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Lets Read Colossians 2:4-15
8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
9 For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
Lets Read Colossians 2:4-15
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version.
(2016).
().
Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version.
(2016).
().
Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
Pray
I recall a story about a pastor who was concerned about some unsavory businesses that had opened near a school.
His protests finally led to a court case, and the defense attorney did all he could to embarrass the gospel minister.
“Are you not a pastor?” the lawyer asked.
“And doesn’t the word pastor mean ‘shepherd’?”
To this definition, the minister agreed.
“Well, if you are a shepherd, why aren’t you out taking care of the sheep?” “Because today I’m fighting the wolves!” was the pastor’s quick reply, and a good answer it was.
Knowing that there were enemies already attacking the church in Colossae, Paul offered encouragement.
By heeding his admonitions, the Colossians would overcome their enemies.
KEEP MAKING SPIRITUAL PROGRESS (2:4-7)
In the Christian life, we never stand still–we either go forward or gradually slip backward.
“Let us go on to maturity!” is the call we must obey (Heb.
6:1).
The Christian who is not making spiritual progress is an open target for the Enemy to attack and destroy.
The need for progress (v.
4).
Satan is deceptive.
He wants to lead believers astray, and to do this, he uses deceptive words.
The Greek term used here describes the persuasive arguments of a lawyer.
Satan is a liar (John 8:44), and by his lies, he leads believers into the wrong path.
It is important that we exercise spiritual discernment, and that we continue to grow in our knowledge of spiritual truth.
The nature of progress (vv.
5-7).
To emphasize his admonition, Paul used several vivid pictures to illustrate spiritual progress.
The army (v.
5).
The words order and steadfastness are military terms.
They describe an army that is solidly united against the enemy.
The order describes the arrangement of the army in ranks, with each soldier in his proper place.
Not everybody can be a five-star general, but the general could never fight the battle alone.
Steadfastness pictures the soldiers in battle formation, presenting a solid front to the enemy.
Christians ought to make progress in discipline and obedience, just as soldiers on the battlefield.
The pilgrim (v. 6).
The Christian life is compared to a pilgrimage, and believers must learn to walk.
Paul had already encouraged his readers to “walk worthy of the Lord” (), and later he used this image again (; ).
In the Ephesian epistle, the companion letter to the Colossian epistle, Paul used the image at least seven times (, ; , ; , , ).
We are to walk in Christ the same way we originally received Christ–by faith.
The Proto-Gnostic teachers wanted to introduce some “new truths” for Christian maturity, but Paul denounced them.
“You started with Christ and you must continue with Christ,” Paul wrote.
“You started with faith and you must continue with faith.
This is the only way to make spiritual progress.”
We are to walk in Christ the same way we originally received Christ–by faith.
The Proto-Gnostic teachers wanted to introduce some “new truths” for Christian maturity, but Paul denounced them.
“You started with Christ and you must continue with Christ,” Paul wrote.
“You started with faith and you must continue with faith.
This is the only way to make spiritual progress.”
The tree (v.
7a).
Rooted is an agricultural word.
The tense of the Greek word means “once and for all having been rooted.”
Christians are not to be tumbleweeds that have no roots and are blown about by “every wind of doctrine” (Eph.
4:14).
Nor are they to be “transplants” that are repeatedly moved from soil to soil.
Once we are rooted by faith in Christ, there is no need to change the soil!
The roots draw up the nourishment so that the tree can grow.
The roots also give strength and stability.
The building (v.
7b).
Built-up is an architectural term.
It is in the present tense: “being built up.”
When we trust Christ to save us, we are put on the foundation; from then on, we grow in grace.
The word edify that is found often in Paul’s letters simply means “to build up.”
To make spiritual progress means to keep adding to the temple to the glory of God.
The school (v.
7c).
It is the Word of God that builds and strengthens the Christian.
Epaphras had faithfully taught the Colossian believers the truth of the Word (Col.
1:7).
But the false teachers were undermining that doctrine.
Today, Christians who study the Word become established in the faith.
Satan has a difficult time deceiving the Bible-taught believer.
The river (v.
7d).
The word abounding was often used by Paul.
It suggests the picture of a river overflowing its banks.
Our first experience in the Lord is that of drinking the water of life by faith, and He puts within us an artesian well of living water (John 4:10-14).
But that artesian well should become a “river of living water” (John 7:37-39) that grows deeper and deeper.
The image of the river flowing from the sanctuary (Ezek.
47), getting deeper as it flows, probably is what Paul had in mind.
Sad to say, many of us are making no progress–our lives are shallow trickles instead of mighty rivers.
Again, Paul mentioned “thanksgiving” (see Col. 1:3, 12).
A thankful spirit is a mark of Christian maturity.
When a believer is abounding in thanksgiving, he is making progress!
By reviewing these pictures of spiritual progress, we see how the growing Christian can easily defeat the Enemy and not be led astray.
If his spiritual roots are deep in Christ, he will not want any other soil.
If Christ is his sure foundation, he does not need to move.
If he is studying and growing in the Word, he will not be easily enticed by false doctrine.
And if his heart is overflowing with thanksgiving, he will not even consider turning from the fullness he has in Christ.
A grounded, growing, grateful believer will not be led astray.
WATCH OUT FOR SPIRITUAL PERILS (2:8-10)
Paul continued the military image with this warning: “Beware lest any man carries you off as a captive” (literal translation).
The false teachers did not go out and win the lost, any more than the cultists do today.
They “kidnapped” converts from churches!
Most of the people I have talked with who are members of anti-Christian cults were at one time associated with a Christian church of one denomination or another.
How is it possible for false teachers to capture people?
The answer is simple: These “captives” are ignorant of the truths of the Word of God.
They become fascinated by the philosophy and empty delusion of the false teachers.
(This is not to say that all philosophy is wrong, because there is a Christian philosophy of life.
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