“See to it that no one carries you off as spoil or makes you yourselves captive by his so-called philosophy and intellectualism and vain deceit (idle fancies and plain nonsense), following human tradition (men’s ideas of the material rather than the spiritual world), just crude notions following the rudimentary and elemental teachings of the universe and disregarding [the teachings of] Christ (the Messiah). For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature].” Colossians 2:8-9 ->me: Reading through all of the versions I still like the Amplified’s translation the most. What Paul is telling these new Gentile Christians is don’t be fooled or lured into believing other religions, schools of thought, or man-made drummed up interpretations of scripture that are not consistent with the of our Lord and Savior. When I stay in the word myself, petitioning the Lord for wisdom and know of His scriptures through the filter of the Holy Spirit – I will be equipped to spot the inconsistencies. This includes fervent teaching of evolution independent of a divine Creator. This includes the very latest in scientific theory that tries to explain the existence of complex systems, ecosystems, and bizarre animal behavior (like the spider that takes a bubble wrapped in web parachute down to the bottom of a pond to survive while hunting for food) as pure chance and adaptation independent of the Maker of the universe. JESUS is the only answer and in Him is everything we are looking for and need in answers to our biggest questions. Jesus has been in our place here on earth; abused, rejected, and alone. He now sits in bodily form (able to pull from His knowledge of our condition) to intercede on our behalf.
[QTVOTD] Represent the character of Jesus…
“As you have therefore received Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct yourselves) in union with and conformity to Him. Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 2:6-7 ->me: Since I have accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior, by which He has entered into me to take up residence to be glorified and magnified in all that I do; I must learn to be like Him and reflect His righteousness in all that I do. ‘In union with’ gives me the image of Jesus standing next to me and by association His character and person are influenced in the minds of those around me while here on earth (all that I do reflects on Him – both good and bad). In heaven, it is the other way around…because I am standing next to Jesus, God the Father associates and perceives the character of Jesus when He looks at me. In order to accomplish reflecting Jesus in all that I do, I must be grounded in Him by resting in His strength everyday. When I call on Jesus to be my strength and I feel the internal reward He gives me when I obey Him, my faith and trust and belief are expanded and increased the more I conform to His likeness in my life. I must NOT view the progress I make as something I have accomplished, but be abundantly grateful/thankful because it is what the Lord is doing in me.
[QTVOTD] Defense after receiving grace…
“I say this [Paul earlier made these central and all-embracing claims about the Secret of God being Jesus and what He does in us] in order that no one may mislead and delude you by plausible and persuasive and attractive arguments and beguiling speech.” Colossians 2:4-5 ->me: Paul knows that a work of grace is always followed by an attack from the enemy. One regular form of this attack may take is the clever plausibility of teaching near enough to the truth to be apparently respectable and far enough away from it to be devastating in its effect on individuals and congregations. Frequently in Paul’s letter to the Colossians he stresses the importance of clear and straight thinking. Today, I did not model clear and straight thinking. I got very frustrated with the ‘olders’ today for not obeying a request I had made earlier for them to do before leisure activity. If I had been exercising clear and straight thinking I would see how might have handled things differently. After an apology to them and some time praying to myself upstairs while putting Prim to bed we were able to finish the evening strong. All of this right after I had gotten off the phone with a dear friend, encouraging them in their walk with the Lord. Lord, help me to stay on my road to sanctification; being set aside and bringing glory to You in ALL that I do. (I am once again reminded to quote my memory verse – Psalms 1:1-3)
[QTVOTD] All the answers are in the One in you…
“In Him all the treasures of [divine] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God) and [all the riches of spiritual] knowledge and enlightenment are stored up and lie hidden.” Colossians 2:3 ->me: I do not need to look for wisdom of knowledge anywhere other than in the One I already possess. Everything I might want to ask about God and His purposes can and must now be answered – this is the force of this verse – with reference to the crucified and risen Jesus; the Messiah. I think when Paul says ‘Riches and Treasure’ being found in and through the Lord Jesus Christ, he uses those words to entice, me the reader, to explore it with eagerness. I do hunger for more. It is this hunger that also is a constant reminder of how much more perseverance I need to put into finding the fortune.
[QTVOTD] FOLLOWERS – Become one and then make many.
“Him [Jesus] we preach and proclaim, warning and admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all [spiritual] wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One). For this I labor [unto weariness], striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me.” Colossians 1:28-29 ->me: PREACH, PROCLAIM, WARN, ADMONISH, and INSTRUCT EVERYONE…IN ALL SPIRITUAL WISDOM. Why….so that EVERY PERSON will be presentable as a fully-grown follower IN CHRIST. This last part is the fruit, Paul does not mention any other outcome. This is my goal…not only to become a mature believer IN CHRIST but to be used by God to preach and proclaim His Son.