Introduction

  • Over the last 16 years of marriage, my wife and I have found out the importance of our words, especially when navigating difficult conversations. We’ve learned to avoid using words like “always” and “never” when expressing frustration, as they can quickly put the other person on the defensive and unnecessarily escalate a situation. For example, we try to avoid phrases like, “You always leave the cap off the toothpaste. Or, “You never take out the trash.” Those terms are often like tossing a grenade into our conversations, causing the other person to duck and cover! In preaching, I try to avoid these kinds of broad-sweeping terms of absoluteness as well, or at least use them with intentionality, for many of the same reasons.
  • Maybe because of my hesitance to use these kinds of words, Jesus’ statement in His great commission stands out even stronger in my mind, as He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.” (Matthew 28:18–20, ESV)
  • The word translated as “all” or “always” here is the Greek word πᾶς | pas, which can mean all, whole, or every, and is the root word translated as always. Jesus means what He says here, and is showing us the pathway to becoming totally and completely dedicated to Him as an All-In Disciple.
  • Let’s look at these four “all” or “always” statements from Jesus and use another book of the Bible, Colossians, to add more depth. We’ll ask ourselves some practical questions to help us see the importance of holding nothing back from the service of our King. Interestingly enough, Paul uses the word pas over 40 times in the short span of Colossians’ four chapters, and he expounds on each of the aspects of Jesus’ great commission throughout the letter.

All Authority

  • Paul expands on Jesus’ words from Matthew about His authority and impressive credentials as our King, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” (Colossians 1:15–18, ESV)
  • Do you view Christ as more important than all else?
  • As our King, Jesus must have control over everything we say and do, as Paul said, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17, ESV)
  • Does Christ reign over every aspect of your life?

All Nations

  • Paul explains how the kingdom is available to those of every nation by saying, “Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” (Colossians 3:11, ESV)
  • Are you extending yourself to people of all backgrounds?
  • We’re always in the company of those who need to hear the gospel of Jesus so desperately, which is why Paul encourages us to, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:5–6, ESV)
  • Do you use every interaction with the world to influence?

All That I Have Commanded

  • As we come to Christ, a change in our life must take place, and the direction for our deeds must come from Christ alone, as Paul said, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” (Colossians 3:5–10, ESV)
  • Have all your old habits and sins been put to death?
  • While we completely put away the old man, we must put on the new man with with the same level of completeness, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:12–14, ESV) Again, now focussing on our words and actions, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17, ESV)
  • Do you embody a loving spirit in every area of your service?

With You Always

  • Jesus is with us always, though in a spiritual sense, as Paul spoke about, “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.” (Colossians 1:28–29, ESV)
  • Do you use all the energy Christ supplies in building up others?
  • Being with Christ more intimately in heaven should be the driving thought that guides us, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” (Colossians 3:1–4, ESV)
  • Are all your thoughts focussed on being with Christ for eternity?

Conclusion

  • Don’t hesitate in giving your whole life to the King, as He is our only source of authority.
  • Don’t hold back your hand of love and service from anyone you meet, irrespective of their nationality or background.
  • Don’t maintain corrupt practices and neglect the fullness of Christ’s commands as you strive to live a new life.
  • Don’t forget that Christ is with you, supporting you, and is waiting for you to be with Him in the home He has prepared for you.