We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.

Reflection

Paul’s heart for ministry shines through in these verses. His goal is clear: to proclaim Christ, teach with wisdom, and guide every believer toward spiritual maturity. The beauty of Paul’s approach is how he balances relentless human effort with complete dependence on God’s power.

1. Proclaiming and Teaching with Wisdom

Paul reminds us that proclaiming Christ involves teaching, an essential aspect of ministry often overlooked today. Unfortunately, some prominent pastors have downplayed its importance, declaring from the pulpit, “Teaching isn’t important; the power of God is.” However, teaching is central to ministry, as it provides understanding and guidance for believers to grow in their faith. Moreover, teaching must be done with wisdom, ensuring the message is delivered in a way that edifies and transforms.

Wisdom in teaching is vital, as seen in real-life situations where it is sometimes lacking. For example, some well-meaning individuals have entered the homes of grieving unbelievers, bluntly declaring that their loved ones who died without Christ are lost. While the statement may be true, it was not delivered in wisdom or love, causing unnecessary hurt. Paul’s emphasis on teaching with wisdom highlights the importance of balancing truth with grace, ensuring the message of Christ is shared effectively and compassionately.

2. The Goal

His goal? To present every person complete in Christ. This completeness isn’t something we earn—it’s a reality we receive because of our union with Christ. Paul affirms this in Colossians 2:9-10:

“For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete.”

As believers, we are already complete in Christ. Paul says he wants every man to be presented complete and that you are complete in Him. This clearly means that our completeness is in Him, no where else, and not on the basis of what we do. More often people quote this verse to condemn. Hereafter say boldly “I am complete it Christ”

Yet to those who are lost, are we reaching out teaching, admonishing, and guiding them with wisdom toward Christ?

3. Labor of Love

Paul speaks of laboring to the point of exhaustion. This wasn’t for personal gain or heavenly rewards—it was a labor of love, motivated by Christ’s work in his life. How often do we approach ministry or service with the same intensity?

How many of us would willingly labor to the point of exhaustion for the sake of the gospel? Paul didn’t strive to earn crowns or rewards in heaven; he was motivated purely by love. It’s worth asking ourselves: if the promise of rewards were removed, would we still evangelize or serve? If the answer is no, it reveals that our motivation may not truly be love. And if love isn’t our driving force, doesn’t 1 Corinthians 13 remind us that without love, all our efforts amount to nothing? The greatest reward is knowing that we have co-laboured with God to present someone complete in Christ.

4. God’s Power in Our Weakness

Paul labored and strove, not through his own strength or fleshly effort, but by energeo (ἐνέργεια), which refers to active power, operation, or purposeful activity. This was not the raw, miraculous power of dunamis, but the effective, active energy of God working within him as power.

Paul describes himself as striving to the point of physical exhaustion, but this effort was sustained by the active operation of God’s energy working powerfully within him. He highlights the use of the inward man’s strength, empowered by God, which he then expressed outwardly in his ministry.

This concept of exhaustion and God’s power at work is also reflected in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, in Paul’s account of the infamous “thorn in the flesh.” While some interpret this thorn as a physical ailment, a closer look shows that astheneo (weakness) is often used to describe physical exhaustion or persecution. In Paul’s moment of weariness and persecution, God assured him that His active power (energeo) was at work in Paul’s weakness. Paul elaborates by listing his weaknesses: insults, distresses, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ’s sake. It is in these moments of weakness that Paul declares, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” This strength is not his own but is God’s power working despite Paul’s weakness.

Prayer

Father, thank You for calling me to be part of Your work. Help me to proclaim Christ boldly, teach with wisdom, and guide others toward maturity in Him. Give me the strength to labor in love and rely on Your power rather than my own. If I’m exhausted, remind me that Your grace is sufficient, and Your power is perfected in me. May I live each day from the reality of Your Spirit within me.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.