1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. 5 For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
6 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Paul had explained how he worked and struggled by God’s strength to see believers mature in their faith (Col 1:28-29). Here he adds that his struggle was also for those believers he had not met. Laodicea was a city not far from Colossae and was probably facing the same attack of false teaching. Consider how often you are concerned for believers you have not met. We have brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who are facing various trials and tribulations—are you concerned for their well-being?
Paul was concerned that the church was unified, knit together in love. When Satan succeeds in dividing us against each other, then he gains a foothold to introduce false teaching. When we work together, it is easier for us all to reach full assurance of our faith based on a solid understanding and knowledge which is found in Christ. While false teaching often presents revelation from God apart from Christ, true knowledge and wisdom are found only in Christ. There are no secrets of the faith attainable other than what is found in God’s word (John 1:1). False teaching can be persuasive and we must be careful not to think we are immune from being led astray. Paul rejoiced in the good order and firmness of the faith of the Colossian church and yet he still thought it necessary to warn them against false teaching. Because of this, he reminded them that just as they received Christ so they should continue to walk in Him. Our salvation is based on the sufficiency of Christ, that He is all we need to be reconciled to God, and that He will make us holy. That is how we must continue to live, not looking for anything else, and not turning away to false doctrine or returning to sin. It is so important that new believers are rooted, built up, and established in their faith. When we have a solid foundation then we will not be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. And as we grow so should our gratefulness overflow in thanksgiving.
How firm is your foundation in God’s word? When you read, which do you read more, books about the bible, or the bible? Where will you make more time to spend in God’s word every day?
Major Stories of the Bible Reading Plan
The Death of Lazarus: John 11-12