Experiencing The Truth
Notes
Transcript
Handout
In Chapter one, we looked at “The Truth About Christ”. We examined the Deity of Christ, the Death of Christ, and the Demands of Christ.
Paul now moves from being centrally focused on Christ Himself, to speaking about the necessity of all believers being unified in Christ. He explains the importance of knowing truth. It is only with the experience of truth that a lie can be observed.
Paul begins Chapter 2, by explaining the importance of experiencing the truth of Christ within one’s own heart. Only by experiencing the truth of Christ for ourselves, and growing in that truth, can we be steadfast in our faith and unwavering in our doctrine when challenged by other belief systems.
Our goal is not only to be faithful to God, but also to point others in that same direction.
About Christians (2:1 - 2:2a)
We Are Engaged in a Common Battle (2:1)
Exploring Colossians & Philemon: An Expository Commentary Colossians 2:1
Paul is about to open up a full-scale assault on the cult that was imposing itself on the church at Colosse. But first he nails his colors to the mast. He displays the banner of truth.
Exploring Colossians & Philemon: An Expository Commentary Colossians 2:1
Soon his readers will have to choose sides. How they choose will reveal a great deal about them.
Paul has a twofold approach to the problem of false teaching at Colosse:
Experience the Truth
Expose the lie
There was a battle raging at Colosse. The enemy had to be stopped there or not only the Colossian church, but also the Christian world would be infected with false teaching.
It was not just a local matter
That is why, although Paul had never been to Colosse, so far as we know, made the battle of the Colossian church his own.
Exploring Colossians & Philemon: An Expository Commentary Colossians 2:1
A common battle was going on. Paul was in the thick of it at Rome. They were in the thick of it at Colosse and at Laodicea. The battle lines were drawn all across the world. They have been drawn down all of the ages of time. Wherever a gathering of Christians occurs, whether in a cottage or a cathedral, there runs the front line. The enemy is everywhere. That was how Paul saw the battle. He girded on his armor and sallied forth to war. His invincible weapon—a pen!
Exploring Colossians & Philemon: An Expository Commentary a. We Are Engaged in a Common Battle (2:1)
As soon as Epaphras began to unfold to Paul the characteristics of the cult, Paul recognized the danger. This was to be a fight to the finish. This was crucial. This did not just concern a handful of believers in a backwoods town in a remote corner of the world. This concerned the church universal. It was Paul’s battle, too
Paul could not stand aside!
Can we afford to stand aside when we have brethren right now face-to-face with the foe?
Exploring Colossians & Philemon: An Expository Commentary a. We Are Engaged in a Common Battle (2:1)
Some time ago, for instance, a Wycliffe missionary was taken hostage by guerillas in Colombia. The ultimatum: “All Wycliffe people out of the country in ten days or we kill the hostage.” Wycliffe’s answer: We do not bargain with terrorists, and we do not pay ransom for hostages. We stay. Our missionary’s life is expendable for the cause of Christ. He knows it; we all know it. This is part of our commitment.
The attacks of Satan against any believer is an attack against the Church. We are engaged in a common battle.
We must guard one another from the attacks of Satan. We cannot afford to set idly by. We must prove one another true so that the sword of the Spirit is sharpened in all of our hearts and ready for battle when called upon.
The battle is real, and we must remember that we are all in this war together. We are all a part of the body of Christ.
We Are Encircled in a Common Bond (2:2a)
The New King James Version Chapter 2
that their hearts may be encouraged!!!!, being knit together in love,
Exploring Colossians & Philemon: An Expository Commentary b. We Are Encircled in a Common Bond (2:2a)
We cannot unravel our lives from those of other believers. We come from different social backgrounds. We have different levels of education. Often we have been raised in different countries and cultures. But we are knit together.
Exploring Colossians & Philemon: An Expository Commentary b. We Are Encircled in a Common Bond (2:2a)
when we become believers in the Lord Jesus. Our souls are not only knit to Him but knit also to all of those who own and love His Name.
There are many today who claim to know God, believe in God, and even faithfully follow God, but they dimply do not go to church anywhere.
When asked about why, they say:
Their private worship of God is great, that corporate worship really doesn’t do anything for them.
I don’t have to go to church to be a christian.
The Bible actually commands us to engage in public worship with others.
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
17 As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
22 Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established.
14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
About Christ (2:2b - 2:4)
Know Him In An Increasing Way (2:2b)
The New King James Version Chapter 2
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,
A proper knowledge of Christ enriches us!
Paul says here that we need to realize what spiritual riches are ours in Christ. Coming to this understanding, will keep us from showing interest in the worthless words offered by the cults, false religions, and worldly temptations that are presented unto us.
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
The more we know about God, the more assurance we have in Him! We begin to understand that every need we have is supplied in Him, especially our salvation:
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
A proper knowledge of Christ enlightens us!
It has been said that an idle mind is the devil’s playground.
The devil likes to work in doubts, denials, and delusions.
Exploring Colossians & Philemon: An Expository Commentary a. Know Him in an Increasing Way (2:2b)
When he tempted Eve (Gen. 3:1–5) he began with a doubt (“Yea, hath God said”), continued with a denial (“Ye shalt not surely die”), and finished with a delusion (“ye shall be as gods”). Satan always goes after the mind (2 Cor. 4:3–4). God offers us in Christ “full assurance of understanding.” He wants to set our mind at rest.
3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing,
4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
The devil is against us. He wants us to fail. He works subtly and in a very sneaky way. It is imperative that we train our minds to see and know the things of God.
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—
16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,
We grow spiritually, as we grow in our knowledge and understanding of God!
Know Him In An Inexhaustible Way (2:3)
The New King James Version Chapter 2
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Treasures are things of great value. This means they are very desirable. This means that as we search the word of God, to learn more of God, we are made known the most valuable assets of mental health.
Notice also though that they are hidden.
We must be careful here, because Paul has already made clear that his calling was to make known the mystery of the Gospel and the Church. He makes it clear that all truth is available unto God’s people, unlike these other “mystery religions” of their day.
It is hidden though, from those who are not believers in Christ. It is hidden from those who say, “I do not want to know about this God you speak of.” OK. God will not force you to know Him.
It is important to note though, that when someone does place their faith in God, all truth concerning God is not instantly zapped into their brains. These treasures of God are available to all who seek them out. Some may discover these treasures in different orders, while others may discover these treasures at different speeds. But all of the treasures that we may know of Him are available unto us as we put forth the effort to know and understand them.
No one man will ever exhaust all of these treasures. Some may find more treasure in one area of thought, while others may find more in a different area of thought, but none will ever exhaust them all.
Know Him In An Invincible Way (2:4)
4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.
God will never be defeated. He is invincible. He is all-knowing, ever-present, and all-powerful. Who can compete with that.
Paul is telling us here, that if we will equip ourselves with the truth of God, we will be ready to stand against the lies of Satan.
They will come. Satan, though already defeated, will never stop attacking the Kingdom of God, and that means you. He hates God, therefore he hates you.
About Christianity (2:5 - 2:7)
Life In A New Dimension (2:5)
5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.
Paul continues to expound on “The Mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
How can someone be absent and present at the same time? In the flesh, this would be impossible. But with Christ all things are possible!
Since the same God lives in us all through the presence of the Holy Spirit, we are all spiritually connected in Him. We are all members of one body. We feel one another’s pain, and we rejoice together in triumph.
This is why Paul interjects into a situation concerning a local assembly of the Church that he did not plant and had never visited. Paul felt their struggles, and knew that he must help them. If they fell, the fall would have been felt throughout the entire assembly of God’s people.
Paul makes it clear that in the spiritual realm, certain restrictions are able to be bypassed.
In the flesh, we are restricted by space. We can only be in one place at any given moment. As a child of God, we are able to be present with other believers through the Spirit that connects us.
In the flesh, we are restricted in power. We can only affect a situation that is currently in front of us. As a child of God, we are able to affect situations that are hours, or even days, away from us through prayer and fasting. We can plea on behalf of others to an Almighty God that is in all places at every moment.
In the flesh, we are restricted by dimension. We can only see, know, and understand what is taking place in the worldly dimension here and now. As a child of God, we are able to access the Heavenly dimension through God’s help. This is the most important thing we need to understand here because:
Our battles are fought there:
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Our brothers and sisters in arms are there:
14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?
Our eternal home is there:
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.
Understanding this new dimension, is key to living a victorious life in Christ.
Life Under A New Direction (2:6)
6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,
Paul now explains that life is going to look different for them.
As these new believers “Experience The Truth”:
About Christians (about themselves)
How they are engaged in a common battle
How they are encircled in a common bond
About Christ (Their Savior and Lord)
Know Him in an Increasing Way
Know Him in an Inexhaustible Way
Know Him in an Invincible Way
About Christianity (This new belief they are leaning into)
It gives them access to a new dimension
Paul says “Look at all of this! Look at what you have. You are not alone. This battle is to be fought by every Christian, everywhere. We are in this together!
This new truth that you have received, lean into it. Walk in Christ.
Not only is it a demand, it is a direction.
Yes there is an expectation for you to walk in Christ:
12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
That is a major expectation. We are to walk as He walked, live as He lived, respond as He responded, act as He acted. That is a major undertaking. How are we to do this? How is it possible for us, saints of God only by the grace of God, to live such righteous lives?
We do it through Him.
In and of ourselves, this task is impossible. There is no way it can be done.
But, if we utilize all that has been placed at our disposal, the impossible becomes possible, the unrealistic becomes reality, Heaven is experienced on Earth!!!
Wow!!! What a realization.
Life With A New Distinction (2:7)
7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
Exploring Colossians & Philemon: An Expository Commentary c. Life with a New Distinction (2:7)
Abiding in Him! Abounding in Him! Paul piles up the words. Rooted! Built up! Established! Taught! Thanksgiving! All great words to arm us against heresy