In
the first part on this subject I discussed that we are sufficient for the journey because in
Christ we are complete. The first point was:
I. Complete
Love and the Assurance it Provides
We
continue:
II. Complete Dedication and the Stability it
Establishes
(Colossians 2:4-7) In Colossians
2:4, Paul warns, “...lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.” Lightfoot comments on what Paul
is thinking here: “I wish to warn you against
anyone who would lead you astray by specious argument and persuasive rhetoric.”
Paul is in prison; that why he
says, “...though I be absent...” (Colossians 2:5a). Although he
is not present he is rejoicing that they are in “order” (“taxis”, Greek). “Taxis” refers to a line of soldiers drawn up for
battle. The apostle is also rejoicing in their “stedfastness” (“stereoma” in Greek). “Stereoma” refers to the solidity of a
formation of soldiers. As I see this parallel I think back to seeing the young
men at West Point marching shoulder to shoulder in perfect precision.
Colossians 2:6 tells us, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him” (Colossians 2:6). This means we
shall “walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us” (Ephesians 5:2). It means we
shall “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). We shall “walk worthy” (Ephesians 4:1). We shall “walk in truth,” (III John, verse 4). We shall “walk in wisdom
toward those that are without” (Colossians 4:5). We shall “walk in the
Spirit” (Galatians 5:16,25). When we
are turning away from beguiling and enticing words and when we march in cadence
to our heavenly calling in Christ we become “rooted and built up and established in the faith...” (Colossians 2:7a). The phrase “built up” is “epoikodomoumenoi” which is a present-tense
participle indicating continuous action. As we grow in grace, God establishes
the believer continuously through His word.
III. Complete Union and the Confidence it Secures
(Colossians 2:8-10) The word “philosophy” comes to us from two Greek
words: “phileo” (to love) and “sophia” (wisdom). Philosophy is the
love and pursuit of wisdom. Man from time immemorial has been asking, “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” and “Where am I going?” Philosophy pathetically
attempts to answer these questions. Without God the mere musings of the
miniscule mind of man is vain, empty pursuit. His beginning point is his own
egotistical, narcissistic self and will therefore never arrive at ultimate
reality. Friedrick Nietzsche declared God was dead, yet he could not live
within the perimeters of his own reasonings. He spent the last eleven years of
his life insane.
Colossians 2:8 says, “Beware lest any
man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit...” “Spoil you” is from the compound Greek word
“sulagogeo” made up of “sule” (booty) and “ago” (carry off). It literally means to carry off as
a spoil or booty of war. In other words, it means to kidnap. “Vain deceit” is empty deception. The “tradition” would not be the good
traditions of Bible teaching or moral culture; it is referring to the lies that
have been handed down from one person to another. Don’t allow
yourself to be kidnapped by any kind of heresy. “Rudiments” is the Greek word “stoicheia” referring to primary letters of
the alphabet. Paul is saying you have advanced in Christ; don’t go back to your A9BCs. It is like a graduate student going back to
kindergarten. Let us follow the admonition of Hebrews 11:6, “...let us go on
unto perfection....” “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9). The word “dwelleth” is synonymous with “home address.” In Christ all the fullness
(pleroma) of the Godhead dwells in bodily form.
In closing today’s study, we see “...ye are complete in him, which is
the head of all principality and power” (Colossians 2:10). You are fully rigged, equipped and ready
for launching into the deep. Through Christ, you are ready for anything and
everything life’s voyages have to offer you.
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