Colossians 1:28

“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone….”

What is the difference between admonish and teach?

Admonish or some versions translate this as ‘warning’. 

Admonish – to reprove; to exhort; to warn or reprimand firmly. 

This is in the context of proclaiming Christ to those who are new in Christ. 

Teach – to instruct; to inform; to impart knowledge. 

Everything about Jesus was new to these new believers in this new church. Paul’s letter was necessary because there was much he needed to ‘teach’ them about new life in Christ. 

But he also needed to warn or ‘admonish’ them about the contrasting world views and religious practices.

True Discipleship rarely takes place on a blank slate but rather takes a person from death in its many forms to a new life in Christ.

Colossians 2:13,14

“When you were dead in your sins…, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins and canceled the record of debt that stood against us…  nailing it to the cross.”

True Discipleship starts with Jesus and also starts with an understanding of the new believer’s background. Every person is at least a little bit different and every person, invaluable and made in the image of God, requires personal attention. 

Reflection: We can teach a group of people but we disciple an individual person.