[Linux4christians] ‭Colossians 2:1-5 (Tuesday)

[Pastor David]

*‭Colossians 2:1-5 (Tuesday)*

*‭Commentary*

Paul begins with a celebration of the way that the 
Colossians and Laodiceans have been "knit together in
love", followed by a hope-prayer that they be encouraged and 
that "... they may have all of the riches that assurance [of 
Christ and His love] brings in their understanding of the 
mystery of God, namely, in Christ."

The "encouragement" of the "assurance" that is the eternal 
love of God flows from a right understanding of Christ, the 
"mystery" is of the willingness of God to come in human 
flesh so He might sacrifice Himself in the flesh on a cross 
as a propitiation (law-satisfying substitution) for fallen man.

Beyond the right understanding of Christ that brings 
assurance of salvation the "riches" bring the "ultrafidian" 
(beyond faith) power to live righteously in the flesh in 
this fallen world in steadily-maturing obedient 
righteousness, in boldness - sharing His gospel of salvation 
"in Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth", and 
serving sacrificially (from love) our fellow saints (believers).

Paul warns them against those who "will deceive you through 
arguments that sound reasonable".

[Note:  The NET translator's notes suggests that "specious 
arguments" is an acceptable alternative, they also observe 
that this is not anti-intellectual but intends to warn 
against arguments that promote the uncritical acceptance of 
clearly anti-Biblical philosophies.  This includes 
philosophies that presume to establish any parity between 
Christianity and another faith which claims to speak for 
God, one that asserts that multiple faiths may lead to God's 
truth (and salvation), or one which subsumes Christianity 
within, and authoritatively below, their primary faith (e.g. 
Islam).]

Paul concludes section 2:1-5 with another celebration of 
their "morale" (steadfastness) and "firmness of faith".

*Interaction*

*Consider* "... the way that the Colossians and Laodiceans 
have been "knit together in love" - how often have you 
experienced that in a modern fellowship?

*Discuss* practical ways to increase the "encouragement" of 
the "assurance" that is the eternal love of God flows from a 
right understanding of Christ within your fellowship.

*Reflect*‭ upon the way that‬ the "riches" of a right-
understanding of Christ bring the "ultrafidian" (beyond
faith) power to live in the flesh in this fallen world in 
steadily-maturing obedient righteousness, in boldness -
sharing His gospel of salvation "in Judea, Samaria, and to 
the ends of the earth", and serving sacrificially (from 
love) our fellow saints (believers).

*Share* an example where a right-understanding of Christ 
equipped a fellowship to resist the persuasive speech of one 
who attempted to promote an non-Biblical doctrine.  What 
happened?

*Truth in Action*

Today I am choosing to identify a way that a right-
understanding of Christ may empower me to serve the Lord in 
a more "ultrafidian" (beyond faith) manner, perhaps in 
outreach to an un-saved or without-a-fellowship 
sub-population, perhaps in (or in support of) foreign 
missions, or, I will seek out someone who needs 
encouragement in this area.  I will identify a mentor who 
will assist me with discipleship designed to build my 
knowledge and trust - or I will be that mentor to another.

*Be Specific*  _______________________________________


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Wednesday's text will be: Colossians‭ 2‬:6-23
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Have an http://Ultrafidian.com Day!  Pastor David
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