Paul, already aware of those who would try and twist the Life of Faith in Christ, encourages the Colossians in the ways of a Christian, keeping it fresh in our hearts and minds as well ( I honestly believe Paul had an idea, perhaps blurry, nevertheless he knew we would need to hear this in 2012)......
Gleanings from Colossians 2:1-12...
" I know up to now, I have not personally met any of you, nor those at the church in Laodicea. This does not mean I have any less passion for you, and have "wrestled" and struggled for each of you.
Here then is my "heart's beating" for you: that you be knit together in the strength of His Love, having complete confidence in the "Mystery of our Faith". It is there and there alone we find the greatest treasuries of all time: the very Wisdom and Knowledge of God, our Heavenly Father.
The reason I say all this is so you won't let anyone sway you from this "Only Foundation": with well-sounding arguments, fancy (double-) talk, well-crafted persuasions, or simply wanting to lead you on some "wild goose chase".
We might be separated by distance (and time), but our hearts are knitted as one! I am ecstatic on the reports I receive about you; conducting your affairs, the orderly way you live out the Gospel, and the firm foundation of your faith in Christ and Christ alone!
Now, here is my humble advice at this very moment: just as on that very day you received Christ Jesus as your Savior, continue to follow Him in that manner.
Allow the roots of your very faith grow deep into Him, and let your lives always be built on the fact you now have an active and alive relationship with Christ Jesus Himself. For this, my brothers and sisters, is true faith, a faith that makes each of us strong, with this result beaming as we come to know Him better: that our hearts will be full of gratefulness, being ever so thankful to Christ Jesus, overflowing with appreciation for His completed Work at the Cross.
Don't let anyone capture (or perhaps annoy) you or try to fool you with their "high-sounding" nonsense, arguing over things that are senseless and unimportant. This kind of stuff comes from having too much time on their hands, thinking from a human-based thought, which in turns opens a door for the Spiritual Powers of the Dark Region to enter their lives.
Instead, make this a clear statement among you. It is in Jesus Christ and Christ alone that lies the fullness of the Deity, and the Godhead: that is Our Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Precious Holy Spirit , have chosen to live and dwell, in the fullness of Christ's body. Because of all this, each one of us are complete and whole as well, for we too belong to Christ Jesus, who is the Source of all Power and Authority.
When you surrendered your very own lives to Christ Jesus, you were "circumcised", that part is true. But, it was not a physical circumcision you received, no , this was far greater than any outward sign could ever do. This was a "spiritual circumcision" where Christ Himself cut away the sinful nature that was located in our very hearts.
As a result, when you entered the water baptism, you were raised to a new life in Christ Himself, your very own faith trusting in the Mighty Power of God Himself, the very same Power that our Father demonstrated raising Christ Jesus from the dead, now raises us in the same manner...from the dead! Thanks be to God!
Gleanings from Colossians 2:1-12...
" I know up to now, I have not personally met any of you, nor those at the church in Laodicea. This does not mean I have any less passion for you, and have "wrestled" and struggled for each of you.
Here then is my "heart's beating" for you: that you be knit together in the strength of His Love, having complete confidence in the "Mystery of our Faith". It is there and there alone we find the greatest treasuries of all time: the very Wisdom and Knowledge of God, our Heavenly Father.
The reason I say all this is so you won't let anyone sway you from this "Only Foundation": with well-sounding arguments, fancy (double-) talk, well-crafted persuasions, or simply wanting to lead you on some "wild goose chase".
We might be separated by distance (and time), but our hearts are knitted as one! I am ecstatic on the reports I receive about you; conducting your affairs, the orderly way you live out the Gospel, and the firm foundation of your faith in Christ and Christ alone!
Now, here is my humble advice at this very moment: just as on that very day you received Christ Jesus as your Savior, continue to follow Him in that manner.
Allow the roots of your very faith grow deep into Him, and let your lives always be built on the fact you now have an active and alive relationship with Christ Jesus Himself. For this, my brothers and sisters, is true faith, a faith that makes each of us strong, with this result beaming as we come to know Him better: that our hearts will be full of gratefulness, being ever so thankful to Christ Jesus, overflowing with appreciation for His completed Work at the Cross.
Don't let anyone capture (or perhaps annoy) you or try to fool you with their "high-sounding" nonsense, arguing over things that are senseless and unimportant. This kind of stuff comes from having too much time on their hands, thinking from a human-based thought, which in turns opens a door for the Spiritual Powers of the Dark Region to enter their lives.
Instead, make this a clear statement among you. It is in Jesus Christ and Christ alone that lies the fullness of the Deity, and the Godhead: that is Our Heavenly Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Precious Holy Spirit , have chosen to live and dwell, in the fullness of Christ's body. Because of all this, each one of us are complete and whole as well, for we too belong to Christ Jesus, who is the Source of all Power and Authority.
When you surrendered your very own lives to Christ Jesus, you were "circumcised", that part is true. But, it was not a physical circumcision you received, no , this was far greater than any outward sign could ever do. This was a "spiritual circumcision" where Christ Himself cut away the sinful nature that was located in our very hearts.
As a result, when you entered the water baptism, you were raised to a new life in Christ Himself, your very own faith trusting in the Mighty Power of God Himself, the very same Power that our Father demonstrated raising Christ Jesus from the dead, now raises us in the same manner...from the dead! Thanks be to God!
No comments:
Post a Comment