An Established Community – Colossians
2:1-10
Part One
A First Century
Theological Buffet
In this second chapter, Paul urges the new Christians at Colosse to
persevere in their knowledge and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. He encourages them to grow in Christ so that
the “hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the
basic principles of this world rather than on Christ” will not imprison
them. Myriad religions and ideologies
permeated Roman society. The average
person in the Roman Empire could choose from a
theological smorgasbord. Mostly, these
options clashed with the teachings of Christ, as did the principles of the
dominant culture. Concerned that the new
believers in the Colossian church would submit to the misleading practice of
blending the gospel with secular philosophy, Paul develops his theme relating
to the necessity of maintaining sole allegiance to Christ. Parenthetically, the notion of mixing
religions that do not correlate logically is called syncretism. Nonetheless, Paul severely cautions the
Colossians against this temptation.
Rather sampling the myriad philosophies of the surrounding culture,
Christians should delve into the density and richness of the knowledge of
Christ who is the long-awaited mystery that God reveals in the Incarnation.
This portion of the letter reminds us of the importance of correct
doctrine. A pervasive notion at the time
stipulated that Christ did not actually die on the cross; an image of Him
did. Painstakingly, Paul asserts the
truth of the gospel. Many “mystery”
religions and secret societies attempted to co-opt the spreading message of
Christ. Paul clarifies that the mystery
of Christ is the bodily revelation of
the Triune God in Him. In the paradox of
eternity assuming a human form, God forever reconciles humankind to Himself and
restores the original relationship He intended in the Garden of Eden. Paul insists that Christian living can only
be based upon the teachings and saving work of Jesus Christ.
Biblical Background
Responding to God’s love in Christ cannot be just an emotional
experience. Formulaic testimonies of
dramatic and perhaps even melodramatic conversion experiences abound in the
Church. Unfortunately, many believers
consider the recitation of the date, time, place and details of their
conversion experience as the culminating event in the life of a disciple. Others unwisely assume that copies of their
baptism certificates are on in heaven.
These two things suffice to ensure them of eternal salvation and
admittance to heaven upon their physical expiration. This predominant notion of “once saved,
always saved” robs believers of the limitless riches and infinite discoveries
of growing in a relationship with and under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Paul’s admonition to the Colossians to
develop their intellectual commitment as Christians as well as their devotion
of the heart speaks to contemporary disciples as forcefully as it did in the
first century.
Like a muscle, faith grows through the mental workout of study. The end result is the wisdom of God. Admittedly, His wisdom is inexhaustible but
He freely gives it to those believers who fervently seek it. Moreover, the evidence of the acquisition of
God’s guidance is a truly changed life.
The worth of any philosophy is not its grand propositions and
articulately stated claims. Instead, its
value is most evident in the actions that it motivates its adherents to
take. Insisting that the teachings of
Christ are usually countercultural, Paul encourages the Colossians to adhere
strictly to His commands which are transformative for individuals, families and
societies. The vain ideas of the secular
culture, in contrast, condone the hedonism and sin that so easily entangles
people. In order for Christians to
experience fully the extreme makeover that Christ offers, they must discipline
themselves to study and internalize His principles so that they will act upon
them automatically.
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