+I. In gaining the heavenly reward.+
+II. Because the heavenly reward is secure.+--"Laid up for you."
+III. Is based on truth already known.+--"Whereof ye heard before in
the word of the truth of the Gospel."
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.--Verses_ 6-8.
_The True Gospel universally the Same._
Wherever the Gospel comes it carries with it the ineffaceable impress
of its Divine origin, and of its universal adaptability to the
condition of humanity. There are certain truths that are self-evident
to the understanding and are not susceptible of proof. They are
axiomatic and must be admitted as such before any satisfactory system
can be constructed upon them. Of this character are the fundamental
truths of the Gospel. Their authority is supreme, and their
evidential force irresistible. But a truth may be universally
self-evident, and not be universally adopted. It is at this point the
guilt of the unbeliever is incurred. The Gospel comes to mankind with
ever-accumulating evidences of its Divine truthfulness; but men
resist it. This is the condemnation. "He that believeth on the Son is
not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already" (John
iii. 18). The false teachers, against whom the apostle warns the
Colossians, sought to spoil the Gospel by the intermixture of ideas
from Jew and Gentile.
+I. The true Gospel is universally the same in its adaptation and
enterprise.+--"Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world"
(ver. 6). The Gospel, though first proclaimed to the Jews, was not
confined to them. It reached, penetrated, and changed the Colossians.
In them all races were represented. Their conversion was typical of
the possibilities of the Gospel for all. The world's greatest
blessings are not indigenous, are not even sought; they are sent from
above. There is not a human being the Gospel cannot benefit; it
adapts itself to the wants of all. The Gospel started from Judea with
a world-wide mission and was eager to fulfil it. Its enterprise was
irresistible. It soon spread throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa--the
regions embracing the Roman empire, which was then virtually the
whole world. Its marvellous propagation proved its universal
adaptability. The celebrated systems of philosophy among the Grecians
lived only in the soil that produced them. Heresies are at best
ethnic; truth is essentially catholic. In less than a quarter of a
century Christianity was diffused through the entire world. The
success of Mahometanism was of a different character and effected by
different means. It depended more on the scimitar than the Koran.
Alexander, Sesostris, and others achieved similar conquests, and as
rapidly, by the force of arms. The victories of the Gospel were won
by moral weapons. It is the greatest privilege of any nation to
possess the Gospel, and its most solemn duty to make it known to the
world.
+II. The true Gospel is universally the same in its
results.+--"Bringeth forth fruit, and _increaseth_" (as the most
valuable MSS. read) "as it doth also in you" (ver. 6). The effects
produced on the Colossians by their reception of the Gospel were a
sample of the results in other parts of the world. The fruit-bearing
denotes its inward and subjective influence on the soul and life; the
increasing refers to its outward and diffusive influence as it makes
progress in the world. The metaphor used by the apostle suggests that
the Gospel, as a tree, not only bears fruit, but grows, sending forth
its roots more firmly and widely, and extending its branches in the
air. Thus, it bears fruit and makes advancement (_Spence_). There are
some plants which exhaust themselves in bearing fruit and then
wither. The Gospel is a plant whose seed is in itself, and its
external growth keeps pace with its reproductive energy. We cannot
monopolise the benefits of the Gospel to ourselves; it is intended
for the world, and wherever it comes it brings forth fruit. It is
intensely practical, and aims at results, corresponding with its
character, purpose, and power.
+III. The true Gospel is universally the same in the manner of its
reception.+--"Since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God
in truth" (ver. 6). Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word
of God. The mode of receiving the Gospel is the same to all. It is
apprehended by the understanding, approved by the judgment, and
embraced by the affections. It is not enough that it falls on the ear
like the strain of a seraphic melody, not enough that it enters the
understanding as a clearly conceived, full-orbed truth, not enough
that it ripples through the sphere of the emotions as an unspeakable
ecstasy, unless, aided by the Divine Spirit, it be cordially embraced
by the heart and conscience as the whole truth--the only truth that
saves and regenerates. It is in the Gospel only that we "hear of the
grace of God"--the good news that He has provided redemption and
restoration for the race. Nature, with all her revelations of beauty,
wisdom, and power, is dumb on this subject. Providence, with its vast
repertory of mingled mystery and bounty, unfolds it not. It is only
by believing the Gospel that, like the Colossians, we can "know the
grace of God in truth."
+IV. The true Gospel is universally the same in the method of its
propagation.+--1. _It is propagated by preaching._ "As ye also
learned" (ver. 7)--more correctly, "Even as ye were instructed" in
the truth mentioned in the preceding verse. It is believed Epaphras
first preached the Gospel at Colossæ, and, under the direction of
Paul, he was probably also evangelist to the neighbouring cities of
Hierapolis and Laodicea. Preaching is the Divinely instituted means
of disseminating the Gospel. It cannot be superseded by any other
agency. Its success has been marvellous.
2. _It is propagated by men thoroughly qualified for the
work._--(1) _The apostle recognised Epaphras as a co-labourer with
himself._ "Our dear fellow-servant" (ver. 7). The preacher must
labour as belonging to Christ, as entirely dependent on Him, and as
deeply attached to Him. He is not a servant _of_ the Church; he is a
servant _for_ the Church, in doctrine, supplication to God, and
varied endeavours among men. With all frankness, affection, and
modesty, the great apostle acknowledges Epaphras as "a dear
fellow-labourer." Envy and jealousy of the gifts and reputation of
others are pernicious and unjustifiable. (2) _The apostle recognised
Epaphras as a faithful minister of Christ._ It was a great honour to
be a fellow-servant with Paul, but greater still to be a minister of
Christ, the Lord of glory, the Head of the Church, the Monarch of men
and angels; commissioned by Him to proclaim the most vital truths and
promote the best interests of the people. Moreover, he is called a
_faithful_ minister; the appellation of minister he had in common
with many others; the praise of faithfulness is confined to few. "The
great secret lies in these three things--Christ, immortal souls,
self-humiliation" (_Bishop Wilson_). (3) _The apostle recognised
Epaphras as a man of deep spiritual insight._ "Who also declared unto
us your love in the Spirit" (ver. 8). Love is the leading
characteristic of the Gospel. It is announced as a message of God's
love to man, and its object is to produce love in every believing
heart. Epaphras apprehended this prominent feature in the message
itself, discerned its origin in the work of the Spirit, and rejoiced
in declaring its exercise towards the apostle, towards God, and
towards all men.
+Lessons.+--1. _The universality of the Gospel a strong evidence of
its Divine authorship._ 2. _Though all the world were to reject the
Gospel it would still be true._ 3. _To whomsoever the Gospel comes
the imperative duty is to believe it._
_GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES._