Colossians - An Expositional Study
ADVICE ON ADVANCE
Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:1-5 (KJV)
There are three "gets" for the Christian life: Get out, from sin; Get in, to life in Christ; Get on, in full salvation in Him. Our present text deals with the third. The underlying truth here is progress. Christianity is a "going" concern. Think of the Master's three "go's." "Go home to thy friends, and tell them" (Mark 5:19). "Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city...into the highways and hedges, and compel [persuade] people to come in" (Luke 14:21, 23). "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). There is, of course, a legitimate time for pause, to seek rest, repair, recuperation, and re-commissioning. An illustration of this is seen in the case of the children of Israel at the Red Sea where through Moses God gave them two commands. First, "Stand still", second, "Go forward" (Ex. 14:13, 15) – the first a preparation for the second. Though at times the Christian wisely stands still, he should never come to a standstill. "Let us go on" (Heb. 6:1).
"all riches"
We shall become good learners (vv. 2-3). Here is envisaged a group of students "knit together" in a common purpose to pursue their studies in their richly rewarding subject. Bible study is pervaded by a beautiful atmosphere, a spirit of love, for students, for the study, for the Master. The apostle writes that they may be "comforted", encouraged in their pursuit. The aim is that they may have "all riches of the full assurance of understanding". Moffatt renders a difficult phrase, "all the wealth of conviction that comes from insight." These people must combat the insidious false teaching being spread around. However, something more than mere intellectual assent to true doctrine is needed. To do battle against error, we must maintain a real and deep conviction to God's Truth. Today it is especially difficult, but we, too, must "fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:12) and "hold fast the form of sound words" (2 Tim. 1:13). We must be the epitome of "the faith," declaring our belief therein. Do we accept these statements merely because they have been handed down to us? Has it become little more than a routine habit to acknowledge? If so, then we will not have much inclination to "hold fast" to them in the face of questioning, nor to "fight" for them against today's onslaught of disbelief. Perhaps we have gone further, seeking to examine these things in the light of modern scholarship, satisfied in our minds they are true. Good, as far as it goes; but it could be only a cold agreement of the mind. We should not think too lightly of this attitude: the mind assuredly has its part to play, but something further is required. Through the frame of orthodoxy must flow the pulsating blood of conviction, a growing "understanding" of what lies behind and within these truths; capturing the ardent enthusiasm of our whole being. Such a person will prove to be a faithful custodian, "I have kept the faith," and a doughty warrior, "I have fought the good fight" (2 Tim. 4:7).
"mystery"
Paul continues with "the acknowledgement of the mystery," or as Moffatt translates, "the open secret." What is this which was once so hidden and now so open? Perhaps it refers to a relationship of this Age between God the Father and God the Son. As if, in the counsels of the Triune God, it was determined that Christ would be the all-embracing Repository; Divine Representative of Deity for everything Christians will ever need – "In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (v. 3). What a wondrous casket for all seekers after the knowledge of what and how of Christian life. Here is advance, progress in knowledge – "then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord" (Hos. 6:3).
"enticing words"
We should beware of "Enticing words" (v. 4), persuasive speech. The apostle is far removed from those Christians in body; but he is alongside them in spirit. He is aware of the danger lurking in their midst and of the insidious nature of the enemy propaganda. Consider his anxiety for them, lest by these specious approaches they should be "beguiled" away from the truth. Also consider his joy that they have thus far stood firm, "joying and beholding your order and stedfastness of your faith in Christ." Paul uses a military figure – they have maintained a solid front against "enticing words" of enemy agents. What a lure such speech can be in the undermining of the unwary, either by the soft speech of the heretical protagonist or by material left at your door. One of the difficulties some Christians have in meeting these approaches is that often the literature contains much of the Bible. But always remember this: it's in there because they know Christian people would not listen otherwise. Remember Shakespeare's sage remark, that "the devil can quote Scripture to his purpose." But the devil over-reaches himself by misquotation and misapplication, as his effort in our Lord's temptation shows (compare Matt. 4:6 with Ps. 91:11-12). Of Satan's emissaries, the Psalmist says, "every day they wrest my words" (Ps. 56:5). So many today "wrest" the Scriptures. Speaking of Paul's Epistles, Peter says, "in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction" (2 Pet. 3:16). Many people "wrest" the Scriptures out of their context and so "wrest" them out of their meaning. One way to test such hawkers is to challenge them on
1 John 4:2-3, "Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesseth that Jesus is Christ come in the flesh is of God; and every spirit that confesseth not...is not of God." In other words, the prime test is the acknowledgement of the full Deity of the incarnate Savior. Not enough that He be thought of as a great teacher or a good man; granting Him anything less than absolute Deity is "anti-Christ." So beware of "enticing words."
Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:6-7 (KJV)
"As ye have...received"
"Ye have" (v. 6). The Epistle is addressed to Christians. One might as well tell a chair, whose legs are lifeless to walk, as tell an unbeliever whose soul is dead, to do so. But if "ye have," then you can and should. "Received", seems to be the New Testament's normal way of indicating our side of the saving transaction. Tantamount to that other word, believe, so often used. "To as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name" (John 1:12). Have you received Him as your own Savior? Perhaps you are not sure, unable to put your finger on a specific moment. Have you obeyed the Gospel of Jesus Christ? You have? Same thing! In other words, by obeying His commandments "ye have".
"the Lord"
Let us never forget that He comes not only to be the Savior of our soul, but also the Lord of our life; in complete control of those whom He has "bought with a price" (1 Cor. 6:20) – His blood-purchased possession, for His use and glory.
"walk...in Him"
Good walkers (v. 6). Some walk splendidly; others slovenly. This Epistle exhorts true believers to "walk in Him." It is interesting to observe how frequently the walk is used to describe the Christian life. As noted earlier, the Christian life is not a sedentary occupation, but a pedestrian affair, a walk; often, a running, and on rare occasions, a flying (Is. 40:31). If we now "walk in Him," we shall certainly "walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us" (Eph. 5:2). We shall "walk as children of light" (Eph. 5:8), following Him who is "the light." We shall "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called" (Eph. 4:1), like a soldier would walk according to military tradition. We shall "walk in truth" (3 John 4), avoiding the pitfalls of error. We shall "walk in wisdom toward them that are without" (Col. 4:5), lest we should prove a stumbling block to any outside the fold by anything we say or do or by our actions. We shall also "walk in the Spirit" (Gal. 5:16, 25). If we let Him, He will be the motive power and driving force, seeing that "ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" (Acts 1:8), not visible power like the Spirit gave the apostles but secret power, within the Christian – God's power nonetheless! The Christian's "walk" is to be "in Him." What a difference atmosphere makes to our walking. How sprightly we become on a clear, bright morning and how lackadaisical we often are on a heavy and muggy day. In our text, the Lord is presented as the Christian's enveloping atmosphere, our intimate environment, "for in Him we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts 17:28).
"rooted...in Him"
Good trees (v. 7). More than once godly folk are spoken of under the imagery of a tree. "He shall be like a tree" (Ps. 1:3), the writer goes on to catalogue some of its attractive features: Its fountain, "planted by the rivers of water" so its roots draw needful nourishment, maintaining continual freshness which can be the happy experience of us all. Its fruit, "that bringeth forth his fruit in his season", the seasonable and delectable "fruit of the Spirit" (Gal. 5:22) which the Heavenly Husbandman ever labors and delights to see – fruit: more fruit, much fruit, lasting fruit (John 15:2-5, 8, 16). Its foliage, "his leaf also shall not wither" giving abiding beauty of character to the tree, since "He will beautify the meek with salvation" (Ps. 149:4). Also, thick foliage will afford shelter to many a weary traveler. Ideally and prophetically, we, too, are in Isaiah 32:2, where "A man shall be as an hiding place from the wind...as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock [shall we say, a great tree] in a weary land." Happy is the man who becomes a shelter for others from the heat and hazards of life – "that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified" (Is. 60:3). It is from His planting that the tree's promise flows. The Lord of Heaven is a supremely great tree-planter. Has He planted us? Rotted in Jesus Christ we should be making progress. By the way, what a difference soil and tending the roots makes to growth. That's it: take care of the roots, the secret connection with the Soil, quiet time with God, and the use of His appointed means of grace, i.e., the Word – the Footstool, the Table, the Worship, the Work, "that ye may grow thereby" (1 Pet. 2:2) and "that He might be glorified", not we, but He. May we not be stunted trees.
"built...in Him"
Good buildings (v. 7). Speaking humanly, Paul exhausts his considerable powers of metaphor to indicate the variety, vitality, and virility of the Christian life. Here is one more figure – the believer is to be like a building. The foundation, "built up in Him." What a difference foundation makes to a house, plainly illustrated in the Master's story of two houses in Matthew 7:24-27. The sand house may have been attractive and comfortable as much or more than the rock house. But when the storm came it was ill-founded and ill-fated. The fashion, the happy style of the building in our passage can be deduced from the words, "abounding therein with thanksgiving." Gladness opens the door of welcome because the mouth of the Christian utters only shouts of praise. Joy streams out of the windows of the Christian's eyes, betraying a grateful spirit within. Yes, the Christian may be, should be, as a building – happy in the presence of God. Of a certain dwelling it was once said, "It was noised that He was in the house" (Mark 2:1). May it ever be so with the building of our lives. The finish of that building is not indicated in our text; but it can be inferred from the statement that this person is "stablished in the faith." The Lord Himself has laid the foundation, He Himself is the
Foundation Stone, "To whom coming, as unto a living stone...ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house" (1 Pet. 2:4-5). But what of the person of whom the Master sadly said, "This man began to build, and was not able to finish" (Luke 14:30)? The substructure was laid; but the superstructure never materialized. We might call him a backslider, the object of pity and prayer. May such a one be quickly restored, after the old promise of God, "I will heal their backsliding" (Hos. 14:4). And after the backsliding may he return to the upbuilding again – this time to a happy finish. So, then, here is advance and progress in all directions, in knowledge, in life, in fruit, in character.
Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:8-10 (KJV)
"philosophy and vain deceit"
We now consider verse 8 of this second chapter of Colossians. Paul warns Timothy to avoid "oppositions of science falsely so called" (1 Tim. 6:20). The apostle was an educated man, a great thinker, widely read, which is why he was able to attract an educated man like Dr. Luke, as well as those of a humbler sort. He would be the last man to decry the importance and value of philosophy and science. It is only their vagaries away from the truth that he is against. A science that forgets that its realm is ever advancing, therefore is not unchanging, is "falsely so called." On the other hand, true science has contributed to a better comprehension of our world, and to our conception of the might and majesty of God. Let us never be afraid of true science. In the long run it will not prove in conflict with the revelation of God's Word, but will eventually confirm it. The philosophy of an atheist is actually "vain deceit," since it leaves out God, the Chief Factor in the argument! Rather shall God have the central place in our thinking, after the pattern of John Milton's philosophy in Paradise Lost:
"Spirit of God,
What is dark in me illumine,
What is low raise and support,
That, to the height of this great argument,
I may assert eternal providence,
And justify the ways of God to men."
O ye philosophers, let this be your aim, your theme, and we will gladly and gratefully welcome your helping hand. However, avoiding God will only "spoil you", "make spoil of you" (R.V.), since it rules out all that is of God and "after Christ", confirming itself exclusively to the teachings of men, "after the rudiments of the world" – stoicheia, the childish things, the A.B.C. of the world's "vain", empty account of things. Beware, says Paul, of being made captive ("spoil") by any such system of thought. The down-grading of God's creative activity, as taught by Gnosticism of the time, is a signal example of puerile vanity.
In the main, the passage we have been considering has a twofold theme: first, the progress we are expected to make, if we have started the Christian life; second, the dangers inevitably laying in the pathway of that advance. In the two closing verses (9 and 10), the Holy Spirit leads Paul to make two statements which will assure our hearts of the possibility of that advance and avoidance.
"in Him...fulness of the Godhead"
"In Him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily" (v. 9) is eternally true, for He was, is, ever will be, in all respects, fully God. In all the calls, claims, and consequences of the Christian life, true believers have to do with One Who is fully God, and Who, therefore, is fully capable of undertaking all our affairs and necessities. That is why Paul claims, "I can do all things [required of me] through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil. 4:13). What a comfort!
"complete in Him"
"Ye are complete in Him" (v. 10). So fully and completely do we belong that even in this brief passage Paul refers three times to the Christian being "in Him". The matter can be stated grammatically in the form of a syllogism: Fullness is in Him; we are in Him; fullness is for us (of course, not the fullness of Divine Godhead, but the fullness of Christian Manhood). The word "complete" is a picture word in Greek. It holds the idea of a ship fully rigged and equipped for the voyage. It is applicable to the Christian voyaging forth on the ocean of life. "In Him" is: the Captain, in charge of the vessel; the Chart, God's Word, to be consulted daily; the Compass, the conscience, regulated and educated by the Word; the Commissariat, food for the journey, from the stores of His
Word; the Crew, our fellow-travelers, working for passage because we have nothing to pay for the trip; the Conquest, His indwelling presence and power which does not make us like barges having to be towed by others from the bank or as sailing ships depending on favorable winds and comfortable circumstances for our progress, but like airplanes having the power of engines within, triumphing over winds and storms. "Christ in you": the Color, our unashamed allegiance to Him to Whom the ship belongs. Once the color was the Skull and Crossbones of the rebel vessel; now it is the White Ensign as a Flagship of the Divine Admiral of the Fleet; the Coming into Port, for "so He bringeth them unto their desired haven" (Ps. 107:30). This is progress, indeed, this is full salvation.
