The Apostle Paul began his letter to the church in Colossae by giving thanks in prayer for these faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul had not met these Christians, but he still wanted to be an encouragement to them. He believed it was important for them to know that the same Good News that came to them through their salvation in Christ was going out all over the world and changing lives, just as it had changed their lives. (1:6) He wanted them to know that he and Timothy were continuously praying for their knowledge of God’s will for their lives and for God’s spiritual wisdom and understanding to grow within them. (1:9) He shared in detail about Christ’ supremacy (1:15-20) and reminded them that although they were once far away from God, they now know the Truth and so they must stand firmly on it and allow their roots to grow deeper and deeper to ensure that they never drift away from their relationship and faith in Christ Jesus. (1:21-23)
Today we pick up from that point within Paul’s letter and we see more of his shepherd heart, and how he is suffering for their sake and for the sake of all Christians to come (including you and me). Paul also shines a light on the “mystery of God”: how God has always wanted everyone for His Kingdom (1:26-27) because Christ Himself is God’s mysterious plan, for “In Him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:3). Friends, that means that you and I embody the treasures of God’s wisdom and His knowledge because we embody the Spirit of Christ! So, we must hold firm to this Truth and grow each day to deepen our understanding of it so that no one can deceive us, because our hearts are One with Christ! (2:5)
When you and I are born into this world our human-self innately hates to suffer. However, when we are born again in Christ, we have a new life in Him, and we must begin to grow-up in that life. Our Biblical understanding of Christ and His True Gospel message for our lives is crucial, and that is why we need to be in His Word every day. As our faith grows strong in the Truth (2:7), we begin to spiritually understand that all suffering is used by the Lord, He doesn’t want it for us, but we must trust Him to use it for the good of His Kingdom. (Rom 8:28)
Colossians 1:24-2:7 (NLT)
Paul’s Work for the Church
24 I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. 25 God has given me the responsibility of serving his church by proclaiming his entire message to you. 26 This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. 27 For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.
28 So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect[a] in their relationship to Christ. 29 That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.
2:1 I want you to know how much I have agonized for you and for the church at Laodicea, and for many other believers who have never met me personally. 2 I want them to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love. I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. 3 In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
4 I am telling you this so no one will deceive you with well-crafted arguments. 5 For though I am far away from you, my heart is with you. And I rejoice that you are living as you should and that your faith in Christ is strong.
Freedom from Rules and New Life in Christ
6 And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Prayer: Jesus, You are supreme over all of creation. Help me to trust You to reign over all aspects of my being and of my life. I want to continue to grow in my relationship with You so that I can trust You more when times of suffering occur. I want to grow in my spiritual wisdom and knowledge so that I am more firmly rooted in You. I stand against the enemy and anyone or circumstance that he attempts to use to deceive me. May My faith is in You, and You alone, Jesus. I pray all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.