Colossians 2

Colossians 2

For Those Who he Never Met

Colossians 2:1 [In prayer] 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. 2:2 My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and (1) united [knit together] in love, so that they may have the (2) full riches of complete understanding [full assurance], in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. NIV

2:1 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. 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, (1) being knit together in love, and attaining to (2) all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both Father and of Christ. 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. NKJV

2:1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. NAS

Contending or Great Conflict in Prayer

This is Paul’s reference to his purposeful, consistent, and determined prayer goals. Paul’s prayer was not like the Rosery, certain phrases repeated by memory. His prayers for Christians at Colossae and those in Laodicea, had intensity. Later Paul says, “Devote yourselves to prayer” (Col 4:2). This kind of prayer Paul modeled for the church.

      Paul’s team had the same approach to prayer, as he recorded: “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (Col 4:12).

Jesus said, “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matt 11:12). In the highly symbolic language Jesus tells the secret of earnest prayer. It is fervent. It is persistent and constant. Jesus prayed in the same manner, “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly” (Lk 22:40).

  Jesus told a parable of the unjust judge saying, “to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” The NKJV says, “pray at all times and not lose heart.” Jesus continues saying, “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?” (Lk 18:1-7). The answer is NO. Jesus says, “I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly” (Lk 18:8).

Fortunately for us, we can listen in to Paul’s persistent prayer and use the same words and expressions in our prayers. Ask God to give us more time for prayer, with similar content that Paul used in his prayers.

Encouraged in Heart

      Their hearts know, something they understand deep inside them. They have been blessed by God. They are not fearful, but they “stand firm in the Lord” (Phil 4:1). They have personally tasted the Lord and know “that He is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations” (Ps 100:5).

Encouraged and Strengthened in Heart

      Perhaps they had gone through some difficult times and Paul wished them to “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (Ps 31:24). To repeat in prayer during hard times, “Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Ps 42:5,11).

At one time Paul was very concerned about the believers in Thessalonian. Paul was worried, very worried, he was afraid they would be tempted to give up their faith. Because of the strong opposition they were experiencing in their township from the pagans.

“So, when we could stand it no longer… We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain” (1 Thess 3:1-5).

“United in Love” NIV

      The Greek word sumbibazó we think is better translated as knit together in love, as in NKJV, KJV, ESV, Berean Study, NAS, and NET Bibles. The New Living Translation says, “knit together by strong ties of love.” To be “knit together,” is like knitting a tear in a large cloth, to united again.

Paul is fearful that the congregation had unresolved conflicts. With earnest prayer for them, he wants love to knit together any breaks in the congregation. Any separation that has occurred. The idea is that love will find a way when disagreements cannot be resolved. Where there is division in the church, the congregation by love looks to be restored.

  Often the Spirit has given the gift of hospitality to certain women. They have a womanly way of approaching people that are at odds with many others. By their smiles, and their irresistible kindness they are skilled in bringing people together. When all others have failed.

  “I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life” (Phil 4:2,3).

      Paul asked his trusted friend, to help these two good women to settle their disagreements. To stop arguing with each other. To find a way to knit them back together in love, with love for each other. To restore peace to the entire congregation.

So, You May Have…Hidden Treasures

      This is a conditional statement. If a congregation stays knitted together in love, then and only then, can they discover the hidden riches found in Christ. These riches are hidden from those who have never learned to love.

      As the Apostle John says, “This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another…anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer as eternal life residing him” (1 John 3:11, 14-15). Neither will they be able to discover the hidden riches in Christ. 

      If a congregation is divided. If families have unresolved disagreements with another family. Then, the whole congregation, will never be “fully mature in Christ” (Col 1:28). They will not fully understand the mystery of God. This mystery is only shown those who “love one another, for loves comes from God. Everyone who loves, has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).

Complete Understanding, Full Assurance

      The Greek word is plérophoria: meaning “full assurance, complete certainty, full conviction.” It stands for confident assurance. So “let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings” (Heb 10:22).

  Full assurance is when we know and love God our trust in Him is over the top and running over. “You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Ps 23).

      This God given assurance is known by our spirits that this is true. Our hearts know it is true, and our minds agree with this fact. By “the Holy Spirit and deep conviction” (1 Thess 1:5). Our hearts, our minds, our emotions, our intellect, and our inner spirit—testifies that God loves me. Only due to the grace of God, I have full forgiveness of my sins.

You May Know the Mystery of God

  This is something that God has revealed to you personally, that you cannot fully explain. How God lives in you (1 John 3:24), influences you and warms your heart toward Him—is a mystery.

  There is no formula to explain it, it is all by the mysterious actions of God and His Spirit. For “The [Holy] Spirit himself testifies with our [human] spirit that we are God’s children… For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God” (Rom 8:16,14).

  You know this is true, just because you know it is a “mystery in which is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27). This understanding is not verbally possible to explain, only the heart knows. Our human spirit and heart tell us it is true.

      This experience gives you full assurance (NKJV) and opens all God’s hidden sources and treasure of wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom is a gift from God leading us to make better decisions in every area of our lives. From our diet, our relationships, our family and spouse, our sleep, our choice of entertainment and better use of our free time. Wisdom from God is more precious than almost anything else this world offers.

“Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
  How unsearchable his judgments,
  and his paths beyond tracing out!”
Rom 11:33

“We continually ask God to fill you with the

knowledge of his will through all the wisdom

and understanding that the Spirit gives.”

Col 1:9

Colossians 2:4 I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 2:5 For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined [orderly] you are and how firm [steadfast] your faith in Christ is.

2:4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 2:5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. NKJV

I Tell You This

      Paul in the previous verses told us about his “goal” for this fellowship. He wanted to be “united in love,” which would create an atmosphere for them to have “full assurance” and share, together all the “wisdom and knowledge” of God. Together they are not as likely to be deceived by false teachings.

What Delighted the Evangelist Paul?

      This congregation was firm, stable, steadfast, and disciplined in their faith in Jesus Christ. They stood side by side, in a solid stand, with unwavering confidence, through their faith in Christ. They faced together a world of universal pagan ideologies. Which revered immorality, loose morals, revenge, violence the world over, with Roman pride that believed that all things Roman was the best.

  Throughout the ages, many have had to stand alone against governments that hated their faith. This congregation stood together, loving one another, against their society that would seek to discourage and destroy their faith.

  So often when a revival takes place, or evangelist speaks at the church, after they leave, they lose most of their converts. Six months later, only a few may remain.

Paul’s prayer that this group would be given “wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Col 1:9), was a major factor in the solid will organized congregation.

  A well-ordered congregation will seek out the lost members. Educate the youth and new members. But best of all they were able to bring people together. Shoulder to shoulder, in love, “united in love” (Col 2:2). Altogether possessing “love in the Spirit” (Col 1:8).

I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order

and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

English Standard Version

I am glad as I see the resolute firmness with which

you stand together in your faith in Christ.

Good New Translation

I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and looking at your arrangement

and the solidness of your faith unto Christ.

Literal Emphasis Translation

  They were “strengthened with all power” from God, to give them “great endurance and patience” (Col 1:11). They were not bonded by a creed, a ceremony, a suit and tie, a music or worship style—but by “the true message of the gospel” (Col 1:3).

   It is amazing how fast a church can fall apart with a worship style change. We know of churches that are so proud, they only sing with a piano and organ, with old hymns. This is what they are, proud to hold on to traditions. They make these conditions almost a requirement to be part of their fellowship. Those who want praise songs are not welcomed. To them music style is part of the Gospel, although they cannot produce one reference from Jesus or his apostles to support this claim.

Fine Sounding Deceptive Arguments

       This congregation was a model church. They were “united in love” (Col 2:2). They were united in their faith in Christ. This was a major safeguard against deceptive teachings.

Congregations that are not united in love are vulnerable to embrace deceptive teachings as new light. They are more susceptible to listening to false prophets and individuals that cover their misleading teachings, with their education and recommendations.

       Their words and logical conclusions sound very persuasive. Soon they have a following that is used to give them more credibility.

  When Paul met with the Elders of Ephesus, for the last time, he warned them saying, “I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men [believers] will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30). They substitute new teachings that are in error, which are not in the Gospels to develop a network of followers.

  Jesus warned the disciples that after he leaves, they should “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, [pretending] but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matt 7:15).

  John the Apostle says false teachers “went out from us” (1 John 2:29). Also, John declares, “We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us” (1 John 4:6), that is the Apostles.

False teachers have the appearance of Christians. They look and act like Christians. They hold the Bible or place a cross on their clothes. They may claim to be trained at a Seminary in theology.

  But they have altered the way of salvation. They have substituted new teachings, which are not in the Gospels at all. The Colossian congregation was rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in faith in Christ” (Col 2;7), making them less likely to follow false teachers. Because together they could “Test all things” and were able to “hold fast what is good” (1 Thess 5:21). They could together “find out want pleases the Lord” (Eph 5:10).

Colossians 2:6 So then, (1) just as you received [by your faith] Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 2:7 (2) rooted and built up in him, (3) strengthened in the faith [in Christ] as you were taught, and (4) overflowing with thankfulness. NIV

2:6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in [with] Him, 2:7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. NKJV

A View on How to Grow a Model Church

       How to set the stage for public teaching of the gospels. What element should we have in the forefront of every public worship service?

Walk in Him

       The NIV says we are to continue to live our lives in him, while the Greek text reads, just walk in him. The New American Standard renders the text accurately, “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” Just trust him, no matter what.

       What does this mean? It means as you walk around in home and office, you are not alone. You are aware of His presence. Immediately you talk to the Lord about this, confessing any sin from your conscience, as you go forward by faith alone. For faith will never leave you alone.

       When walking with God, He is always with us, yet He is always out ahead of us. When Jesus met Nathanael   he said, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit. How do you know me? Nathanael, asked. Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.’” (John 1:48).

       God is so far ahead of us in his planning and care, the time and distance is unimaginable. Paul declares, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world” (Eph 1:4). God’s planning on our behalf goes back to a time before there was time. God is always in advance of us and has given us the “hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time” (Titus 1:2).

       The point is, once you come to know and accept Him in your life, it is hard very hard, probably impossible to lose God. When life knocks you down, remember this: God has provided provision and guidance for you, and things in our life never take Him by surprise.

Walk With Him

       John writes to his fellowship, “This is how we know [are sure, with no doubt] that we belong to the truth [to Him] and how we set our hearts at rest [feel at ease, quiet] in his presence” (1 John 3:19).

  Take this promise, claim it, hold on to it. Review it all day long. Do not let troublesome circumstances cause you to feel you have no right to be at rest in God and His Son Jesus Christ.

  Rest in God, now, today, tonight, tomorrow expect you can, and you will rest in God. In his presence, his smile, his love, his care for you and those you love. His faithfulness gives you assurance that He is with you and for you.

  Rest, in peace, with all your heart, close your eyes sleep there tonight, Wake up in the morning with no doubt or feeling that God has deserted you, forgotten you, left you alone or has separated  himself from you finding you unacceptable due to your sins, your forgetfulness, your faults, your doubts, or your troubles. Rest in his presence, feel that this is a secure and safe place, even as the storms of life blow across your pathway. Rest in your mind, in your heart, with your soul, denying your feelings that may tell you the opposite. Rest right inside the presence of God, by faith alone, in His Word alone. Hold out and upward your hands for God to fill them with His gift of love, assurance, and support for you. Do it now! Tell the Lord you want light in your life, not darkness.

  Remember the troublesome events in your life are not hard for God to manage. We cannot solve problems by worry, or by mental rehearsal of troubling events.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

 and I will give you rest.

Matt 11:28

Rooted in Him

       To be rooted is to be very stable and firm. We saw a picture of a title wave that swept over an island and the only thing standing, was the Palm trees. They looked like they were weathered, but they were still alive. We have read that some people have been saved in storms by holding on to the palm tree.

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,

they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon,

planted in the house of the Lord,

they will flourish in the courts of our God.

Ps 92:11-13

      What are we to be rooted in, certainly not just sand. In the Ephesians Paul prayed that “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, and I pray that you, being rooted and established in love” (Eph 3:17).

  Notice that Love is not itself the root, it is love of and for Christ, which is deeply rooted, in us. It is not at all like the Beatles song which is just romantic in surface: “Love, love, love all you need is love.”

Love cannot grow deep, with any bitterness. This is a chief reason why many congregations are devoid of the Spirit, there is hatred, animosity, class divisions by education, family exclusiveness or racial divisions that create separation from the mainstream, in and among them.

  Love cannot grow deep, when the church leaders do not often express their personal love of God. The congregation will be held together by social means and doctrinal convictions. Not by love for each other that springs from love of God and love from God. “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11).

Build Up In Him

       Rooted in love provides a solid foundation to build a large structure. Building up takes place overtime. Daily learning and growing in the knowledge of God. Peter says, “Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord” (2 Pet 1:2).

• Building up—Is in good fellowship and fellowship with other strong believers.

• Building up—Is in good Biblical Sermons.

• Building up—Is in found in group Bible Studies.

• Building up—Is found in personal Bible study, mostly the New Testament.

• Building up—Is found in belonging to a prayer group.

• Building up—Is found in listening or singing with sacred music.

• Building up—Is found in much time for prayer. Pray for everything possible.

• Building up—In Him is Christocentric, growing over years higher, deeper, and surer.

• Building up—Pray for stronger faith and trust. Watch your faith grow.

As You Were Taught

  Paul is telling the Colossian believers to remember the lessons he taught them. To not forget them. A strong church will give emphasis on what Paul taught, in Colossians, Ephesians, Romans, and Galatians. All his letters to the churches should be given constant review and application.

  We have asked long term believers, since their childhood, if they remember anything in the books of Colossians or Ephesians. Nearly all of them cannot remember one specific text.

  We have asked believers if they could tell us what Justification by Faith is, as taught in nearly ten chapters by Paul. They cannot. Can you?

  This is a common weakness of the Western Church, they have Bibles. But they do not know Scriptures. Some congregations are so focused on the Old Testament, which is good, but leads to neglect of the most important ideas of Scriptures. Because “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:2) are hidden in Christ.

  Some congregations teach that the Gospel is given to make us rich. Such never was the example of Jesus or his Apostles.

  Some congregations are so focused on speaking in tongues, they think this is central, most essential aspect of the gospel. It is not, as we all know.

  The neglect of the letters of Paul, Peter and John will result in a weak foundation. It is reason why there are so many conflicts between members, divorces, and loss of youth in these churches.

Overflowing Thankfulness

  One of the good and beneficial side effects of serious study of Scriptures is praise and thankfulness. It will flow from our lips without even trying to think of something to be thankful for. We will be thankful for the Spirit that God has sent to live in us. Thankful for Christ, his love and his promises made real to us.

  A church with no or little public thankfulness is generally not rooted in Christ, at all.

  But please take note, thankfulness is not so much self-centered. We do not see Paul, Peter or John detail events in their lives or ministry that they are boastfully thankful. They fail to talk much about themselves or bring attention to the ways God has blessed. John, in his three letters, could have listed all the miracles that attended his life, but he did not even mention one. Beware of a thankful testimony that is mostly self-centered, so others can see what great things they have done.

  Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matt 6:1).

  Thankfulness and praise should be gospel centered, directed to God. Sure, there is a place to mention what God has done for you, for which you are so thankful. Especially in private and family prayer, we can recall all the good things that God has provided, with gratefulness and praise.

  In public thankfulness, God will give us the right balance that will enable us to honor Him, not ourselves. We should follow Paul’s example in Colossians, taking note on how little honor, he gives himself, and how much more praise to God and His Son. If anyone had reason to boast, it was the Apostle Paul, we can never know all the miracle stories that accompanied his ministry—but alas they were of no importance in comparison to praiseworthiness to be given to God alone.

Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition [their societies and customs] and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. NIV [Note: The words “Spiritual forces,” was added to the text by NIV]

2:8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty [worthless] deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. NKJV

2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. NAS

See To It, Beware

      The primary Greek verb means to “behold, beware, perceive,” in English it means to be alert to a danger. It carries the idea that we should look carefully at something to identify it correctly. Paul wants us to be cautious about the claims of human philosophy and the cultural traditions of society, which may lead you away from “faith in Christ Jesus” (Col 1:4).

Takes You Captive

  In Greek it means to carry someone off as plunder. Paul is not talking about human trafficking, but the “true message of the gospel” (Col 1:5). To be led away from Scriptures, and believe in the world’s invitation, its approach to human happiness and peace. There are thousands of books in different languages, by very learned individuals, which claim the ability to guide your life. But they are devoid of Scriptures, “the way of truth” (2 Pet 2:2). Because God has “rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” (Col 1:13).

Hollow or Empty Deceptive Philosophy

  In the Greek it means to be empty. Meaning what is promised, they cannot give. Because it is not “in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus” (Eph 4:21).

  There are millions of seminars and movies, YouTube videos, which teach one how to live happy and productive lives, solve internal and emotional conflicts, with no reference to God.

  Buddhism is an example, they teach cultivating inner calmness, by training the mind with mindfulness, meditation, and compassion, focusing on acceptance of the present moment.

  What their followers receive is not the real thing, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:7). To guard our minds from self-hatred and obsessions that seize our minds. From the frustrations that come from disappointment in love, family, business, or marriage. From the petty jealousies that plague our waking thoughts. From the obsessions that demand attention that are unwholesome and unproductive. What they offer are various counseling techniques, but they cannot deliver what they claim. This is the reason why, sometimes, mind-altering drugs are prescribed for self- control.

Taken Captive by Popular Philosophy

  Today there are many who teach a way of life they claim will bring fulfillment and meaning. While they ignore or deny the influences of faith in God and the real joy that comes from “love in the Spirit” (Col 1:8) and “joy in the Lord” (Isa 58:14).

  They want you to accept popular philosophies, because they reject the “wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Col 1:9). Which alone can connect us to “the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God” (Rom 11:33).

Philosophy in Paul’s Time

      It is possible that Paul was making a reference to Plato and Greek philosophers, which was so popular in Greek Roman culture. Pagan gods were regarded as a deity. They would pray to a god hoping that they would be shown favor and given success. Their gods did not love them, often they were indifferent to them. There was very detailed account of each Roman and Greek god, what they stood for and what one could gain from their worship. Greek mythology is account of the life of their gods giving to the worshiper hope for a favor.

Modern Philosophy

  We have whole wing of medicine that sees no therapeutic value in the knowledge of the love and peace of God, revealed to us through His Son, and ministered personally inside us by the Spirit. “For God is love, whoever lives in [God’s’] love, lives in God and God in them…and we know it by the Spirit, He gives us.” (1 John 4:16; 3:24). Modern therapy offers counseling, that most often prescribe drugs as a remedy for mental trouble.

  It is not possible for even a Christian therapist to impart the Spirit of God into a troubled patience. The Spirit is like “the wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit” (John 3:8). A therapist cannot prescribe the Spirit of God. They cannot promise that their counseling will result in a sudden love for God and others through the medium of the Spirit. Because the Spirit is like the natural wind that no one can order to stop or come.

  The Christian therapist can tell from their experience what it is like to have, to know, to realize the blessedness of having “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1).

A Christian therapist knows they cannot impart the sweet indwelling of God’s gracious, peaceful, gentle, loving Spirit. The genuine Spirit that makes a temple home inside us. But they can talk about their experience, in humble way, not making themselves an example. Then urge them to look to Christ and personally. They can tell their patients, “those who seek me [will] find me” (Prov 8:17). Tell them to claim God’s promise, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer 29:13).

“This is what the Lord says to Israel: “Seek me and live” 

Amos 5:4

“Come near to God and he will come near to you” 

James 4:8

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; 

knock and the door will be opened to you.

 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; 

and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” 

Matt 7:7,8

We cannot understate the importance of personally calling out to God. Tell God you want to know Him, to receive of Him favor, grace, most of all “peace of mind” and forgiveness. God has promised to “reward those who earnestly seek him” (Heb 11:6). This is the starting point of real change in your life. It will become new and your fears will be quieted by an outside power, that you will know is from God Himself, for peace will come over you. 

  Only when we are “in Christ” can we be “brought to fullness” of life. Not only here on earth, but in the hereafter. In Christ we have “the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time” (Titus 1:2). Modern secular philosophy believes they have the answers for better human behavior, and they do have helpful advice in many areas. There are two things that they cannot offer, the grace and forgiveness of god or eternal life beyond the grave.

Human Traditions Are Followed

  This refers to tradition as passed on from one generation to the next. The Civil War in the United States is an example of the imbedded culture that held people of color to be inferior. Their culture permitted slavery, even under harsh conditions and severe punishments. These customs were passed down from one generation to another. Not till after about 640,000 deaths was that cultural idea of slavery abolished.

  There are thousands of different cultures that have traditions, some are harmless. While some traditions promote a way of life that runs contrary to the gospel account. There are many examples in history where governments have created customs that encourage hatred of Jewish people, Christians or others of another ethnic group.

Basic or Fundamental Principles of the World

  Christianity is not a philosophy created through human minds or government legislation.

It is not a knowledge of abstract principles, but a personal knowledge of faith and love of God in Christ. Teachers that are highly praised in the world, most often will deny faith in God as of any importance. “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor 1:24).

  They will teach human wisdom as truth and believers stand to lose when they listen to men and women with Ph.D.’s but are unfamiliar with “joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52). They do not know about how it is possible for “God’s love” to be “poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Rom 5:5).

2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. NAS

Colossians 2:9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 2:10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power [ruler] and authority. NIV

2:9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 2:10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power NKJV

2:9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, 2:10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority. NAS

The Text

      The NIV says “in Christ you have been brought to fullness” is their interpretation of the Greek text. Which literally reads “you are in Him complete.” The Berean Literal Bible says, “You are complete in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority.” As well as King James Version says, “ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power”

You are Complete In Him (NKJV)

      The Greek word pléroó meaning to be Complete carries the idea of being filled up or made full, as the NIV says fullness. In that you have been given fullness of life in union with Christ. In this union there is no other needed source. No other required extra power or information before you are made complete in Christ. For he “fills everything in every way” (Eph 1:23)

      These two verses refer to the above content, about being deceived by philosophies of the world and its cultures. We do not need the “traditions of men” to be added to Scriptures. As if we need to add to Christ, secular authorities, to complete our spiritual understanding and give us additional practices.

      In Paul’s first prayer in Colossians he says, “We continually ask God to fill you [pléroó] with the knowledge of His will through all wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives [to us]” (Col 1:9). Being brought to fullness, we are given access to wisdom, understanding that the Holy Spirit constantly, presently in real time, imparts to us. Often without our notice.

  For “my God will meet [will supply, pléroó] all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). Fullness in Christ attends to our “daily bread” (Matt 6:11) as well as needed wisdom in the many tasks that we are assigned to do in life.

  Since in Christ, all of God was present in his human form, in his words and life. His absolute universe creative power was hidden from human sight. It was not visible when the crowds wanted to crucify him. However, to the believer in Christ, his fullness is made available, on His command, for our needs. 

  For our Spiritual growth. Take a minute to thank the Lord of Glory, for all with which you are blessed. For all your abundance, in every way!

  His authority over all demons and Satanic forces always results in their complete defeat and soon their ultimate destruction. As prophesied, for “the devil…was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur” (Rev 20:10).

In Him You have Been Made Complete (NAS)

      There is nothing that can separate us from God, because in Him we are brought to fullness. As Paul has affirmed to us, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” (Rom 8:34,35). Our completeness in Christ stands for His defense of us. He holds us tight by His completeness with his Father. Thus, both from the Father and His Son we can say: "But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.” (Ps 3:3). The old King James Version says, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.”

My adversaries pursue me all day long;

in their pride many are attacking me.

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

In God, whose word I praise—

in God I trust and am not afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?

Ps 56:2-4

Apostle John’s Teaching on Being Made Complete in Christ

1 John 2:5 But if anyone obeys his [Christ] word, love for God is truly made complete ‘in them’ [plural]. This is how we know we are in him [Jesus Christ]: 2:6 Whoever claims to live [abide] in him must live [walk] as Jesus did [walked]. NIV

The Shocking Truth

      If the faith of a Christian has not resulted in love for God, their faith if very immature. We may hold on too many doctrines, such as water baptism, tithing, prophecy of the second coming or various interpretations of last day events. They mean nothing at all—if the love of God is not evident in our lives.

The Love of God Makes us Complete

  The Greek word for complete in the NIV is means: “To complete, to perfect, to accomplish, to bring to an end.” It carries the idea of spiritually growing to reach a goal, to be mature. What is this goal? The Love of God is to be made complete in us, we are to “live in Him and He in us” made evident by much love for God. To make this possible “He has given us of His Spirit” (1 John 4:13).

  The Love of God is the most potent, powerful influence we can possess in our life. Because God’s love dwells, abides, in us it has a holy influence that transforms us. Thus, it can be said, “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Pet 1:16), since a holy God dwells in us, lives in us, abides in us, holiness built all around love, is His influence on our lives.

  God’s love placed in us is what makes us complete and mature, ready for “the Day of the Lord” (1 Thess 5:2). “God is love. Whoever lives in love, lives in God and God in them” (1 John 4:16), meaning God’s love is alive, living in us. So much so, that we love to sing praises saying, “How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!” (Ps 147:1).

  Love is the channel, the cord, the means by which God dwells in us and proof that we are growing believers in God. Belief in God is not theory, not theology, not lessons memorized, not church attendance but love for God welling up inside us.

   The love of God alone can influence love for others. God’s love alone can create impulses inside us to do good to others. Thus, we are said to be “keeping his commands” (1 John 2:3). “He [Jesus] has given us this command(ment): Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister” (1 John 4:21).

      John wants us to know what will give us confidence, give us assurance that we will be welcomed by God into life everlasting. It is God’s love that lives in us and is outwardly seen in loving others is the most important assurance that will be among those that have “been redeemed from the earth” (Rev 14:3).

1 John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another [always]. 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us. NIV

  For love to be made complete brings to view a long-term experience of dwelling with God and He in us. For love to grow, it takes time for the seed of love to become a very fruitful plant with large fruits of the Spirit.

      To be “made perfect in Love” (1 John 4:18) is not one step process. It is on-going every day of our lives. We will meet many different situations, that we know we should love someone, but we feel that they do not deserve it. We feel that we should give them back some of the injustice and lies that they have given to us. The thought is satisfying. But, if we are Born of God, we cannot do it, when God is dwelling in us and we have been dwelling in Him. It is just not possible unless we step out and away from the love of God that has filled our hearts. It would break and hurt our hearts if we did just that.

  “To know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Eph 3:19) The fullness of God is realized by a deeper, truer more profound experience of the love of Christ.

“In Christ YOU have been brought to fulfillment” (2:10)

Surgical Procedure by Christ

Colossians 2:10 In Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the Head over every power and authority.

Colossians 2:11 In him [Christ] you were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self-ruled by the flesh was put off [cut away] when you were circumcised by Christ, NIV

2:11 ‘In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ. NKJV

The Text

      The NIV adds the words “whole self ruled by,” and the NKJV add the word “the sins of,” to the Greek text. A good literal reading of the text is, “In him [in Christ] also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.” English Standard Version (ESV).

The Illustration of Circumcision

  Paul used a well-known, in his day, illustration of circumcision. Which was given to Abraham. It pointed to the children of Abraham, which was the start of Israel. They could only be united in marriage, with a person who follows this custom. This was the means God chose to keep the blood line of Abrham from being lost in all the nations, tribes, and peoples of the earth. So that in every mind, of every person that reads the account of the birth of Jesus, their promised Messiah. They will know for certain that God the “Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world” (1 John 3:14).

  Everybody knows for a fact that “the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matt 1:1), was the Son of God. Jesus did not just suddenly appear with no history, instead he was promise all throughout the long line of descendants of Abraham. Circumcision was one of the major means that kept alive the blood line of Abraham from which the true Messiah, the Savior of the world, would appear.

Putting off or Cutting Away From Our Body of Flesh

  Paul’s words are very brief, leaving us the need to further understand the text.

       Paul’s expression of putting off or cutting away means to remove and disarm something. Paul is not talking about our clothes or cutting our hair. The big picture is that something is done to us that we do not see, receive any sensation or feeling. It is a significant change made in us, by the hands of Christ.

  Christs removes, cuts away, something from us that we cannot do ourselves. The ancient practice of circumcision was done by human hands. Baptism is done with human hands. But in Paul’s expression, something is done to us, for us, by Christ, that is for the purpose of cutting away the “old self” that finds sin a pleasure and putting on us a “new self” that seeks loyalty to God and worship of His Son (Col 3:9.10).  

What Does This Mean?

  “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Eph 4:22,23)

  This is the best good news for all humanity. So many are plagued by memories of abuse, physical and mental, of mistakes, regrets, and hopelessness. They find peace in parties of pleasure, entertainment or substances such as alcohol and drugs. They want to silence their hollow tainted feelings, their betrayal in love, and the many disappointments that arise out of envy of others who seem to have everything they want.

Brought to fullness by Cutting Something Away

  This is very reassuring. When lust is demanding satisfaction, when jealousy and envy are destroying melody of pure prayer and praise. When depression has put us into a fog so deep, we cannot see any light giving us reason to hope again or even to live. When physical pains, mental harassment, and addictions to various drugs—demand satisfaction. There is hope. God will stand at your side to relieve you of these issues and give you peace. And bring into your life the ability to love again, with sincerity and emotion. The new you will arise, the old you will weaken and lose its power to seduce you. “The new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here” (2 Cor 5:17).

  We need Christ to cut us away from our bondage. To move us into the kingdom of light. Most of all, to remove from us what is needed, to have peace. To find freedom from the bondage of our sinful habits that control our every move.

The Process of Removal

  When we are struggling against our fallen habits, such as to be angry. Or some other ingrained habit. Take up your privilege to come to an all-powerful God. Call on the name of the Lord. Ask Him to remove this habit from life. It will come, sometimes soon or just the next day. God will give you peace and break the habits of a lifetime. Sometimes God does this all at once, and other times, as He knows what is best, cuts the attachments to habits more every day.

It is our highest honor to ask God, to cut away the things we know to be wrong and put on a new habit, new feelings, newer way to look at things. We can ask in prayer for any spiritual gift that will challenge every wish of our sinful nature, who has overpowered us.

      One very important secret: When tempted, meet with it with thanksgiving for everything, the grass you see or the blue sky. Meet by reading scripture out loud. Meet it with earnest prayer that you want deliverance, or you die. Keep learning Scriptures, the New Testament and Psalms. Seek earnestly, do not give in to delay. Pray to find a believer that has been born of the Spirit, to pray with you and for you. Pray while listening to praise music.

Pray these Psalms:

He [God] rescued me from my powerful enemy,

from my foes, who were too strong for me…

He rescued me from my powerful enemy,

from my foes, who were too strong for me.

Ps 18:17,19

Guard my life and rescue me;

do not let me be put to shame,

for I take refuge in you.

Ps 25:20

Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue;

be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.

Ps 31:2

Come near and rescue me; deliver me because of my foes.

 Ps 69:18

Listen to my cry,

for I am in desperate need.

Rescue me from those who pursue me,

for they are too strong for me.

Ps 142:6

Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,

for I hide myself in you.

Ps 143:9

In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;

turn your ear to me and save me.

Ps 71:2

Save me, O God,  

for the waters have come up to my neck.

I sink in the miry depths,

where there is no foothold.

I have come into the deep waters; the floods engulf me.

I am worn out calling for help;

my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

But I pray to you, Lord, in the time of your favor.

in your great love, O God,

answer me with your sure salvation.

Rescue me from the mire, do not let me sink;

deliver me from those who hate me, from the deep waters.

Do not let the floodwaters engulf me

or the depths swallow me up or the pit close its mouth over me.

Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love;

in your great mercy turn to me.

Do not hide your face from your servant; answer me quickly, for I am in trouble.

Come near and rescue me; deliver me because of my foes.

Ps 69 (A Messianic Psalm)

I call to You from out of the deep, Oh, Lord most high

Aware of my sin and the distance I keep, From the light, oh, Lord

But there is forgiveness with Thee, And in wonder, I fall on my knees

My soul waits for the Lord

In the hope of His promise

In the hope of His promise

Deliverance will come. My soul waits for the Lord

Through the night ′til the morning

Like a night watchman waiting, For the coming of the dawn

Look to the Lord, all you people in need, For He is kind

He will break the chains of your soul's slavery

For all time, oh, Lord

But there is forgiveness with Thee

And in wonder, I fall on my knees 

My Soul Waits (Psalm 130)

Maranatha Music 1971

• Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator (Col 3:10)

• Over all these virtues put on love (Col 3:14)

• Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph Col 4:24)

Brought to Fulfillment In Christ

Colossians 2:11 “In him [in Christ] also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.” English Standard Version

Colossians 2:12 having been [1st] buried with him in baptism, in which you were also [2nd] raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him [Christ] from the dead. NIV

2:2 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. NKJV

2:2 You were buried with Him in, your baptism, in which you were also raised with Him, to a new life, though, your, faith in the working of God, as displayed, when He raised Him up from the dead. AMP

First Be Baptized

  Before baptism, we have just two things to do. With humility, and with sorrow of repentance, confess our sins to God—then be baptized. As Peter told the crowds of people immediately after Pentecost, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Act 2:38).

  After you repented and confessed your sins, God will give you faith to see and know they have been forgiven. Faith is God’s gift to us. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this [faith] is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Eph 2:8).

  Our Faith thankfully is a gift to us from God. He designed something so simple and effective, with us weaklings in His mind. He did not create a lengthy list of prior requirements.

Furthermore, through this gift, we are only able to acknowledge and confess our sins, in the first place. Faith accomplishes many things for our good. Faith alone can give us eternal life.

Baptism, While Under the Water—Leaves Our Sins In the Grave

      Use the imagery of the grave. At our baptism, our confessed sins, and whatever else troubles us are removed from us and placed on Christ. While submerged under the water, a symbol of the grave, we leave them there on Christ. We are no longer guilty of these sins. Now justice has been made for my sins, death has been assigned to them. More than forgiven, they are removed from our record—there is no condemnation for me anymore. For Christ carried all our sins with him to the grave, on our behalf.

 Christ Became Alive at the Resurrection

  God does the hardest and more important work. He does not leave you in the grave with your sins. Just like Jesus was raised by His Father, so we too are raised, by the working of God. “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Rom 6:4). This is accomplished not by our studied efforts, not by our commitment to a list of rules, not by promise to do better in the future—but alone by the “all power” (Col 1:11) that belongs to God our Father. If God were not present, we would not be able to rise from the grave to live a new life and in soon to be future a new eternal life.

Have you Been Buried, Under the Water, with Christ in Baptism?

Have you Risen with Christ, from under the water, in Baptism?

• Do you acknowledge to God and His Son, that you wish to have all your sins forgiven?

• Do you acknowledge to God and His Son, that in Christ you want to be brought to “fullness” (Col 2:10)

• Do you acknowledge to God and His Son, that you want your faith “rooted and built up” to higher levels? (Col 2:7)

• Do you acknowledge to God and His Son, that you want “your faith, established” and made “firm” so that it cannot be moved “from the hope” inside you of “the gospel” (Col 1:23)

• Do you acknowledge to God and His Son, that you want to be “rescued” from all darkness so that you can “share in the inheritance” God gives to children in “the kingdom of light” (Col 1:12,13).

• Do you acknowledge to God and His Son, that the Spirit will give you daily a “knowledge” of God’s “will.” But more that the Spirit will also impart to me “wisdom and understanding” (Col 1:9)

• Do you acknowledge to God and His Son, that God can impart to you “love in” from “the Spirit” (Col 1:8).

• Do you acknowledge to God and His Son, that you want to “truly understand God’s grace” in your life (Col 1:6)

• Do you acknowledge to God and His Son, that you want to realize the “hope stored up for you in heaven” that springs from your “faith and love (Col 1:5)

• Do you acknowledge to God and His Son, that you want to “love” all God’s people” in ways you have never done it before (Col 1:3).

• Have you “set your heart on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Col 3:1).

Colossians 2:13 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins. NIV

2:13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses NKJV

This is not the End of the Chapter Yet 

More Coming Often Daily

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