2021-11-21 AM, Christ Above All: Colossians 2:1-7

Colossians 2:1–2 ESV

For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ,

Laodicea was 12 miles from Colasse

This letter was to be read to the church at Laodicea as well.

Connection of understanding and knowldge to 1.9

Repetition of the mystery introduced in 1:26

As the mystery was understood as the gospel earlier. Here it is understood simply as Christ.

Colossians 2:3–4 ESV

in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

This is a description of Jesus. I think of a treasure chest.

Wisdom and knowledge are kept in side of Him. 1:26

Clue about the heresy- perhaps an effort to belittle Christ.

The plausible arguments may not seem as plausible when we are filled with the wisdom and knowledge of God.

Paul’s concern is that their convictions of the faith may be deluded because they are gullible.

Colossians 2:5 ESV

For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

Paul’s not met them. He is unable to be physically present with them. We’ve already seen that Paul has direct influence with them through this letter, through his prayer for them, and now, through spiritual presence

What is this being with people in spirit? though we are absent in the body?

What Paul wants is for them to have disciplined and strong faith which is based in doctrine, conviction, and personal relationship with the living Jesus Christ.

Good discipline

firmness

Colossians 2:6–7 ESV

Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

Upon Paul’s wish for them- In the same way they received Jesus Christ- firmly and with conviction, they are to walk in Him.

rooted

built up

established, as you were taught

abounding in thanksgiving