Col. 2:1-10 (KJV)
For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them
at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; [2]
That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and
unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement
of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; [3] In whom are
hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. [4] And this I say, lest
any man should beguile you with enticing words. [5] For though I be absent
in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your
order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.[6] As ye have therefore
received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [7] Rooted and built
up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding
therein with thanksgiving. [8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy
and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the
world, and not after Christ. [9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of
the Godhead bodily. [10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head
of all principality and power:
Paul was in great spiritual conflict, wrestling in prayer against Satan who was seeking (and still is!) to lead these steadfast believers astray. False teachers have very attractive views on life and use enticing words to communicate their philosophies. Because we are a knowledge hungry people, and habitual “information gatherers”, it is appealing to eat of their wonderfully prepared teachings. Such exercise is a quick fix to our sense of uprightness and a trip to the Christian bookstore is always a religious boost for the struggling saint - temporarily. We feel holier as the percentage of information in our bucket accumulates, especially data that has been collected from a trendy teacher. BUT, true wisdom and knowledge is hid in Christ! The Bible calls these treasures; they are more than cheap trinkets lying on the surface of the ground for anyone to claim and show off. Such treasures won’t and can’t be found just anywhere but must be diligently and soberly searched for deep within the pages of the Bible! Only those who recognize and appreciate the value of Christ will discover the secret things of God. Thus, when all the treasures of wisdom are found, they bring substance to the character of the saint. Yes, every Word of God is a treasure - every doctrine, every command, every example, every principle, every warning, every reproof, every correction, and every promise – there isn’t one single word that isn’t highly valuable to the believer! Each word is profitable; it is advantageous to our souls and increases our worth as ambassadors for Christ.
2 Tim. 3:16-17 (KJV)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That
the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Ladies, some of your works aren’t as pleasing to God as they ought to be and that is because you haven’t responded properly to God’s Word! Is your Christian witness nothing more than a cheap trinket, a surface-oriented Christianity, exempt of any depth of character? The better we know the Word, the better furnished we will be for all good works. Are you quicker to embrace man’s teachings than those of your Creator? Listen, Christians can be taken captive by the ideas of other men and women. Countless born-again individuals are lured, enthralled, wooed, charmed, fascinated etc. with teachings outside the Bible and embrace them wholeheartedly and without scriptural evaluation. Oh, they might please you, but it’s ruining your faith in Christ! There is always danger of God’s people going into error and it is a temptation believers will continually face.
Romans 10:17 (KJV)
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Paul knew the powers of evil so well and here expressed great passion and a heavy burden for the Colossians and warned them. He wished they knew what he knew… Paul goes on to encourage these believers to have their roots in the Word of God, built up in its truths in order to guard against falling prey to the various philosophies, religious scams, customs, and worldly programs that crop up. A Biblical foundation is critical to the survival of each and every convert! Though a child of God cannot lose their salvation, they can be spoiled. (tainted with untruths, seduced by false doctrine) Competitors to the Word of God disrupt our belief and growth and discredit the work of Christ. It isn’t “Christ plus something” or “ “Christ and something” it is only Christ we need; He is all in all. There are no substitutes for the power of Christ; in Him dwelleth all fullness; in Him we are complete.
How deep would you say are the roots of your faith, dear lady? Are you one of those who are effortlessly sucked in to the popular religious teachings of the day? Do the enticing words of mainstream religious leaders easily beguile you? Listen, God’s treasures are hidden in Christ; He is the head of all principality and power. If you bypass your understanding of Jesus for something more to your liking, you’ll end up with a cheap trinket. It might make you feel “pretty” for a little while, but it won’t last long!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2004 Pamela A. Iannello
