Colossians 2:4, “And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.”
I’ve been teaching a series through the book of Colossians in my adult Bible class for the last few weeks. That epistle is packed with great and challenging truths. One of the main purposes Paul wrote this book was to make sure the Christians at Colosse were not drawn away from the sufficiency of Christ by worldly philosophers and deceivers. The theme of the book is: Christ is All. Paul reveals some of the desires he had for these believers in the first few verses of chapter 2 as he warns them about being drawn away from the faith.
Vs. 1-2, “For I would that he knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ…”
Paul expresses two desires for these believers. The first desire is that they would be comforted. He wanted them to be strengthened and encouraged as they faced not a physical battle, but a mental one. The threat was not bodily injury, it was enticing words. Discouraged Christians are easily drawn away. If you are discouraged, be careful. You are in dangerous territory.
The second desire Paul had for these Christians is that they would be knit together. He wanted them knit together in three ways: in love, unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, and to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God. A tremendous lesson can be learned from each of these statements.
Paul wanted them knit together in love. Unity among the brethren is a subject that Paul brings up to every church he wrote to. Divided Christians are easily drawn away. Division in the church provides fertile ground for people to be enticed.
Paul desired that they be knit together unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding. Disoriented (for the lack of a better word that starts with “D”) Christians are easily drawn away. Understanding what Christ has done for you in salvation brings assurance. A believer who is assured of their position in Christ is almost impossible to entice.
The Apostle wanted them knit together to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God. The mystery was “Christ in (them), the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). The Laodicean Christians had a tremendous problem in this area. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Jesus was standing at the door knocking, but they didn’t acknowledge Him. Distracted Christians are easily drawn away. If your focus is on something other than Jesus Christ, you have already taken the first step towards being drawn away.
These desires of the Apostle Paul challenged me and I believe they could be a great reminder and challenge to others. Don’t be drawn away!
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2 comments:
Great insights on that passage. Thanks for sharing that. Drawing out truth from the text like you did there is exactly how preaching is supposed to be done! Kudos to you. :)
Thanks...no matter what I still had to make it alliterated. :)
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