Daily Scripture Reading Colossians 1:24 - 2:15
One of the unfortunate realities of modern Christianity is the ease with which false ideas and worldly philosophies permeate the church. Many so-called Christians are apathetic about abortion and same sex marriage. Believers have adopted the false beliefs that emotion is worship, kindness is the most important goal, and unity trumps truth.
In today’s passage we will read that Paul warned against worldly philosophies and traditions of men. He also gave us the key to recognizing the persuasive arguments that lead to false beliefs.
In yesterday’s passage, Paul wrote that all things came into existence by Christ and for Christ. In other words, we exist to serve Him.
Col. 1:24 ¶ Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and I fill up what is lacking of Christ’s afflictions in my flesh, on behalf of His body, which is the church,
Since Paul was a servant of Jesus, as are we, he was willing to suffer on behalf of Christ’s body, the church. In fact, He rejoiced in his sufferings.
Col. 1:25 of which I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God given to me for you, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God,
Col. 1:26 that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints,
Col. 1:27 to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Col. 1:28 Him we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.
Col. 1:29 For this purpose I also labor, striving according to His working, which He works in me in power.
Col. 2:1 ¶ For I want you to understand how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not seen my face in the flesh,
Look at the word “struggle” and those for whom Paul was struggling. He was struggling for the Colossians, the Laodiceans, and all who had never met Paul.
The wording of the last phrase about those who hadn’t seen Paul indicates the Colossians and Laodiceans had never seen Paul either.
Despite having never seen the Colossians and Laodiceans, Paul was willing to struggle for them.
Laodicea was a city near Colossae. Paul had traveled around Laodicea, but apparently had never visited Laodicea.
Col. 2:2 so that their hearts may be encouraged, having been held together in love, even unto all the wealth of the full assurance of understanding, unto the full knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself,
Look at the words “so that”. This verse explains why Paul struggled on behalf of people he had never met.
Look at the words “understanding” and “full knowledge”. Paul wanted to encourage the Colossians, but he also wanted them to gain knowledge.
Col. 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Notice once again the word “knowledge”.
Col. 2:4 I say this so that no one will delude you with persuasive argument.
Don’t miss the words “so that”. Paul wrote what he wrote in the previous verses so that the Colossians would not be deluded with persuasive arguments. Take note that having knowledge is one of the keys to not being deluded.
Modern Christians are very susceptible to persuasive arguments because most Christians are biblically illiterate. They do not have the knowledge to know what is true and not true. When a smooth talker comes along and makes good sounding arguments, they do not have the ability to exercise discernment and know whether or not they are being led astray.
Christians should desire and seek solid biblical knowledge so that we can discern truth and error.
Col. 2:5 For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the stability of your faith in Christ.
Col. 2:6 ¶ Therefore as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
Col. 2:7 having been firmly rooted and being built up in Him, and having been established in your faith—just as you were instructed—and abounding with thanksgiving.
Col. 2:8 ¶ See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
In this verse Paul commanded us NOT to be taken captive by philosophy and empty deception. This is similar to the admonition in verse 4 to beware persuasive argument. Once again, having knowledge is the key to discernment. Feelings and emotions will not give us the ability to detect empty deception, but truth will.
Col. 2:9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily,
Col. 2:10 and in Him you have been filled, who is the head over all rule and authority;
Col. 2:11 in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ,
Col. 2:12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Col. 2:13 And you being dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive with Him, having graciously forgiven us all our transgressions.
Note the change detailed in this verse. Before Christ, people are dead in their sins. When people become Christians, they are made alive.
Col. 2:14 Having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us which was hostile to us, He also has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
Col. 2:15 Having disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them in Him.
One of the unfortunate realities of modern Christianity is the ease with which false ideas and worldly philosophies permeate the church. Many so-called Christians are apathetic about abortion and same sex marriage. Believers have adopted the false beliefs that emotion is worship, kindness is the most important goal, and unity trumps truth.
Paul commanded Christians not to be deluded by persuasive arguments and worldly philosophies. The key to discerning truth from error is to have knowledge, specifically the knowledge found in the Bible.
How well do you know the Bible?
When is the last time you read the complete Bible?
How many times have you read the complete Bible in your lifetime?
What some examples of persuasive arguments that permeated the church even though they are wrong?
What are the latest cultural trends infecting the church?
Do you have confidence that you know the Bible well enough to know with certainty whether the latest trends are truth or heresy?
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“Scripture quotations taken from the (LSB®) Legacy Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2021 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. LSBible.org and 316publishing.com.”