Knowing Christ To Preach About Knowing Christ

Yes, I appreciate some of the various evangelism ‘programs’ available to Christians. Personally, some have given me tools, while others have instilled greater boldness in me, all to witness for the Lord. Most importantly, each imparts greater confidence in the Lord’s message and method for imparting that message. These accolades do not indicate that I am oblivious to the drawbacks of over-reliance on such programs, though. In looking to help, I hope that we will not overlook the counsel of God’s Word and its implications for spreading God’s truth.

Crucial to the goal of spreading the gospel are the inspired words in Colossians 2:3 where the Apostle Paul writes, “in whom (Christ) are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Verse 3 is an extension of the previous verse, and so putting those together, we recognize that Paul is speaking of our Lord Jesus Christ. Consider the ramifications of that truth: In Christ is contained all wisdom and knowledge (cf. 1Co 1:18-31). If we believe this to be true, how does that transform our evangelistic efforts on behalf of our Lord?

There are at least three implications Colossians 2:3 has on the evangelistic task, beginning with how we preach. Because all wisdom and knowledge are contained in Christ, witnessing believers need only to know Christ. We do not need to know the world to prepare ourselves for this assignment. Instead, we only need to know Christ and Christ alone. Knowledge of Him is sufficient to know what to share, and wisdom from Him is sufficient enough to know how to share it. By that, this verse inspires confidence in the fainthearted believer.

Additionally, the truth of Colossians 2:3 defines who we preach. Paul stipulates elsewhere that he preaches Christ crucified (1Co 1:23). While Christ is a stumbling block or even foolishness to so many people, only He is sufficient. All wisdom and knowledge are found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, just as knowing Him is sufficient for preaching His message, the only message that is sufficient for preaching is Him.

Finally, Colossians 2:3 defines how we preach. Because all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ, knowing Him is sufficient for every trial and tribulation, every happiness and hope. Therefore, it is only necessary to share Christ. Regardless of the circumstances an individual is currently experiencing, we can (and should) use it as an opportunity to point to Christ.

Evangelizing is a difficult task because it is an intimidating task. Yet, the Word of God provides confidence and help for the witnessing believer. Verses like Colossians 2:3 cause us to reflect upon the significance of our Lord and remember the sufficiency of Him as well. In this case, the words remind believers to look only to Christ. Simply put, we call others to know Christ by knowing Him ourselves.