A Leadership Teaching from Colossians 1:26–28
Oyewole O. Sarumi
Among the most profound theological statements in the New Testament is the apostle Paul’s declaration in Epistle to the Colossians: “The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints… which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Colossians 1:26–28, NKJV).
This short passage contains an entire theology of spiritual formation, discipleship, and leadership development. It reveals how God forms mature believers and how leaders are called to participate in that process.
For Christian leaders, whether pastors, ministry heads, educators, or marketplace leaders, the passage outlines three central realities:
- A revealed mystery: God’s redemptive plan unveiled in Christ.
- An indwelling presence: Christ living within believers.
- A discipling mission: Teaching and forming people toward maturity.
In other words, leadership in the Kingdom of God is not primarily about influence, charisma, or organizational skill. It is about forming people into Christlikeness.
The passage answers a critical leadership question: What is the ultimate goal of spiritual leadership?
The apostle’s answer is simple yet profound: “That we may present every man perfect in Christ.”
The Hidden Mystery of God’s Redemptive Plan
Paul begins by speaking about a “mystery hidden from ages and generations.”
In biblical language, the word mystery does not mean something mysterious or unknowable. Instead, it refers to a divine truth previously concealed but now revealed by God.
Throughout the Old Testament era, God’s redemptive plan unfolded gradually. Prophets foresaw the coming Messiah, yet they did not fully understand the extent of God’s plan.
The apostle Peter confirms this: “Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched carefully… searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating.” (1 Peter 1:10–11)
Even the prophets themselves did not fully grasp the magnitude of what God intended to accomplish.
The early church father Ignatius of Antioch wrote in the second century: “Christianity is not the work of persuasion, but of greatness. The mystery of Christ surpasses the wisdom of the world.”
The mystery, Paul explains, is not merely that Christ would come, but that God’s salvation would include all nations.
For centuries Israel had been the covenant people. Yet in Christ, the barrier between Jew and Gentile collapsed.
Paul declares in Colossians that this mystery is now revealed “among the Gentiles.” This revelation changed the course of history.
Modern historical research shows that Christianity spread faster across cultures than any other ancient religious movement. Scholars studying early church growth, such as sociologist Rodney Stark, estimate that Christianity grew from about 1,000 believers in AD 40 to over 6 million by AD 300, largely because the message crossed ethnic and social boundaries.
What drove this expansion? Not political power.Not military force. But by the revelation that God’s presence now dwells within believers everywhere.
“Christ in You”: The Heart of Spiritual Transformation
Paul summarizes the mystery in one extraordinary phrase: “Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
This statement represents one of the most radical truths in Scripture.
In the Old Testament, God’s presence was associated with sacred spaces: The Tabernacle in the wilderness, the Temple in Jerusalem, and The Holy of Holies
Only the high priest could enter God’s presence, and only once a year.
But through the work of Jesus Christ, that structure changed permanently.
After Christ’s crucifixion, the veil of the temple was torn (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing open access to God.
Now the dwelling place of God is no longer a building but the believer’s life.
Paul explains this elsewhere: “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16)
This truth forms the foundation of authentic Christian leadership.
Leadership in the Kingdom is not sustained by personality or authority. It flows from the indwelling Christ.
The Puritan theologian John Owen wrote: “The greatest privilege of believers is the indwelling of Christ in their hearts by faith.”
In practical terms, this means Christian leaders do not merely represent Christ. They host His presence.
The Hope of Glory
Paul describes Christ’s indwelling presence as “the hope of glory.” Biblically, hope is not wishful thinking. It is confident expectation grounded in God’s promises.
This hope has both present and future dimensions.
A. Present Hope:
Christ’s presence produces transformation now.
Research in the psychology of religion consistently shows that deep spiritual conviction contributes significantly to resilience, purpose, and moral stability.
Studies from Harvard University and Pew Research Center indicate that individuals with strong spiritual practices often display: Higher life satisfaction, Greater emotional resilience, and Stronger community engagement
While such findings do not define Christian faith, they illustrate a broader truth: spiritual life profoundly shapes human character.
The presence of Christ produces: humility, compassion, courage, and perseverance. These qualities are essential for leaders.
B. Future Hope:
The phrase “hope of glory” also points to the future consummation of God’s kingdom.
Believers anticipate full transformation when Christ returns.
The apostle John the Apostle writes: “When He is revealed, we shall be like Him.” (1 John 3:2) This future glory motivates present faithfulness.
As the Puritan pastor Richard Baxter wrote: “He that has heaven in his eye will have the world under his feet.”
Leaders guided by eternal hope are not easily distracted by temporary power or status.
The Ministry of Preaching, Warning, and Teaching
Paul then outlines how this mystery is communicated: “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom.”
This sentence reveals the threefold ministry of spiritual leadership.
A. Proclamation
“Him we preach.” The centre of Christian teaching is not philosophy or self-improvement. It is Christ Himself.
The early church father Clement of Rome wrote: “Let our whole being be directed to Christ, and let us look steadfastly to His blood.”
The goal of preaching is not information but revelation. Leaders must continually point people to Christ as the source of life.
B. Warning
Paul also speaks about warning every person. This reflects the prophetic dimension of leadership.
Spiritual leaders must address:sin, moral compromise, false doctrine, and spiritual complacency
The Puritan preacher Richard Sibbes warned: “The soul that will not hear instruction will perish by neglect.” This Warning is not condemnation. It is pastoral care.
Like a shepherd protecting sheep from danger, leaders must guard the spiritual wellbeing of their communities.
C. Teaching in Wisdom
Finally, Paul emphasizes teaching in all wisdom. Teaching forms believers intellectually and spiritually.
This requires more than inspirational speaking. It demands: theological depth, scriptural literacy, and pastoral sensitivity
Studies in religious education consistently demonstrate that communities with strong biblical teaching maintain long-term doctrinal stability.
For example, research conducted by Barna Group shows that believers who regularly engage in structured biblical learning are significantly more likely to sustain lifelong faith commitments. Teaching, therefore, is central to spiritual formation.
The Goal: Presenting People Mature in Christ
Paul concludes with the ultimate objective: “That we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
The word translated “perfect” means mature, complete, or fully developed. Spiritual leadership is therefore a formation process. It involves guiding people from spiritual infancy toward Christlike maturity.
This process mirrors the pattern seen in the ministry of Jesus Christ Himself. Christ spent three years intentionally forming the Twelve Apostles through: teaching, modeling, correction, and empowerment
At the beginning, the disciples were often confused and fearful. Yet by the time of the Pentecost, they emerged as bold witnesses who transformed the world.
Leadership is therefore not about managing people. It is about forming people.
Implications for Contemporary Christian Leadership
For leaders today, Paul’s words carry profound implications.
a. Leadership Is Spiritual Before It Is Organizational
Many churches and ministries focus heavily on structures, strategies, and programs.
While these have value, they cannot replace spiritual formation.
The central task remains nurturing Christlike character.
b. Leaders Must Prioritize Discipleship
The mission of leadership is not simply gathering crowds but forming disciples.
Jesus’ final instruction in Gospel of Matthew 28:19–20 is clear: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” True leadership multiplies mature believers.
c. Spiritual Authority Flows from Inner Transformation
Paul’s phrase “Christ in you” reminds leaders that authority flows from spiritual authenticity.
Congregations instinctively recognize whether leaders are shaped by Christ or merely performing religious roles.
As John Owen observed: “A minister may fill the church with his voice, but Christ must fill the heart with His presence.”
The Leader’s Personal Responsibility
Finally, leaders must apply this passage personally.
Before presenting others mature in Christ, leaders themselves must pursue maturity.
This involves: disciplined prayer, deep engagement with Scripture, accountability, and humility before God
Spiritual leadership begins with personal transformation. The desert father Anthony the Great famously said: “A man who truly knows himself knows God.” Leaders who cultivate intimacy with Christ become instruments through whom God shapes others.
The Mystery That Forms Leaders
Colossians 1:26–28 reveals a breathtaking vision of Christian leadership.
The gospel is not merely a message to believe. It is a mystery revealed, a presence received, and a mission entrusted.
The mystery is Christ among all nations. The presence is Christ within believers. The mission is forming mature disciples who reflect His character.
In a world often captivated by influence, platforms, and visibility, Paul’s message redirects our focus. The true measure of leadership is not popularity but spiritual formation.
Leaders succeed when people grow into the likeness of Christ. Or, as the early church father Ignatius of Antioch expressed it: “It is better to be silent and be Christlike than to speak and not be.”
The calling before every Christian leader remains the same as Paul’s: To proclaim Christ, nurture disciples, and present people mature in Him.
And at the centre of it all stands the transforming reality: Christ in you, the hope of glory.
To be continued….
