1I want you to know how hard I am contending for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. 2My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, 3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. 5For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. (Colossians 2:1-5)
Thoughts: Paul is working hard for people he has never met. Christian love is not limited to only those whom we can see and can return our favors. Paul delights in their faithfulness and growth. He is one with them in spirit even if he is not there physically. In some ways Laodicea and Colossae were his spiritual grandchildren that he had never met. He was still proud of them though he hadn't met them, and he was trying to encourage them.
Paul wanted them to be encouraged and united so that they might know Christ. In Christ is found true wisdom and true knowledge. There were some that were trying to say (a pre-Gnosticism) that there is a secret and true knowledge found of God outside of Christ. Paul was concerned that the people of Colossae not be "deceived by fine-sounding arguments." Since the beginning, smooth talking people have tried to draw people away from Christ as if Christ and His message were too simple. The God who made all things also made all true knowledge.
Prayer: Lord, help me to find my true knowledge and treasure in you.
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