Final Thoughts on Colossians 2:1-3
For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. NKJV
Any hard job is easier if you love what you are doing. Paul shares in verse one of our text that he was in a struggle, but we know that Paul loved what he was doing. The churches at Colossae and Laodicea were dear to Paul and his desire was that they remain close to the Lord and true to the Word of God that he had shared with them. Obviously there were false teachers invading these churches and twisting the truths of God’s Word. An example demonstrating that some of this false teaching did influence these churches is found in Revelation 3:14-22 in which we find that the church at Laodicea had succumbed to being lukewarm or indifferent in their fervor to teach and minister God’s Word to the people.
Paul encourages believers to keep their hearts on the truths of God’s Word and to be united against false teachers bringing dissension to their churches. He exhorts them to look to Jesus and all the Word of God in light of the life of the Son of God, who never acted unless directed by His Heavenly Father to do so. His life is our example. He is the Incarnate Word.
Churches today are in flux more than ever before, being pressured to adopt the ways of the world. Those who hold to the fundamentals of the Christian faith are being mocked and ridiculed as religious extremists. As a Pastor, I was called by God to lead the church to hold fast to the truths of God’s Word, including the fundamentals or essentials of the Christian faith, just as I have been called to do the same myself. As Bible believing Christians, we are being attacked from all sides by our worldly, humanistic society, and it is a struggle to hold fast to the teachings of God’s Word.
The challenges to our churches go beyond simply a hell or heaven issue. The authority of Christ and His word is under attack as the powers of darkness attempt to undermine the very foundation upon which we stand. If this foundation is destroyed, all of the essentials of the Christian faith will be lost. In this midst of this intense spiritual battle, the Lord, through Paul’s writings, exhorts us to let our hearts be encouraged, to be united upon the Word of God, and to realize the full assurance of understanding that all of us can have; the knowledge of God through His Word and a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. No one need be doomed to an eternity in the lake of fire. By repenting of our sins, and trusting Jesus Christ alone for our salvation, we can all have the assurance of eternal life and a home in heaven.
Bethel Bible Church Hawaii 