Colossians 2 reminds me of the role of a great Dad. We were not all raised with a mentoring father, but knowing that someone has our back gives us the confidence to move forward. Unity with the right person can teach us excellence. Today’s lesson is about becoming whole. Paul continues his letter to the church by letting them know he is in their corner; “know how hard I am contending for you”. I believe Paul is fighting a spiritual battle on their behalf. Paul stands in the gap “that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love”. He desires that they develop “the full riches of complete understanding”. That is not possible without communicating God’s grace. Paul will give them snippets of wisdom, believing that they desire to understand “the mystery of God, namely, Christ”. Without a firm foundation, we are easily manipulated. “I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments”. Paul will coach them throughout the chapter, but first he comforts; “I am present with you in spirit”. He encourages them by noting “how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is”. Then Paul makes a pivotal statement about remaining grounded. He begins, “just as you received Christ… continue to live your lives in Him”. Most come to salvation after exhausting their own resources. In humility, they grasp onto hope. Paul explains that as we continue follow Christ, we become “rooted…built up… strengthened… and overflowing with thankfulness”. My friend, do you offer this hope to those in need?
Paul next warns them not to be persuaded by the seduction of man-made additions to the gospel. He calls these religious requirements a “hollow and deceptive philosophy” built “on human tradition… rather than on Christ”. Any time we elevate what we can do above the sacrifice of Jesus, we diminish the core truth; “in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form”. Paul explains that Jesus “is the head over every power and authority”. That means no matter how low, sad, or defeated we are, we can be resurrected into a new life. Jesus does not wait for us to get ourselves together. “When you were dead in your sins… God made you alive with Christ”. Everything that condemns us has been removed. Jesus “has taken it away, nailing it to the cross”. Forgiveness is received by faith, believing that our Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally and waits with open arms to receive us.
The chapter closes with a powerful reminder that the sinless sacrifice of Jesus set us free from the burdens of the law. Our human tendency is to add tasks to help determine our rank in the “club”, but that is not what Paul taught. He warns, “do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink… religious festival… celebration or… Sabbath day”. Paul notes that all of the Hebrew feasts, sacrifices, and festivals were given as a “shadow of the things that were to come… the reality… is found in Christ”. He continues by noting those who insist on religious requirements tend to trust int their own righteousness. They become “puffed up with idle notions”. The problem with keeping a religious scorecard is that we tend to believe we earned the mercy that Christ purchased. And worse, we judge others as less worthy. All have sinned and fallen short of God’s Glory; therefore, we need a Savior! Paul concludes, “Since you died with Christ”, why are you following rules “based on merely human commands and teachings”? We may have the “appearance of wisdom” to others, but that only leads to “false humility”. We cannot overlook the spiritual element. As a dad, I know my children will not embrace Christ because of my rules. Only the Holy Spirit of God can change hearts, but knowing I am in their corner may give them the confidence to seek Him. Friend, our Father in heaven believes in you and loves you unconditionally. Will you trust Him with your whole life