Christ is enough

Colossians 2:1–7 NKJV

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. Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 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. As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

Unity & Understanding

Verse 2 The word “knit’’literally means to drive together to unite as one, unity & agreement usually push back against false doctrine

Amos 3:3 NKJV

Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?

Just as Israel couldn’t walk with God because of their lack of obedience to His word, so goes the relationship among brothers and sisters which start to believe another doctrine

The Assurance of understanding in verse 2.

God want us to have clear understanding not vague or confused thoughts of who He is, His goodness and what He’s done for us through His sacrifice.

Gods mystery revealed in Christ Verse 3

Christ indwells us

Christs victory over all powers

Christ reconciles all things to Himself

The church, The Body of Christ being His expression on earth (Jews & Gentile)

Christ is revealed in us & through us

The mystery was hidden but now revealed

Paul is using the word “mystery” as a play on words against the false teaching that has sprouted at the church in Colossae.

The false teaching & those bringing it into the church prided themselves on having the new insights or “mysteries” of God. This was the foundation of Gnostic teaching

Extra-biblical “wisdom & knowledge” is usually the way pride & false teaching creeps into churches and ministries.

Let no one deceive you

Colossians 2:4 NKJV

Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words.

Those who teach error delight in packaging their theology in the most attractive phraseology, to entrap the unwary.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 2

persuasive speech Ancient philosophers used lofty arguments to persuade their audiences. Paul warns the Colossians that such teachings may appear logical, but their conclusions are false

Jesus warned us this would happen & increase as a sign of the last days

Matthew 24:3–4 NKJV

Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.

Rejoicing in Growth

Colossians 2:6-7 These two verses illustrate how a life that is deeply connected to Christ naturally leads to spiritual growth and gratitude. It's a practical call to continue walking in Him, grounded on the foundation of faith & truth. This ties back to idea of being established in faith which requires daily commitment to Christ.

Luke 9:23 NKJV

Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.