24 Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
1 I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.
Colossians is a letter that was written by Paul (and Timothy) to the people of Colossae.
The main themes in this book:
Jesus is supreme and sufficient, over all things and all people. Paul reminds us to fix our eyes on Jesus and to remember who we are because of Christ.
Colossians 2:6-15
Paul encourages believers to live their lives in Chris by being rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith. To be “rooted” in Christ means to have a deep, intimate relationship with Him that weathers the storms of life and strengthens our faith.
Paul warns against these because they can lead believers away from Christ and his truth. They may seem wise and appealing but they are based off worldly principles and false teachings. Pauls concern is that they would take the focus away from Christ.
Paul says that God made us alive together with Christ, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by cancelling the record of debt that stood against us. Through faith in Jesus, we can be made alive, forgiven of our sins, and reconciled to God.
When Jesus died and rose again, he conquered death (defeated death) and evil and the powers of darkness. He triumphed over them, showing the world that He is the ultimate power and ruler over all things.
We should:
Being rooted in him means to know Christ well so we are not shaken when going through difficulties. Picture a tree with it’s roots growing deep into the soil, so bad weather can’t push the tree over. If we are rooted in Christ, then when we face different situations or when we hear fake news about Jesus, we won’t fall because our roots are secure in Jesus.
To be built up and rooted, we must regularly reflect on who Christ is and what he has done for us.
You may have grown up in a Christian home so maybe things haven’t changed dramatically for you. However, read about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Have you grown in patience or love or kindness or any of the other fruit?
If you’re not sure, why not ask a friend or family member who knows you well? Why not pray to God and ask him if he’ll continue to help you grow and become more patient or loving or kind etc?
This can be anything, friends, family, pets, hobbies, school… anything!
Again, this can be anything from the text:
Paul is warning them against believing empty philosophies that don’t mean anything and are dependent on humans – not God.
