Category: Colossians

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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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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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Colossians 1:29 – The Power of Jesus

To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Summary: Translating ancient languages to modern ones is a tricky business. Taking time to ponder the meanings of the original text opens up new vistas of meaning that bring light to our world.

Suppose all of us reading this passage were to gather in a large room and play a game of charades. It is your turn, and you have to act out the word “energy” as it appears in this sentence. What do you do?

Perhaps you would act out the healing of a lame man as described in Acts 13:8-10. Another example of the “energy” Paul is referring to would be the time Eutychus fell from a third-story window and was found dead on the ground. Paul ran down to him, threw himself on the body, and felt the life come back into the young boy.

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