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. 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, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. (New International Version)
When you already have everything you need, it’s useless – and can even be damaging – to indulge in listening to fine sounding arguments about how you are missing out, lacking something, and/or falling short in some way.
For the Christian, the truth is: You now possess God’s treasure chest of wisdom and knowledge in Christ Jesus. So, why would you ever let someone deceive you through slick persuasion about having something superior to what you already have?
“Heresy” is really nothing more than making a bold claim to an alternative theological understanding than what you presently adhere to.
In some cases, an existing belief system is inferior and bogus. So, it’s a good thing when someone turns from bad religion in order to embrace a religion which is life-giving, helpful, and good.
Yet, if we already have a belief which is robustly full of righteousness and justice, and is good for the common life of everyone in the community, then it is dangerous to consider replacing it, or letting it fall into disuse.
The Apostle Paul’s consistent and overarching theme throughout his letter to the Colossian Christians is that Jesus Christ is sufficient, he is enough – more than enough – for our life and salvation.
That means the task of the Christian is to hold on to and cultivate what already has been taught to them according to apostolic tradition (that is, the Scriptures).
Another way of putting the matter: Learn to appreciate and enjoy what you already have, because it really is worth exploring, living into, and celebrating.
So, let’s put away any notions that standing firm in the faith involves defending your own personal brand of the Christian life (which is usually done obnoxiously) or for others to adhere to every jot and tittle of your own dogmatic theology.
To remain steadfast in the faith means primarily to nurture your faith – to actively pursue the spiritual life and concern oneself with the development of the soul. It is, more specifically, to keep on struggling to live into the words and ways of Jesus Christ; and to keep on learning and applying the apostolic teaching which has been passed down to us.
This is not too much to ask. It is reasonable (and biblical) to expect professing believers in Christ to put solid energy into encouraging one another in love and unity by means of sound Christian theology and doctrine.
Genuine and lasting unity depends upon both truth and love. Christians need to be of one mind and one heart, embracing the same values.
My dear wife and I recently celebrated 39 years of marriage together. Someone asked me today how we’ve made it all these years. I said that the main reason is that, although we are extreme opposites in nearly every way, we have both shared the same basic core values throughout our marriage. And that has gotten us through a lot of things.
Love for one another in the church will be maintained when we understand there is nothing being held back from us by God. The mystery of Christ has been revealed. There are no secrets. Solid and lasting relationships are built upon the foundation of truth. Nothing is held back.
We might as well lay bare everything, because it’s eventually going to happen one way or another.
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:13, NIV
If we begin to think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, then we start listening to other people – perhaps even inviting other lovers into our lives. But the truth is: If I have some delicious fresh fried catfish on my plate, why in the world would I ever settle for a measly can of tuna?
The unity of the Colossian Church was at stake for the Apostle Paul. Just because someone is skilled in the art of persuasion, and can speak a good line, doesn’t necessarily mean that those words are good, right, or just.
There’s nothing wrong with persuasion. In fact, Paul himself was highly skilled in rhetoric and persuasion. At issue is losing sight of the message and focusing solely on the means of communicating the message.
Oftentimes a false teacher who peddles a different message other than apostolic teaching, has a highly believable way about them – which is why folks can be deceived. When one is being charmed, then critical analysis is rarely on their mind.
We can also be self-deceived, deluding ourselves, and talking ourselves into going down a bad path. It is most necessary to evaluate things according to the content rather than the attractiveness of the packaging.
Gifts of speaking and persuasion are good, so long as they are used for good, and controlled by sound thinking and directed by compassionate hearts.
There is no compelling witness for Christ if the church is fragmented and divided. But if we are convinced that our spiritual riches are found in Jesus Christ, then we shall find ways to remain connected and caring.
Therefore, let’s live as if we really believe this.
I always pray to the great and glorious Father, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ. I pray that he will give you the Spirit, who will let you know truths about God and help you understand them, so that you will know him better.
I pray that God will open your minds to see his truth. Then you will know the hope that he has chosen us to have. You will know that the blessings God has promised his holy people are rich and glorious. And you will know that God’s power is very great for us who believe. Amen. (Ephesians 1:17-19, ERV)
Rev. Tim Ehrhardt 