Friday, November 30, 2018

Colossians 2:1-3

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

Colossians addresses the problem of lack, a lack of meaning and life within. The true secret to real life is a mystery. In order to bring real life to our souls, we must truly experience fellowship with Jesus Christ who has chosen to live within His followers. 

When Jesus is this real to us, even difficulties and trials are meaningful to us. So meaningful we discover they are a means to adventure in life with our friend Jesus Christ. Out of such a life, we discover that which is real. And, a sense of risk, perhaps even danger, is embraced by us in time. 

Paul wrote Colossians while in prison. In it, he highlights his efforts to help believers experience the life Jesus died to give us, a life full of adventure.  

In Colossians 1, the Apostle wrote about praying for them. Prayer is one very important element involved in our fellowship with the Lord and with one another.  Think about it, we practice God’s presence in the midst of our most difficult moments in life. And, as a result, prayer is an important element to experiencing a changed heart. 

Paul literally “agonized" in prayer. Agonize (ἀγωνιζόμενος/agonizomenos) is the word that Paul uses here. The Apostle wrestled deeply in prayer which was the product of dealing with deep troubles in his own life. Through his own agony God not only provided answers for Paul, He provided many, many answers to many, many people. 

Such is the nature of our trials. In 1 Peter 4:12-13 we read, "12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." 

When we go through the deepest of waters, we are poised to discover God. And, in discovering Him, we discover a lot of truths about life. And, when God blesses us like this, He always has others in mind.

Paul's goal, according to Colossians 2:2 is to encourage the Colossians in order to unite them in love. In doing so, Paul is illustrating a very important principle in leading others to spiritual maturity: building a relationship with people is the way to help them to what is really real.  

When we grasp what the word of God is saying on how to handle life it becomes exciting. It gives us the sense that we are not alone, that we don't have to handle our problems alone, or that we don't have to lean heavily on human advice, though God often provides help in that way. We gain a different attitude toward the irritations that come at us. And, we naturally want to help others find the truth that we have discovered.

We were wired with two GREAT needs: to be loved and to love. This is why we clamor so much to find significance in this world through our relationships, jobs, and accomplishments. And, there is no greater satisfaction than to know that we have impacted an everlasting soul with that which is eternal.