Contending For You!

We must not cease in contending for one another!

Colossians 2:1-12

Colossians 2:1 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;

• Point of Study: Paul as a Christian illustrated a heart to contend and go to spiritual battle for other believers. Some of those at the church of Colossae had never meet Paul personally but he was in prayer and study to edify them.

Colossians 2:2 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;

Colossians 2:3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

• Point of Study: Paul’s desire is that the believers are recipients of loved-based teaching from the Word of God which will result in a strengthened spiritual understanding. This paves the way to a mature knowledge of God’s mystery about Christ. In verse 3 the word “hid” does not mean unknown, it means “stored away” or “laid up”.  This is a biblical formula to unlock all the laid up treasures of wisdom and knowledge through the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

• Point of Study: Another illustrated benefit of an obtained mature knowledge of God is the ability to discern vain ideas and concepts which wish to sweep you away. Although they may sound well-crafted and intriguing, deception would ring clear to the ear of the believer.

Colossians 2:5 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.

• Point of Study: Continuing with the theme of contending for one another we must also rejoice with one another and praise the progression of each other! The world can be challenging but is always brighter with spiritual encouragement.

Colossians 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:

Colossians 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

Point of Study: Verse 6-7 are profound and speak loudly for themselves!!

Colossians 2:8 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.

• Point of Study: As Christians we have not been freed from the bondage of sin to just enter into manmade bondage of any kind. The word “spoiled” here is illustrated as carried away from truth by false teaching.

Colossians 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.

Colossians 2:10And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

Colossians 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

• Point of Study: This expounds that our flesh and sinful nature has been removed and broken by Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

• Point of Study: Through the baptism of God’s Holy Spirit we have risen from our sins, habits, and values of our unconverted life.