Author: Jeff Englund

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Colossians 2:5a – Ghost Story

For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit…

Summary: When we delve into the spiritual realm, it is hard to fully grasp what is going on. Paul explains why in 1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV) when he says, “For now we see through a glass, darkly…”

Do you believe in spirits?

As kids, many of us were ridiculed if we admitted we believed in “ghosts.” Ridicule is a powerful social tool. It shames us for being afraid to express thoughts the “group” doesn’t want to hear.

Whether you see them or not, the problem with “ghosts” is that they are, in fact, spirits. Admitting to the reality of spirits is an important step toward believing in God because, after all, God is Spirit (John 4:24).

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Colossians 2:4 – Fine-Sounding Arguments

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.

Summary: Some things never change. One of those unchangeable things is the tendency of people to share their ideas about how God works. Unfortunately for them, there is only one right answer: Jesus.

Ever since Adam and Eve sinned, mankind has had a problem. Instead of only being able to “see” God’s will, sin caused their “eyes …[to] be opened” (Genesis 3:5). As a consequence, our “eyes” are opened, too.

Which “eyes” are we talking about? We are not discussing physical eyes because Adam and Eve could already see. We are talking about the inner eye of the mind, the part of our being that takes in information and decides what we will do.

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Colossians 2:3 – Treasure Trove

… in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Summary: When we look at the full context of Paul’s message, it becomes clear that the “treasures of wisdom and knowledge” are found only in Christ. Paul emphasizes that true wisdom isn’t hidden in secret teachings or outside sources, but in Christ alone.

What are the “treasures of wisdom and knowledge?”

As I read this verse, I find myself thinking about the whole of Paul’s thinking. He says:

“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.” (Colossians 2:2-3)

Is encouragement worth anything?

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Colossians 2:22d – The Mystery of God

…in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ…

Summary: Why does Paul refer to Christ as the “mystery of God?” The answer has to do with God’s love for all of his creation.

In Job’s long-running conversation with his three friends, Zophar the Naamathite challenges Job with this question:

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” (Job 11:7)

Paul does not claim to “fathom” these mysteries. However, he claims that God has “revealed” them to him (Ephesians 3:2-5).

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Colossians 2:2c – Coming Together

…so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding,

Summary: “Complete understanding” is very different than “understanding” that is not complete.

One of the things that makes writing fun for me is being able to play with words. For example, what is the opposite of “understanding?” Wouldn’t it be “misunderstanding?”

A misunderstanding happens when you don’t have all the information you need for complete understanding. However — and this is very important! — understanding and misunderstanding both feel exactly the same!

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Colossians 2:2b – Game Changer

[My goal is] … that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love …

Summary: The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross bridges the gap between our hearts and our minds, drawing us together in love.

Perhaps the most powerful concept associated with Christianity is the power to connect hearts in love.

Intellectually, it doesn’t make any sense. There are so many things we like to argue about. Each of us has our reasoning. Each one has their own perspective.

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Colossians 2:2a – Checkbooks and Calendars

My goal is …

Summary: Goals are an important part of living, and spiritual goals are no different.

Popular sales trainer and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar was known for saying, “If you aim at nothing, you will hit nothing.” The wisdom of his saying is undeniable. What we aim for in life determines, to a large extent, where we end up and what we do.

Paul knew what he was aiming for. His goal for the believers who had not yet met him was the same goal he had for those who knew him: He wanted them to understand the Gospel.

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Psalm 107:1 – Happy Thanksgiving!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.

Summary: Happy Thanksgiving!

As we enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday, it is good to take a moment and consider, not only what we have to be thankful for, but who we need to be thankful to. It is all well and good to feel that “I’ve got mine,” but true thankfulness requires that we thank someone.

Pity the poor atheists at Thanksgiving. They might be thankful for life, but they have no one to be grateful to for such a great gift.

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Colossians 2:2-3 – The Big Picture

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.

Summary: Paul’s mind contains a myriad of concepts, large and small. As we make our way through his letter to us, it sometimes helps to stand back and admire the scenery.

For regular readers of this blog, it probably comes as a shock to see that we’ve included two whole verses in today’s meditation. Don’t worry — we will do some “slicing and dicing” on the significant parts of this passage in the days to come. For now, I thought it would be a good thing to look over the structure of Paul’s whole sentence.

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Colossians 2:1 – Giving His All

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.

Summary: Paul’s use of the word “contend” challenges us to think hard about what he means.

Every once in a while, Paul uses a word that is so difficult to translate that nobody seems to agree on what he is saying.

In this case, the NIV translation uses the word “contending” to translate the Greek “agōn.” Other translations use words like:

•   Struggle (ESV)*
•   Conflict (BRG)
•   Combat (Darby)
•   “trying very hard” (ERV)
•   “doing a difficult work” (EASY)
•   Agonized (NLT)
•   Strive (RSV)

So what was Paul trying to say?

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