Knowledge Apart from Jesus Christ is a Lie

Colossians 2:1–10 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, 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. 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. 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. 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. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

Paul makes a reference to the city of Laodicea. There were real problems at this city. Jesus gave a stern warning in Revelation.

Revelation 3:15–16 ESV

“ ‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

This city had the temple of Zeus. Many people from around the world would come to this considered enlightened city. This city accepted everyone and everything. The Laodicean church was open to secularism and humanism. Basically anything man pleasing or good feeling was what this church embraced. Paul is warning about this. We see this in our world today. a church with great social programs but not great on having a heart for the lost. Do not be deceived by outward appearances. Laodicea was wealthy because of the export of an eyesalve, but were spiritually blind. This church of Colossians must have been struggling with similar problems to e grouped together with Laodicea.

1. Christ is all wisdom and knowledge and prevents being beguiled with enticing words.

There are so many different philosophies out there. So many ideas with just enough truth to make them sound plausible. This is where apologetics comes into play. Discipleship is very important. Learning how to live out the faith on a daily basis. Apologetics is important also. God has given us the tools to defend the Word in the science and academic arena. I would love to see a class just for apologetics.

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2. Rooted, built up, and established in faith

As a Christian, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes, we just have to stand on the truth even when we feel we do not have the right answer. This is faith. To stand strong on what we know to be true.

We need to read our Bible and pray everyday to be rooted. The fellowship with fellow believers helps build us up. Everyday we make the right decision for the Lord, we are becoming established in the faith. A faith that grows stronger and deeper. A faith that defines us. Not something we define, but something that defines us. A faith so ingrained into who we are that it can not be separated from us without killing us.

3. Christ is the fullness of the Godhead body and head of all principality and power.

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Jesus Christ is more powerful than all principality

Philippians 2:10–11 ESV

so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Conclusion:

It is so easy to be pulled in so many different directions. It is easy to lose sight of our first love. We have to remember what brought us to the cross and never lose sight of what we have been forgiven of. There are numerous voices and as promising of happiness as they may sound, only Jesus gives true fulfillment. Jesus gives glory for ashes. Today, if you have ashes and you want to exchange them for glory. I have great news. Today is your day.

Jesus has already done the hard part and He makes it as easy as knowing your A, B, C’s.

A - Acknowledge

Romans 3:23 ESV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

B - Believe

Acts 16:31 (ESV)

And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”

C - Confess

Romans 10:9–10 ESV

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.