Preparing for Battle

Introduction:

The book of Colossians is what is known as a Prison Epistle. *

It is called by that name because it was written by the Apostle Paul from a Roman prison.

The city of Colossae is located approximately 10 miles west of Laodicea along the Lycus River. *

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According to passages in the book of Colossians, it would appear that the Apostle never visited the city.

Colossians 2:1 AV

For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

Paul probably became acquainted with this city through a man by the name of Epaphras. *

And it would seem that the Church at Colossae was organized through the ministry of this man.

Colossians 1:7 AV

As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ;

From Acts 19:10, it seems that Epaphras was converted to Christ by Paul during his ministry in Ephesus.

And when Epaphras was converted to Christ he became increasingly concerned for his city. *

So, what took place was that Epaphras went back to this city and became the Pastor of the Church there (1:7).

However, there was an increasing problem in the city that had made its way into the Church, and that is heresy or false doctrine. *

And Epaphras may not have known how to combat this heresy, so he traveled to Rome.

Now, to travel from Colossae to Rome is a major, major feat, because it is 929 miles from one point to the other. *

According to Philemon 23, Paul called Epaphras a “fellow prison,” meaning that Epaphras traveled to Rome and ended up in jail for his trouble.

No doubt, that one of the reasons for Epaphras traveling that far is because he needed some wisdom on how to deal with the heresies that were going around and permeating his city and Church.

The heresies that were going around took several forms, but it appears that the thrust of the heresy had to do with the detraction of the person of Christ.

The heresy that seemed to go around was what was known as Gnosticism; which states that God is good, matter is evil, and that Jesus Christ was merely one of a series of emanations descending from God but being less than God.

These heretics placed much emphasis on man’s philosophy, ceremonial law, higher knowledge than Scripture, and rigid asceticism.

In this portion of the Scripture, we will be focusing on the believers relationship to Christ and how to prepare ourselves for battle.

In our monthly Scripture this month, we will notice five (5) areas in which we need to prepare ourselves for battle.

I. A Proper Perception (vs. 9)

Colossians 1:8–9 AV

Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

The way that you we prepare ourselves for battle; whether it is the doctrinal enemy or just doing to battles of life, is to have a life of prayer. *

Paul tells the Church that “since the day we heard of it,” and the “it” refers back to verse 8 and the “love in the Spirit.”

The more that a person loves God, the more prayer they will need because of the battle that they are going to fight. *

Prayer is going to give you the proper perception.

The word “ceased” is the Greek word “παύω” and it is a Present Tense verb.

Paul continually prayed for these people in the Church at Colossae.

The battle for the truth begins with the preparation of prayer.

So, Paul knowing that they have to confront error, begins with a prayer for these saints that they would have the proper perception in three areas:

A. His Will (vs. 9b)

Colossians 1:9 AV

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

False religion always promises some sort of higher understanding and knowledge.

It was the same thing in Colossae, the false teachers promised the believers in the Church a higher wisdom if they accepted this new doctrine.

As believers prepare for the battle they need to have spiritual intelligence, Paul says, concerning his will. *

We need to keep in mind that Satan can and does use Christian vocabulary if it suits his purposes.

The way to prepare for the battle is to love the Lord. *

If your love for the Lord is not what it should be, there will be a tough time in preparing for the battle.

I say that because of the phrase that Paul uses, “For this cause…” and that points back to verse 8.

The “this cause” points back to the preceding verses regarding the testimony of their love for the Lord.

Paul says that his prayer and his desire is that the Church be filled with the knowledge of the will of God. *

“Knowledge” is “ἐπίγνωσις” and speaks of coming to know something through experience. *

God wants us to have complete knowledge of His will.

The will of God is an important part of a successful Christian life.

God wants us to know His will.

Acts 22:14 AV

And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

But not only to know it but to understand it.

Ephesians 5:17 AV

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Preparing for the battle includes understanding God’s will.

The word “filled” carries the idea of being fully equipped. *

In the NT, filled carries the idea of being controlled by.

Paul’s prayer is that these believers be filled with the full knowledge of his will.

But how does this take place?

How can believers grow in the full knowledge of God’s will?

B. Wisdom (vs. 9c)

Colossians 1:9 AV

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

We understand the will of God through the Word of God.

The Holy Spirit teaches us as we submit to Him.

John 14:26 AV

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

The general will of God for all His children is given in the Word of God.

For God’s People, we know that there are certain things in the Scripture that know are his will.

1. Salvation

2 Peter 3:9 AV

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

2. Sanctification

1 Thessalonians 4:3 AV

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:

3. Thankfulness

1 Thessalonians 5:18 AV

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

4. Spirit-filled

Ephesians 5:18 AV

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

5. Suffering

1 Peter 3:17 AV

For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.