MONDAY March 14, 2022

A Great Concern and Conflict

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.
Colossians 2:1-3

Although Paul had not visited the church of Colosse and had not met any of the believers face to face, he endeavored to teach them the Word of God so that they could mature in Christ. He set his heart to encourage and build them up in their faith. Paul described what was in his heart for them. He wanted to see unity and love in the church.

Paul had a great conflict for the believers in Colosse, and in Laodicea he warned them of empty philosophies––Gnosticism and Judaism. He knew all too well that the Gnostics and Judaizers were capable of tearing down immature believers in Christ. They came against the doctrines of Christ–– the mystery of Christ dwelling in the believer, the place where He now lives.

These false teachers attacked the Word of God in an attempt to destroy their faith. The Gnostics in particular proclaimed to have a greater knowledge. Paul flatly refuted their vain philosophy. There was no greater understanding to be had above the knowledge of Christ.

Paul, in his conflict, assisted the Colossians in their battle against false teachings, by teaching them of Christ’s preeminence––His superiority. He knew they needed to comprehend all the [hidden] treasures of wisdom and knowledge [found] in both God the Father and Christ His Son (Colossians 2:3). These truths in Scripture became a solid and unmovable foundation in their faith. Read the Bible!

Do you have an unmovable foundation in your Christian faith? If you are not grounded in the Word of God, then understand this: there is a greater possibility of being deceived by worldly philosophies.

The Christian on his knees sees more than the philosopher on tiptoe.
~D.L. Moody~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!