Paul was struggling for Christ to be formed in them in Colossians chapter one. Now in chapter two, Paul talks about his struggle for the Church. There was an attack on the early church. The Colossians heresy required works for salvation. It made sense rather than the gospel of redemption. The Church at Laodicea also had heresy problems. Paul loved the church and was committed. Paul gives five lessons for the Church:-

1 – Be encouraged (vs. 2)

Sometimes we come along someone to encourage forward and sometimes to get them to step back. The encouragement runs throughout the Pauline letters and is focused on unity. While Paul is conscious about fighting various heresies, the main concept here seems to be that unity is found in being true to Christ.

2 – Be united in love (vs. 2)

God brings a diverse mob together. Criticism is not a special gift of the Holy Spirit! God brings the love. See John 13:34 and 17:20. God wants unity in love for one another. This love is a divine love that can bring lasting unity. This love is a tough love as it is hard for people from different backgrounds to be united.

3 – Have full knowledge (vs. 2)

What value do you place on the Word of God? Is it a treasure that you store and share with others. Christianity has the answers that other systems of thought do not answer. God’s Word is a divine revelation to mankind. Do we believe that? Then spread the good news!

4 – The source of truth (vs. 3)

See Proverbs 8. Knowledge is no good without truth. This truth is a stumbling block to some. Jesus is the source. All that is true wisdom and knowledge is contained in the knowledge of Christ. Anything which disputes or leads people away from Christ is neither wisdom nor knowledge. The heresies attacking the Church were claiming a new revelation or knowledge that was leading some from the truth.

5 – Stand firm on the faith. (vs. 4-5)

Don’t let anyone talk you out of your faith. Remember you are not alone. Hold on to your position. Paul here is definitely using military language. Paul is like a general who is inspecting and encouraging the troops before battle. The whole Christian position (rank and solidity) stands or falls with faith in Christ so anything which claims to be an advance upon that faith is in fact a retreat from it.

Categories: Colossians