Three Essentials to the Christian Life
Dan Rodgers
Colossians 2:1-9
In the beginning of the chapter, Paul expresses his concern for the Colossians and for the saints at Laodicea. He said, "For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you and for them at Ladoicea..." And what was his concern? He was concerned that the believers were not grounded in the essentials of the Christian life.
Apparently, some were in danger of being caught up in the false teachings of Gnosticism. Gnosticism was a heretical doctrine that taught that man's spirit was divine, but that the body was evil. They looked upon all earthly matter as evil. They believed in spiritual knowledge over physical behavior--that all men could be saved, regardless of how they lived.
Some Gnostic groups promoted the belief that Christ was a pure spirit and only had a phantom body; Jesus just appeared to be human to his followers. That's why Paul reaffirms in (vs.9), "For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."
Now, I am not concerned about our members being led astray into some form of Gnosticism; however, like Paul, I am concerned that each member if Bible Fellowship Baptist Church understands and practices some of the other important things he is talking about. And, the reason is that they are foundational to everything else he mentions. His desire for them is found in vs. 2, "...that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ."
If we go back to chapter one, we find Paul commending the Colossians for many of the things that were apparently lacking with the Laodiceans. He writes in Colossians 1:3-6), " We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, [4] Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, [5] For the ...
Dan Rodgers
Colossians 2:1-9
In the beginning of the chapter, Paul expresses his concern for the Colossians and for the saints at Laodicea. He said, "For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you and for them at Ladoicea..." And what was his concern? He was concerned that the believers were not grounded in the essentials of the Christian life.
Apparently, some were in danger of being caught up in the false teachings of Gnosticism. Gnosticism was a heretical doctrine that taught that man's spirit was divine, but that the body was evil. They looked upon all earthly matter as evil. They believed in spiritual knowledge over physical behavior--that all men could be saved, regardless of how they lived.
Some Gnostic groups promoted the belief that Christ was a pure spirit and only had a phantom body; Jesus just appeared to be human to his followers. That's why Paul reaffirms in (vs.9), "For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily."
Now, I am not concerned about our members being led astray into some form of Gnosticism; however, like Paul, I am concerned that each member if Bible Fellowship Baptist Church understands and practices some of the other important things he is talking about. And, the reason is that they are foundational to everything else he mentions. His desire for them is found in vs. 2, "...that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ."
If we go back to chapter one, we find Paul commending the Colossians for many of the things that were apparently lacking with the Laodiceans. He writes in Colossians 1:3-6), " We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, [4] Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, [5] For the ...
There are 20692 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.
Price: $5.99 or 1 credit
