so that a person wants to live for God's will out of joy. The result is humility because it acknowledges one's unworthiness and Christ's grace.	Can produce superficial, temporary, or inconsistent behavior. It often leads to self-righteousness, as the focus is on one's own improvement and moral performance.
Dependence	Acknowledges complete dependence on God's power. It is a supernatural process of growth that unfolds over a lifetime.	Relies on human effort and willpower. It can be exhausting because it requires constantly trying harder without a fundamental change in the heart's nature.

Francis Schaffer wrote, “It is impossible even to begin living the Christian life or to know anything of true spirituality, before one is a Christian, and the only way to become a Christian is neither by trying to live some sort of Christian life, nor hoping for some experience, but rather trusting Christ.”

 

Truth: The early church was often confronted by theological errors that contradicted the fundamentals of the Christian faith. This was true in Colossae, where religious ideas drawn from Greek philosophy and Jewish tradition tempted some Christians to doubt the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. Alarmed by this development, the pastor of the church, a convert named Epaphras, sought counsel from the apostle Paul, who was then in prison. Paul had never been to Colosse, so it lacks some of Paul’s personal salutations that we have seen in other letters, but it is no less passionate. Paul is more than ready to combat the asceticism and OT ritualism, the adoration of angelic mediators, the fascination with the occult, the false claims to secret spiritual knowledge, and the belief that Jesus was the only one of a series of divine beings connecting the world to God.

 

At its widest angle, Colossians encompasses the entire story of Jesus Christ, from his existence before the creation of the world to his ultimate destiny as the glorious goal of all that exists. Here, the Bible makes its most explicit statements about the work of Christ as Creator and Sustainer of all things.

 

We will begin with several vital truths concerning the gospel.

 

I.                             Faith Receives the Gospel (vv. 3–4a): This is Conversion.

Explanation: Pistis (faith) means to be persuaded that something is true and to trust in it. Far more than mere intellectual assent, it involves obedience. Pistis comes from the root word peitho (obey). In the classic work “The Marrow of Theology,” William Ames wrote, “Faith is the resting of the heart on God” (pg. 80). In his work “Saving Faith,” John Colquhoun 1748-1827 wrote, “True faith receives the Scripture, not as the Word of man, but as the Word of God. They are persuaded of the truth of the divine testimony, and their belief or persuasion of the truth of it is grounded in their knowledge of that truth” (John Colquhoun, Saving Faith, pg. 5).

 

First, we can observe the object of faith — “In Christ Jesus”: Faith isn’t belief in belief; it’s trust in a Person. The apostle Paul commends the Colossians for their faith in Christ Jesus, highlighting the object of their faith. Faith is not merely belief in abstract concepts or doctrines but a personal trust in the living Christ. This emphasizes the centrality of Christ in the Gospel message and the necessity of placing one's trust in Him for salvation.

 

Second, we can observe the origin of faith — “We heard”: Paul mentions that he heard of the Colossians' faith, highlighting the role of hearing the message of Christ in the process of faith. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God, whether through preaching, teaching, or personal study. The proclamation of the Gospel is essential for faith to be awakened in the hearts of individuals.

           

Thirdly, we can observe the outcome of faith — Salvation and new life: The outcome of the Colossians' faith in Christ Jesus is salvation and new life. The Gospel is not something to be achieved through human effort but received through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross. Salvation is a gift of God's grace, received by faith in Jesus Christ.

 

Illustration: Charles Spurgeon illustrated the importance of faith’s object by telling the story of two men in a boat. Caught in severe rapids, they were being swept toward a waterfall. Some men on shore tried to save them by throwing them a rope. One man caught hold of it and was pulled to safety on the shore. The other, in the panic of the moment, grabbed hold of a seemingly more substantial log that was floating by. That man was carried downstream, over the rapids, and was never seen again. Faith, represented by the rope linked to the shore, connects us to Jesus and safety. Everything else will fail. (MacArthur, Colossians page, 17).

  

Faith is the hand that takes hold of God’s grace.

 

Application: Faith opens the door of the heart, allowing the gospel to enter. Have you opened your heart by faith to the power of the gospel?

 

II.                         Love Reveals the Gospel (v. 4b, 8): This is Compassion.

Explanation:  True biblical love is so much more than an emotion; it is sacrificial service to others because they have need. We show godly love to someone when we sacrifice ourselves to meet that person’s need.

First, we see love expressed — it flows toward others. The apostle Paul commends the Colossians for their love toward all the saints, highlighting the outward expression of their faith. Love is a central aspect of the Gospel message, as it reflects the sacrificial love of Christ and demonstrates the reality of one's faith in action. Genuine love is not self-centered but flows outwardly towards others, reflecting the love of God.

 

Secondly, we see love expanded — “To all the saints,” not a select few. The love that the Colossians demonstrated was not limited to a select few but extended to all the saints. This expansive love reflects the inclusive nature of the Gospel message, which calls believers to love one another as Christ has loved them. It emphasizes the importance of unity, community, and mutual care among believers.

 

Thirdly, we see love empowered — “In the Spirit,” the fruit of new life. The love that the Colossians exhibited was empowered by the Spirit, indicating that it was a fruit of their new life in Christ. The transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers enables them to love others selflessly, sacrificially, and unconditionally. It is through the Spirit's empowerment that believers can demonstrate Christ-like love to the world.

 

Illustration: In ancient Rome, unbelievers said of the early Christians, “See how they love one another!” That testimony did more for the gospel than any argument could.

 

Love is the visible evidence of invisible faith.

 

Application: Love is the outward mark of inward belief. You can’t claim to have received grace without revealing grace. Are you revealing grace?

 

III.                      Hope Reinforces the Gospel (v. 5): This is Confidence.  

Explanation: First, notice that hope is reserved — “Laid up for you,” a guaranteed inheritance. The Apostle Paul speaks of the hope reserved for believers in heaven, emphasizing the certainty and security of their future inheritance. This hope is not temporary or uncertain but is laid up as a guaranteed promise for all who are in Christ. It speaks of the eternal blessings and rewards that await believers in the presence of God. Thomas Watson wrote, “Hope is like the spring in a watch -it sets all the wheels of the soul in motion” (Thomas Watson, Body of Divinity, pg. 474).

 

Second, notice that hope is also revealed — Grounded in “the word of the truth of the gospel.” The hope that believers have is grounded in the truth of the Gospel message. It is not wishful thinking or empty optimism, but a confident expectation based on the promises of God revealed in His Word. The Gospel proclaims the truth of salvation, redemption, and eternal life through Jesus Christ, providing a solid foundation for the believer's hope.

 

Third, notice that hope is renewing — Sustains endurance and faithfulness now. The hope of the future inheritance in heaven sustains believers in their endurance and faithfulness in the present. It serves as a source of strength, encouragement, and motivation to persevere in the Christian Walk, knowing that their ultimate hope is secure in Christ. This hope renews and revitalizes the believer's faith, enabling them to press on in the face of trials and tribulations.

 

Illustration: An old sailor said, “When storms rage, I look to the North Star -it never moves.” Hope is the Christian’s North Star -steady when life is not.

 

Like Jim Elliot, missionary and martyr to the Auca Indians, we must realize that “he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

 

Faith looks up to Christ, love reaches out to others, hope looks ahead to heaven.

 

IV.                     Grace Reproduces the Gospel (v. 6): This is Continuation.

Explanation: First, notice Grace’s reaching effect — “Come unto you, as it is in all the world.” The grace of God reaches believers, not only in Colossae but throughout the world. This universal reach of God's grace highlights the inclusive nature of the Gospel message, which is accessible to all people, regardless of their background or location. The grace of God extends to every corner of the earth, inviting all to come and receive His salvation.

 

Second, notice Grace’s rooting effect— “Since the day ye heard and knew the grace of God in truth.” The grace of God takes root in the hearts of believers from the moment they hear and understand the Gospel message. It is through hearing and knowing the truth of God's grace that believers are transformed and renewed in their faith. The grace of God becomes the foundation upon which their lives are built, guiding them in truth and righteousness.

 

Thirdly, notice Grace’s reproducing effect— “Bringeth forth fruit.” The grace of God is not stagnant but active and productive, bringing forth fruit in the lives of believers. This fruitfulness is a result of the transformative work of God's grace, producing evidence of faith, love, and obedience in the lives of those who have received His grace. The grace of God reproduces itself in the form of spiritual growth, character development, and acts of service and love.

 

Illustration: A small apple seed planted in a field can one day fill that field with trees bearing hundreds of apples. So it is with the gospel: one seed of grace planted in a heart multiplies fruit across generations.

 

Grace is not idle—it always produces growth and godliness.

 

Application: When grace takes root, fruit takes form. If the gospel is real in you, it will reproduce through you.

 

V. Witnesses Relay the Gospel (vv. 7–8): This is Commission.

Explanation: First, we see a faithful messenger, Epaphras, who shared the message. Epaphras is commended as a faithful messenger who shared the Gospel message with the Colossians. His dedication to proclaiming the truth of the Gospel reflects the importance of loyal and committed messengers who carry the message of salvation to others. Epaphras’s role as a faithful messenger underscores the significance of personal evangelism and discipleship in spreading the Gospel.

 

Second, we see a fruitful ministry — The Colossians received and grew. The Colossians are recognized for receiving the Gospel message and growing in their faith. Their response to the message of salvation resulted in spiritual growth, maturity, and fruitfulness in their lives. The transformative power of the Gospel is evident in the lives of the Colossians as they received the message with faith and allowed it to bear fruit in their lives.

 

Third, take notice of a fervent motive — “Declared your love in the Spirit.” The Colossians' love, declared in the Spirit, serves as a fervent motive for their witness and ministry. Their love for one another, empowered by the Spirit, is a powerful testimony to the transformative work of the Gospel in their lives. The motivation of love compels believers to share the Gospel message with others and demonstrate the reality of their faith through acts of love and service.

 

Illustration: The gospel is like a relay race -the baton of truth passed from one runner to the next. Paul handed it to Epaphras; Epaphras passed it to the Colossians; now it’s in our hands. The race isn’t won until the gospel is passed on.

 

A living gospel is always a shared gospel.

 

Application: You are not just a recipient of the gospel, but a relayer of it.

 

Take-Away:

1.       Faith receives the gospel- that’s conversion

2.       Love reveals the gospel -that’s compassion

3.       Hope reinforces the gospel -that’s confidence

4.       Grace reproduces the gospel -that’s continuation

5.       Witnesses relay the gospel -that’s commission

 

Illustration: The Dead Sea receives but never gives -and nothing lives in it. The Sea of Galilee both receives and gives -and teems with life. So it is with the gospel: when it flows into us and through us, life abounds.

 

The gospel that is truly received by faith will be revealed in love, reinforced by hope, reproduced by grace, and relayed by witnesses.

---

[1] D.A. Carson, New Bible Commentary (Inter-Varsity Press, pg. 1265).

 

© 2012 - 2025 Blake Gideon. All rights Reserved