Hearts United in Love

June 23, 2019 Background Scripture: Colossians 2:1 – 15 Lesson Passage: Colossians 2:1 – 15 There is always a danger of watering down the gospel by mixing it with something else that is not of Christ. Christ is sufficient. This is a simple concept that is often difficult to grasp—even for believers. It just seems natural to want to find something else to add to the gospel narrative. We use philosophy, religion, civil law, and a host of other things in our attempt to augment the gospel. Philosophy, legalism, and religious rituals can be the greatest threat to the growth of a believer’s faith. The more we depend on other things to support the gospel, the further we move away from depending on God. We like to feel self-sufficient. This is not a recent phenomenon or development. The Apostle Paul struggled with this same behavior in some of the first century congregations. Paul labored in prayer and teaching the scriptures to strengthen them. Paul acknowledged working hard on behalf of the congregation that was at Colossae—although he had not met some of them personally. He prayed earnestly for them that they would be joined together in the love of Christ. True knowledge of Christ gives understanding that is wealth, which consists of wisdom and knowledge found in Christ. Paul desired for all Christians, everywhere, to come into the sincere knowledge of Christ. He even prayed earnestly for those he had not met personally, such as the congregation of Colossians. The lack of scriptural knowledge concerning Christ was causing many to become unstable in their faith. This was not good during a time when Christians were enduring much persecution. Stability of faith is based on the assurance that comes from understanding who Christ is and not based on persuasive arguments. New believers need to be well grounded in their faith. Afterwards, they need to grow spiritually and become part of the ministry of making disciples for Christ. The believer’s faith in Christ establishes a root but walking in the knowledge of Christ builds the believer up. When we walk in the knowledge of Christ, we continuously acknowledge him as our Lord. Believers should seek to know more about Christ and to continuously experience his presence. All fullness for a believer is found only in Christ. Philosophy can be a powerful attractant and people are often drawn to it. Our flesh revels in philosophy. Paul warned the Colossians that being drawn to philosophy and away from the centrality and all-sufficiency of Christ was dangerous for them as believers. Those warnings still hold true today. Another threat to new believers involves moral law. Part of the Law God gave Israel through Moses was a moral law. All of the demonic forces that could come against a believer could only do so because of the Law. Sin gives strength to the Law. Christ took on the Law by meeting its righteous demands and was made sin by being nailed to the cross. Through his actions, Christ canceled the sin debt for all believers who put their faith in him and the finished work on Calvary’s cross. Today, it could be said that the greatest enemy of the believer is false teaching. False teaching causes believers to become sidetracked from true spiritual growth in Christ. Like the first century believers, we must strive to resist false teaching, philosophy, and legalism. As we do so, we will find our hearts united together in love. Robert C. Hudson May 16, 2019