Colossians 2:1-5 English Standard Version

¹ For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, ² that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. ⁴ I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. ⁵ For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

This is the context within which our closing verse was referenced yesterday. In this section Paul reveals his intentions. His desire to encourage others, even those he has never met. His desire is to build unity in fellowship. Jesus said they would know us by the love we have for one another.

Do the words “riches of full assurance” remind us of the definition of faith?

Hebrews 10:19-20 English Standard Version

The Full Assurance of Faith

¹⁹ Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

Hebrews 11:1 English Standard Version (ESV) Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith is the key to unlocking the mystery, the hidden treasure of wisdom and knowledge. Faith is how we come to know Christ in us.

Galatians 4:19 English Standard Version (ESV) my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!

Being born again by faith in Christ is Paul’s desire for all of us, those he has met and we whom he has not seen face to face.

John 8:31-32 English Standard Version

The Truth Will Set You Free

³¹ So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, ³² and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Here we are on this side of the Cross and have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

We accept that these words of Christ to be true for us even though we are not Jews living in those pre-cross times. We believe these words and intend to understand them properly and to apply them correctly.

2 Timothy 3:16 English Standard Version (ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Given that this is true, then can we accept that His intention has not changed? The lessons of the past should flame the truth in our hearts to correct and combat the manipulations and lies that we tell ourselves and those of our leaders.

I did not give any source material for my assertions on the word abide. Much of what has been said is rooted in that definition. Herein lies the issue of truth being spoken.

Do we blindly accept assertions without question? Just because a thing sounds right does not mean it is true. There will be reasons why we accept assertions. We might respect the author. We might not see the importance of the assertion. We might have the assertion confirmed within ourselves by the Holy Spirit.

Colossians 2:4 English Standard Version (ESV) I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.

My source for my assertion of abide comes from Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, G3306. That is a source I trust. I did the study, I spent the time doing the research for my readers.

That does not mean you should not do the research on your own.

God often speaks in the seeking.