Connect Colossians 1:6 with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. The Gospel Bearing Fruit Everywhere Colossians 1:6: “that has come to you. Just as in all the world, this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, so also it has been bearing fruit and growing among you from the day you heard it and came to understand the grace of God in truth.” • “All the world” points to a global reach. • “Bearing fruit and growing” describes visible results—changed lives and expanding influence. • It started “the day you heard” and keeps multiplying; the gospel never stalls. Jesus’ Command That Launches the Growth Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” • “All nations” aligns with “all the world.” • “Make disciples” explains how the gospel bears fruit—people transformed into obedient followers. • Ongoing “teaching” fuels continual growth. • Christ’s presence guarantees success until “the end of the age.” Shared Themes Connecting the Two Passages • Scope: all nations / all the world. • Agent: the same gospel message. • Process: hearing → understanding → obedience. • Evidence: fruit (Colossians 1:6) = disciples who obey (Matthew 28:20). • Power: Christ’s promised presence (Matthew 28) produces the fruit Paul reports (Colossians 1). The Chain Reaction of the Great Commission 1. Jesus gives the command. 2. Disciples preach (Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15). 3. Listeners hear and understand the grace of God (Romans 10:14-17). 4. The gospel takes root; lives change—fruit appears (Galatians 5:22-23). 5. New believers are taught to obey. 6. They, in turn, go and proclaim, extending the chain (2 Timothy 2:2). 7. Result: exactly what Paul celebrates—continuous “bearing fruit and growing.” Supporting Passages Showing the Same Pattern • Acts 2:41-47—3,000 baptized, then ongoing teaching and multiplication. • Romans 15:20—Paul aims for unreached places, fulfilling “all nations.” • 2 Thessalonians 3:1—“that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored.” • Revelation 7:9—a future snapshot of every nation harvested by the gospel. Practical Implications for Today • The gospel still carries God’s power to save (Romans 1:16). • Every believer shares the privilege of sowing and watering; God gives the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6-7). • Obedience to the Great Commission is the engine that keeps Colossians 1:6 happening in our generation. |
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