Fighting For You in the Present

STUDY: #864- CHURCH IN THE HOUSES FROM: JULY 21 – 27, 2015

TOPIC: “Fighting For You in the Present” Colossians 2: 1-7 God is able to act and do well in the life of anyone who is willing to have Him in their life. Paul is apparently saying in Chapter 1:27, 28 "We warn everyone whom we meet, and thereby teach what we know about Jesus, so that if possible, we can bring each man to his full maturity in Christ." "This is what keeps me occupied all the time, with all the strength that God gives me." In Colossians 2:1 the apostle says, "For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you, and for all who have not seen me face to face." He said: "... struggling with all His energy that He powerfully works within me" (Colossians 1:29). Paul was describing his teaching and preaching efforts in order to present each mature believer in Christ. He wanted to present mature, grown, healthy, and complete believers. Hence the apostle led such a difficult struggle in prayer. He wanted them to know what he suffered for them. Despite the distance, for Paul, the Colossian brothers were not forgotten. That intense struggle was in favor of the brothers whom he knew, and those he had never met. Paul heard about the Colossians, and WAS DEDICATED TO PRAY FOR THEM. We should not be limited to what we can only do in "the presence of others." WE CAN SERVE THE LORD IN THE PRIVACY OF OUR ROOM, ON OUR KNEES! If we publicly serve the Lord, whether preaching, teaching, helping, etc., our effectiveness will depend MOSTLY ON OUR PRIVATE DEVOTIONS BEFORE GOD. Paul struggled in prayer so that their hearts would be consoled and encouraged (Colossians 2:2). There are many who teach their lies, and beliefs for their own good. (Vs. 4) But Paul did it entirely out of love, and obedience to the God who called him. He fought from a distance so that the brothers would be confirmed and strengthened. It was his wish that they would be UNITED IN LOVE. If the saints would keep in happy and loving fellowship, they would stand firmly against the enemy’s attacks. If their hearts were warm with love for Christ, the apostle would reveal to them THE DEEPEST TRUTHS OF CHRISTIAN FAITH (Colossians 2:3) The Lord reveals His secrets to those who are close to Him. They can obtain the riches of a full understanding, and assurance. The more you come into an understanding of the Christian faith, the firmer you’ll be, and nothing will be able to destroy you. You obtain a full assurance in faith, a glorious hope. Paul wanted them to learn about the mystery of God the Father, and Christ (Vs. 2). We must know Christ as the head. Know Him as the leader and guide. We must be conscious of the greatness of His direction and dominion, so that we will not be dragged along by anything. Paul wants us to depend on Christ; on His resources. That we resort to Him in every emergency. Your head is very unstable; it is human, carnal, weak, clumsy, short and sparse. The Lord’s is MIGHTY, TO DELIVER US! All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ (Colossians 2:3). All knowledge is hidden in Christ, and He is our head. We cannot go beyond what is written in the Holy Scriptures. The believer must intimately know Christ to come into these treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Christ is in you, as the head. He is the head because of His infinite greatness; for all that He essentially is as God. For all that He has accomplished, especially in the redemption of our souls; for His personal and moral glories, etc. He excludes the entire army of wise men of this world; be it professors, writers or critics, gathered against Him. ALL KNOWLEDGE IS FOUND IN CHRIST! We should comprehend that knowledge is understanding truth; while wisdom is the ability to apply what has been learned. Because all wisdom and knowledge are in Christ, Christians should not be deceived by specious (word or doctrine that is false or misleading) reasoning.

A false person bases his believes on his deductions (his conclusions which he reaches by reasoning from situations and life experiences). But the truth is like a lion that will defend itself. Paul was very aware of the problems and dangers that the brothers faced! (Colossians 2:4 "I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments") We should not be led by men of hatred and evil. This is why the apostle came before them like a soldier. He spoke of "... good order and firmness..." (Colossians 2:5). A soldier is not trembling and weak. Paul spiritually contemplated that the Colossians remained faithful to the Word of God. He wanted them to continue with the same faith as in the beginning. "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your life in Him" (Colossians 2:6). Knowing that in Jesus Christ there is a total sufficiency. He is suffice not only for salvation, but for the wholeness of Christian life. We must walk in Him. We must grow in faith. You cannot standstill, and remain in the same place (Vs.6). Either we move forward or back. Embedded (growing roots) in our conversion ("... rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:7). Let us receive our nutrition from the one we’ve believed in. Built up in Him. He is the foundation, and we are built up in Him. Confirmed, consolidated in the faith. It is a continuous process that proceeds throughout the Christian life, that the precious truths be confirmed in their hearts and lives. Finally, the apostle exhorts the brothers of those times, and us today, TO BE OVERFLOWING WITH PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING TO THE LORD! Amen.