Spiritual Formation - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

Teaching every man, in all wisdom, to the end that we may present every man perfect in Christ. Whereunto also I toil, combating according to His working, which works in me in power. For I would have you know what combat I have for you, and those in Laodicea, and as many as have not seen my face in flesh; to the end that their hearts may be encouraged, being united together in love.
Colossians 1:28-2:2 JND

Spiritual Formation
Paul had been called by the Lord of Glory to be His spokesman, to lead people to Him and to teach them. For this service, the Lord had gifted the apostle with many special qualities. Paul had been brought into submission to the Master, and was in true fellowship with Him. Being in the right spiritual condition, Paul could function as His chosen vessel, equipped with all wisdom. In all this, the apostle is an object lesson for all Christians. The objective of Paul's service was that those who repent might be instructed to become in practice what they are in Christ positionally. In other words, Paul wanted the believers to be in their daily lives what they are in Christ.

Ultimately, this high standard will be reached at the Rapture. Meanwhile, the goal or purpose of spiritual formation is maturity: to be presented perfect in Christ. In order to reach this objective, Paul was praying continually, toiling, working very hard. The combat he was involved in was a battle of life or death, an agonizing conflict. But at the same time the Lord was working in him, energizing and enabling him.

Similarly, the Lord wants to help us to be His instruments. For this, we must cast ourselves on Him in true dependence and prayer. Paul's ardent desire was that Christ would be formed in the believers, and this is also the Lord's desire: that we may be encouraged and knit together in true unity and love.

-- Alfred E. Bouter