STABLISHED IN THE FAITH . . . WITH THANKSGIVING

In these early days there were false teachers who sought to infiltrate the people of God with their error. Gnosticism prided itself on superior knowledge and mysticism. Asceticism advocated a system of self-denial to obtain a higher spiritual state, v. 21.

The letter contains warnings against the philosophy of men, worshipping of angels, and matters regarding foods, festivals, and sabbaths. All these things undermine the work of Christ. We need to pay particular attention to this in our day when there are still those who use enticing words and fair speech to deceive God’s people.

The Apostle counteracts these errors in a masterful way by displaying in this Epistle the fullness and supremacy of Christ, and the sufficiency of His work upon the cross. So, the Apostle exercises ‘great conflict’ in prayer for these saints whom he has never met. His desire is that they might not be drawn away, but their hearts may be strengthened, knit together in love to present a united stance against the false teachers and their error.

Paul is convinced that the only safeguard against such is the understanding of ‘the mystery’, which is Christ Himself, 1. 27.

The Gnostics boasted in knowledge beyond that of divine revelation, but here Paul is saying that nothing additional is needed because all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ. For this reason, they should not allow persuasive words and clever argument to delude them.

The Apostle challenges the Colossians to live in Him, to be rooted in Him as a tree is rooted in the ground, and to be built up as a building is constructed on a firm foundation.

An ungrateful heart is open to delusion and deception, but the thankful believer will be established in the faith, walking in Christ Jesus the Lord.